New Hampshire State House

The gold-domed New Hampshire State House (Room 119, State House, 107 N. Main St., 603/271-2154, www.gencourt.state.nh.us, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri., free) is the oldest state house in the country where the legislature still meets in the original rooms. A visitors center in the building coordinates tours—call or email ahead to book a time. Outside of the state house, note the statue of New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War hero, John Stark, who defeated the British at the Battle of Bennington and went on to fight at Trenton and other battles as well.

Museum of New Hampshire History

Take in the Granite State in one fell swoop with a visit to the Museum of New Hampshire History (6 Eagle Square, 603/228-6688, www.nhhistory.org, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tues.–Sat. and noon–5 p.m. Sun. year-round, plus 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon. July–mid-Oct. and Dec., $5.50 adults, $4.50 seniors, $3 children 6–18, free children under 6, family $17), a (what else?) granite block building full of historical artifacts and exhibits on the state’s political and natural history. Important New Hampshire figures General John Stark, Daniel Webster, and President Franklin Pierce are featured. An attached gift shop sells products made in New Hampshire.

Gould Hill Orchards

For fresher home-grown produce, visit nearby Hackleboro Orchards (Orchard Rd., Canterbury, www.hackleboroorchards.com, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily in-season), a working family farm with 7 different varieties of pick-your-own apples in the fall, and blueberries, strawberries, and other fruit throughout the rest of the year. (Check the orchard’s website to see what is currently in-season.). In addition to beautiful views of the surrounding hills, the orchard has goats, rabbits, and other animals to entertain the kiddies.