Concord, NH offers a rich mix of things to do, from touring the oldest active state house in the US and visiting President Franklin Pierce's former home to apple picking at Carter Hill Orchard, catching art films at Red River Theater, and exploring miles of walking trails. As New Hampshire's capital city, Concord combines small-town charm with big-city amenities, making it one of the best places to retire in New England.
Contents
- A Brief History of Concord, NH
- Historic Sites Worth Visiting
- Arts, Entertainment & Local Favorites
- Outdoor Activities & Natural Attractions
- What Makes Concord a Great Place to Retire
A Brief History of Concord, NH
Concord's story stretches back thousands of years. The area's first inhabitants were the Abenaki people, who called the region Pennacook, meaning "bottom of a hill," drawn by the Merrimack River's abundant salmon and sturgeon. The settlement passed through several names before being incorporated as Concord in 1765.
In the 1790s, a Shaker community formed just outside the city in Canterbury. Canterbury Shaker Village still stands today, offering a fascinating window into early New England communal life. After Samuel Blodget opened a canal and lock system in 1807, river trade flourished, connecting Concord to Boston and establishing the city as a regional commerce hub.
Concord later gained national recognition for two industries: granite quarrying and carriage making. The famous "Concord Coach," modeled after the coronation coach of King George III, became the gold standard of American stagecoach design, used widely across the frontier West. Several original coaches are on display at the Museum of New Hampshire History.
By the 19th century, Concord had become an important railroad hub and, ultimately, New Hampshire's permanent state capital.
Historic Sites Worth Visiting in Concord, NH
New Hampshire State House
Construction of the New Hampshire State House was completed in 1819 using locally quarried granite. It holds the distinction of being the oldest state house in the country where the legislature still meets in its original chambers. The building has been expanded twice, with a dome added in 1866 and a third story and West Wing completed in 1910. Tours are available and well worth an afternoon.
The Pierce Manse
The former home of President Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, is open to the public from mid-June through Columbus Day weekend each year. Maintained by the non-profit Pierce Brigade, the Manse offers a well-preserved look at mid-19th-century life in Concord.
New Hampshire State Library
One of the oldest institutions of its kind in the country, the New Hampshire State Library traces its origins to 1717. The current building, constructed in 1895 from native granite, is a beautiful space for an afternoon of exploration or quiet reading.
Canterbury Shaker Village
Located just outside Concord, this living history museum preserves 18th- and 19th-century Shaker buildings and traditions, offering guided tours, demonstrations, and a fascinating look at one of America's most distinctive religious communities.
Arts, Entertainment & Local Favorites
Capitol Center for the Arts
Opened in 1927, the Capitol Center for the Arts is Concord's premier performance venue. With 1,304 seats and a full technical setup for Broadway-caliber productions, it hosts everything from touring musicals and pop concerts to community performances and international shows.
Red River Theater
For a more intimate arts experience, the Red River Theater screens independent and art house films across its three screens. A favorite among locals, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed afternoon out.
Granite State Candy Shoppe
In operation since 1927 and still family-owned, the Granite State Candy Shoppe is a beloved Concord institution. Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, it's a stop worth making.
New Hampshire's Covered Bridges
New Hampshire still has 54 covered bridges standing strong across the state, many within easy reach of Concord. A scenic day drive to visit several of these historic structures is a quintessential New Hampshire experience.
Concord Antique Gallery
For those who enjoy browsing for unique finds, the Concord Antique Gallery is packed wall-to-wall with a wide variety of merchandise. A favorite among residents and visitors alike, it's a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Concord, NH Outdoor Activities & Natural Attractions
Waterfalls
Concord is home to two accessible waterfalls, Sewalls Falls and Garvin Falls, both easy to visit without venturing far. For a more ambitious outing, Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park is about an hour away and well worth the trip.
Carter Hill Orchard
Operating since the 1700s, Carter Hill Orchard offers apple picking each fall harvest season along with a growing variety of apple cultivars. Set against the backdrop of New Hampshire's legendary autumn foliage, it's a classic seasonal outing.
Parks and Walking Trails
Concord maintains an excellent network of parks suited to all activity levels. A few highlights:
- Rollins Park — Features walking paths, a baseball field, basketball courts, a large public pool in summer, and an ice rink in winter.
- White Park — One of Concord's largest green spaces, with miles of trails and the peaceful White Park Pond.
- Kiwanis Waterfront Park — Situated along the Merrimack River with easy walking paths and riverside picnic areas.
For a deeper look at Concord's best nature walks, bird watching spots, and trail options, see our post: Best Bird & Nature Walks in Concord, NH.
What Makes Concord a Great Place to Retire
With a population of around 42,500, Concord strikes an ideal balance, offering the amenities of a capital city without the pace of a major metro area. Housing costs remain among the lowest compared to other New Hampshire cities, and the state's lack of a sales tax is a bonus for residents and visitors alike.
New Hampshire's four seasons are part of what makes life here special. Fall foliage draws visitors from across the region, winters offer skiing, snowshoeing, and bird watching, and summers open up hundreds of miles of trails and beaches including Hampton Beach State Park on the seacoast.
At Havenwood Heritage Heights, we're proud to call Concord home. As one of only three CARF-accredited continuing care retirement communities in New Hampshire, we offer residents a vibrant, maintenance-free lifestyle with convenient access to everything this remarkable city has to offer, from the State House steps to the trails along the Merrimack River.
Interested in learning more about life at our Concord retirement community? Contact our team to schedule a tour.
