New Hampshire offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern artisanal delights, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking scenic beauty and delicious craft beverages. This guide will help you navigate the Granite State’s picturesque covered bridges and thriving craft beer scene. This allows you to combine these two distinctive experiences into an unforgettable journey. Time to pack your bag for a New Hampshire covered bridges and breweries road trip!
Exploring New Hampshire’s Iconic Covered Bridges
New Hampshire boasts over 50 historic covered bridges, each with its own story and unique character. These architectural marvels harken back to a bygone era and offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history. Many are nestled amidst stunning natural landscapes, perfect for a leisurely drive or a picturesque photo opportunity.
Discovering New Hampshire’s Craft Beer Scene
Over the past decade, New Hampshire’s craft beer scene has exploded! Breweries ranging from small, experimental nanobreweries to larger, established operations call the Granite State home. From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs and rich stouts, there’s a brew to satisfy every palate.
Integrating Breweries into Your Bridge Tour:
Many of New Hampshire’s craft breweries are located in or near towns that also feature covered bridges. This makes it easy to combine your interests. Imagine a day of exploring historic structures, followed by a refreshing pint of locally brewed beer.
Featured Breweries to Visit:
- Moat Mountain Brewing Company (North Conway, NH):
- Location: Moat Mountain is in the middle of the always-touristy North Conway. It’s a brew pub featuring menu items from the smokehouse.
- Focus: Moat has an array of beers available, among their most popular are the Scottie’s IPA, the Miss V’s Blueberry Ale, and the Boneshaker Brown.
- Bridge Connection: Two popular covered bridges are located in nearby towns. Jackson, situated just off Route 16, features a picturesque covered bridge in the heart of the village. A unique covered bridge is close by on Route 302 in Glen. Surprisingly, this bridge doesn’t allow cars but is instead a gift shop that is certainly worth checking out.
- Vibe: Moat Mountain is family-friendly. This brew pub is loud which is perfect for the screaming children that just left the Storyland amusement park.
- Schilling Beer Company (Littleton, NH):
- Focus: Renowned for their meticulously crafted lagers, Schilling offers a diverse selection of traditional European-style beers.
- Location: Situated in picturesque Littleton, you’ll find their restaurant, taproom, and inviting outdoor dining area overlooking the Ammonoosuc River.
- Bridge Connection: A significant highlight is the adjoining covered bridge, which you can easily walk over directly from the brewery, offering a seamless transition from history to hops.
- Vibe: A bustling and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a casual lunch or an evening out.
- Harpoon Brewery (Windsor, Vermont):
- Note: While technically in Vermont, Harpoon Brewery is just across the Connecticut River from Cornish, New Hampshire, making it a highly accessible and popular stop for those touring the western side of New Hampshire.
- Focus: A well-established brewery with a wide range of beers, from their flagship IPAs to seasonal offerings.
- Bridge Connection: The Windsor-Cornish Bridge is long; for much of its 159-year lifetime, it was the longest covered bridge still standing in the country.
- Vibe: A large, vibrant facility often serving as a fantastic lunch spot with a variety of food options to pair with their extensive beer list. It’s a great place to experience a larger-scale craft brewery operation.
Crafting Your Ultimate Itinerary
To truly experience a New Hampshire covered bridges and breweries road trip, consider these itinerary ideas:
- Northern New Hampshire Charm: Start your journey in the North Country, home of Moat Mountain Brewing. Then explore bridges around Jackson. After that, head to Littleton for a visit to Schilling Beer Company and its adjacent covered bridge. Travel south to Lincoln and Woodstock. North Woodstock is home to the Woodstock Inn Brewery, and nearby Franconia has Iron Furnace Brewing. Lastly, Bethlehem, also close by, has Rek-Lis Brewing.
- Western NH & River Views: Focus on the Connecticut River Valley, visiting bridges in Cornish and West Lebanon. Next, cross into Windsor, VT, for lunch and a tasting at Harpoon Brewery. West Lebanon is also home to Bright Side Brewing if you get thirsty along the way.
- Lakes Region Loop: Explore the charming bridges around Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Sunapee, in towns like Ossippee and Franklin. Then seek out local breweries such as Twin Barns and Kettlehead in Meredith or Defiant Records and Craft Beer in Laconia.
- Southern NH Exploration: Discover the covered bridges in the southern part of the state in towns like Merrimack and Peterborough. Pair them with visits to breweries in vibrant cities like Manchester or Portsmouth. Manchester has many breweries, including Great North Aleworks, Stark Brewing, and Backyard Brewery. Conversely, Portsmouth is a great option too, with many in the city and others just outside it. The area list includes Earth Eagle Brewings, Liar’s Bench Beer Co., and Smuttynose Brewing Company.
Whether you’re a history buff, a craft beer enthusiast, or simply looking for a picturesque getaway, New Hampshire’s covered bridges and craft beer scene offer an unparalleled travel experience. Cheers to your New Hampshire covered bridges and breweries road trip!
