"My Favorite State in the Eastern United States" Top 5 Page for this destination New Hampshire by deecat

New Hampshire Travel Guide: 1,818 reviews and 4,097 photos

Granite State: New Hampshire

"I'm proud to be a resident of a state that best exemplifies so many of the legendary characteristics of the mystical New Englander, even those not always considered by some to be attractive. I'm speaking of frugality, fierce independence, shrewd business sense, ingenuity--and not a little pride." Judson D. Hale Sr.

Northeastern USA is blessed to have New Hampshire as one of its states! While visiting the eastern states, both Allan and I agreed that New Hampshire was, by far, our favorite state in this region. Why? Well, we mainly loved it because of the friendly, welcoming people.

The citizens are strong of character, hard working, and, oh, so helpful. Besides, they like to have fun!

The state's nickname, "The Granite State" is so appropriate because granite forms most of New Hampshire's hills and mountains.

The serene beauty of New Hampshire's mountains and lakes attracts visitors for many reasons. Some come for a relaxing summer vacation; others come to see the brilliant autumn foliage; many come to swoop down snow-covered slopes. No matter why you come, I'm sure you'll fall in love with the people, the scenery, and the history.

The Spirit of New Hampshire

New Hampshire State Seal

Business thrives in New Hampshire; less than 4% unemployment exists. Manufacturing and service industries abound. Computers are the leading manufactured product, and tourism is the top service industry. Dairy Farming and Mining also play a huge role in the economy of New Hampshire.

I'm impressed that education plays a major role in the lives of the people of the state.

The photo of the seal came from a booklet I kept while visiting

This state Seal tells a good deal about New Hampshire. The picture of the frigate in the center of the seal is a warship called the Raleigh. The state was an important shipbuilding center during the Revolutionary War. The Laurel Wreaths that surround the ship are a symbol of victory, and the sun rising above the ocean symbolizes beauty. The granite boulder in the seal's foreground tells all of us that New Hampshire is the Granite State!

Interestingly, the state's motto, "Live Free or Die," appears on the state license plates. General John Stark said, "Live free or die; death is not the worst of evils." He was a Revolutionary War hero who fought for America's freedom from England. In this statement, he was reminding people that freedom is important (and it is!)

Some of My Favorite Symbols, Too...

Purple Lilac, State Flower for New Hampshire

New Hampshire has four symbols which are favorites of mine.

The State Bird is the purple finch, a little bird with remarkable resilence. The male has a dark red head that is so dark that it appears purple; the female is a dull brown. The neat thing about these birds is that both parents care for the young birds, and they eat many insects that harm crops.

The State Tree since 1947 is the White Birch. The tree's white bark with the black marks can be peeled off the tree, and it feels like paper. Early settlers sometimes wrote on birch bark. The Native Americans crafted baskets, baby carriers, and snowshoes as well as spears, bows, and arrows from the birch bark. Oh, yes, they also made lightweight canoes.

The State flower, the Purple Lilac, which the early settlers brought from England, blooms in May in New Hampshire. You can experience the sweet smell of the blooming purple lilacs if you visit then. (see photo).

Finally, the White-tailed deer is the State's Animal. It is also called the Virginia deer, and you might remember that it is red-brown in the summer and gray-brown in the winter.

These four wonderful symbols represent this glorious state, New Hampshire.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful citizens, extraordinary scenery, interesting history
Cons:Cold, cold winters.
In a nutshell:"...Granite State...shows the strength of character, firmness of principle, & restraint that..characterized New Hampshire." President Gerald R. Ford

Intro Updated Aug 26, 2005
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Reviews (25)

Dee and Jill in Conneticut River Valley - New Hampshire

The Connecticut River Valley Favorites (6)

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Thousands climb Mount Monadnock Each Year - New Hampshire

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Naval Shipyard Museum & Lightship Museum - New Hampshire

Naval Shipyard and Lightship Museum Favorites (6)

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Comments (34)

misterrabbit Dec 21, 2009 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

Love the photos of you and Jill. I can see why it is a favorite of yours. So fun to see photos of Jill and you those many years ago. Such comprehensive coverage.
BruceDunning Nov 29, 2009 at 1:44 PM Report Abuse

It seems as if you took a nice trip to the State and saw much of the beauty and foliage color. Memories can be great down the path of forgetting. Great detail write-up of sites.
jillzi Oct 27, 2009 at 9:20 AM Report Abuse

What a thorough presentation of lovely New Hampshire. Great to look back at the times when family vacations were so wonderful.
Trekki May 16, 2009 at 10:40 PM Report Abuse

Oh I can understand this, New Hampshire is also one of my most favourite ones :-)) I can even smell the lilac now that you mention it :-) I also went covered bridges hunting when I was there :-))
Kuznetsov_Sergey Jan 20, 2009 at 9:46 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page on the Granite State with the motto "Live Free or Die". My congratulations to you Dee and all the American people on the President Obama Inauguration! God bless America!
VeronicaG Nov 5, 2008 at 7:11 AM Report Abuse

A great collection of tips on this beautiful state--it's lovely countryside and historic towns would make this a prime destination....especially in the Fall!
SLLiew May 21, 2008 at 10:34 AM Report Abuse

Fall foliage in New Hampshire is pretty. Great page with a lot of detailed local history and customs. Thanks for sharing. SL :)
toonsarah Apr 11, 2008 at 5:54 AM Report Abuse

A lovely page that shows clearly why you like this state so much. Robert Frost is a favourite poet of mine too
KittyLou Oct 21, 2007 at 8:07 AM Report Abuse

My Brother just moved to Portsmouth so I hope to visit Strawbery Banke in the spring.
RafaelTheSecond Oct 2, 2007 at 7:11 AM Report Abuse

The color of the leaves, the warmth of the people, the natural sceneries made us travel to the past and experience the real soul of your country!;)