The Most Iconic Foods and Drinks That Originated in New Hampshire
In the heart of downtown Concord, just a short walk from the State House, visitors can savor a true New Hampshire classic at the Red Arrow Diner. Established in the late 1920s, this diner is credited with popularizing the “Lobster Roll” in the Granite State long before it became a Northeast staple. Sitting at the counter or a cozy booth, you can enjoy freshly picked Maine lobster lightly tossed in mayo and nestled in a buttery toasted roll. What sets the Red Arrow apart is its authentic, no-frills approach that lets the quality of the ingredients shine. The atmosphere echoes decades of community gatherings, and the diner’s location in New Hampshire’s capital makes it a perfect stop after exploring the historic downtown district. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when you can stroll along nearby streets lined with blooming flowers before or after your meal.
Travel about 30 minutes south of Manchester to the charming town of Amherst, where you’ll find the Amherst Village Farmers’ Market, a seasonal hub that celebrates New Hampshire’s maple syrup heritage. This market offers a direct connection to local producers who tap the state’s abundant sugar maples, especially from the surrounding hills that feed into the Merrimack River Valley. Here, you can taste pure New Hampshire maple syrup, a key ingredient in many regional dishes, and see demonstrations of traditional syrup-making techniques. The market’s lively weekend atmosphere pairs perfectly with the fresh air and scenic views of the nearby Piscassic Greenway Trail, a gentle 5-mile loop ideal for a post-snack walk amid the town’s historic architecture. Late winter and early spring are prime seasons to witness tapping season and sample freshly made syrup.
In Portsmouth, just a half-hour drive east from Manchester along the scenic Seacoast, the Portsmouth Brewery stands as a beacon for craft beer lovers and foodies alike. Here, the brewery’s signature “Seacoast Ale” pays homage to New Hampshire’s emerging craft beer scene, using locally sourced grains and water from the nearby Great Bay Estuary. Visitors can tour the brewery’s copper kettles and fermentation tanks, learning about the meticulous process that blends traditional brewing with a coastal twist. The attached taproom’s menu frequently features locally inspired pub fare, such as ale-braised beef stew, which highlights the harmonious blend of food and drink. Autumn brings the brewery to life with harvest festivals and outdoor seating where the crisp air complements a pint of rich, hoppy ale while overlooking the historic waterfront district.
Heading north about 45 minutes from Concord, the town of Peterborough offers a unique culinary pilgrimage at the Monadnock Food Co-op. This cooperative market is known for championing New Hampshire’s artisanal cheese producers, many of whom craft their cheeses from local dairy farms nestled in the Monadnock Region’s rolling hills. A visit here allows shoppers to sample and learn about varieties like clothbound cheddar and washed-rind cheeses, celebrated for their robust flavors and farm-to-table freshness. After stocking up, visitors often head to the nearby Mount Monadnock trails, where the landscape’s rugged beauty provides a striking contrast to the soft, rich cheeses. The moderate to strenuous 3.1-mile White Dot Trail to the summit rewards hikers with panoramic views that stretch across four states, best appreciated in late spring or early fall when the weather is clear and the colors vivid.
In the lakeside town of Meredith, about an hour north of Manchester on the southern edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, the Weirs Beach area is famous for a summer treat called the “Whoopie Pie.” Though its origins are often debated, the Granite State has embraced this sweet sandwich of two cake-like cookies filled with creamy frosting, and Meredith’s quaint bakeries offer some of the finest versions. A great place to indulge is the local Lakes Region Bakery, where recipes are passed down through generations, blending traditional chocolate and vanilla flavors with contemporary twists like pumpkin or maple. After treating your sweet tooth, take a leisurely stroll along the Meredith Harbor Walk, a pleasant lakeside trail offering postcard-perfect views of the lake’s sparkling waters and surrounding White Mountains. Summer evenings bring a lively atmosphere, with local musicians and food vendors making it a festive spot to enjoy a historic New Hampshire dessert.
In Hanover, roughly 20 minutes west of Lebanon and home to Dartmouth College, the Harpoon Brewery taps into New Hampshire’s agricultural roots with its innovative use of local ingredients. Their flagship Harpoon IPA features hops grown in the nearby Connecticut River Valley, and the brewery’s tasting room offers educational sessions explaining how regional climate and soil influence beer flavors. Pair your pint with a visit to the nearby Dartmouth Organic Farm, where you can see sustainable farming practices in action and understand the direct farm-to-glass relationship. These complementary experiences highlight how local terroir shapes New Hampshire’s culinary identity. Visiting during the summer harvest season is particularly rewarding, as you can witness the vibrant cycle of growth and production that defines the region’s food culture.
Finally, the historic town of Keene, located about an hour and a half southwest of Concord, is the heart of New Hampshire’s cider revival. The Apple Barn Ciderhouse is a must-visit for anyone curious about the state’s apple heritage and hard cider production. Using locally grown apples from orchards scattered across the Monadnock Region, the ciderhouse crafts a range of ciders from crisp dry to rich spiced blends. The tasting room offers not only samples but also insights into the apple varieties unique to New Hampshire’s terroir. Wander through nearby Miller State Park’s trails after your visit, where the landscape’s expansive views of the Connecticut River Valley provide a perfect backdrop to reflect on the region’s deep agricultural traditions. Fall is the ideal season to experience both the ciderhouse and the park, as orchards swell with fruit and foliage colors peak in vibrant reds and golds.