Rated in Concord

The grounds of the state house are a lovely place to visit as well, featuring shady trees, stone benches, and numerous statues commemorating important New Hampshire figures. This includes a sculpture of Franklin Pierce, the only US President from the granite state, and George Hamilton Perkins who fought in the Civil War. The statues of Daniel Webster and John Hale were both made at a foundry in Munich, Germany and weigh 2,000 pounds each.

In addition to films, visitors can enjoy exhibits at the Red River Gallery, a space that displays the work of New Hampshire artists, including paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, and even kids' creations during Youth Art Month.

Downtown Concord is full of shopping opportunities, with a wide range of locally owned small businesses that offer unique and quality wares of all sorts. Those looking for locally made items will want to stop by the League of NH Craftsmen, the retail showcase for some of the granite state's most talented creators.

Concord's arts scene is always growing, and visitors will find a wide range of public installations along Main Street and within the downtown area, all within just a few blocks.

Concord's Capital Center for the Arts provides two indoor venues for a range of performances. It also hosts open-air performances in the summer at Fletcher-Murphy Park and at pop-up stages on Main Street during Market Days in June and the Capital Arts Fest in September.

The Chubb Theater is the original stage, an Art-Deco theater with balcony seating and a nostalgic air. The newer Bank of New Hampshire Stage has a modern industrial feel, with brick walls and a more angled floor for optimal views from any seat.

Few things strike the hearts of Concord natives more deeply than the space shuttle Challenger disaster that took the life of beloved Concord teacher Christa McAuliffe, the would-be first teacher in space. This science center is dedicated to her and Alan Shepard, the first American in space and a native of East Derry, NH. Its mission is to spark interest in today's youth by exploring aviation and astronomy, and earth and space sciences.