Nashua is the second largest city in the state of New Hampshire and by all accounts an excellent place to visit or live. Having twice been named the “Best Place To Live In America” by Money Magazine.
The cities beginnings were formed around the textile industry as the cities people used the power of the Nashua River to power their textile mills. Nowadays all of the textile industry has departed but the city still remains a thriving place with many other forms of business providing economical stability.
With such a decorated history let’s have a look at the top 15 things to do in Nashua.
1.Visit The Holman Stadium
Source: David Lee / shutterstockThe Holman stadium was first opened in the September 1937 and has seen various team call the place home since then. Currently the Nashua Silver Knights of the Futures Collegiate Baseball Leagueplay their home games here. The stadium has a capacity of just 4,000 but when a home game is in play there is always an electric atmosphere. The stadium has also been used in the past for hosting music concerts, including the likes of Tina Turner and Whitney Houston. The stadium received its name after Charles Frank Holman contributed $50,000 towards the building of the project.
2. Brush Up On Your Skating At Conway Arena
Source: Alexandr Grant / shutterstockFor those that like to skate or play ice hockey this is the place to come. There is a lot of things going on at the Conway Arena, including freestyle skating, lessons and competitions. In regards to the ice hockey, there are both adult and junior leagues going on, andyou can come and watch or partake in. There is always skilled instructors as well as first aiders on site to make sure you are in the best possible hands when you hit the ice. With so many events going on, it is always a good idea to make contact in advance of turning up.
3. Relax at Mine Falls Park
Source: Sherman D Hogue / shutterstockSitting right in the heart of Nashua is Mine Falls Park. It is 325 acres and includes forest, open fields and wetlands. To the north of the park you have the Nashua River and to the south a canal system and Millpond. There is a lot do in the park including boating, walking, fishing, biking, and cross country skiing. The park gets its name from a time in the 1700’s when low quality lead was mined from an island below the falls, a hundred years later and it was realized that the Nashua River had the potential to drive the wheels of industry and a three mile long canal was built.
4. Have A Day Out At Greeley Park
Source: YuziS / shutterstockGreeley Park in Nashua occupies about 125 acres of land, it was originally purchased in 1801 by Joseph Greeley, he then passed it on to his son who subsequently gifted the park to the city in 1896. The park was initially Greeley Farm before being changed to Greeley Park and opened to the public. There is a rest house in the park along with a fountain, a shallow pond, and various flower beds. There are a lot of citywide events that take part here including Halloween “Fright Night” and the Fairy Tale Festival.
5. Snow Shoes At The Ready For Windblown Cross Country Ski Area
Source: M.Bailey / shutterstockAll across New Hampshire people like to ski, but most places only offer downhill courses. Windblown Cross Country Ski Area has a selection of courses that are on the flat as well as downhill. There are over 40 kilometers of trails that come in a variety of difficulties. When you have finished with your skiing or snow walking there is a Base Lodge that provides plenty of nourishing food as well as some very welcome wood heated areas.
6. Watch A Play At The Court Street Theater
Source: Wangkun Jia / shutterstockIn 1971 the Court Street Theater opened its doors to the public for the first time, part of the building is the original 1870 Central Firehouse and the other part is a new building that has been joined on to it. Over the years the building has housed various theater companies as well as the Nashua Symphony Orchestra. The capacity is approximately 150 seatsand the Peaco*ck Players regularly put on shows making this one of the areas popular nightspots.
7. Try Something Different At Sky Venture
Source: Justin Snow / Flickr | CC BY-NDSky Venture has succeeded in putting together some interesting activities and making a completely unique venture park like nowhere else. Here you can have the thrill of indoor skydiving. A vertical wind tunnel where you float in the air and never have that feeling of falling. After you have tried this you can move onto the indoor climbing wall before finishing your day in the Fishpipe Water Slide, it is the world’s first rotating barrel ride, here you slide further than the world’s longest water slide as you roll around or try and stand up and surf.
8. Shop Till You Drop At Pheasant Lane Mall
Source: Ritu Manoj Jethani / shutterstockPheasant Lane Mall occupies 1,000,000 square feet and has become the main focal point of commerce in South Nashua. There are over one hundred and forty stores and restaurants in the mall including high end brands such as Macy’s and Sears. The mall itself is right on the border of Massachusetts meaning that a lot of customers come over the border to this mall to take advantage of the zero percent sales tax New Hampshire has to offer.
9. Pay Your Respects At New Hampshire Holocaust Memorial
Source: marcn / Flickr | CC BYThe New Hampshire Holocaust Memorial has been set up in Rotary Common Park in Nashua. It is there for us to take a few moments to remember the lives that were lost in the Holocaust. Eleven million innocent people were in killed in the labor camps during World War II and the idea behind the memorial is that people will stop to remember the holocaust, but also the genocides that people in this world still experience today. A sobering place to visit but one that will give you an opportunity to take a few minutes out of your life to reflect.
10. Spend A Night At DoubleTree by Hilton
Source: BookingIf you like the finer things in life then a night at the DoubleTree by Hilton Nashua, might be just what you are looking for. This hotel is just a short drive from the coast and within easy reach of various shopping malls. You can wind down your evening with dinner in the Speaker’s Restaurant and Pub, then go take a dip in the hot tub before retiring for a massage. With excellent staff on hand to take care of your every need you can forget about life’s worries and relax here until it is time to leave.
11. Take A Trip To A Distillery
Source: Djinn Spirits / FacebookDjinn Spirits is a craft distillery that opened its doors in 2013. The distillery started with gin and white whiskey, it is a slow process as the ownersmake sure the quality of their productis superior. In 2014 a product called Krupnik was released, it is a spiced honey liqueur that is based on a 500 year old recipe. There is lots of interesting things to see and learn at the distillery and the owners are always happy to take you on a tour and show you how their products are made.
12. Stop For Drinks At O’Brien’s Sports Bar
Source: Nomad_Soul / shutterstockIf you like a good sports bar then this one has it all. Eighteen different draft beers, ales and lagers on tap. Twelve large high definition televisions, a full restaurant menu and a fully stocked drinks fridge. With daily happy hours, live music and plenty of other entertainment this bar has quickly become one of the most popular places to eat and drink in the city.
13. Indulge Yourself At The Skin And Body Spa
Source: ShutterstockIf you are feeling a little run down or just think you should be treating yourself a little better then the Skin and Body Spa in Nashua will work its magic on you. It is a day retreat resort that offers facials, massages and much more. You can stop for a pedicure or a deep tissue massage, or whatever takes your fancy. The spa has been open for many years now and the staff offer an excellent level of service and are always polite and accommodating.
