Derry

Day Trips

Begin your day with a stroll through central Derry, soaking in the New England charm along Broadway. Grab a freshly baked pastry and artisan coffee at Beans & Brew Café, chatting with friendly baristas about local hidden gems. Take your time to wander into quaint boutiques to pick up a map for your 10-day adventure.

Spend the afternoon exploring Hood Park where you can hike gentle trails along the park’s reservoir and spot local birdlife. Stop at the Derry Rail Trail to enjoy cycling or a leisurely walk along the scenic path. Pause at the covered bridge for photos and learn about its history from informative plaques.

Dine at The Farm Bar & Grille for hearty comfort food made with locally sourced ingredients and craft beers. Join conversation at the bar and meet residents who will share stories about town traditions. Top off the evening with live acoustic music at Tupelo Music Hall, enjoying the warm community atmosphere.

Start at the Derry Meetinghouse to take in its colonial architecture and imagine 18th-century gatherings. Grab a historical walking guide from the local visitor center and learn about the town's founding families. Wander down East Broadway to admire restored buildings that line this historic corridor.

Visit the Derry Historical Society’s Ward House and tap into immersive exhibits about local life over two centuries. Sample homemade pies baked by volunteers to taste flavors passed down through generations. Stroll through the adjacent apple orchard and pick a few crisp apples if in season.

Relax over dinner at Fallon’s Ice Cream & Grill, ordering craft burgers followed by premium ice cream sundaes. Take an evening ghost tour to hear folklore and spine-tingling tales that bring Derry’s past to life under streetlamp glow. End the night with stargazing at Hood Park’s scenic overlook, marveling at the Milky Way.

Begin at the Brick Factory’s art studios where local painters and sculptors create vibrant works. Chat with artisans during an open-studio session and even try your hand at a simple pottery technique. Browse gallery displays that showcase Derry’s thriving creative community.

Head to the library’s community room for a live reading by a New Hampshire author, sampling literary culture over complimentary tea. Enjoy a walk to nearby murals that depict town history in colorful detail. Stop for a light lunch at a food truck park, tasting globally inspired street food.

Attend a performance at The Music Hall or a local theater group for a night of live drama or comedy. Mingle with performers and neighbors at intermission, learning about upcoming workshops. End the evening in a cozy wine bar, sampling local vintages and reflecting on the artistry you witnessed.

Pack your backpack and head to Beaver Lake Recreation Area for a morning hike along winding woodland trails. Listen for songbirds and spot deer grazing near the shoreline in the soft dawn light. Pause at a scenic overlook for a riverside picnic breakfast.

Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake’s clear waters and hidden inlets. Dock at a small island and trace the shoreline for wildflowers and native grasses. Dry off and enjoy sandwiches on the lakeside picnic tables while admiring the tranquil scenery.

Grill fresh local produce at a lakeside pavilion as the sun dips behind pine-topped hills. Gather around a communal fire pit with fellow travelers to share stories and roast marshmallows. Drift to sleep in a cozy lakeside cabin, lulled by the gentle lap of waves.

Visit a family-run farm stand for a behind-the-scenes tour of vegetable fields and free-range chickens. Pick your own heirloom tomatoes and sample fresh goat cheese straight from the dairy. Learn about sustainable farming practices from passionate growers.

Join a hands-on cooking class at a local culinary school, where chefs teach you to craft a classic New England chowder. Enjoy the fruits of your labor over a communal lunch with new friends. Wander the adjacent farmland to pick seasonal berries for dessert.

Dine at a renowned farm-to-table restaurant that sources every ingredient within 20 miles. Savor beautifully plated dishes paired with crisp New Hampshire cider. Conclude the night with a starlit walk through illuminated herb gardens on the property.

Drive to the banks of the Merrimack River for a guided kayaking excursion with local outfitters. Paddle through gentle currents, keeping an eye out for blue herons and beavers. Pause mid-river for a riverside snack and water-based meditation.

Return to town for lunch at a riverside café offering fish tacos made with locally caught freshwater trout. Browse waterfront vendors selling artisan crafts and freshwater-themed souvenirs. Rent a bike to explore the Riverwalk, stopping at scenic spots and historical markers.

Board a sunset dinner cruise for panoramic views of the river valley painted in golden hues. Enjoy a multi-course meal featuring New England specialties as a live folk band plays on deck. Disembark under the stars, feeling rejuvenated by the water’s serenity.

Attend a local farmers’ market bustling with fresh produce, homemade jams and hand-knit crafts. Sample samples of maple syrup and locally roasted coffee while chatting with friendly vendors. Join a free yoga session on the green grass, open to all skill levels.

Experience an outdoor carnival at Kimball Farm with classic games, bumper cars and freshly churned ice cream. Share cotton candy and laughter as you ride the antique carousel with new friends. Explore a petting zoo featuring goats, rabbits and miniature horses.

Head to the community center for an open mic night where families perform music and comedy skits. Cheer on local talent and perhaps sign up to share a poem or song yourself. Wind down with a scoop of homemade gelato from a nearby creamery before calling it a night.

Start at 603 Brewery for a behind-the-scenes tour of their gleaming steel tanks and barrel storage. Sample seasonal ales featuring locally grown hops and learn about the brewing process. Chat with the brew master about flavor profiles and limited-edition releases.

Visit Flag Hill Distillery to explore a picturesque vineyard, orchard and award-winning spirit stills. Taste small-batch vodka, rum and gin distilled from local grains and fruits. Pair your flight with artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards in their rustic tasting room.

Dine at a downtown gastropub that collaborates with regional brewers for specialty beer-infused dishes. Toast the day’s discoveries with a sampler tray of craft brews and distillery cocktails. End the night at a rooftop bar overlooking Derry’s skyline and sparkling lights.

Embark on a short drive to the rolling hills of Oak Hill State Park for panoramic views of the Merrimack Valley. Pack a trail lunch and binoculars to spot hawks soaring over forested ridges. Breathe in crisp mountain air on a gentle summit stroll.

Continue your scenic drive toward the Atlantic coast, stopping at Hampton Beach for a seafood lunch and sandy toes. Walk the boardwalk, play arcade games and sample the catch-of-the-day at a family-run seafood shack. Collect seashells while listening to seagulls overhead.

Return to Derry and enjoy an al fresco meal at a street-side bistro under twinkling café lights. Share photos and stories from your daytrip as you savor wood-fired pizza and local wine. Take a leisurely moonlit walk back to your accommodations, relishing the night breeze.

Spend your final morning at a cozy bakery, indulging in freshly baked pastries and premium fair-trade coffee. Take a reflective walk through Hood Park one last time, capturing final snapshots of the reservoir at dawn. Write postcards to friends and family, recounting highlights of your journey.

Return to favorite spots like the Derry Rail Trail for a final bike ride or walk, soaking in familiar sights. Shop for souvenirs at local craft shops, selecting handmade items that capture Derry’s spirit. Enjoy a farewell lunch featuring clam chowder or lobster roll at a downtown café.

Host a small celebratory gathering at a local brewpub, raising a glass of crème ale to the experiences shared. Chat with new friends about future visits and swap contact info to keep in touch. End the evening with a slow stroll down Broadway, admiring the softly lit storefronts and promising to return soon.