I am a New Hampshire girl at heart. I love my state. Our winters look magical, our summers are gorgeous, and we have stunning fall and spring seasons. Not only is my state beautiful because of the nature that is throughout the state, but there are really cool places to visit or check out when you are here. I will be focusing on summer attractions, but there will be some winter ones thrown in there. Here are just some of the places you should visit while in New Hampshire.

1. Any Hiking Site. Literally Any Hiking Site.

There are so many places to hike in New Hampshire, it's ridiculous. From harder mountains like Mount Washington to easier hikes like Rattlesnake (view from the top in above picture), there is something for everyone to enjoy. The views at the top of the mountains are always breathtaking and feature either other mountains or one of the many lakes in the state. When you visit NH, hiking is a must. (I recommend Castle in the Clouds, which has many different hiking trails of varying difficulties.)

2. Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

Now here is a different way to see the view from the top of a mountain. Located in the White Mountain Region, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway will allow you, for a small fee, to take a 10-minute ride up Cannon Mountain and take in the scenery of northern NH. It feels like you're on top of the world!

3. Wildcat Mountain

I know I keep talking about mountains, but hear me out. Not only is there excellent skiing in the winter and great hiking throughout the rest of the year, but there are other things to do at Wildcat. You can take gondola rides, play alpine disc golf, and ride the ZipRider, a 2,100-foot zip line where riders go up to 45 mph. It's another cool place to feel like you're on top of the world.

4. Attitash Mountain

Last mountain, I promise. This mountain is a little different than the others because of the amount of activities that are available to visitors. There is a mountain coaster, a scenic chair ride, and an alpine slide. There are also mountain biking trails, horseback riding, climbing walls, water slides, and more! This a great place for families and friends to hang out and enjoy the NH outdoors.

5. Kancamagus Highway

This stretch of highway in the White Mountain Region has some of the best views in the summer and fall. It's truly the definition of the "scenic route." You may also see some wild animals, like deer, moose, or even a bear or two.

6. Lost River Gorge

Another great hiking spot in the White Mountains, the Lost River Gorge is historic for NH, as it was first explored in 1852. There are a lot of hiking trails and caves to explore, and it's fun for the entire family. You can also go see the different waterfalls along the trail, and kids can enjoy the mining sluice. There's also a lantern tour that you could take at night for the more adventurous.

7. Squam Lake Science Center

I've been going to the Squam Lake Science Center since I was in preschool (we took a lot of trips here), and I always loved being able to see the animals that live in the woods around me. The center has exhibits dedicated to different animals that live in New England. They also have certain animals that are brought out for demonstrations and the teach the pubic about them (this is what is happening in the picture above). There's a beautiful garden to visit, tours of Squam Lake, and hiking trails as well.

8. Lake Winnipesaukee

This seems to be what summer in New Hampshire is all about. Lake Winnipesaukee is home to swimmers, boaters, canoers and kayakers. There is even an ice cream boat that travels to the docks on the beaches, just like the classic ice cream truck. There are beaches all along to shore of the lake, and it's a great tourist spot and a place to explore.This is one of my favorite places to be in the summer.

9. Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach is New Hampshire's coastline and a busy spot in the summer for anyone wanting to visit the ocean but stay in NH. Besides the beach, there is a boardwalk and fairground rides behind the beach. You can rent a beach house or stay in a hotel and enjoy the sunshine and salt water.

10. Currier Museum of Art

This art museum is located in NH's capital of Concord and is home to many different exhibits for people to enjoy. They also bring in different exhibitions in for our viewing pleasure. There is currently an exhibition on high heels! This is a place to go if you want to relax and enjoy some really good art.

11. Canobie Lake Park

Canobie Lake Park is the NH version of a Six Flags but on a smaller scale. I love going here with friends and family to just hang out, ride the roller coasters and other rides, and maybe play some of the games. It's also home to the Yankee Cannonball, a wooden coaster built in 1933 which is super fun! It's really popular in the summer, but the crowds are so worth it.

12. Santa's Village

Now, this really is a place geared toward small kids and their families, but let me tell you, this is a nostalgic place. My brother and I, who are both teenagers, went here last summer for a trip down memory lane, and we had so much fun. There are many rides and games, shows to see, and Alphabet Elves to find. You can even visit Santa! This park is also open in the winter, so you can experience the magic of Santa summer or winter, sun or snow.

13. Story Land

This is another park geared toward small kids, but I can't help but love it. There a section of just fairy tales and the rest of the park has so many different rides and themes that kids have so much fun exploring Story Land. It really is a place where fantasy lives.

14. Clark's Trading Post

This is last on the list because I am biased. I have worked here for the past four summers, heading into my fifth, and I love this place. There are different shops to explore, things to do, a bear show to watch, and a train to ride. This is the kind of place where people come back year after year, they bring their families here generation after generation. You can spend an entire day here and enjoy the White Mountains and the park itself.

Well, I hope this may have convinced you to come to New Hampshire, and I hope you enjoy all that my wonderful state has to offer!