Guidebook - Horton's Heron

Alex
Guidebook - Horton's Heron

Sightseeing

Written about by Emerson & Thoreau, this popular hiking & climbing spot offers dramatic views. About 3-4 hours roundtrip, a classic New Hampshire hike, beginner and family friendly.
138 locals recommend
Mount Monadnock
138 locals recommend
Written about by Emerson & Thoreau, this popular hiking & climbing spot offers dramatic views. About 3-4 hours roundtrip, a classic New Hampshire hike, beginner and family friendly.
The first of the three falls is only a 10-minute hike and is great for swimming. Lower Purgatory Falls is a scenic 12-foot plunge.
Purgatory Falls - Lower Falls
Purgatory Road
The first of the three falls is only a 10-minute hike and is great for swimming. Lower Purgatory Falls is a scenic 12-foot plunge.
The ruins of a late-1700s village represent on an archeological site with recreational options.
6 locals recommend
Monson Center
Federal Hill Road
6 locals recommend
The ruins of a late-1700s village represent on an archeological site with recreational options.
The Zimmerman House is a rare Frank Lloyd Wright gem nestled in a lovely Manchester, NH neighborhood. Wright was able to design a home around the natural rocks and features of New Hampshire. Though only 1,458-square feet, the built-in furniture, continuous concrete floor mat, large windows, and dramatic changes in ceiling height imparts a sense of great spaciousness. This is the only Wright designed house open to the public in New England. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged as tour groups are small and tours fill quickly. Guests leave from the front of the Currier Museum of Art at 150 Ash Street and travel via motor coach to the Zimmerman House.
9 locals recommend
Zimmerman House
150 Ash St
9 locals recommend
The Zimmerman House is a rare Frank Lloyd Wright gem nestled in a lovely Manchester, NH neighborhood. Wright was able to design a home around the natural rocks and features of New Hampshire. Though only 1,458-square feet, the built-in furniture, continuous concrete floor mat, large windows, and dramatic changes in ceiling height imparts a sense of great spaciousness. This is the only Wright designed house open to the public in New England. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged as tour groups are small and tours fill quickly. Guests leave from the front of the Currier Museum of Art at 150 Ash Street and travel via motor coach to the Zimmerman House.
Compact and beautiful museum house in marble halls and stairs. Pleasant staffer opens the door as you step in from the lobby. Dutch and impressionist paintings, a nice collection of modern paintings including Georgia O'Keefe. An excellent café for light meals, a great gift shop nicer than most museum shops, and free parking in the museum lot. Don’t miss this fantastic spot while visiting Manchester!
50 locals recommend
Currier Museum of Art
150 Ash St
50 locals recommend
Compact and beautiful museum house in marble halls and stairs. Pleasant staffer opens the door as you step in from the lobby. Dutch and impressionist paintings, a nice collection of modern paintings including Georgia O'Keefe. An excellent café for light meals, a great gift shop nicer than most museum shops, and free parking in the museum lot. Don’t miss this fantastic spot while visiting Manchester!
A short walk from the house, this historic farm property of over 300 acres offers trails, views, woods, grass fields, streams, stone walls, mountain laurel, and more. The 3.1-mile loop trail takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete and is great for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Founded in the 1770s and operated as a farm until 1975, it is one of the few surviving intact 19th-century farm properties in the community.
Lamson Farm
40-54 Cross Road
A short walk from the house, this historic farm property of over 300 acres offers trails, views, woods, grass fields, streams, stone walls, mountain laurel, and more. The 3.1-mile loop trail takes an average of 1 h 13 min to complete and is great for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Founded in the 1770s and operated as a farm until 1975, it is one of the few surviving intact 19th-century farm properties in the community.
Over 100 sculptures to find. Peaceful hiking trails through the woods, with thought-provoking sculptures all around. Take the road path or the trails up to the summit!
Andres Institute Sculpture Park
Over 100 sculptures to find. Peaceful hiking trails through the woods, with thought-provoking sculptures all around. Take the road path or the trails up to the summit!

Food scene

Excellent coffee roasted in-house, a staff that will remember your name, and a warm atmosphere have given the Union Coffee Co. Milford Café a reputation as one of New Hampshire’s best coffee shops.
12 locals recommend
Union Coffee Company
42 South St
12 locals recommend
Excellent coffee roasted in-house, a staff that will remember your name, and a warm atmosphere have given the Union Coffee Co. Milford Café a reputation as one of New Hampshire’s best coffee shops.
Down-home spot with pastries, pies & cookies from scratch, a coffee bar & a New England gift shop.
7 locals recommend
Black Forest Cafe & Bakery
212 New Hampshire 101
7 locals recommend
Down-home spot with pastries, pies & cookies from scratch, a coffee bar & a New England gift shop.
Fantastic inventive craft cocktails and a creative food menu with great vegetarian options.
16 locals recommend
BAR ONE
40 Nashua St
16 locals recommend
Fantastic inventive craft cocktails and a creative food menu with great vegetarian options.
New England’s premier winery destination and LaBelle Winery in Amherst attracts visitors from all over the world. Visit for unrivaled wine and culinary products, shopping, art, dining experiences, catering, educational events, and so much more.
LaBelle Winery Amherst Event Center
345 State Route 101
New England’s premier winery destination and LaBelle Winery in Amherst attracts visitors from all over the world. Visit for unrivaled wine and culinary products, shopping, art, dining experiences, catering, educational events, and so much more.
Family-run destination for Italian-style wine tastings & pairings with cheeses, meats & chocolate. Fabulous outdoor tasting areas overlooking the vineyard, Come enjoy a tasting in our beautiful gardens!
9 locals recommend
Fulchino Vineyard
187 Pine Hill Rd
9 locals recommend
Family-run destination for Italian-style wine tastings & pairings with cheeses, meats & chocolate. Fabulous outdoor tasting areas overlooking the vineyard, Come enjoy a tasting in our beautiful gardens!
With a short and sweet menu, their breakfasts are priced super reasonably, and their staff is very friendly. The building is from the 1800's and clearly steeped in history of the locals. If you're looking for some really good eggs Benedict (as long as it's a weekend or holiday), homemade perfectly cooked home fries, or want a stack of pancakes or waffles and a nice dose of local maple syrup then this place is for you!
26 locals recommend
Intervale Farm Pancake House
931 Flanders Rd
26 locals recommend
With a short and sweet menu, their breakfasts are priced super reasonably, and their staff is very friendly. The building is from the 1800's and clearly steeped in history of the locals. If you're looking for some really good eggs Benedict (as long as it's a weekend or holiday), homemade perfectly cooked home fries, or want a stack of pancakes or waffles and a nice dose of local maple syrup then this place is for you!
Campo Enoteca is a farm to table Mediterranean Italian wine bar with small plates, charcuterie, pizza, house-made pasta, entrees & vegetarian choices.
Campo Enoteca
969 Elm St
Campo Enoteca is a farm to table Mediterranean Italian wine bar with small plates, charcuterie, pizza, house-made pasta, entrees & vegetarian choices.
Local and organic omelets, sandwiches, and baked goods served in a circa-1765 house on a working farm.
21 locals recommend
Hilltop Cafe
195 Isaac Frye Hwy
21 locals recommend
Local and organic omelets, sandwiches, and baked goods served in a circa-1765 house on a working farm.
Warm, brick-lined eatery offering small, sharable American tapas plates & elevated cocktails.
The Birch
968 Elm St
Warm, brick-lined eatery offering small, sharable American tapas plates & elevated cocktails.
Good craft cocktails require attention to detail and a passion for the mixing process. This place has both with solid presentation as a cherry on top. Fresh and appropriately portioned dishes can be found throughout the menu. The mushroom toast and the strawberry and spinach salad are a must!
Industry East Bar
28 Hanover Street
Good craft cocktails require attention to detail and a passion for the mixing process. This place has both with solid presentation as a cherry on top. Fresh and appropriately portioned dishes can be found throughout the menu. The mushroom toast and the strawberry and spinach salad are a must!
Small 100% grass-fed Jersey cow dairy and vegetable farm in Goffstown, NH. Raw milk, raw cream, yogurt, cheeses, beef and vegetables directly for the community. Year-round farm stand open to the pubic, with a curated selection of natural foods produced by other area farmers and producers.
Benedikt Dairy
97 Shirley Hill Road
Small 100% grass-fed Jersey cow dairy and vegetable farm in Goffstown, NH. Raw milk, raw cream, yogurt, cheeses, beef and vegetables directly for the community. Year-round farm stand open to the pubic, with a curated selection of natural foods produced by other area farmers and producers.
One of the best breweries in the USA right now for New England IPA's. Great quality beer, good food and friendly service. The sours are delicious and IPAs are well balanced and flavorful. They recently opened their new location (306 Innovative Way, Nashua, NH) with a fantastic variety of beers on draft, tasty food, and a great atmosphere!
Spyglass Brewing Company
306 Townsend W
One of the best breweries in the USA right now for New England IPA's. Great quality beer, good food and friendly service. The sours are delicious and IPAs are well balanced and flavorful. They recently opened their new location (306 Innovative Way, Nashua, NH) with a fantastic variety of beers on draft, tasty food, and a great atmosphere!
Everything made in house - using recipes perfected over generations. A scratch kitchen, with a limited menu of hand tossed, naturally fermented fresh mozzarella pizzas, our signature open faced hot sandwiches, a few house salads, a small bakery, milkshakes and Italian sodas.
Zizza Pizza
Everything made in house - using recipes perfected over generations. A scratch kitchen, with a limited menu of hand tossed, naturally fermented fresh mozzarella pizzas, our signature open faced hot sandwiches, a few house salads, a small bakery, milkshakes and Italian sodas.
Taco Time Cocina & Cantina Mexicana

City/town information

Located on the banks of the Nashua and Merrimack rivers, this charismatic city is known for its rich history and astounding natural beauty. It offers the perfect mix of wilderness exploration and city life enjoyment. Nashua features picturesque parks, majestic rivers, pristine lakes, sprawling forests, diverse wildlife, electrifying nightlife, numerous historic sites, aesthetically pleasing architecture, great amusement parks, and so much more. The city provides plenty of scope for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, boating, swimming, picnicking, ice-skating, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and fishing.
9 locals recommend
Nashua
9 locals recommend
Located on the banks of the Nashua and Merrimack rivers, this charismatic city is known for its rich history and astounding natural beauty. It offers the perfect mix of wilderness exploration and city life enjoyment. Nashua features picturesque parks, majestic rivers, pristine lakes, sprawling forests, diverse wildlife, electrifying nightlife, numerous historic sites, aesthetically pleasing architecture, great amusement parks, and so much more. The city provides plenty of scope for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, wildlife viewing, biking, boating, swimming, picnicking, ice-skating, skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and fishing.
Manchester is a center for art and culture, as it is flooded with a plethora of art centers and museums that promote the growth of different cultures and provide an outlet for artistic expression. The largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester houses the famous Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, which is home to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Minor League Baseball team and hosts several enticing events. Nature graces the city with its everlasting presence in the form of its numerous trails, lush green forests, and serene lakes.
18 locals recommend
Manchester
18 locals recommend
Manchester is a center for art and culture, as it is flooded with a plethora of art centers and museums that promote the growth of different cultures and provide an outlet for artistic expression. The largest city in New Hampshire, Manchester houses the famous Northeast Delta Dental Stadium, which is home to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats Minor League Baseball team and hosts several enticing events. Nature graces the city with its everlasting presence in the form of its numerous trails, lush green forests, and serene lakes.
Peterborough is one of the oldest towns in New Hampshire. Established in 1737, Peterborough is rich in history and activities. The town has managed to keep its quaint small-town vibe and is surrounded by forests and lovely natural landscapes. There are various activities available in and around Peterborough, New Hampshire, ranging from outdoor recreation at Edward McDowell Lake and Miller State Park to theatre shows put on by the Peterborough Players.
37 locals recommend
Peterborough
37 locals recommend
Peterborough is one of the oldest towns in New Hampshire. Established in 1737, Peterborough is rich in history and activities. The town has managed to keep its quaint small-town vibe and is surrounded by forests and lovely natural landscapes. There are various activities available in and around Peterborough, New Hampshire, ranging from outdoor recreation at Edward McDowell Lake and Miller State Park to theatre shows put on by the Peterborough Players.
A small town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Bedford holds many secrets that not many people know about. If you are on the lookout for a new place to visit for your next vacation, Bedford might surprise you in different ways. Being a suburb of Manchester, Bedford is at once both connected to the urban life and isolated from it. The history of Bedford goes back to 1733 when it was known as Narragansett, No. 5, and housed soldiers fighting against the native Narragansett tribe. While it is not the most touristy place in New Hampshire by far, Bedford is for those who want a quiet getaway from the cacophony of city life.
Bedford
A small town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Bedford holds many secrets that not many people know about. If you are on the lookout for a new place to visit for your next vacation, Bedford might surprise you in different ways. Being a suburb of Manchester, Bedford is at once both connected to the urban life and isolated from it. The history of Bedford goes back to 1733 when it was known as Narragansett, No. 5, and housed soldiers fighting against the native Narragansett tribe. While it is not the most touristy place in New Hampshire by far, Bedford is for those who want a quiet getaway from the cacophony of city life.
Concord is a picturesque town with cultural and historical attractions waiting to surprise you at every turn. This charming city is ideal for exploring on foot. Its magnificent architecture and history will surely win over your heart. By walking around Concord, you will also discover the lesser-known cafes, restaurants, shops, and other places you would not have gotten to see otherwise. Long walks along this city's clean and beautiful streets will make your trip even more meaningful.
28 locals recommend
Concord
28 locals recommend
Concord is a picturesque town with cultural and historical attractions waiting to surprise you at every turn. This charming city is ideal for exploring on foot. Its magnificent architecture and history will surely win over your heart. By walking around Concord, you will also discover the lesser-known cafes, restaurants, shops, and other places you would not have gotten to see otherwise. Long walks along this city's clean and beautiful streets will make your trip even more meaningful.

Activities

Indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel, indoor surfing on a wave machine, Fishpipe water slide, and a full service food cafe. Everyone should try it at least once!
7 locals recommend
SkyVenture & Surf's Up New Hampshire
100 Adventure Way
7 locals recommend
Indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel, indoor surfing on a wave machine, Fishpipe water slide, and a full service food cafe. Everyone should try it at least once!
Family-oriented seasonal park with outdoor activities like mini-golf, go-karts & a climbing wall.
8 locals recommend
Chuckster's
9 Bailey Rd
8 locals recommend
Family-oriented seasonal park with outdoor activities like mini-golf, go-karts & a climbing wall.
Great mix of furniture, decorative art, books, music and clothing, all in a variety of different styles. A nice spot to treasure hunt.
Eclectic Mix
110 New Hampshire 101A
Great mix of furniture, decorative art, books, music and clothing, all in a variety of different styles. A nice spot to treasure hunt.
Headliner’s is considered one of Manchester’s best kept secrets. Hosting several comics each night, the comedy club never disappoints. The intimate show room ensures that there are no bad seats and that each and every visitor will become immersed in the show.
Headliners Comedy Club
700 Elm Street
Headliner’s is considered one of Manchester’s best kept secrets. Hosting several comics each night, the comedy club never disappoints. The intimate show room ensures that there are no bad seats and that each and every visitor will become immersed in the show.
The Mont Vernon General Store has been in operation for more than 160 years, and it underwent a full, careful restoration in 2011 that gave it some more modern touches while maintaining its old-fashioned charm. It's the kind of place that tourists and locals alike adore, and for good reason. This is the kind of place where you go when you're in a pinch — out of milk, in need of a hostess gift, desperate for flashlight batteries to last you through a storm — whatever you need, they're sure to have it here.
Mont Vernon General Store
10 North Main Street
The Mont Vernon General Store has been in operation for more than 160 years, and it underwent a full, careful restoration in 2011 that gave it some more modern touches while maintaining its old-fashioned charm. It's the kind of place that tourists and locals alike adore, and for good reason. This is the kind of place where you go when you're in a pinch — out of milk, in need of a hostess gift, desperate for flashlight batteries to last you through a storm — whatever you need, they're sure to have it here.
Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction located in five cities across North America. The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more.
93 locals recommend
Ice Castles
24 Clark Farm Road
93 locals recommend
Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction located in five cities across North America. The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and much more.
Pats Peak is an independent alpine ski resort located in Henniker, New Hampshire, in the United States. The ski area opened in 1963 and has a vertical drop of 770 feet.
104 locals recommend
Pats Peak Ski Area
686 Flanders Rd
104 locals recommend
Pats Peak is an independent alpine ski resort located in Henniker, New Hampshire, in the United States. The ski area opened in 1963 and has a vertical drop of 770 feet.
Crotched Mountain is highly regarded for its amazing snow, impeccable grooming, wide trails, open and spacious facilities, innovative lesson programs and close proximity to the greater Boston area….all without the crowds.
45 locals recommend
Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride
615 Francestown Rd
45 locals recommend
Crotched Mountain is highly regarded for its amazing snow, impeccable grooming, wide trails, open and spacious facilities, innovative lesson programs and close proximity to the greater Boston area….all without the crowds.
Pick your own Strawberries and Pumpkins at this lovely little farm, with a good selection of in-season fruits and vegetables, as well as milk, cream, eggs, yogurt, pudding, fresh breads, frozen meats, ice cream, honey, and more! The adjacent ice cream stand is a great place to grab a yummy ice cream cone on a spring or summer day. On weekends, the donuts they make are to die for! The staff are always friendly, and the locally-sourced products from small businesses are always good.
Trombly Gardens
150 N River Rd
Pick your own Strawberries and Pumpkins at this lovely little farm, with a good selection of in-season fruits and vegetables, as well as milk, cream, eggs, yogurt, pudding, fresh breads, frozen meats, ice cream, honey, and more! The adjacent ice cream stand is a great place to grab a yummy ice cream cone on a spring or summer day. On weekends, the donuts they make are to die for! The staff are always friendly, and the locally-sourced products from small businesses are always good.

Massage

HomeBody Massage LLC
292 State Route 101
Infusion Massage
52 Nashua Street
Milford Massage and Bodywork
33 Putnam Street
A treatment from Tamara is a real treat! She is praised widely for being able to affect deep changes in each client's body and life in a single session. She is well-known for her incredibly personalized integrated healing treatments, as well as her amazing ability to intuit exactly what each individual body needs. Massage is available at the house, Contact directly to arrange a massage at the property.
Lavender Wellness and Massage
A treatment from Tamara is a real treat! She is praised widely for being able to affect deep changes in each client's body and life in a single session. She is well-known for her incredibly personalized integrated healing treatments, as well as her amazing ability to intuit exactly what each individual body needs. Massage is available at the house, Contact directly to arrange a massage at the property.