Tourists often bypass New Hampshire’s Capital City as they rush to more touted destinations north and south. But the proud locals know: There’s a lot more to Concord than its shiny gold State House dome. Stick around and you’ll discover a revitalized downtown area with more than 100 local shops and restaurants, a cluster of 50 historic buildings and sites, the state’s largest indie bookstore, top-notch theater, and a thriving arts scene.
STAY
Guests rave about the Residence Inn Concord (91 Hall St., 603-226-0012, www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mhtcr-residence-inn-concord, from $124), complimenting its friendly and efficient service, ultra clean, spacious suites, and good value. Rooms have kitchenettes or full kitchens with separate sitting areas, and include an everyday breakfast buffet and weekday dinner buffet (pasta, burgers, salads, and soups are common). The classiest place to stay in town is the Centennial Hotel (96 Pleasant St., 603-227-9000, www.thecentennialhotel.com, from $189). It’s a large, turreted Victorian, with 32 rooms, but you won’t find froufrou and frilly furnishings. Instead, the completely renovated property is sleek and stylish; rooms are uniquely sized but all have soothing neutral colors, modern baths, and contemporary furnishings.
DINE
If you’re looking for a classic, contemporary steakhouse, you won’t find better than O Steaks and Seafood (11 South Main St., 603-856-7925, www.magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/osteaks, $18-$45). Start with the Kobe beef “Pops” served with blue cheese and bacon, or the sweet and sour calamari. The high-quality steaks are char-grilled and include classic cuts like the bone-in ribeye and New York strip. For a truly decadent splurge order the filet with a blue cheese crust, caramelized onions, and pepper sauce. The modern dining space at the Granite Restaurant (96 Pleasant St., 603-227-9005, www.graniterestaurant.com, entrees $14-
$28) is one of the more upscale places to dine in the city, with a menu to match. We rarely pass up the potato chive gnocchi as a starter, served with a house-made pork sausage, or the appetizer-sized braised local rabbit wrapped in puff pastry with a smear of creamy goat cheese. Chef Corey Fletcher doesn’t stray too far from traditional fare but adds his own touches, like the maple brined pork loin with a smoky onion and bacon chutney or the grilled lamb porterhouse served with a tangy quinoa salad lightly doused in a pistachio and mint pesto. There are no big surprises on the menu at cozy Angelina’s (11 Depot St., 603-228-3313, www.angelinasrestaurant.com, entrees $16.95-$23.95), but if you’re craving, say, a chicken parmigiana or classic osso buco, this place won’t disappoint. Our go-to standby is the veal stuffed with spinach, sausage, and cheese with a mushroom marsala wine sauce. The always-bustling Barley House (132 North Main St., 603-228-6363, www.thebarleyhouse.com, $12-$16), across the street from the State House, is a longtime favorite with visitors, business people, and politicos. We pop in anytime we’re looking for above average pub fare and a cold, craft brew, served in a casual atmosphere. This is the place to go for a great burger; try the bison burger smothered in smoked brisket, onion rings, jalapenos, and jack cheese, or the Hangover Burger, topped with a potato cake, bacon, and fried egg. They do comfort food right, too, including gooey mac ’n’ cheese, the rich Guinness beef stew, and the nearly addictive curry fish and chips.
DURING THE DAY
The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive, 603-271-7827, www.starhop.com, adults $10, children ages 3-12 $7), dedicated to New Hampshire astronauts Christa McAuliffe and Alan Shepard, has a variety of interactive exhibits and displays. But be sure to spring for the extra planetarium ticket ($5) and catch one of the state-of-the-art shows. History buffs should pop into the New Hampshire Historical Society (30 Park St., 603-228-6688, www.nhhistory.org, adults $7, under 19 free) to check out a variety of exhibits, including two rare Revolutionary War flags. While here, pick up a Concord on Foot map, describing a walking tour of historic downtown. Within about 10 blocks or so are more than 50 historic buildings and sights, including the 1851 Eagle Hotel, where Presidents Ulysses Grant, Rutherford Hayes, and Benjamin Harrison once dined and where Franklin Pierce slept. The Susan N. McLane Audubon Center (84 Silk Farm Road, 603-224-9909, www.nhaudubon.org/about/centers/mclane, free) is a great place for a winter walk. There are miles of trails; for a quick jaunt, try the Great Turkey Pond Trail, a 1.2-mile hike to a pretty woodland pond. The center also has live animal exhibits and offers year-round environmental programs and activities. The Mill Brook Gallery & Sculpture Garden (236 Hopkinton Road, 603-226-2046, www.themillbrookgallery.com) features original artwork of some 70 New England artists. You could easily spend an afternoon browsing downtown shops. Gibson’s Bookstore, established in 1898, is the state’s largest independent bookstore, offering a great selection of both classic and current titles; it’s pleasant to hang out in its coffeehouse flipping through new releases and sipping the signature brew. Granite State Candy Shoppe
(13 Warren St., 603-225-2591, www.nhchocolates.com), family-owned since 1927, is the place to go for homemade chocolates, candies, and nuts, prepared in its kitchens daily. You won’t find a better or tastier selection anywhere. Nearly 300 traditional and contemporary artists are represented at The League of NH Craftsmen (36 North Main St., 603-228-8171, www.nhcrafts.org) retail gallery. Don’t miss the award-winning Gondwana & Divine Clothing Co. (13 Main St., 603-228-1101, www.gondwanashop.com), with a creative selection of contemporary women’s fashions and accessories.
AFTER DARK
You won’t regret catching a movie at Red River Theatres (11 South Main St., 603-224-4600, www.redrivertheatres.org, first-run movies $10), a three-screen, nonprofit theater house, showing top quality independent films. Prices are reasonable, sound and projection systems top-notch, and the stadium seating is comfy. Capital City Center for the Arts (44 South Main St., 603-225-1111, www.ccanh.com) is the cultural hub of the city, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and top performances. The historic theater, built in 1927 and restored, seats 1,304 in its high-tech facility. For a fun evening, head to Hermanos Cocina (11 Hills Ave., 603-224-5669, www.hermanosmexican.com) for authentic Mexican cuisine and live music. Grab a seat in the lounge (full menu available, $3.99-$15.99) and listen to jazz, Sunday-Thursday; on Saturday night bands play a variety of rock, alternative, folk, blues, or funk music.
Diane Bair and Pamela Wright can be reached at bairwright@gmail.com.