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INTRODUCTION
As the largest city in New
Hampshire, Manchester boasts a thriving urban scene with an impressive arts
and commerce community. Home to a number of artists, visitors can find a majority
of the studios
and galleries
within Langer
Place. The Currier
Gallery of Art also showcases a variety of creative exhibits. For those
who enjoy theatre arts, the Palace
Theatre hosts dramatic plays, stand up comedy and a range of musical
features. The coveted Verizon
Wireless Arena is the largest venue in Manchester, and its stage is
graced by popular acts and thoroughly entertaining superstars. Manchester’s
history as a key cotton production site is most evident on the shores of the
Merrimack
River, where previous mills have been transformed to house an array
of local businesses.
Helpful Links
- Accommodation
Directory—This is a complete Manchester accommodation directory containing
detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds and more. With links
to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed
to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.
- Secure
Room Reservations—Check for Manchester room availability and then
make secure online room reservations for participating properties with this
convenient link.
- Maps—The
Manchester map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating
where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions,
restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.
ACCESS
Major Roadways
Interstates 93 and 293 are the two major routes leading into the city. These
highways lead north from New Hampshire's capital city, Concord,
as well as to the White
Mountains, and south to the cities of Nashua
and Boston in Massachusettes.
Upon reaching the outskirts Manchester, the US Highway 3 guides drivers onto
the Daniel Webster Highway.
Elm Street is perhaps one
of the most significant routes within Manchester, running north to south through
the city. The roadway connects to the Daniel Webster Highway on either side,
providing commuters with access to US Highway 3.
Once in the city, Elm Street,
Beech Street and Maple Street are the main arteries for traffic flowing north
to south. Running west to east, Hanover Street is another one of the key roadways
in the middle of the city. To the north of Hanover Street, Lowell Street gives
access to drivers going west to east, while to the south, Lake Avenue and Granite
Street manage traffic running east to west.
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Manchester-Boston
Regional Airport Terminal2
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Airport
Located an hour drive to the beaches and lakes on the coast, Manchester-Boston
Regional Airport is well-situated for easy access to local area attractions.
With fifteen terminals, it has flights arriving from and departing to a number
of locations, with a range of commercial airlines serving the airport, including
Air Canada, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest
Airlines, United Airlines, US Airways and many more. Airport amenities include
gift shops, coffee houses and restaurants.
TRANSPORTATION
Shuttle Services
Visitors looking to explore Manchester and stay within the city can make use
of convenient courtesy hotel shuttles, which provide transportation to and from
local hotels. For those travelling beyond the city, Manchester Shuttle is the
airport’s own free bus service, with routes for ticketed passengers to Woburn
and Boston. A regular schedule
of buses departing every two hours, 24 hours a day, ensures consistent service.
Those with disabilities can make arrangements for wheelchair assistance by calling
at least 48 hours in advance. Buses can be found within the airport terminal,
directly outside the main entrance.
Taxis
Based in Goffstown, New Hampshire Able
Airport Service is licensed by the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.
They offer ground transportation in New Hampshire, with service extending to
Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. Using full sized sedans with Sirius satellite
radio, Able Airport Service is moderately priced and the company prides itself
on its excellent customer service.
Public Transit
The Manchester
Transit Authority was established by the City of Manchester in 1973
and provides public transit services to the city and surrounding areas. Specialty
shopper shuttles operate on particular days of the week and allow those who
wish to see the sights and sounds of Manchester to do so, with a number of stops
along the way. Tourists can also take advantage of the special Hampton Beach
Shuttle. Operating on Saturdays, it provides riders free transportation to Hampton
Beach when they purchase a beach admission ticket. Fare tickets and
passes can be purchased in person or in advance by mail.
WHEN TO VISIT
Weather
Like much of New Hampshire, Manchester experiences all four seasons to their
fullest extent, with warm summers and cold winters. December, January and February
are the chilliest months, with temperatures dipping down as low as 5°F (-15°C) during
the night. June, July and August are the warmest months and temperatures can
reach up to the 80’s. Summer is the best time to enjoy the outdoor attractions,
such as lakes and parks. Manchester sees the highest amount of rainfall in October
and November, and the lower temperatures that begin in these months are the
first signs that winter is approaching.
DISTRICTS
Airport District
Visitors to Manchester will find a number of hotels in the same vicinity as
the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with most offering complimentary shuttle
services to and from the airport. Brown Avenue and South Willow Street are found
close to the airport and visitors can take comfort in the familiarity of the
many chain hotels found in the area. The Holiday
Inn Manchester Airport is conveniently located on Brown Avenue and gives
guests the opportunity to relax with a dip in the indoor pool and whirlpool.
The hotel also offers a complimentary continental breakfast. For the budget-conscious
traveler, the Super
8 Motel Manchester is found down the road. Although it has fewer amenities,
the hotel is within walking distance
to the Mall of New Hampshire, and guarantees clean and comfortable rooms.
Downtown Manchester
Downtown Manchester is the liveliest area in the city. With the Merrimack
River outlining the downtown corridor to the east, and a dynamic arts
district contained by a majority of businesses within, it is no surprise that
tourists and locals alike congregate in the vibrant area. Perhaps the busiest
street in the city, and arguably Manchester’s main street, Elm Street is home
to a variety of local restaurants.
Its southernmost corner is occupied by the Verizon
Wireless Arena, which is home to the American Hockey League’s Manchester
Monarchs and hosts sporting events and headlining concerts. The Radisson
Hotel Manchester is one of the closest accommodations to the arena.
Guests at the hotel can also enjoy close proximity to restaurants as well as
the banks of the Merrimack River.
Millyard Arts District
The district of Millyard is largely defined by Commercial Street, the closest
main road to the Merrimack
River in Manchester. One of the most impressive developments in the
area, Langer
Place is found on this street. A high-density complex of artists, studios
and galleries, visitors exploring the building can see artwork, purchase masterpieces
and see artists in their element. In addition, Art
3 Gallery,which specializes in a variety of exhibits and art work sales,
is located right around the corner. The Hilton
Garden Inn Manchester is situated just south of Langer Place and Art
3. In addition to being located in a trendy area, the hotel offers comfortable
suites with access to a hot tub, pool and an on-site restaurant.
BED AND BREAKFASTS
The Ash
Street Inn is a historic, late 19th century house that is now a bed
and breakfast. Built in 1885, the home is located near the city’s downtown,
one block away from the Currier
Museum of Art and only ten minutes away from Manchester-Boston Regional
Airport. The B&B is renowned for its afternoon tea time on Tuesday, Thursday
and Saturday afternoons. Guests staying at the bed and breakfast, visitors to
the area and hungry locals often enjoy the array of homemade baked treats, delicious
teas and ambient music. During warmer summer months, the tea party moves outdoors,
with iced beverages and tasty treats to enjoy in the sunshine.
CAMPING
Campers who want to experience
the outdoors but still want to be close to all that Manchester has to offer
should try the town of Weare.
Found 18 mi (29 km) northwest of Manchester, the town boasts camping accommodations
for those looking for adventure.
Autumn Hills Campground is great for families, providing on-site activities
such as fire engine and hay rides, swimming pool games and much more. Cold
Springs Camp Resort is close to Horace Lake, ideal for swimming and
boating. Both campsites provide access to showers, laundry facilities and indoor
areas in case of bad weather.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- c/o Palace Theatre;
Palace Theatre; Manchester, NH, USA
- c/o Manchester-Boston
Regional Airport; Manchester-Boston Regional Airport;
- Bret Acnowitz; c/o
garrisphoto.com; Merrimack River; Manchester, NH, USA
- c/o Ash Street Inn;
Ash Street Inn; Manchester, NH, USA