Postcards from Historic and Contemporary Concord, New Hampshire, USA

Concord, New Hampshire founded in 1734, is the state capital and interesting to note is that it was the home of the 14^th United States President, Franklin Pierce. As such, history abounds in this pretty New England city. While leaf-peepers flock to New Hampshire to experience Autumn’s finest colors, Concord has much to attract visitors in all seasons, with its historic sights, museums, vineyard, great restaurants, and much more, which we discovered when we visited in late August.

Concord Legislative Office Building

We spent an enchanted weekend in Concord, New Hampshire on the waning days of August into the first day of September 2019. The weather was perfect, sunny and bright, still warm during the day but with cooler nights hinting that Autumn is just around the corner. We thoroughly enjoyed discovering the area. Here are a few highlights of our trip.

Where to Stay

The Hotel Concord

We stayed at The Hotel Concord, a AAA Four Diamond luxury boutique 38-room gem, which opened in August 2018. Location, location, location is the real estate mantra, and The Hotel Concord has the desirable location of being in the heart of the everything, and within walking distance from the State House, historic sights, boutique shopping, Red River Theatre, concert venues, and great restaurants. Complimentary Indoor parking connected directly to the hotel and a lavish complimentary continental breakfast helped to sweeten the experience. The hotel also has a fitness center, The Gym, and provides guests with access to the local YMCA.

The Hotel Concord Lobby

The attractive hotel décor featured cool contemporary design and a plethora of thoughtful in-room amenities including Alexis Amazon Dots to assist guests. A professional and knowledgeable 24/7 concierge team, as well as gracious and attentive service and amenities made our stay most enjoyable.

Junior Suite

Read more about our experience at The Hotel Concord in the Hotels and Resorts section.

For more information on The Hotel Concord, please visit their website: www.HotelConcordNH.com

The Hotel Concord
11 South Main Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
United States
Telephone: +1-603-504-3500
Website: www.hotelconcordnh.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hotelconcordnh
Instagram: @hotelconcordnh
Twitter: @hotelconcordnh

Whereto Dine

Concord has great restaurants and we experienced two of them which had young, talented and creative chefs. We had outstanding dinners at Revival Kitchen & Bar and Granite Restaurant & Bar. While the restaurants differ in ambience and culinary style, they both had excellent and inspired menus.

Revival Kitchen & Bar

Revival Kitchen & Bar

Award-winning Chef Owner Corey Fletcher has been turning foodies’ heads since he opened his restaurant, Revival Kitchen & Bar in January 2017. The name is a nod to the revival of the farm-to-table movement. The restaurant ambience is contemporary with copper clad tables, artwork graces the walls and cool music adds to the conversation hum in the background.

Lobster Poutine

A few of the many highlights from our dinner included small plates of Lobster Poutine which were french fries drizzled with Hollandaise sauce, topped with lobster meat, espellette pepper, scallions, and toma cheese, and the Rabbit and Brie Tortelloni, which consisted of rabbit, beets, pistachios, fennel chips, and spiced blackberry jus. Also nice was the Seared Sea Scallops with Saffron Calasparra Rice, Baby Shrimp, Tomato, and Citrus Vinaigrette, and the Grilled Maple Brined Pork Chop with Cheddar Fondue, Roasted Potatoes, Spinach, Leeks, and Truffle Oil.

Grilled Maple Brined Pork Chop

Revival Kitchen & Bar is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 pm until 9:00pm, Friday and Saturday from 4:00 pm until 10:00 pm. The restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Revival Kitchen & Bar

Read more about Revival Kitchen & Bar in the Restaurants section.

Read the interview with Chef Corey Fletcher who shares his tempting recipe for Goat Cheese Cake with Cheddar Walnut Crisps to tempt your palate in the Chefs’Recipes section.

Chef Corey Fletcher

VIDEO – Luxury Experience interview with Chef Corey Fletcher – https://youtu.be/guCg-CbREaU

Revival Kitchen & Bar
11 Depot Street
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Telephone: +1-603-715-5723
Website: www.revivalkitchennh.com
Instagram @revivalkitchennh
Twitter: @revivalkitchennh

Granite Restaurant and Bar at The Centennial Hotel

Granite Restaurant and Bar

Chef Daniel Dionne is the talent in the kitchen of the Granite Restaurant and Bar at The Centennial Hotel where the culinary focus is on New American cuisine with French, Mediterranean,and Asian influences and where we enjoyed a memorable evening of dining. The ambience was one of formal elegance with its large fireplace in the center of the dining room and tables dressed in pristine white table cloths and Gerber daisies in vases.

Pork Terrine

A few of the many highlights of our dinner included the appetizer special of Pork Terrine (Brawn) served with Cherry Mostarda, Pickled Vegetable Salad, and Grilled Sourdough Crostini, and the salad special, Spinach & Pear Salad, made with Spinach, Roasted Pear, Bleu Cheese, Walnuts, Fig & Port Vinaigrette. Also nice was the Faroe Island Seared Salmon presented with Whole Grain Mustard Roasted Potatoes, Haricot Verts, and Savory Sabayon, and the Seared Duck Breast presented with Wild Arugula, Curried Yogurt Couscous, Rhubarb Relish, Glace de Canard, and Crushed Pistachios.

Faroe Island Seared Salmon

Granite Restaurant and Bar at The Centennial Hotel is open Sunday from 7:00 am until 2:30 pm, and from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Monday through Thursday the restaurant is open from 7:00 am until 10:00 am, from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm, and from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 7:00 am until 10:00 am, from 11:30 until 2:30 pm, and from 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm.

Selection of Wine & Spirits

Read about our dining experience at Granite Restaurant and Bar at The Centennial Hotel in the Restaurants section.

The Centennial Hotel

Read Chefs’ Recipes for our interview with Chef Daniel Dionne who also shares a delectable taste of the restaurant with his recipe for Red Wine Braised Short Rib with Brown Butter Sweet Potato Puree, Wilted Garlic Spinach, and Braise Reduction.

Chef Daniel Dionne

VIDEO – Luxury Experience interview with Chef Daniel Dionne – https://youtu.be/a6ydEYKY3e8

Granite Restaurant and Bar at The Centennial Hotel
90 Pleasant Street
Concord, New Hampshire
Telephone: +1-603-227-9005
Website: www.GraniteRestaurant.com
Instagram: @centennialandgranite
Twitter: @centennialandgranite

Attractions- Historic Concord

History abounds in Concord, and we enjoyed submersing ourselves in its history and learning about it by visiting many of its sights.

The State House

New Hampshire State House

Our first stop was the State House, where we took a self-guided tour. The impressive building made of New Hampshire granite was built between 1816 and 1819. Inside there is an impressive exhibition entitled New Hampshire’s Memorial Hall of Flags which were used in all the wars. There are also over 200 paintings, and so much more.

Display of Flags

Outside the Capitol building, there is a large Memorial Arch to honor those who served in the wars, other memorials, and statues of five men who made a significant contribution to the state including Daniel Webster, General John Stark who gave New Hampshire its motto "Live Free or Die," John Parker Hale, Commodore George Hamilton Perkins, and Franklin Pierce, the 14^th President of the United States and the only president from the state of New Hampshire.

Walls lined with historical photos

The New Hampshire State House Visitor Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. Visitors may participate in docent tours when available between 8:15 am and 3:15 pm or partake of a self-guided tour. There is free entrance.

New Hampshire State House Visitor Center
107 NorthMain Street
Visitor Center – Room 119
Concord, NewHampshire 03301
Telephone: +1-603-271-2154
Website: https://www.NH.gov

New Hampshire Historical Society

New Hampshire Historical Society

Our next stop on the historic trail was to the New Hampshire Historical Society, where we learned about New Hampshire’s exciting history through its wonderful exhibitions in its museum and saw the original gilded eagle that sat on the top of the State House from 1819 until 1957. Interesting to note is that the eagle’s head was turned to the left and signified it as a symbol of war. The new copper replica eagle that graces the State House has its head turned to the right, symbolizing peace. Guy Lowell, the same architect of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, designed the stunning 1911 building funded by Edward and Julia Tuck.

War Eagle

The New Hampshire Historical Society is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am until 5:00 pm. They are closed on Federal holidays. Admission: Adults: $7. Children 18 and under, and members of the New Hampshire Historical Society are admitted free of charge. Full-time students and active military personnel and their families are admitted free of charge with a valid ID.

Franklin Pierce photo and personal desk

For additional information on the New Hampshire Historical Society, please visit their website: www.NHHistory.org. Interested in genealogy? There are 2 upcoming workshops in November 2019, so be sure to check their website.

New Hampshire Historical Society
30 Park Street
Concord, NewHampshire 03301
United States
Telephone: +1-603-856-0645
Website: www.nhhistory.org
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NHHistory/

The Pierce Manse

The Pierce Manse

We took a docent-led tour of The Pierce Manse and learned that Concord was once home to the 14^th United States President Franklin Pierce who lived in the home from 1842-1848 just before his presidency (March 1853 – March 1857). A New Hampshire native, he was born in 1804 in Hillsborough and died in Concord in 1869. In addition to serving as President, Mr. Pierce served in the military, was elected to state and national political offices, and was an attorney. To date, he is the only President from the state of New Hampshire.

Debra C. Argen and Franklin Pierce display

Thanks to historic preservation groups, the home was moved in 1971 to Horseshoe Pond Lane after it was slated for demolition. The house was originally located on Montgomery Street in Concord. The house opened to the public as a museum in 1974.

Interior display

For hours and additional information, please visit the website: www.piercemanse.org

Admission: Adults: $7, Seniors: $6, Family: $15, Children: $3

Physical Address:

The Pierce Manse
14 Horseshoe Pond Lane
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Telephone: +1-603-225-4555
Website: www.piercemanse.org

Mailing Address:

The Pierce Brigade
PO Box 425
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
United States

Fly Me to the Moon or to the Stars – McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

July 20, 2019 marked the 50^th anniversary of the lunar landing. In honor of this historic event, we visited the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. The center is named for New Hampshire native, Alan Bartlett Shepard (1923-1998) who was the first American to travel to space, and Sharon Christa McAuliffe (née Corrigan, 1948-1986) who was one of the seven crew members of Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-51-L and the first teacher in space. She lived in Concord, New Hampshire.

One small step for The "Space" Adventure Kids
One giant leap for having FUN!

Our adventure in space began by first visiting the United States rocket located outside the center and continued inside as we discovered more about space travel viaits many displays and interactive exhibits inside the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. During our visit, we saw many families of all ages visiting and enjoying the center, making it a perfect experience.

Infrared "Hot" Kiss

About the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center

"The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center’s mission is to inspire every generation to reach for the stars, through engaging, artful and entertaining activities that explore astronomy, aviation, earth and space science. The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center is a sustainable memorial that will engage minds, make learning fun, and inspire people of all ages to pursue lifelong learning about our universe."

Ready to take flight

For additional information please visit their website: www.StarHop.com.

XF8U-2 Crusader Jet

Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 10:30 am until 4:00 pm during non-vacation weeks. Open daily 10:30 am until 4:00 pm during the summer (June 15 – September 2) and School Vacations (February 14 -March 1, April 17 – May 3, December 26 – January5). Open first Friday of every month: 6:30 pm until 9:30 pm. There is an onsite restaurant and a gift shop. Museum admission is not required to visit the café or the store.

Re-entry Capsule

Admission: Adults: $11.50, Seniors (age 62 and up): $10.50, Students: (ages 13 through college): $10.50, Children (ages 3 – 12): $8.50, Groups: (15 or more): $8.50.Note: Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Planetarium: $5 per person per show add-on to admission. Free for members and for children 2 and under. Free parking.

McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
2 Institute Drive
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
United States
Telephone: +1-603-271-7827
Website: www.StarHop.com

Farm-To-Table- Concord Farmers Market

On Saturdays from early May through late October, Capitol Street located next to the State House becomes the Concord Farmers Market from 8:30 am until noon, and is a great way to support the local farmers and enjoy a fresh taste of the area.

Established in 1981, it is one of the oldest Farmers Markets in the state, and we found agreat variety in their offerings that included vendors selling a wide varietyof fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, breads, oils and vinegars, flowers,wine, and other gift items.

For more information on the Concord Farmers Market, please visit the website: www.ConcordFarmersMarket.com

Concord Farmers Market
Capitol Street next to the State House
Concord, New Hampshire
Website: www.ConcordFarmersMarket.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/concordfarmersmarketnh

Our postcard ends with, Love from Luxury Experience. Come and experience historic and contemporary Concord, New Hampshire!

Until next time, keep enjoying traveling with Luxury Experience!

Read more on Concord, New Hampshire in the Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Chefs’Recipes, and Wine Cellar sections.

Concord is out of this world,
COME AND VISIT!

Important Travel Information

Getting There by Plane

Private aircraft may fly into Concord Municipal Airport, which is 1.5 miles from downtown. Commercial flights fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport as well as Logan International Airport in Boston.

Approximate Driving Distances

For more information on Concord, New Hampshire, please visit the website: www.visitconcord-nh.com or visit them Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

Visitor Center at the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
49 South Main Street, Suite 104
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Telephone: +1-603-224-2508
Email: info@concordchamber.com
Website: www.concordnhchamber.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/ConcordNHChamber

Follow Visit Concord on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ConcordNHChamber

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