Located just over the border from Massachusetts, Nashua New Hampshire is actually a part of the greater Boston metropolitan area. While it is today the second largest city in the state, it was once part of its southern neighbor, and was not included as part of New Hampshire until 1741. There is no sales tax in the state, meaning that many people from “Taxachusetts” take a Nashua vacation strictly for shopping. Shopping has become one of the things to do in Nashua even for locals, as hundreds of outlet stores, antique shops, and malls have sprung up along the route between the Massachusetts border and the city. Shopping, in fact, is one of the Nashua events for just about everyone.

Set at the meeting of the Merrimack and Nashua Rivers, it became an important textile mill town during the Industrial Revolution – as did many other river communities in the state, such as Manchester, Concord, and Meredith. As water power was replaced with newer energy sources, the mills fell largely into disuse by the end of World War I. The last Nashua New Hampshire mill closed in 1949. Most of the historic Mill buildings are now gone, but several have been preserved and converted into upscale studios, condos, shops, dining venues, and even Nashua hotels.

Most all things to do in Nashua somehow involve the vibrant downtown. Nashua events that attract visitors include the annual Winter Holiday Stroll held on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving. More than 30,000 people from all across New England participate in this citywide festival. Most of the downtown is closed to vehicles, and the event begins with a candlelight walk to City Hall for the tree lighting ceremony. Street vendors are everywhere, and the city’s dining venues offer special menus. There is free shuttle service to and from the parking lots, and one street is devoted to a legal age limit beer hall. Other Nashua events worth including in your Nashua vacation plans are walking tours of the historic downtown area, a Holiday House Tour in February, the April Farmer’s Market, and Restaurant Week.

New Hampshire Map

It’s hard to run out of things to do in Nashua – if you do, look to the attractions in the surrounding area. This originally was a farming and agricultural town. The region’s farms still play an important role, filling the Farmer’s Market and gracing your dining table. Many of them are pick your own farms, and some are lodging options, providing your Nashua vacation with a unique experience of home cooked food and the opportunity to participate in farm chores. There are nearby state parks, with hiking and cycling trails, fishing, and camping. You’ll even find downhill skiing only a few miles away, and the regions also has golfing venues.

Also remember that Nashua New Hampshire puts you within an easy hour’s drive of the beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, the wonderful cosmopolitan city of Boston, and the resorts of the beautiful Lakes Region. A Nashua vacation can take all of these in, and still get back in time for dinner.