Located at the confluence of the Nashua and Merrimack rivers, Nashua is the county seat of Hillsborough in New Hampshire’s south. Originally settled in 1656, it flourished on the back of the textile industry in the 19th century.
Things to do in Nashua
You can stretch your legs on the walking trails of Mine Falls Park, which hugs the Nashua River in the heart of the city. It takes its name from the lead mining operation that was established here in the 18th century before the Nashua River was used to drive industrial wheels. Encompassing forest, wetlands and open fields, the park provides a setting for fishing, boating and cross-country skiing.
At the northern end of Mine Falls Park is Greeley Park, which was donated to the city in 1896 by Joseph Thornton Greeley. In addition to boasting a children’s playground and several picnic areas, it also houses theatrical plays, open-air films and music festivals throughout the year. Nashua provides a base for the Symphony New Hampshire, which performs orchestral repertoire at venues throughout the city.
If you’re visiting in the summer months, you can cool off with a swim at Silver Lake State Park, where you’ll find a sandy beach, a playground and rental kayaks. Nearby is Spalding Park Town Forest, a wooded area famed for its mountain biking trails. En route, be sure to stop at the Laromay Lavender Farm, which grows several varieties of lavender and sells lavender-infused products.
Getting around Nashua
Nashua is a 45-minute drive from Boston and 15 minutes from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which has flights to destinations across the United States. The much larger Boston Logan International Airport is about an hour away. Regular buses connect to Nashua from Boston and also travel throughout the city.