Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Before going to the state of New Hampshire, I couldn’t say that I had high hopes of anything special or even cool in the small state. But after staying in Hampton Beach, I realize it wasn’t too bad. It kind of reminds me Ocean City, Maryland and Atlantic City, New Jersey; neither of which are very classy beaches. So, it’s not quite fair to compare, but Hampton Beach was steps above either of those. I can appreciate it for the little beach town that it is and the small town feel it offers.

Originally I was thinking about going to Manchester, but after talking to a business contact, he said there wasn’t really much there. Instead he offered me the opportunity to stay at his waterfront condo in Hampton Beach.

Beach, you say? Waterfront? SOLD! I was in, of course.

And it was just what the doctor ordered – I’m so happy I took him up on his offer. Full of relaxation and refueling!

I got to Hampton Beach much later than I had expected, since I took my time getting out of the Cape. Again, that “no plan” thing really took lead as the motto of my whole trip. Once I arrived my business contact offered to take me out to dinner – for LOBSTAHHHH!

As I mentioned in my New England Adventure post, here was where I reestablished my appreciation and desire to eat lobster. I’ve had it before but it must not have been fresh like New England lobster! And oh my gosh was it delicious! Best I’ve ever had, in fact (up until that day – I had more in Maine!). With proper instructions, I learned how to de-shell my dinner ANDDDD had my first steamers. While I looked a tad disgusted taking part in my first steamed clams, I devoured my lobster like a champ! Check out this claw meat ❤

If you want to see the videos of my first steamers and my slight disgust, let me know! I can email them – they’re pretty funny, actually 🙂 

The next day and half in Hampton Beach consisted lots of lounging and laying out. I woke up each morning to watch the sunrise, made myself home cooked meals and enjoyed the beach. I also managed to watch a good portion of Downton Abbey – yes, I’m late to the game but binging catches me up with the norm!

My stay in New Hampshire marked the halfway point of my trip, so I wasn’t too mad at myself for being lazy. I needed to refuel from the days before and prepare for what Maine had to offer me. It just so happened that I was in town for the sand castle building competition. So between the beach, sunrises, and the sand castles, I had a pretty exciting, yet replenishing, trip at the beach.

…and little did I know I would be going back up to Hampton Beach just a few weeks after this trip! Can’t say I would have ever thought I’d be going back, let alone so soon, but I never decline a beach trip!

Highlights of Hampton Beach:

• Small town feel, where everyone probably knows everyone
• Being right on the beach
• LOBSTAH! 🎉
• The sense of refuel and replenishment I get when I think of this little town

Stay tuned for the exciting adventure up the coast of Maine – the main reason(s) I was heading north! Happy adventuring!