New Hampshire's Charming Day-Trip Town Is Full Of Idyllic Nature Escapes And Tasty Restaurants

The Granite State, known for its mountain hikes and vibrant fall foliage, also has its fair share of picturesque New England villages. On your next visit, consider stopping by one of these 12 wildly underrated towns in New Hampshire. Or, take a day trip to Hudson, which is a quick drive — or even a walk — across the Merrimack River from Nashua and only an hour from Boston's international airport. In other words, whether you're renting a car and making the short drive from Massachusetts, or simply hopping across the bridge from Nashua to poke around, Hudson makes for an easy, idyllic stop.

The land that is now Hudson, New Hampshire, was originally Massachusetts territory — it became part of the Granite State in the 1740s and has grown exponentially in the centuries since. Today, the town is home to approximately 26,000 people. Just outside the commercial and residential heart of Hudson, with its cozy diners and old-school bars, you'll find acres and acres of protected wildlife areas. Visitors can hike, mountain bike, or even snowshoe in the winter before enjoying a warm meal beside the Merrimack River. For those hoping to spend the night, you'll find most hotel and Airbnb options in Nashua, just a few minutes away, and there's also Manchester, which has its own regional airport and Amtrak train station 20 miles north.

Hudson is the sort of community that comes together in nature. According to William Neault, the General Manager of Suzie's Diner on Lowell Road (via Homes.com), "Weekends in Hudson buzz with activities ... Locals enjoy outdoor activities at Robinson Pond, Musquash Pond, Benson Park, and Whip-Poor-Will Golf Club." In particular, Musquash Pond, a forested area spanning more than 400 acres, has about 7 miles of hiking trails and is accessible to snowshoers in the wintertime, when the forests are blanketed in white. Just keep an eye out for roots and rocks, as the paths are still relatively rustic.

Another idyllic spot for a hike in Hudson is Colburn Town Forest, with access along both Musquash Road and, on the opposite side, Trigate Road. About a mile and a half of trails lead to an observation area, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. "Beautiful place with a great view from the peak. Many plant and animal varieties such as wild blueberries, mushrooms, deer, and turkey," reads one review on Google Maps.

Finally, make sure you check out Benson Park before you hit the road. Known as "Benson's Wild Animal Farm" until the 1980s, the 166-acre property is no longer home to elephants or giraffes ... but you can still visit the barns where they were kept, which have been converted into a museum. There are also 4 miles of hiking trails designed for people of all skill levels, a playground with a giant red shoe, and plenty of turtles in the pond, according to Tripadvisor. Overall, New Hampshire is known for its nature escapes. After Hudson, you can always drive less than an hour and a half away to reach White Mountain State Forest's scenic trails and mountain views.

New Hampshire is chock full of cozy country eateries, like Pickity Place, a red cottage that serves fresh food in the hills. Hudson, too, has its own tasty restaurants, and it isn't far away from Pickie Place either. Before an active day of hiking, fuel up at Suzie's Diner on Lowell Road. This casual breakfast and lunch stop, with its checkered black and white floors and comfy booths, has been serving comfort food to Hudson residents and visitors since the late 1990s. On the menu, you'll find maple bacon pancakes, country-fried steak, and hash and eggs. "I have had breakfast at Suzie's at least 100 times, without exaggeration," reads one review on Tripadvisor, adding, "The food is delicious, prices reasonable, the atmosphere is that of a local diner." Suzie's is open daily from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., ideal if you're looking to get an early start before escaping into nature.

Later in the day, after spending some time exploring Musquash Pond or learning about the history of Benson Park, you can stop by The Bar Food & Spirits off Burnham Road. This casual roadside restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to midnight daily, except Sundays, when it closes at 9 p.m. "Great little place with amazing food and a welcoming atmosphere! We stumbled upon it today and what a treat!" reads one review on Google Maps, with others highlighting the large portion sizes and live music. Of course, there are other options in town, too, from small-town pizza joints to sushi spots. In other words, Hudson has your day trip meals covered, from sunup to sundown.