Location: Bristol
Top Things to do in Bristol
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Top 10 Things to do in Bristol, United States
Bristol is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 3,054 at the 2010 census. It is home to Wellington State Park, Sugar Hill State Forest, and Profile Falls on the Smith River. Surrounded by hills and lakes, Bristol includes the lower two-thirds of Newfound Lake, a resort area.
Restaurants in Bristol
1. Newfound Lake
Overall Ratings
5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By Mcbake63 - New Braunfels, Texas
Celebrated our Mom's 90th birthday. We had a great week. The homes were clean, had beautiful views of the lake. The new Redwood was beautifully built and allowed us to have family meals for 18 of us without being cramped.
2. Wellington State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
This park includes a large swimming beach on Newfound Lake.
Reviewed By 89kathy - Boston, Massachusetts
For the first time the navy seals were in town. Have been going up north forever and as a child would go to Wellington , but haven't been for awhile. When this special day was advertised our family wanted to go.we were there very early because we were afraid it would sell out. There is a certain number that is allowed at Wellington. The admission was 5.00 for adults 2.00 or 3.00 for children 5 and up, under 5 free.plenty of parking. Newfound Lake is beautiful and clean, they have picnic tables, bathrooms were spotless.they have a snack bar. That day because of the seals they had a pizza company, face painting a bouncy castle and a BBQ with hotdogs and burgers.also free cake from a bakery in Bedford. You can rent canoes at the snack bar. I overheard a man with two boys also going fishing. They have for sale rafts, tubes, goggles all the things you would expect for a day on the beach. We had a lot of fun .
3. Welton Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By AmyPedi - Amherst, New Hampshire
Very manageable 3ish mile hike to some incredible falls, kind of like a little Flume but without the throngs of people. Our 5 year old accomplished it easily. Just the thing after a much brisker hike up Cardigan the day before. Took us just about 2 hours, with lots of pictures and things along the way.
4. Mooney Mountain Guides - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Don S - Plymouth, New Hampshire
I have rock and ice climbed with Art Mooney and Jim Shimberg of Mooney Mountain Guides several times over the years. Along with great local knowledge of Rumney, Cannon, Lake Willoughby, Cathedral and Whitehorse they also guide out west at many famous areas.
I like using a guide with them as they let me push my personal limits and skills at my level. Guiding with them is a refresher course in safety. I like to lead rock climbs and they let me when it is safe for my skill level. They are personable to stay with on a multi-day outing.
5. Northern Rail Trail of New Hampshire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Charles S - Baltimore, Maryland
We have ridden all but a small segment of the Northern Rail Trail, from the northern edge of Concord, NH through Franklin, Andover, Potter's Place, Danbury, Grafton and on to Lebanon. It is a wonderful example of how to turn old rail lines into a lovely place. A few notes for you:
* The scenery is lovely throughout. Our favorite sections are from Lebanon up to and along Lake Mascoma, the path along the Merrimack River south of Franklin, and the Lake Webster to Potter's Place segment.
* Since you are riding along the main commerce corridor of 150 years ago, look for interesting historical bits. The area near Franklin once hummed with mills, and there is the foundation of a railroad turntable. At Potter's Place, you pass the grave of Richard Potter, noted showman, ventriloquist and entertainer who died in 1835. Just south of the Concord county line in Penacook is the Hannah Duston Massacare Site Statue. (This is sited where it happened, on the banks of the Merrimack. It is also the first statue to a woman erected in the United States, whatever your opinion of her actions.)
* There are at least two volunteer-run historical museums along the route, at Potter's Place (open 10-3 Saturdays and 12:30 to 3 on Sundays) and a Daniel Webster house south of Franklin (open Sundays, I think 10-3).
* The trail is generally packed gravel and has been kept in good shape. Room for two riders nearly the whole way. Even on summer weekends, it is not heavily traveled. Sometimes the foliage creeps in (it isn't easy to keep it trimmed) and you need to watch for patches of poison ivy, particularly along the Merrimack River portion.
* You pass by towns regularly where you can refill a water bottle, purchase something or find a toilet, but these are not available on the trail. The Danbury Country Store and Grafton Store are particularly welcoming.
* The trail has relatively flat or gentle grades along most of its path (not often you can say that in New Hampshire!) The steepest sections are traveling out of Lebanon up to Lake Mascoma (but you get to cross a rushing stream over seven bridges), and the climb through Franklin up to Lake Webster.
Happy riding!
6. Profile Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By Apzara C - Sunrise, Florida
Such a peaceful and quiet place to enjoy mother nature. Not easy to find as the snow was heavy but once we found it our kids really enjoyed the falls. The sound of the water and the frozen stream. Really an excellent place to visit.
7. Basic Ingredients Bakery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Sunapee17 - Newport, New Hampshire
Small bakery with lots to offer. Great fresh bread. Be sure to call ahead to order the bread of your choice--not much bread left for sale on a Saturday morning. Lots of Newfound Lake novelties and clothing. At this time of year there is a $5.00 sale table with Newfound Lake clothing for sale.
8. Cardigan Mountain Orchard
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By sandytravelbug - California
The orchard sits high on a hill, with really beautiful 360 degree views of the New Hampshire countryside. Apple trees as far as you can see; pick your own or purchase in the farm stand/country store. You can buy honey, apple cider donuts (super yummy!), local jams & jellies. There's even a nice play area for kids.
Cardigan Mountain is off the "main path" as they say, but there are signs every mile or so saying "You're almost there!". Friendly staff and farm employees, and I loved the resident cat .... a big golden fluffball who followed me around the orchard. I had a pleasant day, and would definitely go back
9. The Back Room at The Mill
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Whether you’re vacationing in the Lakes Region or a local looking for a treat, come visit us in Bristol, New Hampshire, just 2.5 miles south of Newfound Lake. The Back Room at The Mill is our intimate venue hosting weekly open mic nights, concerts, poetry nights, and other fun events. So, come grab a bite to eat, enjoy some music, and pick up some fudge. We promise you’ll have a special experience in The Back Room at The Mill Fudge Factory.
Reviewed By Cathy T - Bristol, New Hampshire
The Mill has a wide range of musicians on their Saturday nights, Fridays are open mike. So check out the list, and choose. You are sure to come up with one that interests you, well not the hard core type of place. But many interesting and different options. Its a very small town, so its fun to have this around. Their website is very good. No construction anymore in case you were here last summer. Yeah. Now it just sit back and enjoy. Food is great as is the service.
10. West Shore Marine
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
West Shore Marine rents boats by the day or the week. Whether your preference is a pontoon boat for family and friends or a runabout to cruise or fish, we have the boat for you! Make your vacation a memorable one with a boat on Newfound Lake. Full details are available on our website.
Reviewed By Stephen Wayne F... B
A great way to see the lake! Reasonably priced, customer service and best of all gives you full access to this beautiful lake! The pontoon boats area great way to see the lake in leisure.
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