What to do in Gorham, New Hampshire
Are you in town for a family get away? Staying here while you ski at Sunday River or Wildcat? Enjoying Santa’s Village or Story Land? Exploring the hiking trails of the White Mountain National Forest and the Mt. Washington area?
Our little town is centrally located to SO many perks. We welcome lots of visitors to our streets, especially in the summer and fall when ATV and foliage season bring countless people to the White Mountains for their general splendor.
But what is there to do if you want a break from all those outdoor amenities? What you might not know about Gorham is that it’s an artsy little town. We’re known for our access to hiking trails, proximity to parks and skiing, and ATV access, but there is a blossoming little community of artists and foody/arty activities.
Here’s my one-day itinerary for Gorham, New Hampshire. The best part? It’s walkable. :)
BRUNCH!
First, start your day at The Bear Taphouse & Cafe. They’re located at 115 Main Street, Suite B! And when I say their brunch is delish, I mean it. They do their best to source local products and meat. You can find one of their farmer connections at the farmer’s market on Thursday afternoons! They have a blend of savory and sweet and their house-made sauces are SO good. Cue the bacon jam (just trust me). They’ve got a revolving special of pancakes and a list of local beers/ciders/meads on tap. I’m not much one for beer, but they do equally as amazing with their cocktail options.
I always order a patty melt! Can’t help it. It’s like a breakfast cheeseburger on homemade bread. What’s not to love? I also love the avocado toast and the meatloaf sandwich, but if I’m being honest, I don’t think you can order a bad thing.
From Instagram!
2. POTTERY (Class or Painting)!
While you’re in the building, pop over to The Groggy Rabbit to see me! We’re right next door in Suite C. Take a class if you’re got some extra time, or settle in and paint a handmade piece of stoneware if you’re not wanting to be messy. You can checkout our list of classes here. We’ve got a mix of wheel and hand-building classes, but we do also offer private lessons! You can book these in advance by e-mail for up for four guests. It’s a perfect rainy-day activity, or a good way to escape the sun on your vacation up here.
Our courtyard is dog-friendly, so you’re able to paint outside if you want your pup with you. Inside, we have some limited seating for painting, so we do recommend making a reservation on the phone or by e-mail ahead of your trip. :)
3. PLANTS!
Need I say more? Flourish Foliage & Co. is downstairs in “the cellar,” but don’t let the descent into the basement scare you. Alyssa at Flourish has made the coziest secret-garden in that space, and I feel like I’m walking into a hidden jungle every time I go downstairs. It’s worth a stop to enjoy the plants, even if you can’t take on home with you.
4. ANTIQUES!
There are a handful of amazing little antique shops right on Main Street in Gorham. In the green building next door, there’s a little shop called Marigold! Patty is often open on weekends (or by appointment) and has vintage finds from all over the state. Keep heading down the road to see Wandering Soul Antiques & Retro Finds.
5. LOCAL ART!
After you’ve explored the antique shops, keep your walking adventure going by heading up Exchange Street! There’s a little art gallery there called The 3 Sisters Gallery that offers some classes (think basket-making, kitting, etc.) and locally made art! The owner, Deidre, is a painter herself, and her colorful, whimsical animals offer you a cheerful hello as you walk in. There’s also some local pottery, print-making, knit goods, stained glass, candles and more. It’s the perfect place to find a memento of your time up here in Gorham and the Whites.
I love walking in and seeing what new art has popped up.
images from The 3 Sister’s Instagram.
6. FARMER’S MARKET!
We have the best little farmer’s market on Thursday afternoons. Local farmers and crafters are present and offer a huge selection of items. Fresh produce, handmade soaps, fresh pizza straight from the pizza oven!? How could I say no? Often there’s a musician adding a little musical flair to the event. You don’t need cash to shop at the market. Instead, you can pay with card at the entrance. They’ll give you some tokens that the vendors will accept in lieu of cash.
7. BIG DAY BREWING!
If you didn’t fill up from the snacks at the farmer’s market (the kettle corn is a slippery slope), walk across the common and over the tracks to Big Day Brewing Co. If you’re heading there from the farmer’s market, you’re in luck! Thurdays are trivia nights! Salmon Stew Trivia comes to town and hosts an ecclectic version of trivia. I’m awful, I’ve accepted my fate, but if you’re more knowledgeable than I am, you can take your chances to win a gift card.
We love getting the brussel sprouts! If you’re hungry enough for dinner, I recommend the maple burger (or basically any of the burgers, really). I don’t recommend the margherita pizza, but the buffalo chicken flatbread pizza is a yummy appetizer!
If you’re there on Saturday, you’re also in luck! There’s always live music. On rainy days, it’s inside the building. on nice days, it’s out in the courtyard (also dog friendly!).
Images from Big Day’s website!
8. LIVE MUSIC!
The Medallian Opera House (also the town hall, also the police station—it’s a small town!) is an iconic red-brick building right on the edge of the common. The marquee will let you know who is playing, but if you’re a planner like me, you can check out their schedule in advance here.
Tickets are purchasable in advance OR at the door. A great way to keep some flexibility in your schedule in case you just want to get home and sleep. That being said, you might be disappointed as some shows sell out! They do have beverages for purchase. Sit up in the balcony or right on the floor. Seating is first come, first served!
Then it’s time for bed! You completed a successful day of meandering through Gorham, New Hampshire. Didn’t get it all in? That’s okay, you can always come back. Come say hi when you do!
