WHAT TO DO IN DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE!
Durham may be known as the hometown of University of New Hampshire’s beautiful campus (one of the greenest in the country!). In addition to being a quintessential New England college town, Durham offers so much more.
Located on the banks of Great Bay and Oyster River, Durham, New Hampshire boasts a beautiful natural landscape with acres of things to see, do, and explore.
We especially love hiking along the trails to view the beautiful foliage in the fall, and sledding down Wagon Hill in the winter months. On Durham’s Main Street, you’ll find a variety of coffee shops, cafes, eateries, and local shops (which may be particularly appealing to all of the Wildcat fans out there), as well as historic sights, and a stunning display of foliage come fall.
WHAT TO DO IN DURHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE:
THREE CHIMNEY’S INN
Built in 1649, the historic and charming Three Chimneys Inn and ffrost Sawyer Tavern overlook the Oyster River and Old Mill Falls. At this cozy escape, New Hampshire’s historic seacoast greets the foothills that form the southern gateway through our Lakes Region to the White Mountains’ northern ski country. Only an hour from Boston, the Inn is a central location for all of your needs and within walking distance to the University of New Hampshire.
CIAO TRATTORIA & WINE BAR + CLARK’S AMERICAN BISTRO
Ciao Trattoria and Wine Bar is an Italian food and so much more! Pasta, fish, steak, salads and pizza await! Ciao Trattoria & Wine Bar offers an amazing collection of wines and features signature handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy 1/2 price “Wine Wednesday” and discounted pizza on Thursday!
Clark’s American Bistro is a friendly community restaurant featuring classic comfort foods such as burgers, salads, tacos, steak dinners and more! This downtown eatery also serves breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. Clark’s features an early bird special every day until 6pm and kids eat free on Tuesday’s! Is it your birthday? Let the team know and dessert is on the house!
LOCAL BARRE
Once upon a time, two UNH alumni shared a dream of creating a local community of people who build each other up through barre. The result was Local Barre. Founded in 2020, this boutique fitness studio offers a variety of classes including yoga, HIIT workouts, circuit classes, and of course, barre. The studio offers a variety of time slots and class package options to fit all schedules and needs of the community. Experience virtual Local Barre classes from the comfort of your own home! Are you a student at UNH? Browse Local B’s website for special offers just for Wildcats! Not a student at UNH? No problem—Local B Studio offers pop-ups, discounts, and specials throughout the year!
SWEETENED MEMORIES BAKERY
Sweetened Memories Bakery is a small batch bakery that provides cakes, cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, brownies, cookie decorating kits, cookies, cookie sandwiches and cookie dough for any and all occasions!!
Sweetened Memories Bakery’s Durham New Hampshire storefront is open to the public, and also offers curbside pick up, delivery, and shipping! Plus, we can browse goodies and place orders through Sweetened Memories’ online sweets boutique!
THE BIG BEAN
The Big Bean Cafe is a local breakfast, lunch, and brunch restaurant dedicated to creating unique gourmet meals seven days a week, all year long! The eatery believes in quality ingredients, preparing food from scratch in small batches, sourcing seasonal fruits and vegetables, serving homemade breads, and supporting local farms as often as possible.
AMY’S FRAME SHOP
What happens when a UNH studio art major finding her passion and calling while in college?? Amy’s Frame Shop—a local boutique frame shop located in the heart of Durham, New Hampshire! Amy brings her passion for art and visual media to each custom frame job, where her mission is to make memories last.
THE FREEDOM CAFE
The Freedom Cafe is not your typical coffee shop; it has a deeper mission of ending human trafficking, one ethically sourced cup at a time. Located just steps from the UNH campus, The Freedom Cafe serves coffee and tea from around the world, creative lattes, cold brew, and baked goods.
All items are served for a suggested donation, based on what one might pay at any other coffee shop. 100% of proceeds support efforts to end human trafficking.
OYSTER RIVER CYCLE & SPORT
Oyster River Cycle & Sport is a full service bicycle shop with over 15 years of experience. The team will always give customers fair estimates for services, and on the spot repairs are available to keep you going!
This downtown Durham storefront offers sales of new and used bikes, top-notch service and repairs, lessons, and rentals.
Durham is located very close to Newmarket, New Hampshire, and a short drive from Dover, New Hampshire and Portsmouth, New Hampshire as well.
Whether you’re visiting someone at college and want to enjoy the small town charm, or are exploring the nature trails and bodies of water, Durham is a beautiful New Hampshire town that’s certainly worth a visit. It’s also a lovely place to live!
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