We’re back again, Boston.
🎉🎆 America’s 250th birthday is coming up, and while Boston will absolutely be celebrating … so will everyone else within a 50-mile radius. Which is why we’d like to propose an alternative: take the Revolutionary War road trip north.
👀 What’s on tap today:
One very patriotic getaway
History that doesn’t feel like homework
Small-town summer energy at its finest
Up first…
THE “LIVE FREE” LIFESTYLE
A historical getaway without the crowds
Image: iStock.
🇺🇸 New England is about to enter its most patriotic (and chaotic) season yet. Boston will be packed, the Red Line will somehow be having issues, and the Freedom Trail will be 90% tricorn hats and 10% actual walking.
Meanwhile, New Hampshire is over here like, “you know we helped start all this too, right?”
The Granite State has been committed to freedom since before America officially existed — from Revolutionary War history and iconic small towns to scenic byways named after the people who fought for independence in the first place.
So if you’re looking for a summer weekend that combines history, fresh air, and a break from Boston chaos, consider this your sign to turn America 250 into a New Hampshire road trip.
FIRST STOP: PORTSMOUTH (DUH)
Oysters, patios, and lobster rolls
Image: iStock.
⚓️ Portsmouth was one of New England’s busiest ports during the Revolutionary War, helping move supplies, ships, and anti-British energy around the colonies. Today, it’s more oysters and waterfront patios than revolution planning — but the vibes are still immaculate. Spend the day wandering Market Square, exploring Strawbery Banke Museum, and becoming the type of person who casually brings up Revolutionary shipbuilding in between lobster roll bites by the water.
NEXT UP: A SCENIC DRIVE THROUGH HISTORY
We encourage getting lost on this roadtrip.
Image: iStock
New Hampshire’s scenic byways are packed with Revolutionary lore, aggressively pretty mountain views, and enough roadside stands to derail your schedule completely. Follow stretches of routes like the General John Stark Scenic Byway — named after one of New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War heroes and the guy responsible for “Live Free or Die” becoming the state motto. One minute you’ll be discussing colonial independence, the next you’ll be eating blueberry pie next to a covered bridge because “we just had to stop.”
LAST STOP: PEAK SMALL TOWN AMERICA
Weekday plans
Image: iStock.
Wrap up the weekend in one of New Hampshire’s small towns where summer still feels delightfully stuck in time. Areas like North Conway, Hanover, and Littleton are packed with local shops, ice cream stands, and enough Americana energy to make you want to buy a postcard. Depending on the weekend, you might even stumble into a local parade, historical reenactment, community concert, or town fireworks show.
QUICK QUESTION
🗳️ What does “Live Free” mean to you?
Let us know below!
ONE LAST THING
Your fun fact for the road
Did you know New Hampshire was actually the first colony to establish its own independent government from Great Britain? Implemented in January 1776, this came months before the Declaration of Independence was even signed.
So technically? The Granite State was doing the “independence” thing before it was mainstream.
–written by Tori Waltz, Studio/B, Boston Globe Media’s branded content studio (The editorial team was not involved in the creation of this B-Side Extra Edition)
✍️ Thanks for reading! BRB, gonna go blast “Hamilton” on the car ride north and call it historical immersion.
💜 Special shoutout to today’s sponsor, Visit NH, for sponsoring this extra B-Side send and proving that “Live Free” is a very valid summer philosophy.