Candia(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Dryden, top choices for families include The Inn at Pleasant Hill, a charming boutique hotel nestled in a quiet countryside setting just a 10-minute drive from downtown. It offers spacious family suites, complimentary breakfast, and child-friendly amenities like a backyard play area and seasonal nature programs. The property’s wooden architecture and cozy fireplaces create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere, making it ideal for exploring the natural beauty of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Nearby trails and farms offer engaging outdoor activities for all ages.

Stay in the Downtown Dryden area, such as at The Dryden Inn or Cedar Tree Inn, both located within easy walking distance of key landmarks like the Dryden Historical Museum, Old Church, and local craft markets. These hotels place guests right in the heart of the town’s vibrant pedestrian zone, where you can stroll through tree-lined streets, enjoy coffee at independent cafés, browse bookshops, and attend seasonal farmers’ markets. Morning walks along the Concord River Trail and evening gatherings at Greenfield Square offer authentic New England small-town charm and community spirit.

Don’t miss the annual Dryden Pumpkin Festival held each autumn, featuring giant pumpkins, artisan markets, and traditional folk music performances. Another must-visit is the Dryden Farm Museum, which preserves a restored 19th-century farmhouse and showcases early New England agricultural life. In winter, experience a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-covered woodlands—perfect for immersing yourself in the rural heritage and rustic authenticity that define Dryden’s identity.

Pleasant Hill Lodge stands out as the most nature-immersive option in Dryden, situated on the edge of the White Mountain National Forest with private forest trails and a stargazing deck. The lodge’s timber-frame design features floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of autumn maple forests and springtime streams. Guests can hike to Dryden Lake for birdwatching or relax by the campfire. This retreat provides a deep connection to the Appalachian wilderness, blending comfort with raw natural beauty.

For couples seeking romance, The Willow House Bed & Breakfast is exceptional—tucked in an oak grove on the outskirts of Dryden, it features rooms with private hot tubs overlooking a valley where fireflies gather. Each evening includes a customized candlelit dinner paired with locally crafted apple cider. Enjoy morning coffee amid birdsong, then unwind around a hearth during winter nights. With its Victorian-era decor and handmade rugs, this inn embodies the poetic essence of a New England love story.

Yes, Dryden Mountain Resort offers comprehensive winter adventure support, including skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing guided tours. The resort provides equipment rentals and expert-led excursions into the White Mountain National Forest’s untouched trails. Guests also enjoy free access to an indoor heated pool and sauna. Weekly log cabin bonfire nights bring visitors together around roaring fires, sharing stories and sipping hot cocoa—a true celebration of New England’s wintertime community culture.

Try New Hampshire blueberry pancakes and wild game burgers at The Old Mill Café, a century-old mill turned restaurant using locally sourced ingredients. They serve freshly picked blueberries, house-cured bacon, and seasonal dishes like maple-glazed turkey with homemade sauerkraut. Every Saturday, visit the Dryden Farmers Market for artisanal cheeses, rye bread, and craft beer—your gateway to authentic New England farm-to-table cuisine.

Dryden Historical Inn is perfect for history lovers, located next to the former 1820s post office building. The inn retains original brickwork and brass doorbells, while guest rooms display vintage photos of early settlers. Just steps away are the First Church Ruins and the Colonial Cemetery. The inn hosts monthly Time Travel Tours, led by local historians, guiding guests through life in pre-Revolutionary New England—a rare chance to walk in the footsteps of America’s frontier past.

Yes, The Viewpoint Inn is ideal for photographers, perched atop a ridge with 360-degree views of Dryden Valley and the misty White Mountains. Each room has expansive picture windows facing iconic landscapes. The hotel lends out professional gear and arranges guided sessions for sunrise shots over maple reflections on lakes or twilight silhouettes against hemlock forests. Monthly Night Sky Events invite guests to capture long-exposure images of the Milky Way—making it one of New Hampshire’s premier spots for astrophotography.

While Dryden is a small town without public transit, it's easily reachable via car from Manchester Airport (MHT), about 1.5 hours away. Most hotels offer complimentary shuttle services to downtown and nearby attractions. Major roads like Route 112 run through town, connecting to White Mountain National Forest and Concord City. For deeper exploration, renting a 4x4 vehicle is advised—especially in winter for snowy backroads or summer for remote river trails leading to Dryden Lake and Red Rock Falls.