Get excited for summer in New Hampshire. Visit Franconia for the New England Ski Museum at the Franconia Notch State Park, and stay for excellent hiking, cycling and fishing. Tour the historic home museums of Portsmouth, or take a summer cruise out to Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse with the Portsmouth Harbor Cruises from May through September. Acquaint yourself with the beauty of western New Hampshire in Sunapee with a drive down the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway – a 25-mile journey past quaint farmland and villages, and the impressive Mount Sunapee. Tackle a full itinerary in New Hampshire this summer, and enjoy every minute of it.

Set in northern New Hampshire in the White Mountains, Franconia is an outdoor haven thanks to the Franconia Notch State Park – where hiking is the star of the show. Visit Kinsman Falls along the Basin-Cascades Trail, or get a great view of the Franconia Notch at the summit of Mount Pemigewasset – reached by a 1½-mile trail originating at the Flume Visitor Center. Part of the Appalachian Trail cuts through the park, known at that point as the Franconia Ridge Trail. Journey along New Hampshire’s section of this legendary trail, or choose from other park activities like swimming, biking, and boating. After a day on your feet, you can sleep the good sleep at the Best Western hotel in Franconia, or rest up for another day spent in the Franconia Notch State Park.

Travel two hours southeast of Franconia to the coastal town of Portsmouth – a classic New England city maintaining an open-door policy with its many historic structures. Head to the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse – otherwise known as the Fort Constitution Historic Site – listed on the National Register of Historic Places. First established in the late 1700s, this light station is a popular place for tours thanks to its historic foundation and rumors of hauntings. Step inside each Sunday from May through October, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., for an in-depth tour of the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse – found less than five miles from the Best Western hotel in Portsmouth.

Head 100 miles west from Portsmouth for a little summer spent in Sunapee. This New Hampshire city is home to the Mount Sunapee State Park and Beach – complete with its own Best Western hotel in Sunapee. Opening full-time for the 2011 season on June 21st, you can splash around Lake Sunapee, or stretch out on the Mt. Sunapee State Beach. Stock up on locally made maple syrup, or enjoy leisurely summer activities like hiking and fishing. Between the scenic parks and unforgettable tours of New Hampshire, you’ll definitely want to come back next summer.