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Newport’s latest high-end boutique hotel Island House has two penthouse suites and 12 grand suites, each with kitchens and luxury appliances.
Planning a vacation to New Hampshire?
Whether it’s a top-rated ski resort in the White Mountains or a charming waterfront cabin by the Lakes Region, there are plenty of highly-regarded hotels in the state to choose from.
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If you want historical New England vibes, there are also lots of New Hampshire hotels with colonial ties. In fact, the state’s very first hotel opened in Hancock over 200 years ago. Recently reopened under new ownership, The Inn at Hancock was founded in 1789, making it the oldest inn and restaurant in the state.
Here’s everything to know about the history and lodging at New Hampshire’s oldest inn.
History of The Inn at Hancock
Originally called The Hancock Inn, the hotel first opened in 1789 as a stop for travelers on trade routes between Boston and Vermont. The original building had food, drinks and a full ballroom for dancing in addition to guest rooms.
Over the 200 plus years since its opening, the inn has drawn crowds from all over to experience the historic New England charm – including former U.S. President Franklin Pierce.
In 2022, the inn temporarily closed, selling to new owners and undergoing major renovations. Rebranded as The Inn at Hancock, the historic hotel reopened with two new restaurants, a re-finished black exterior and an eccentric pink main door. Construction is currently ongoing in the guest rooms.
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How to stay at The Inn at Hancock
Unfortunately, The Inn at Hancock is not currently open for lodging, as construction work is ongoing in the guest rooms. While the inn has not shared a specific re-opening date for the rooms, the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript reports a projected opening date in late March or April.
In the meantime, The Inn at Hancock is open for dining at its two new restaurants – The Hunt Bar and Scullery, a casual tavern with light fare and live piano jazz, and Pinks Lounge, a lush dining room overlooking the back patio with an a la carte menu and raw bar. Reservations for both spaces can be made online.
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
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An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment. He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
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McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
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New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads. The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
WILTON, N.H. (WHDH) – A woman died in a Wilton, New Hampshire, house fire Wednesday morning, according to the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office.
At 9:08 a.m., Wilton firefighters responded to Burns Hill Road after a caller said their home was filling up with smoke. When they arrived, a single-family home was on fire and they found out two people were still inside on the second floor.
A man and a woman were both taken out of the house by firefighters and taken to Elliott Hospital. The woman was pronounced dead and the man is in serious condition.
Officials have not released the name of the victim at this time.
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At this time, investigators are looking into the cause of the fire and are trying to determine if a power outage in the area played a factor. The fire is not currently considered suspicious.
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