Ever wondered what it’s like to eat your way through history? Welcome to Concord, New Hampshire – a place where old stories mix with new family fun, all topped off with yummy food!
Key Takeaways
– The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern offers a mix of traditional and modern dishes, with kid-friendly options and accommodations for special dietary needs.
– Friendly’s is a family-favorite restaurant known for its kid-sized meals and delicious desserts like ice cream sundaes and Fribble® drinks.
– Concord’s top tourist spots include the New Hampshire State House, Carter Hill Orchard, and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center, providing fun and educational experiences for families.
– To ensure a smooth dining experience, visit restaurants during less busy hours (2 PM to 5 PM), make reservations, and bring activities to keep kids entertained.
– Concord, New Hampshire, combines history, culture, and kid-approved food, making it an ideal destination for memorable family adventures.
The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern: Where Presidents Might Eat with Your Family
Right in the middle of downtown Concord, across from the big NH State House, sits The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern. This cozy restaurant mixes old-time charm with tasty modern food, making both parents and kids happy. The menu offers a unique blend of traditional and contemporary dishes, appealing to various tastes and preferences.
When you walk in, you’ll feel welcome right away. Kids love the menu here. They can munch on yummy dips, sweet potato fries, and soft pretzels. For the main meal, chicken tenders and big chicken wings are always a hit. Don’t worry if your family has special food needs. The Barley House has food for everyone, including choices without gluten, soy, meat, or animal products. After your meal, consider extending your family adventure by visiting Spacious Skies French Pond, a family-friendly campground just a short drive away in Henniker, offering a range of outdoor activities and amenities.
Friendly’s: Where Dessert Makes Everyone Smile
No family trip to Concord is complete without stopping at Friendly’s. This well-known restaurant chain is famous for making families with young kids feel right at home. You can find it at 147 Loudon Road, which is easy to get to when you’re out exploring the city.
Friendly’s really shines when it comes to food kids love. They have perfect grilled cheese sandwiches and juicy burgers that are just the right size for little hands. But let’s be honest – the best part of Friendly’s is the dessert menu. Ice cream sundaes, colorful shakes, and their famous Fribble® drinks are sure to make every kid (and grown-up) smile. The bright, cheerful atmosphere and friendly staff make every visit feel special, whether it’s a regular weekday dinner or a weekend treat.
Matching Food with Fun: A Recipe for Family Adventures
After filling up those hungry tummies, why not check out some of Concord’s top sights? The city has a perfect mix of fun and learning activities that go great with its family-friendly restaurants. These attractions offer more than just fun – they’re chances to learn together as a family.
Start with a trip to the impressive New Hampshire State House. They offer free tours Monday to Friday, giving a fun look at the state’s history and how it’s run. For a more hands-on day out, head to Carter Hill Orchard. Here, families can pick their own fruit and enjoy freshly baked treats. The orchard’s fun activities change with the seasons, making it a great place for making family memories all year round.
Space Adventures at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center
No family trip to Concord is complete without visiting the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. This cool science center mixes learning and fun, making it a perfect place to go after a day of family dining. The center offers a unique blend of interactive exhibits and educational programs that cater to visitors of all ages.
The center has lots of hands-on exhibits that both kids and adults will love. From models of spaceships to a pretend moon base, there’s so much cool stuff to see. The planetarium shows, like “To Mars and Back” and “Tonight’s Sky,” give an amazing space experience for kids 5 and up. These engaging activities not only entertain but also inspire curiosity about space and science, making it an ideal destination for family learning and exploration.
Tips for Easy Family Dining in Concord
To make sure your family dining adventures in Concord go smoothly, here are some helpful tips. First, timing is key. Many restaurants are less busy between 2 PM and 5 PM. This can mean shorter waits and a more relaxed atmosphere for families with young kids.
Don’t be shy about making reservations, especially for popular places like The Barley House. This can save you the stress of long waits with hungry kids. Lastly, always be prepared. Bring a small bag with things like coloring books, quiet toys, or tablets (with headphones) to keep little ones busy while waiting for food. Remember, dining out with family is about more than just the food – it’s about spending quality time together.
Concord, New Hampshire, is more than just a historic city – it’s a place where families can eat well, learn, and have fun together. From comfort food at Friendly’s to exploring the State House or gazing at stars in the Discovery Center, you’ll find that Concord’s mix of history, culture, and kid-approved food creates the perfect recipe for unforgettable family times. So pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to discover why Concord is a hidden gem for families looking for good food and great memories. And don’t forget to extend your adventure by visiting Spacious Skies French Pond campground in nearby Henniker, where you can enjoy lakefront camping, swimming, and themed weekends for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is special about The Barley House Restaurant & Tavern?
A: The Barley House mixes old-time charm with modern food, making it a cozy spot for families. They offer a menu with traditional and contemporary dishes, including options for special dietary needs.
Q: Why is Friendly’s a good choice for families with kids?
A: Friendly’s is famous for kid-friendly meals like grilled cheese and burgers. The best part is their dessert menu, featuring ice cream sundaes and colorful shakes that kids love.
Q: What attractions can families visit in Concord after dining?
A: Families can visit the New Hampshire State House for free tours, Carter Hill Orchard for fruit picking, and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center for interactive science exhibits and planetarium shows.
Q: What are some tips for easy family dining in Concord?
A: Try dining between 2 PM and 5 PM to avoid crowds, make reservations at popular spots like The Barley House, and bring small activities like coloring books or tablets to keep kids entertained while waiting for food.