Goshen

This 60-acre man-made lake is affectionately called 'The Goshen Ocean' by locals who've been swimming, kayaking, and picnicking here since 1983. Named after Captain John W. Gunnison, a famous western explorer born in Goshen in 1812, the lake sits tucked away on the backside of Mount Sunapee. The Ruth LeClair Memorial Trail loops around the entire shoreline, offering glimpses of Mount Sunapee through the trees and crossing bog bridges over quiet inlets.

This historic graphite mine was originally developed by Benjamin Pierce, Revolutionary War general and NH governor, then passed to his son, President Franklin Pierce. The 'lead' refers to pencil lead made from the graphite mined here during agricultural off-seasons in the 1800s. Located along a 5-mile hiking trail, the mine entrance still exists and offers hikers a unique glimpse into presidential history on the way to Lucia's Lookout.

This one-room rural library, established in 1908, sits in a charming building that has remained almost entirely original except for a 1999 addition. Founded when Mrs. Sarah Halladay Deming donated her mother's 450-book personal collection in 1889, the library was rebuilt after a fire with 800 new books donated by the Pettis family. The gracious building serves as the heart of Mill Village, hosting community events and maintaining its historic character.

This remarkable building has lived three lives: built in 1853 as a church, moved over a mile by oxen in 1878 to become a Methodist meeting house, then purchased by the Grange in 1892. At its peak, the Grange membership reached 41% of Goshen's population, requiring the building to be rebuilt on its foundation in 1908. Features original painted theater curtains from the 1930s and recently received restoration grants to return it to community use.