Winchester

This restored Victorian mansion houses Winchester's fascinating historical society museum, including a complete room dedicated to Persis Albee, the first Avon Lady who pioneered door-to-door cosmetics sales right here in Winchester. The museum contains unique artifacts like mounted ospreys by famous taxidermist Luman Nelson and tells the story of Winchester's surprising industrial past. Open summer Sundays from noon to 2 PM or by appointment, this gem sits quietly on Back Ashuelot Road.

Inside this imposing Victorian Romanesque Revival library sits the original 1799 pipe organ built by Henry Pratt - the first pipe organ ever constructed in New England. This self-taught carpenter's masterwork is accompanied by a case of 55 small birds mounted by renowned taxidermist Luman Nelson. The library itself is architecturally distinguished, designed after the Brattleboro library and funded by a $50,000 bequest from Winchester leather magnate Ezra Conant.

This elaborate Town lattice truss bridge, built in 1864, spans the Ashuelot River in the village of Ashuelot and is considered one of New Hampshire's most ornate covered bridges. A sign above the entrance reads '$5 fine for riding or driving over this bridge faster than a walk.' The bridge underwent a $667,000 rehabilitation in 1999, during which workers uncovered original granite capstones that are now visible at each approach.

This peaceful 3.2-mile loop trail leads through dense forest to the quiet 35-acre Kilburn Pond, where you can swim in secluded waters surrounded by wilderness. Part of New Hampshire's largest state park, the well-marked trail offers shade, gentle terrain, and the chance to spot remnants of WWII military structures. The pond provides a serene swimming spot that most visitors to the area never discover.