One Of Manchester's Best Neighborhoods Is A New Hampshire Lake Gem With Small-Town Character And Historic Trails

If you find yourself looking for a community on Manchester's Eastern edge that has the feeling of true small-town character, then Youngsville might be what you're looking for. This neighborhood has residential areas with natural landscapes you can check out, while its Southern area has industrial buildings like warehouses, offices, and apartments. When you head to the Northern part of town, you'll see historic mid-century homes on hilly streets with beautiful lawns, charming 1800s New Englander cottages, and even more up-to-date areas.

You'll quickly see that Lake Massabesic's closeness is a big part of what makes Youngsville so appealing. This large 2,500-acre body of water is the main drinkable water source for Manchester and the towns around it. For this reason, the city doesn't allow you to swim or use motorized boats. However, this rule actually helps create a calm and quiet spot for other water reaction activities, which is great if you're into kayaking, sailing, or fishing. Plus, there are trails all around the lake make for the perfect New Hampshire nature escapes with cascading falls to see on your walks and bike rides.

Something else that makes the neighborhood quite appealing is the Rockingham Trail, which is a pathway for many activities. This unpaved trail used to be a railroad line, and now it's a popular spot for biking, walking, or running. It's a great way to get to the shores of Lake Massabesic or head into the more city-like vibes of Manchester. If you're interested in the local history, the area got its name from some of the first families who settled here, the Youngs and the Proctors. 

When you're hanging out in Youngsville and the areas nearby, you'll discover there's a good number of ways to keep yourself entertained. You definitely can't miss the aforementioned Rockingham Trail, as it's a pretty big deal around this New England area and slices right through Youngsville. It's a 28-mile unpaved path that is just what you need if you're into biking, hiking, or going for a run, and it's a fantastic way to see the local landscape. If you're around in the winter, you can try out Nordic skiing or go snowmobiling on the trail.

For families, Youngsville Park is a nice spot with a play area and some open space. If you're looking for some indoor activities, Lakeside Lanes is a bowling alley that has special nights like "Glow Bowling" to bring you back for fun hangouts with family and friends. The Community Bingo Center is open every day and is a popular spot where you can hang out and try to win big or just socialize with the Youngsville locals. You can also see a regional theatre production at the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester. Or bring the family to Altitude Trampoline Park for a fun day of bouncing around. All these options give you a good taste of how local people enjoy themselves, and really put you into the small-town spirit.

Youngsville has a few local spots to grab a bite to eat. You can't go wrong with The Goldenrod Restaurant, a neighborhood staple, which serves up chicken strips, lobster rolls, and all sorts of ice cream for a retro experience that you won't forget. If you're near the Massabesic Traffic Circle, Sandy's Variety & Sub Shop is a convenience store that's great for a quick snack. MoeJoe's Family Restaurant has classic diner dishes and if you're in the mood for a craft beer, you can swing by Great North Aleworks, which has a vibey tasting room, or check out Candia Road Brewing Company. These places really give you a sense of the local flavor and New Hampshire's thriving craft beer culture.

Now, if you're looking for fancy boutique or luxury hotels, you won't find them right in Youngsville itself, as it's more of a residential spot. If you're after that kind of stay, you can definitely find some great options nearby. Check out Bedford Village Inn and Grand Boutique Hotel over in Bedford. It's a luxury boutique that's built on a beautiful estate, and has the Italian restaurant Trattoria Fondi on property. You can head a little more north to the Ash Street Inn for a bed and breakfast in an 1885 Victorian house. If you want to be closer to downtown Manchester, the Residence Inn Manchester Downtown is a solid, reliable choice with all-suite rooms that have kitchenettes. Staying at places like these means you can enjoy Youngsville's quieter atmosphere during the day and then head to the city areas for a more comfortable, vacation-like base. If you're looking for more fun towns near Manchester, check out the quaint town of Derry, an underrated wine town full of charm.