What makes New Hampshire landmarks so special is the way history can be felt here not only in dusty plaques, but in every sloping house front and every sloping field path. I remember how I stumbled over the old wooden houses in Goshen, a slept spot in Sullivan County, which still came from the Puritanians from the 18th century. Tell century – and even though most locals prefer to talk about the latest grill recipe. The charm lies in contrast: a bit of New-England-Stolz, a bit of Ohio serenity when you drive across the border to Auglaize County, Ohio. There, in the heart of the county, the flat middle country meets the gentle hills, which are otherwise only known from the narratives of the New-Hampshire pioneers. I took Highway 33 because I was tired of constantly asking for the “right” way – and honestly, that was the best decision to cross the endless corn fields that almost seem as calming as a walk on White Mountain. Those who want to experience the real, unauthenticated America should not only unleash the familiar tourist paths, but dare to venture into the small villages where life is slower and people – despite cynicism slippers – still have a smile for a stranger.
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The first stop I could not miss was the quiet shore of the Auglaize River, where the water flows so sluggishly that you almost feel that it would refuse to leave the country. I discovered an old fishing boat that seems to be anchored there since the 60s – a perfect place to stay a few minutes while the sun sinks over the fields. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then the whole neighborhood comes to barbecue.
A short trip to St. Marys leads directly to St. Mary’s Catholic ChurchA Gothic gem from the 19th century Century that breathes more history than most museums. I don't quite understand the hype about church architecture, but the artistic stained glass windows here are really an eye-catcher – especially when the light breaks through the colourful discs and dips the interior into a kaleidoscopic paint game. The small car park behind the nave is a bit narrow, but a real lucky handle if you don't want to remove the car too far from the entrance.
A bit further south, in Milan, this is Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum. I was skeptical if the birthplace of an inventor who never really lived in Ohio has something to offer, but the collection of old telegraphs and the first light bulbs is surprisingly well curated. The guided tour of the house is voluntary, but I still took a few minutes to admire the originals – a little timeline that reminds me that even the biggest ideas start in modest garages.
If you have enough of history, the path leads to Lake Loramie State Park, a lake that attracts more anglers than bathers. I rented an old kayak there, which had more cracks than an old pair of socks, and still came a few kilometers over the smooth water. The park offers numerous picnic places, and parking is almost never a theme thanks to the generous lottery of 200 seats – unless you come to the high season, then the whole becomes a bit more chaotic.
A short detour into the heart of Ohio leads into the Goll Woods State Nature Preserve, a forest piece that is so dense that you feel like walking in a film by David Lynch. I watched a squirrel that was brave enough to steal a nut while I tried to make a photo – a small moment that captures the tranquility of the place perfectly. The parking lot is small, but sufficient, and the trails are well marked, so you do not accidentally land in nowhere.
Back to the city, but not downtown, this is Auglaize County Historical Society Museum in Wapakoneta. The exhibition is a colorful mix of agricultural equipment, old school books and local photographs that document the rural life of the 1900s. I tried an old tractor steering wheel there – a bit shaky, but a great photo motif for Instagram. The museum has a small backyard where you can enjoy an ice cream in good weather, and parking is right in front of the entrance, which makes the whole very comfortable.
Another highlight is the Wapakoneta Heritage Centerlocated in a restored old railway station. The exhibition on the aviation history of the region is surprisingly extensive, and I have seen an original model of an early propeller pilot that reminded me of the early days of aviation. Access is free and parking is easy thanks to nearby parking at the train station.
At the end a short detour to Goshen Township Community Parka small but fine place where the locals host their Sunday grills. I watched a local baseball game where the teams showed more enthusiasm than talent – a real fun for those who want to experience the authentic land life. The parking lot is right at the entrance, and the field of play is surrounded by trees that offer a beautiful color play in autumn.
Whether you are looking for the calm shores of the Auglaize River, the historical splendour of St. Mary’s, the technical heritage of Thomas Edison or the natural idyll of Goll Woods – the surroundings of Goshen Township in Auglaize, Ohio have something to offer for everyone. And while I discovered my favorite places here, the realization remains that the best experiences are often off the well-known paths. In this way it can be said that this region is one of the New Hampshire Attractions counts when you are ready to drive a little and discover the little treasures.
Those who come to New Hampshire for the first time will immediately notice that the landscape here is not only a bit hilly, but just a bit exaggerated dramatic – and that is just the beginning.
I have my first Hiking made on the Kancamagus Highway because I thought a bit of asphalt between the trees would be a nice walk. Instead, I found myself between ancient beech and moss-covered rocks that felt like a silent film set. Parking is usually easy, except for the weekends in July, as the small car park at the viewpoint becomes a mini-camper camper.
A short trip to Portsmouth, which I always call “the small coastal town with the big heart”, surprised me more than the coast itself. The historic brick building at Market Square has a charm you only know from old films, and the local fish restaurant serves lobster that is so fresh that I almost felt he would still swim. No joke, that was better than any Instagram story I've ever seen.
Then, because I need a bit of change, I drove across the border to Ohio – more precisely to Goshen Township, where life pulsates a bit slower, but that's all the more authentic. There are Goshen Community Park, a small green piece with a playground that has more rusty chains than modern climbing stands, and a lake that glows so red in autumn that you almost believe it is made of liquid tin.
Another highlight in Goshen is the old Goshen Schoolhousewhich today serves as a museum. I have seen an exhibition on local agriculture that reminded me that there are still real farmers who don't equip their cows with GPS trackers. The guide, a retired teacher, told me that the building was built in 1902 and still houses the original tables of pine wood – a real treasure for nostalgics.
Back in New Hampshire, you can Lake Winnipesaukee do not leave. I rented a kayak there and I padded over the water while the sun slept over the mountains. The lake is huge, and the water is so clear that you can almost see the basic structure of the boats. If you're lucky, you'll meet one of the many sailors who spend their weekends here – a sight that's almost as calming as the sum of a bee in the summer.
Another point I repeatedly mention is that Mount Washington Auto Road. Yeah, that's the road that leads you to the highest peak in the northeast, and yes, the weather up there can change faster than your mood when you're in the dam. I went up there in August, and just before I reached the summit, a fog came up, which dipped the panorama into a spooky grey – a perfect example of why some people don't understand the hype around the mountain, but the view is still fantastic.
If you're looking for a cultural boost in Goshen Township, look at this Goshen Center for the Arts on. It is a small venue that presents local artists and occasionally hosts a jazz concert. I was there on a Friday night when a group of students played an improvised piece – that was so honest and raw that I almost felt I was part of a secret society.
At the end of my small tour through New Hampshire Attractions and the tranquil Goshen Township I must say that both places have their own, slightly cynical charm. While New Hampshire is almost exaggerated with its dramatic nature, Goshen offers a calm, almost nostalgic present that reminds you that not every trip has to strive for spectacular views – sometimes an old school hall is enough to warm the heart.
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