Check out our favorite beaches and best places to get ice cream.
It looks like we’re in for a hot summer this year, with temperatures already topping 90 degrees! Whether you have young kiddos that you need to keep busy, or older ones home for the summer from college — there is no better way to stay busy AND cool off than a day at the beach with a cold treat!
The beach is one of the best places to visit in the summer because not only is it relaxing, but it is fun, too — and more often than not, you can find ice cream close by. That’s certainly the case when it comes to New Hampshire’s coastline. Though we only have 18 miles of shore to explore, it turns out that’s plenty for both beaches — and ice cream.
We are featuring some of our favorite beaches for you and your family to visit this summer. We’ve also thrown in a few ice cream spots along the way that should make your excursion even sweeter…
Hampton Beach
If you’re looking for a busier and lively experience at the beach, Hampton is the one for you! Hampton is best known for its boardwalk with tons of activities and shops to visit. There are plenty of places to eat — whether you want a quick sweet treat or a sit-down meal. And to top it all off, on some occasions, the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom hosts big-name bands and comedians, so be sure to check for upcoming shows!
Nothing pairs better with a long day at the beach than a nice cold ice cream cone! Luckily, Hampton Beach is just a boardwalk away from two awesome places to get your frozen fix. Stillwell’s Ice Cream is a family-owned shop that offers award-winning ice cream from Richardson’s Farm. If you’ve never had Richardson’s ice cream, you should — it will quickly become your new favorite.
Another great place is Susie’s Sweets, which sells ice cream, candy and smoothies. This place is a must-visit, especially if you have a sweet tooth!
Jenness State Beach
Home of the surfers — Jenness is known for great waves. But that’s not all it’s known for… Summer Sessions is a family-owned surf shop located directly across the street from the state beach. Summer Sessions sells everything from surf gear to casual wear, and beach snacks to breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. They sell acai smoothie bowls which are a healthier alternative to ice cream, however, there is an ice cream place available directly to the right of the store called the Sandpiper Cafe. It’s the perfect spot for a family beach day.
Wallis Sands
Also located in Rye, NH, Wallis Sands is a state park that offers the beach, a bathhouse, and a picnic area. Stroll along the shoreline and, if you’re lucky, you might find sand dollars! Wallis Sands is one of the top beaches to find sand dollars, so pay close attention on your next beach walk. And while you’re visiting Wallis Sands, why not stop in at the Beach Plum? Cool off with an ice cream cone or indulge in a delicious lobster roll — The Beach Plum is the perfect way to end a beach day!
While there are other beaches worth exploring, these three are our team’s summer faves! Not only are they great beaches, but they are also close by to some great restaurants, yummy ice cream places, and souvenir shops.
We hope you have a wonderful summer — and, if you do visit any of our beach or ice cream suggestions, be sure to tag us on social media so we can be part of the fun!
We hope you take full advantage of the summer season and, as always, Franklin Savings Bank is standing by to address your banking needs. Simply give us a call or stop into one of our convenient locations — perhaps on your way to or from the beach!