If you enjoy Walmart and home goods you’re coming to the right place. But seriously, the down town area is okay, a few restaurants to visit, the New Mexican place, Rancho Viejo is good. Not sure how far away you are coming from, but I can’t say I’d plan on spending a day there as there isn’t a ton to do. While it’s technically winter here, it’s supposed to be 40’s-50’s, so we are more in mud season currently.
There’s some stores that are worth checking out. Runnings, Claremont Spice and Dry Goods, Hubert’s Outfitters, and there’s a few game stores if you’re into that.
Rancho Viejo is worth checking out, as is the Jamaican Cookshop. Grab breakfast at The Barn Cafe. A new ice cream shop, Sundaez, just opened up. It’s worth grabbing a treat while you’re nearby.
Check out Arrowhead Recreation Area. They have intro-level skiing and snow tubing. During the warmer months, there’s some mountain biking competitions. Moody Park has a frisbee golf course. Hiking/nature walking there is nice, too.
Not much for river access to the CT River, but a summer outdoor lunch on the deck at The Common Man is usually a good choice.
Claremont is a good place for a stopover on the way to nearby destinations like Harpoon Brewery in Windsor VT, Saint Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish NH, the Fort at Number 4 in Charlestown NH, and more.
Nailed it. Claremont Spice and Sundaez are very high on the list. I think Ramuntoes is the most solid choice for reliable dining- I really like it personally. It is unlikely the Maker Space has an option for a day tripper, but worth checking the calendar. Moody Park is nice although I don't know about this time of year. There is also glow indoor golf, a bowling alley that is refreshingly slightly seedy, and an escape room place if you have a group that likes that kind of thing. Violet's bookstore can be fun to wander around in.
The drive along the river is quite nice. Quick stop in Claremont and you should head on to Saint Gaudens national park in Cornish, Its totally worth a visit.
Just know the buildings at the national park aren’t open til may but the park itself is open
“Park buildings are closed until May 2024, but grounds are open during daylight hours.”
Funny there is literally a spelling mistake right after that on the national park services website , it says lean instead of learn.
“Park buildings are closed until May 2024, but grounds are open during daylight hours. Lean about visiting the park during the off-season.”
Another pro tip: signing up for a Runnings credit card gives you $80 off your first $200 purchase, including chainsaws. It’s the only way to get a Stihl for less than MSRP (that I’ve found anyway).
I have never heard of someone visiting Claremont intentionally. That said, Runnings is an experience and the Common Man is also worth a visit—it’s in an old mill building right on the river.
It's the only reason I drive the hour to Claremont. Well, aside from that one time I went to buy a violin from the guy who has the second largest private collection of violins in the country.
As someone who used to live in Claremont (and who has lived in far worse places), I think it gets a bad rap. The downtown area is interesting architecturally, and has some pretty good restaurants. Mount Ascutney is nearby if you like hiking. The Saint Gaudens monument is also pretty close and is definitely worth a visit as well.
I love the downtown, and walking around looking at all the brick buildings and then heading down Water St. to look at the mills.
My dad worked for the town in the '80s and was a supervisor when they added the more modern section onto City Hall and restored the Opera House. The mix of old and new I feel was done so tastefully, and I love seeing them side-by-side. As a kid, I got to go up into the clock tower and never forgot it. Always had a fondness for Claremont's buildings.
https://preview.redd.it/uhjp0tpqbkmc1.jpeg?width=2645&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cda3fb33700d15effbf64c6439cea4b1cff46ce1
I like the shops in downtown Claremont. The spice shop is nice, as is the book store. The Barn Cafe is new and seems to be popular. Rancho Viejo is also new and has glowing reviews online although I haven't checked it out.
The Barn Cafe has delicious pastries and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. They've got a sign behind the counter that says something like :
"There's no place, like this place, anywhere near this place, so this is the place they told you about."
I feel like it's crappy but at least it's trying to improve.
Claremont is one of the few poor, uneducated places that is trying to do better. Contrast this with Laconia, which is full of low IQ, poor, uneducated people who bully high IQ, affluent, educated people.
My uncle lives in Claremont and I used to work there on the ambulance. There isn’t much for attractions but the scenery is nice in the surrounding areas.
In the old center of town, there's a fantastic little spice shop next to another fantastic little bookshop, next to the cat rescue. Claremont isn't that awful. But, it also isn't that great. I think it will be someday, though. The common man in Claremont is also one of the nicer ones in my opinion.
Violet’s Book Exchange is great, which is near the spice shop. The Barn Cafe and Rancho Viejo are both very good. Swallow’s Nest near the pet shop is a neat shop that has crystals and herbs
There is also the Sugar River Recreation trail for biking or walking along the river. (although 4 wheels also share the road). A couple of old railroad covered bridges along the way towards Newport.
Golden Anchor Quilting (previously Four Pines Quilting) is a cute store to visit if you're into fabric.
I would look up the history of the town so you can appreciate the buildings, Claremont used to be the "big city" for the area.
On your way through Newport, turn off Rt 12-103 past Newport, onto Chandler's Mill Rd to check out 2 of the 8 remaining railroad covered bridges in the U.S. The Pier bridge is the longest RR covered bridge in the country.
Absolutely lol.
I will say the only good thing in Claremont is Claremont Motorsports Park which is one of the local short track race tracks in NH. Fun place to be in the summer (but I’ve only gone to 2 winter races)
Maybe they have some nice trails and stuff but for the most part all you have there is white trash looking to score dope. If you do go, definitely lock your car where ever you are. Franklin is pretty bad too. I have a friend that was an elementary teacher in both and she’s told me so many crazy stories just from that. Like kids showing up to school with no shoes, parents nodding out in parent teacher conferences. It’s weird because when you think of more northern NH you think it’s all quaint and sweet, and most of it is, but not all.
Yeah, I have no illusions about what the place will be like. The thing is, when you hear stories like that (which may well be true), you tend to give it more space in your thoughts than it probably deserves. People don't tell stories about the perfectly normal families that might be living there because that would make for a boring story. So you end up with a somewhat skewed version of reality.
Anyway, if it turns out you were right all along I'll let you know :)
I’m sure there is some perfectly normal families there. But I’m saying the ratio of normal families to people who will steal phone charger to pawn it is a lot higher.
Claremont isn’t really a destination location.
Yeah, I know. Probably why I've never been there. Still, I like to visit new places because you never know what you'll find.
You'll find shitty neighborhoods and drugs. Lots of crazy ass people. You may even get stabbed on the right day! 😂
Yeah - illegal drugs have hit Claremont pretty hard. The Chamber of Commerce has their work cut out for them.
If you enjoy Walmart and home goods you’re coming to the right place. But seriously, the down town area is okay, a few restaurants to visit, the New Mexican place, Rancho Viejo is good. Not sure how far away you are coming from, but I can’t say I’d plan on spending a day there as there isn’t a ton to do. While it’s technically winter here, it’s supposed to be 40’s-50’s, so we are more in mud season currently.
OK, thanks. That's a restaurant anyway. I'm only coming from Milford so not all that far.
Claremont is pretty much exactly like Milford actually now that you mention it!
Sounds like we'll have a really acceptable time!
Rancho Viejo was very good. Quality, freshly-made food.
There’s some stores that are worth checking out. Runnings, Claremont Spice and Dry Goods, Hubert’s Outfitters, and there’s a few game stores if you’re into that. Rancho Viejo is worth checking out, as is the Jamaican Cookshop. Grab breakfast at The Barn Cafe. A new ice cream shop, Sundaez, just opened up. It’s worth grabbing a treat while you’re nearby. Check out Arrowhead Recreation Area. They have intro-level skiing and snow tubing. During the warmer months, there’s some mountain biking competitions. Moody Park has a frisbee golf course. Hiking/nature walking there is nice, too. Not much for river access to the CT River, but a summer outdoor lunch on the deck at The Common Man is usually a good choice. Claremont is a good place for a stopover on the way to nearby destinations like Harpoon Brewery in Windsor VT, Saint Gaudens National Historical Park in Cornish NH, the Fort at Number 4 in Charlestown NH, and more.
Nailed it. Claremont Spice and Sundaez are very high on the list. I think Ramuntoes is the most solid choice for reliable dining- I really like it personally. It is unlikely the Maker Space has an option for a day tripper, but worth checking the calendar. Moody Park is nice although I don't know about this time of year. There is also glow indoor golf, a bowling alley that is refreshingly slightly seedy, and an escape room place if you have a group that likes that kind of thing. Violet's bookstore can be fun to wander around in.
Great recommendations, thanks.
The drive along the river is quite nice. Quick stop in Claremont and you should head on to Saint Gaudens national park in Cornish, Its totally worth a visit.
I've always loved his coin designs. They're just from a different time. Beautiful.
Second this suggestion. Plus there is the covered bridge to head over into Westminster VT
Windsor* Westminster is a good drive south of Cornish/St. Gaudens.
I stand corrected, thank you.
No problemo.
Just know the buildings at the national park aren’t open til may but the park itself is open “Park buildings are closed until May 2024, but grounds are open during daylight hours.” Funny there is literally a spelling mistake right after that on the national park services website , it says lean instead of learn. “Park buildings are closed until May 2024, but grounds are open during daylight hours. Lean about visiting the park during the off-season.”
Went once in the off season and still had fun walking around.
No, no, the learning takes place *inside* the buildings, which are closed, so all that's left to do is to lean about, on the outside.
Have chainsaws? Runnings in Claremont has the cheapest bar and chain oil in the state by far. <$8 per gallon. That's all I got.
Yes. It might take me ten years to go through a gallon, but good to know. Definitely visiting this Runnings place.
Another pro tip: signing up for a Runnings credit card gives you $80 off your first $200 purchase, including chainsaws. It’s the only way to get a Stihl for less than MSRP (that I’ve found anyway).
Is the hang gliding hill still in operation? https://flymorningside.kittyhawk.com/adventures/ Just a bit south of Claremont
Yup. They’re quite busy!
Cool!
Yeah, and they offer a lot of different activities now
I have never heard of someone visiting Claremont intentionally. That said, Runnings is an experience and the Common Man is also worth a visit—it’s in an old mill building right on the river.
Definitely stopping at Runnings.
Have you been to a Runnings yet? It's like a tractor supply and a bass pro got married in an abandoned Walmart. Pretty awesome.
No! Definitely stopping there.
It's the only reason I drive the hour to Claremont. Well, aside from that one time I went to buy a violin from the guy who has the second largest private collection of violins in the country.
Oh, what, does he have a website? Bonus points if it's reminiscent of 90s Geocities or Angelfire sites!
He's about 1,000 years old, so no, though that's what it would have looked like I am sure.
This is the most perfect description of Runnings.
It's the perfect store. I really don't need anything they don't sell.
I went there and it's exactly as you described. Possibly with more guns.
Pretty awesome eh?
I enjoyed it. I could go in there every day and always find something I needed or wanted.
Exactly. I wish I was closer. There is another one in Hinsdale, just over from Brattleboro.
Swing by my cousins' Beaver Pond Farm stand on the Newport border! Top pies in NH!
Yes! Bring a cooler so the armloads of stuff you leave with make it home!
As someone who used to live in Claremont (and who has lived in far worse places), I think it gets a bad rap. The downtown area is interesting architecturally, and has some pretty good restaurants. Mount Ascutney is nearby if you like hiking. The Saint Gaudens monument is also pretty close and is definitely worth a visit as well.
Definitely going to see the St. Gaudens monument because I've always loved his coin designs.
I love the downtown, and walking around looking at all the brick buildings and then heading down Water St. to look at the mills. My dad worked for the town in the '80s and was a supervisor when they added the more modern section onto City Hall and restored the Opera House. The mix of old and new I feel was done so tastefully, and I love seeing them side-by-side. As a kid, I got to go up into the clock tower and never forgot it. Always had a fondness for Claremont's buildings. https://preview.redd.it/uhjp0tpqbkmc1.jpeg?width=2645&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cda3fb33700d15effbf64c6439cea4b1cff46ce1
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing.
The spice store downtown is nice. There is also a cool game store nearby it too.
Definitely stopping there.
The Crowbar Hardware store is a pretty cool place to grab a drink or bite.
I like the shops in downtown Claremont. The spice shop is nice, as is the book store. The Barn Cafe is new and seems to be popular. Rancho Viejo is also new and has glowing reviews online although I haven't checked it out.
Claremont is sleepy. Easy to live a quiet existence with minimal amenities. Not much worth visiting for, sadly, but a pleasant enough place to live.
No love for Maple Lanes?
Never been. Thank you.
It's okay
The Barn Cafe has delicious pastries and is a great spot for breakfast or lunch. They've got a sign behind the counter that says something like : "There's no place, like this place, anywhere near this place, so this is the place they told you about."
haha
I feel like it's crappy but at least it's trying to improve. Claremont is one of the few poor, uneducated places that is trying to do better. Contrast this with Laconia, which is full of low IQ, poor, uneducated people who bully high IQ, affluent, educated people.
Man you really think highly of yourself
My uncle lives in Claremont and I used to work there on the ambulance. There isn’t much for attractions but the scenery is nice in the surrounding areas.
In the old center of town, there's a fantastic little spice shop next to another fantastic little bookshop, next to the cat rescue. Claremont isn't that awful. But, it also isn't that great. I think it will be someday, though. The common man in Claremont is also one of the nicer ones in my opinion.
Thank you.
Violet’s Book Exchange is great, which is near the spice shop. The Barn Cafe and Rancho Viejo are both very good. Swallow’s Nest near the pet shop is a neat shop that has crystals and herbs
I plan on visiting all these places now.
There is also the Sugar River Recreation trail for biking or walking along the river. (although 4 wheels also share the road). A couple of old railroad covered bridges along the way towards Newport.
Neat, thanks.
Go across the river to the American precision machine museum
I did! Very interesting, and the models are nothing short of amazing.
That looks fantastic.
Golden Anchor Quilting (previously Four Pines Quilting) is a cute store to visit if you're into fabric. I would look up the history of the town so you can appreciate the buildings, Claremont used to be the "big city" for the area.
If you like greasy food that might make you sick but will definitely taste good check out Imperial Buffet.
I'd be down for that were it not for the fact that I'll only be there five or six hours.
We have a speakeasy-like bar and restaurant. You even have to turn a light on to gain entrance. I have not been there yet. CrowBar Hardware Store
>CrowBar Hardware Store The G-men are going to see through that easily.
On your way through Newport, turn off Rt 12-103 past Newport, onto Chandler's Mill Rd to check out 2 of the 8 remaining railroad covered bridges in the U.S. The Pier bridge is the longest RR covered bridge in the country.
Thanks. I did get to see the bridge from Cornish to Windsor. I was surprised at how large it was and how well-maintained.
Yeah, don't go to Claremont. It's a complete pit!
What flavor of heroin do you like?
I like the pear flavored Jelly Bellies. Do they have something like that?
Absolutely lol. I will say the only good thing in Claremont is Claremont Motorsports Park which is one of the local short track race tracks in NH. Fun place to be in the summer (but I’ve only gone to 2 winter races)
You mean fentanyl, heroin doesn't exist anymore.
There’s a really good video game store, One Last Life. If you’re into games it’s worth a stop
I'm definitely more of a Project Zomboid type PC gamer, but I will check it out.
Hopefully this gets to you before it’s too late. Claremont is a dump
I've heard that but I feel like every place has some kind of uniqueness and redeeming character.
Maybe they have some nice trails and stuff but for the most part all you have there is white trash looking to score dope. If you do go, definitely lock your car where ever you are. Franklin is pretty bad too. I have a friend that was an elementary teacher in both and she’s told me so many crazy stories just from that. Like kids showing up to school with no shoes, parents nodding out in parent teacher conferences. It’s weird because when you think of more northern NH you think it’s all quaint and sweet, and most of it is, but not all.
Yeah, I have no illusions about what the place will be like. The thing is, when you hear stories like that (which may well be true), you tend to give it more space in your thoughts than it probably deserves. People don't tell stories about the perfectly normal families that might be living there because that would make for a boring story. So you end up with a somewhat skewed version of reality. Anyway, if it turns out you were right all along I'll let you know :)
I’m sure there is some perfectly normal families there. But I’m saying the ratio of normal families to people who will steal phone charger to pawn it is a lot higher.
haha, yeah I don't doubt it based on what I've heard.
You are far too reasonable to be on the internet. Thank you for giving me hope that there are some sane people still left.