Leaving New York, which one of the first United States coronavirus hotspots with 486,000 total cases and 23,944 deaths, to drive to New Hampshire to stay for a weekend to see the change of seasons was soothing.
Being in New Hampshire with its lower amount of cases lessened the paranoia of leaving the house. My boyfriend and I could go to shops and not feel the insane pressure that came with being in a public setting with other people around us.
Photo Credit: Karina Kovac
Although everyone still has to wear masks in public, I felt greater safety than in New York. Hopefully, the same safety America will reach when the pandemic is over.
It felt like a nice middle ground, be cautious, but for the most part you know you’re going to be okay. Driving to New Hampshire and stopping for gas and food at rest stops was the most we felt endangered.
The Official New Hampshire Government Website asks “Those traveling to New Hampshire from non-New England states for an extended period of time are still asked to self-quarantine for a two-week period.”
Being there Columbus Day weekend, more people from out of town, such as ourselves, were out and about. Raising a few concerns, but ultimately not bothering us too much, besides the traffic they caused. Being from New York, you wonder if you’re the biggest safety concern, but testing negative for the virus, we knew we were fine.
Traffic aside the scenery and sites were beautiful in the autumn colors of green, yellow, orange, and red made the landscape lively pop. The old railroads, in which some are operating, some abandoned, pierce the scenic backdrop and add a vintage feel. The covered bridges inspire a similar feeling of nostalgia.
Photo Credit: Karina Kovac
A must see attraction is the Madison Boulder, the largest known glacial erratic in North America, and among the largest in the world. The New Hampshire Parks website says the boulder is 83 feet in length, 23 feet in height, 37 feet in width, and 5,000 tons. Truly an awing sight to see and stand next to.
Although only in New Hampshire for three days, the transition back to New York was noticeable. Going to the pet store or to get food, I had my guard up more, I was less at ease.
