Whether you're coming into Concord, New Hampshire for a short vacation or are looking to be a tourist in your own city for a day, there are lots of things to do and see in New Hampshire's capital. Whether you're a history buff in town to see some of the most significant places on America's timeline or are in the mood for a day in the outdoors, this city can find something to keep you interested.

Let's start with the historical elements of the city. The New Hampshire State House is an excellent first stop for anyone looking for information about the city and its attractions, as it's the home of the city's visitor's center. The State House is also a site to see that would impress even the best architect in Toronto to Toledo. The Pierce Manse will show you where the only American president to come from the state of New Hampshire, Franklin Pierce once lived. The home is in the Greek-revival style and was built in the mid-1800s.

If you're someone who would rather look to the future than the past you will probably enjoy the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium. It was named after the New Hampshire schoolteacher who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger. Many of the exhibits are geared towards children but there is a show run daily that is both informative and interesting. If you're in town for a conference and are getting tired of trading business cards, online is a schedule for the exhibits and showings.

Those wanting to experience the outdoors and nature have a number of choices in the Concord area. The Silk Farm Wildlife Sanctuary and Audubon Center is a great spot for the whole family to check out. The trails are ideal for families with smaller children as they are not overly difficult and give them a chance to see nature in an otherwise urban setting. You may even be able to get them to turn off their R&B hip hop music and enjoy the day with their family outdoors.

Minute Man National Park is one of the most breathtaking parks you will see in New England. When you arrive, the trees are covered in daylighting that casts lovely shadows over Battle Road Trail. This was the birthplace of the American Revolution and its North Bridge was even the inspiration for a bridge used at Disneyland in California. There are a number of historic buildings to explore and hiking trails to get you to each one.

Any trip into Concord needs to include a stroll through the city's downtown area. While it's true that there are the usual shops for buying clothing and selling estate jewelry, there are also little gems throughout. Main Street Concord hosts a number of events throughout the year from a Summer Music Festival in July to Midnight Merriment in December. There is also the Capital Center for the Arts, the Concord Public Library and a number of other cultural locations in the area.

For those out for a day in Concord there are lots of things to fill your agenda. Whether you're looking for a vibrant nightlife or a quiet nature walk, there is something in the city just for you.