One of my absolute favorite things to do when I am out riding around is to find roadside oddities and attractions. I have been known to make many a U-turn while driving down the road. This page will be dedicated to any roadside attractions that I have found in the state of New Hampshire.
It will be a constant work in progress as I will add new oddities and attractions every time I find one. Make sure you check back often for new updates. Better yet, subscribe to my site so you will be informed each time content is added. Don’t worry, no spam here. I only send out emails once a week, usually on Fridays. Subscribe Here.
Blair Covered Bridge
Location: Blair Rd
City: Campton
Region of State Located: Central
Google Maps Pin
Spanning the Pemigewasset River in Campton, the Blair Covered Bridge is a breathtaking 293-foot landmark that stands as a testament to New Hampshire’s resilient spirit. Originally built in 1869 to replace a predecessor destroyed by a tropical storm, this historic Long truss bridge is one of the longest in the state. It has weathered its own share of modern challenges, including a major restoration following the devastating floods of Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. Today, the bridge remains a functional piece of infrastructure and a premier destination for photographers, offering a quintessential New England scene where rustic timber meets the vibrant, changing colors of the White Mountains landscape
Friendship Covered Bridge
Location: 32 Wentworth Village Rd
City: Wentworth
Region of State Located: West/Central
Google Maps Pin
Tucked away in the quiet town of Wentworth, the Friendship Covered Bridge is a charming 70-foot span that crosses the South Branch of the Baker River. Though it serves as a picturesque example of the classic Town lattice truss design, this particular bridge is a modern reconstruction, built in the late 1970s to replace an original structure from 1867 that had succumbed to age and the elements. Its name reflects the tight-knit community spirit of the region, and its position over the clear, rocky waters of the Baker River makes it a hidden gem for those seeking a more peaceful, less-traveled alternative to the state’s more famous covered bridges.
Giant Hot Dog
Location: 39 Warwick Rd
City: Winchester
Region of State Located: South/West
Google Maps Pin
Standing as a salty sentinel for hungry travelers, the Giant Wooden Hot Dog of Winchester was once the undisputed king of Warwick Road. This larger-than-life chainsaw carving sat proudly outside the former Third Base Burger Bar, greeting patrons with its rustic, hand-hewn charm. Though the restaurant has since closed and the carving has moved on to “greener pastures,” it remains a legendary piece of Monadnock Region roadside lore, a reminder of a time when a six-foot-tall wooden frankfurter was all the advertising a good burger joint ever needed.
The giant hot dog was actually a chainsaw carving, handcrafted with a rugged, folk-art charm that fit perfectly in the New Hampshire woods. Unlike the shiny fiberglass “Hot Dog Man” statues seen elsewhere, this one had visible wood grain and a personality all its own. For over a decade, it served as the unofficial mascot for the diner and burger bar, often dressed up or decorated by the locals.
The Third Base Burger Bar closed its doors a few years ago (around 2021-2022), and the building has since transitioned into a new chapter.
- The Fate of the Frank: When the restaurant changed hands, the giant carving was moved. These types of large-scale wood carvings are susceptible to the harsh New England winters, and many eventually “retire” to private collections or indoor storage to prevent rot.
- The Replacement: The location currently houses a different business, and while the building is still there, the iconic “meat on a pedestal” has vanished from the curb.
Lumberjack
Location: 11 Hammonds Way
City: Orange
Region of State Located: West/Central
Google Maps Pin
Standing proudly at the gateway to the Hammond Lumber facility, this towering lumberjack is a classic piece of commercial roadside art. While not as massive as the 31-foot Paul Bunyan in Bangor, this 12-foot figure perfectly captures the heritage of the New Hampshire timber industry. Dressed in a traditional red-and-black plaid flannel shirt, denim work pants, and a warm knit cap, he holds his trusty axe at his side, perpetually ready to head into the woods of the Monadnock region.
Resilient Folk Art: Unlike the carved hot dog in Winchester, this lumberjack is built to withstand the heavy snows and ice of the New Hampshire winters, maintaining his vibrant colors and steady gaze year-round.
A Modern “Muffler Man”: Though he isn’t one of the vintage 1960s fiberglass giants, he follows in that grand tradition of using a “Big Man” to mark a local business. He serves as both a mascot for the Hammond family business and a landmark for locals giving directions.
The “Town Line” Guardian: Because the facility sits so close to the border, people in both Orange and Canaan claim him as their own. He’s often the first thing people notice when turning off the main road toward the lumber yard.
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