Stereotypes nowadays seem to be prominent wherever you go. I find that regardless of your personality people initially perceive you in a way that is suiting to the place you are from. So, for example, when I state that I come from a small town in New Hampshire, most view me as a farmer, hill-billie, or some nature freak. News flash: none of those names are remotely close to my character nor are they reflective of the activities I am involved in. Long story short, New Hampshire is not just for farming and "red-neck activities" like the stereotypes depict. There is actually a lot to do in this smaller state that the rest of American society does not know about because they never dared to venture here.

Overall, New Hampshire is pretty bomb (otherwise known as cool for those of you that don't understand). There are copious amounts of things to do, which may come as a shocker to those of you that think this state is nothing but vast amounts of farmland and trees. Come on now, we too have evolved into a pretty awesome state, and most importantly, we keep up with modern times. For instance, there are plenty of shopping malls and restaurants...we even have local coffee shops (one of my favorite aspects about this state). In fact, the majority of our smaller cities are made up of unique restaurants and boutiques. So there is a large variety to choose from. Not only do the local businesses create authenticity, they bring a sense of home to our cities, which are indeed small but cute and lively. And if the city doesn't quite do anything special for you, then escape to the country side, which is really just a bunch of small towns. One of the great things about New Hampshire is that each small town has its own vibe to it, each location suits a different type of personnel.

In this state, there are a plethora of landscapes, all a short drive away. New Hampshire is often well known for its mountains, which attract a lot of hikers. However, there are a variety of large lakes and state parks that tourists from all over come to see during our summer months. Most importantly, in my personal opinion, the coast is an absolute must considering I visit the beach regularly throughout the year. Within New Hampshire, there is a huge stretch of beaches that goes on for about fifteen miles, each bringing on a different feel. Want a relaxing family day? Go to Wallasand's. How about a local surfing spot? Definitely check out Jeness Beach in Rye or Pirate's Cove. And for the tourist looking to shop on the strip, see Hampton Beach.

In the grand scheme of things, New Hampshire is not the typical farmer or hippie state people perceive it as. Yes, of course, there are a lot of small towns that contain certain stereotypes, but in the end that doesn't make our state guilty of these characterisitcs. New Hampshire has a lot to offer so don't knock it until you visit. See for yourself whether or not it's right for you, and until you do, don't be the one to judge based on stereotypes.