Your tour starts just north of Claremont along Route 12A, which parallels the Connecticut River, New Hampshire and Vermont's natural border, with a visit to the home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the noted American sculptor (2 hours). Continue north on Route 12A to Hanover, home of Dartmouth College and the Hood Museum of Art. The museum houses one of the oldest and finest college collections in the country (1 hour).

Lunch in Hanover or travel south on I-89 to Sunapee for a narrated cruise of Lake Sunapee; lunch and a step-on guide for a bus tour around the lake can be included (1 1/2 hours). Don't miss the shopping opportunities along the way in Sunapee Harbor, Guild and New London.

Options for the afternoon can include traveling Route 4 from Hanover to Enfield for a tour of the Museum at Lower Shaker Village and the Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette (1 hour). Continue on to Grafton for a visit to Ruggles Mine, the oldest mica, feldspar and beryl mine in the U.S. (1 hour), and then to Route 11 west to Sunapee for a scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Mt. Sunapee. The observation deck at the top offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day you can even see Mt. Washington (1 1/2 hours).

While you are touring the western side of New Hampshire, explore the Connecticut River Byway; 266 miles in length, it follows New England's most powerful river. You will take in beautiful scenery while being provided with many opportunities to learn about New Hampshire's heritage. More information can be found at http://www.ctrivertravel.net/.