Nashua, second largest city in New Hampshire, is characterized by urbane amenities in a traditional New England setting. At its heart is Main Street and the Nashua River with stores and restaurants radiating out from its core. More than 100 shops and 35 restaurants meet every whim imaginable. And, there's no sales tax.

Countless shopping venues are scattered outside the Downtown area. The Daniel Webster Highway, Amherst Street, and Pheasant Lane Mall ( with a million square feet of retail space) attract shoppers like honey attracts flies. People travel from all over New England to come to the land of zero sales tax.

Nashua is rich with culture. Old mills have been converted to gallery space, forming what is now Bilancia Gallery and Framing on Pearl Street, the artistic soul of the city. Nashua has its own ballet theater and symphony. And, it's nationally-renown Spartan's Drum and Bugle Corps has just passed its Golden Anniversary in 2005.

This city was constructed with fun in mind. Town parks have facilities for nature walks, ice skating, and sledding. There are also excellent facilities for camping, boating, and fishing within the area.

The Groton Road Country Club on Route 11A has a 9-hole course that's open to the public. And, a peaceful stroll along the paths of the 325-acre Mine Falls Park that follows the Merrimack River for 20 miles makes for a pleasant summer's afternoon.

For those who enjoy spectator sports instead, the Nashua Pride Professional Baseball Team plays at the Historic Holman Stadium in town.

Inclement weather makes no impact on the fun here. There are plenty of indoor recreational activities to keep everyone smiling, whether it's tennis, bowling, swimming, ice skating, or rock climbing.

Nashua is located 18 miles from Manchester.