The Holiday Inn Express was built in Durham out of necessity. Parents and visitors didn’t want to have to book a hotel in Portsmouth and drive to campus every day. So the Holiday Inn Express was built, and now parents can stay extremely close to campus (without being right on campus).

The hotel is new, having been built in 2005 and renovated in 2007. Though the hotel is quite convenient, it’s fairly small with only 68 rooms, so be sure to book your stay as early as possible (especially for move-in, parent’s weekend, homecoming, etc.)

Stay at the Three Chimneys Inn if you want less of a typical hotel and more of an experience. Located right off of campus, it’s an easy walk to Main Street and all the action, but you’re far enough away that you’ll also get a good night’s sleep.

Three Chimneys Inn was built in 2649 and is one of the oldest houses on record in New Hampshire. The hotel has 23 rooms, so if you’re visiting UNH for parent’s weekend or another special occasion, book a room early.

The hotel also features several dining options with delicious food, so make sure you eat at least one meal at Three Chimneys, even if you’re not staying here!

The New England Center allows you to stay right on campus without really feeling like you’re on campus. You won’t have to deal with any noisy students on a Friday night and you’ll feel nice and cozy nestled in the woods.

This hotel is also a busy one during special UNH days and weekends, so be sure to book your room early. Even if you’re not staying here, it would be worth it to check out the hotel’s restaurant, Acorns; the seafood is fabulous.

Libby’s is my favorite UNH restaurant for a nice, but casual dinner. The sandwiches, salads, burgers, and entrees are all fabulous and the bar is extensive. Just don’t stay here too late because Libby’s is also an extremely popular campus bar and before you know it, the restaurant will start filling up with college students looking to party.

Young’s is one of the best spots to get a sit-down breakfast on campus (besides the dining halls, of course). A lot of Durham townies hang out here, but it’s also the ideal spot to meet up with friends for a Sunday morning brunch or even to grab coffee and have a chat with your professor. They also have an extensive lunch menu and offer lots of special deals.

Franz’s Food is one of those eateries that makes you say, “What??” and then you realize what a smart idea it is. Franz built his take-out food spot right in the Durham Laundrymat. He has a little window where you can order some of the best sandwiches and breakfasts anywhere at UNH. A fabulous idea for those waiting for their laundry to finish; but really just fun for anyone hanging out on Main Street.

Plus, Franz is so nice he’ll actually ask about your life and probably even remember what you usually order.

In my UNH days, I was always running into The Bagelry for a coffee, breakfast bagel, or lunch sandwich. It’s one of the things I miss most about UNH- it’s a non-corporate, independent bagel shop that is always delicious.

The Whittemore Center is one of the most popular spots on campus because it’s where all the hockey games take place! In addition, the Whit (as it’s fondly called) contains the student gym, indoor track and basketball courts; and plays host to a huge variety of concerts and events throughout the year.

The UNH bookstore is located in the Mub and carries everything from books (obviously), university apparel, dorm necessities, and more. While the bookstore is fun to visit, most professors at UNH will tell you not to purchase your books here and you’ll probably notice that a lot of the apparel is a bit over-priced.

Many UNH professors will tell you to purchase your books from the Durham Book Exchange on Main Street. The DBE offers lots of deals on used books and is an independent bookstore (whereas the UNH Bookstore is owned by Barnes and Noble).

Hayden Sports is the hot spot on Main Street for purchasing UNH apparel. The shop gives all incoming freshman a free t-shirt during orientation and continues with the deal-giving all year round. Hayden’s has many similar things to the bookstore (and much, much more) but offered at better prices.

I worked at Hayden Sports while at UNH and was always impressed by owner Roger Hayden’s willingness to give students a great deal of responsibility, as well as his constant quest to make quality apparel at an affordable price.