Derry Town Guide: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

Derry is easy to overlook. It sits just off Interstate 93 in southern New Hampshire, and many travelers drive past on their way to the lakes or the mountains. But the town has a remarkable list of claims to fame: a poet's farmhouse that became a National Historic Landmark, the birthplace of the first American in space, and a 1719 field said to be the site of the first potato planted in the United States. This guide covers the best things to do in Derry NH, along with places to eat and drink from our directory.

Derry at a glance

Derry is a town in Rockingham County. The 2020 census counted 34,317 residents, which makes it the most populous community in the county and the fourth most populous in the state, even though it is a town and not a city.

The area was first settled in 1719 by Scots-Irish families as part of the town of Londonderry. Derry was formed in 1827 from the eastern portion of Londonderry and, like its parent town, was named after the city of Derry in Ireland. Local history holds that the first potato planted in the United States was sown in the town's common field in 1719.

Derry later became a linen and leather-making center, until New England's textile industries moved south in the 20th century. The town is also home to Pinkerton Academy, founded in 1814 and still operating, which serves as the public high school for Derry and several neighboring towns.

Why Derry is called Spacetown

Derry's nickname is Spacetown. It comes from the fact that the town is the birthplace of Alan Shepard (1923 to 1998), the first American astronaut in space. The nickname is a fun reminder that this quiet commuter town has a place in national history, and it makes a good conversation starter with kids on the drive in.

The Robert Frost Farm

The top attraction in town is the Robert Frost Farm Historic Site, run by New Hampshire State Parks at 122 Rockingham Road. Robert Frost lived on the farm with his family from 1900 to 1911, in a property his grandfather bought for him. Frost, a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, attributed many of his poems to memories of the Derry years, according to the state park.

The farmhouse is a simple two-story white clapboard building typical of New England in the 1880s; it was built in 1884. The property is now a National Historic Landmark. The state park offers tours, displays, a trail and poetry readings, with seasonal programs from spring through fall. Tours are small, so reserving ahead is wise. Pets are not permitted on the grounds.

The farm also connects to Frost's poems in a direct way. The state park's own resources point visitors to Hyla Brook, the Mending Wall and the orchard, all names Frost readers will recognize. Walking the property with a book of his poems is one of the more memorable literary outings in New England.

Season note: The farm is a seasonal site. Check the New Hampshire State Parks page for the current operating schedule before you visit, especially in late fall.

Wine and drinks

Appolo Vineyards

Appolo Vineyards on Lawrence Road describes itself as New Hampshire's destination for premium dry wines. According to its website, the winery specializes in cold-climate grapes grown in no-spray vineyards and makes vegan wines with minimal intervention. It has been producing wines since 2012, with a range that runs from sparkling rose to dry whites and reds, and it has an outdoor tasting room set among the vines. The winery also says it was the first in New Hampshire to be recognized as a sustainable craft beverage business. Reservations are recommended, and it is veteran owned.

A vineyard visit pairs well with the Frost Farm for a relaxed afternoon in Derry, particularly in late summer and early fall.

Where to eat in Derry

Amphora Restaurant and Taverna

Amphora on Crystal Avenue serves Greek cuisine. Its website describes a taverna with a rotating selection of Greek wine, local craft beer on draft and specialty cocktails, plus live music, a patio, and catering. The taverna space can host functions for up to 40 guests. It is a good pick for a sit-down dinner after a day of sightseeing.

MaryAnn's Diner

MaryAnn's Diner on East Broadway is part of a small group of diners with locations in Derry, Salem, Amherst and Windham. Its website notes that the outside gives off a 1950s look, and reviews posted there mention big portions and milkshakes. A diner breakfast is a classic way to start a day trip in southern New Hampshire, and this is the obvious choice in downtown Derry.

Blue House Roast Beef and Pizza

Blue House Roast Beef and Pizza on Birch Street is a casual spot for pizza, calzones, subs, wraps and dinner plates. Its website highlights hot roast beef, steak tips and chicken kabobs, and it offers catering.

Getting outside

Derry has room to get outdoors without leaving town. The old Manchester and Lawrence branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad ran through Derry, and most of that line in town is now a rail trail. The Rockingham Recreational Trail, another rail trail, also runs through the area toward Fremont. Rail trails are flat and easy, which makes them good for families, walkers and cyclists.

The Taylor Mill State Historic Site, a reconstructed water-powered sawmill, is another historic stop in town. Check New Hampshire State Parks for any current information before you plan a visit.

A suggested day in Derry

• Morning: Breakfast at MaryAnn's Diner downtown, then a walk on the rail trail.
• Late morning: A reserved tour of the Robert Frost Farm, followed by a walk on the farm's trail.
• Afternoon: A tasting at Appolo Vineyards, among the vines.
• Evening: Greek dinner at Amphora, or roast beef and pizza at Blue House for something casual.

Planning tips

• Reserve ahead. Both the Frost Farm tours and Appolo Vineyards recommend reservations.
• Go in season. The Frost Farm is seasonal, and an outdoor tasting room is best in warm weather.
• Pair Derry with a neighbor. Londonderry and Windham are next door, and Manchester is a short drive north, so Derry fits easily into a longer southern New Hampshire trip.
• Bring a book. A collection of Frost's poems makes the farm visit far richer.

FAQ

What is Derry, NH known for?

Derry is known as the home of the Robert Frost Farm, where the poet lived from 1900 to 1911, and as the birthplace of astronaut Alan Shepard, which gives the town its nickname, Spacetown.

Can you tour Robert Frost's house in Derry?

Yes. The Robert Frost Farm Historic Site offers tours during its season. Tours are small, so reserve ahead.

How many people live in Derry, NH?

The 2020 census counted 34,317 residents, making Derry the most populous community in Rockingham County.

Are there wineries in Derry, NH?

Yes. Appolo Vineyards on Lawrence Road makes dry wines from cold-climate grapes and has an outdoor tasting room.

When was Derry founded?

The area was settled in 1719 as part of Londonderry, and Derry became its own town in 1827.

Sources

• Derry, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 census, 1719 settlement, 1827 founding, potato history, Pinkerton Academy, Spacetown, rail trails, Taylor Mill): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derry,_New_Hampshire
• Robert Frost Farm Historic Site, NH State Parks: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/historic-sites/robert-frost-farm-historic-site
• Robert Frost Farm (Derry, New Hampshire), Wikipedia (built 1884, National Historic Landmark): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Frost_Farm_(Derry,_New_Hampshire)
• Appolo Vineyards: https://www.appolovineyards.com/
• Amphora Restaurant and Taverna: https://www.amphoranh.com/
• MaryAnn's Diner: https://maryannsdiner.com/
• Blue House Roast Beef and Pizza: https://www.bluehousederry.com/