Sandown offers several ways to explore local history and activities: a meeting house that has remained largely intact since the colonial era, a historic railroad depot with a museum, a winery with a bistro, and a multi-use rail trail. This lets you prioritize different interests when planning your trip. The historical exhibits, changing events calendar and rail trail connections each tell a different part of Sandown’s story.
Meeting House and Railroad History
The Sandown Meeting House was built in 1773 to replace a smaller building. It has remained largely unchanged since the colonial era and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its long-standing condition and early construction date make the building a notable place to visit if you are interested in the town’s history.
Another historical connection leads to the Nashua & Rochester Railroad, which was built through Sandown in 1874. The depot ceased to be used as a train station in 1934, was acquired and restored by the town in 1977, and now houses the nonprofit Sandown Historical Society & Museum. The depot is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Exhibits at the Sandown Historical Society & Museum
The “Life in Sandown” exhibit covers topics ranging from early mills to shoemaking at home. It offers a glimpse into different forms of local work and everyday life. The stationmaster’s office displays an old telegraph machine and original ticket windows. These objects bring the railroad’s history to life: alongside the development of the rail line, the exhibit also focuses on communication technology and ticket sales.
Winery, Bistro and Events
At Zorvino Vineyards, guests can experience the award-winning winery. The bistro serves artisanal, seasonally inspired food. If you would like to pair your visit with a meal, check the bistro’s availability before your trip. This lets you plan this part of your visit around the options actually available.
Zorvino Vineyards’ annual events calendar includes dinner pairings, themed events and comedy shows. Dates vary, so check the calendar if you would like to plan your trip around a particular event. The changing dates make this a separate planning consideration from the historical exhibits and rail trail.
Rail Trail Connections from Sandown
An 18-mile multi-use rail trail that can be used year-round runs through Sandown. At Windham Junction, it connects with the Derry and Windham Rail Trails, which are 8 miles long combined. In Epping, it also connects to the 25-mile Rockingham Recreational Trail, Portsmouth Branch. The three distances help distinguish the sections: 18 miles for the rail trail through Sandown, 8 miles for the Derry and Windham Rail Trails combined, and 25 miles for the Rockingham Recreational Trail.
If Sandown is a possibility as you search for a vacation rental, you can choose the town based on whether local history, a winery visit or cycling is central to your trip. For specific bistro visits and events, check availability or dates in advance.
Explore more destinations: Northwood, North Hampton, Windham, Hampton, Rye, Exeter, Candia, Atkinson
View the broader travel guide: Rockingham.
