7 Things You Didn’t Know About Manchester, NH
Learn what makes Manchester such a unique and exciting city.
Manchester, NH, has a unique flair that can’t be matched. From its love of chicken tenders and tacos to its collection of feline murals, this city offers a distinct, inviting atmosphere that draws both eyes and hearts.
“Manchester has a vibrant arts and creative community that fosters the development of unique cultural distinctions, spaces and events,” says Jodie Nazaka, director of the Manchester Economic Development Office.
A great example of a leader in the creative community is Nick Lavallee of Wicked Joyful, which is known for its custom action figures and 1980s, 1990s and 2000s vintage and pop culture. He’s working to ensure his hometown is recognized for its positive, quirky attributes.
Many incredible events have taken place in Manchester, including, but not limited to, the fact that Adam Sandler hails from here, and the fact that the inventor of the home video game console once called this place home, Lavallee says.
Eager to find out more unique things about this fun, charming community? Here are seven things you didn’t know about Manchester, NH.
In This Article
1. The Chicken Tender Capital of the World
Manchester is the Chicken Tender Capital of the World, thanks in large part to Lavallee, who spoke it into existence in 2020 on MSNBC, brought it before a Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting in 2022, and finally, read the official proclamation at a Fisher Cats game on July 27, 2023. The Fisher Cats – the city’s minor league baseball team – even rebranded as the Manchester Chicken Tenders for the momentous occasion.
This pretty cool moniker isn’t just for fun. The chicken tender originated in 1974 at Puritan Backroom, a Manchester family-owned restaurant.
“There are now several generations of people in Manchester who don’t remember a time before the chicken tender,” Lavallee says. “The chicken tender has always been there through thick and thin for all of us. It’s representative of who we are as people, specifically the Manchester-style tender dipped in its signature duck sauce. Authentically, Manchester is that combination of a little salty, but plenty sweet.”
While the city pays homage to Puritan, it celebrates tenders at restaurants citywide, like Goldenrod Restaurant, Red Arrow Diner and Shaskeen Pub.
Lavallee believed in the initiative so much, he made merch to get the community involved.
“At the end of the day, I wanted the community at large to find pride in being from or living in Manchester, NH,” he says. “So why not The Chicken Tender Capital of the World, or Tender Town? It’s a double entendre because the chicken tender, but I also think we have a tender heart.”
Be on the lookout for exciting news relating to the 50th anniversary of chicken tenders in 2024.
2. The World’s Largest Taco Tour
If tenders weren’t enough, the Queen City also hosts the world’s largest taco tour annually, where 90+ restaurants set up shop on Elm Street, slinging $3 tacos to spectators. In 2023, the event drew 20,000 visitors.
“Taco Tour is something that is recognized throughout the country,” says Cole Riel, Taco Tour director. “We get participants putting it all on the line to make Manchester unique. The event generates millions of positive impressions.”
Riel, who is also the small business and community development director for the Greater Manchester Chamber, also sees the tour as a way to get more people into local businesses.
“78% of people who attend the event say they’ve found a new restaurant after eating a taco from somewhere they’d never heard of,” he says. “Opportunities like that to grow our community and keep the momentum going are amazing.”
Taco Tour showcases the city’s creativity, with businesses participating in clever ways, like a ceramics studio making taco holders or a sushi joint crafting a tempura and seaweed taco.
“The Taco Tour highlights Manchester’s thriving food scene, showcasing the city’s love for culinary exploration and diverse dining experiences,” Nazaka says.
3. Two Frank Lloyd Wright Homes
The Currier Museum of Art showcases works of art from the Renaissance through present day, including pieces by Claude Monet, Edward Hopper and Pablo Picasso. It’s also the only art museum in the world to house two Frank Lloyd Wright homes.
Both homes were built in the 1950s when Wright’s domestic architecture reshaped American home design. Accessible by guided tour, the Kalil House and Zimmerman House are the only Wright buildings open to the public in New England.
4. The Millyard: From Jeans to Genes
Manchester was originally laid out as a manufacturing center, largely known for the Amoskeag Manufacturing Co., which grew to become the largest textile mill in the country. Amoskeag was the original manufacturer of the denim for Levi’s 501 jeans.
While Millyard Museum offers more insight into the city’s milling history, the Millyard is also home to some modern manufacturing, specifically of human tissues and organs. Organamet Bio is working with BioFabUSA to create human hearts under the direction of cell-therapy scientist Doris Taylor at the Millyard.
5. Cat Alley
Cat Alley, which features creative cat murals and has long been a spot of whimsy in Manchester, is said to have been named by a local businessman who noticed the alleyway was full of rivaling street cats. In 2022, Cat Alley underwent a revitalization, showcasing 18 new murals while also restoring some of the original artwork. As part of this refresh, additional lighting was installed to illuminate the alley during evening hours. A metal archway at the Elm Street entrance and a digital sign were introduced, thanks to a private investment made by Orbit Group.
“This revival ignites creativity and serves as a platform to promote the artists’ work,” Nazaka says. “It provides a fresh reason for individuals traveling through the area or visiting Manchester to venture into the downtown district and discover this beloved space, which has captured the hearts of many.”
6. The Father of the Video Game: Ralph Baer
Manchester’s Baer Square, which features a bench and a bronze statue of the late Ralph Baer, serves as a tribute to the engineer. In 1966, while working for Sanders Associates Inc., Baer began to investigate how to play games on a television. Between 1967 and 1969, he and colleagues Bill Harrison and Bill Rusch created several video game test units from a secret workshop funded by an intrigued Sanders Associates boss.
The result was “brown box,” a prototype for the first multiplayer video game system, built in 1968 and patented in 1969. It was licensed to Magnavox and sold as Odyssey. This paved the way for all subsequent video game consoles.
7. Movies and Concerts in the Park
Did you know you can enjoy free movies and concerts at Veteran’s Memorial Park? Throughout the summer, Veterans Park screens flicks and hosts a variety of music artists. Patrons are invited to bring blankets, chairs and snacks for a family-friendly evening. You’ll want to return time and time again.
This article was sponsored by the Manchester Economic Development Office.
