Manchester, NH: A Day in the Life

Provided by MEDO

There is much to love about life in Manchester, NH. From its craft brew scene and diverse restaurants to its quirky qualities, like being the Chicken Tender Capital of the World and having an entire alley dedicated to cats. Residents can make every day their own here, thanks to Manchester, NH’s, great jobs, outdoor recreation, variety of groups and clubs, and growing entertainment scene.

To give you an insider’s view of the city and the kind of life you can build here, two residents, Corinne Benfield, executive director of Stay Work Play NH, an organization that works to attract and retain talent, and Peter Winslow, a Realtor for Choice Realty, share what a typical weekday looks like for them in Manchester, NH.

Corinne Benfield
Stay Work Play NH

Corinne Benfield grew up in the Manchester area. After attending college in Georgia, she decided to return to New Hampshire and has lived in Manchester since 2015. Living with her husband and two dogs, she mainly works remotely for Stay Work Play NH.

Her day in Manchester, NH, begins with coffee

Benfield usually likes to start her day with a cup of coffee at William & Sons Coffee Co.

“I typically bring my laptop there, and I work from the cafe,” she says. “The staff is friendly, personable, and there’s a neighborhood vibe.”

Benfield also appreciates the coffee shop for its remote work culture, where many others work alongside her.

 When it’s time for a break, Benfield likes to go down Elm Street for lunch.

“My favorite spot right now is Thai Food Connection,” she says, adding that she appreciates its authentic meals.

After lunch, she returns home to finish her workday.

After work, it’s time to exercise

An avid hot yoga fan, she has tried several studios in the city. HOTWORX on Hanover Street is her current favorite, though she also enjoys Humble Warrior Power Yoga at The Mills. When she is not in a yoga studio, she takes drop-in classes at The Collective Studios in Bedford, which offers Mega workouts. In addition to exercise classes, Benfield plays in a co-ed volleyball league with her husband and friends at the Derryfield School gym on Wednesday nights.

Evening strolls along the trail

After a full day in Manchester, NH, Benfield enjoys filling her evenings by walking her two dogs or running on the Rockingham Recreational Trail. This abandoned railroad corridor is about 3 miles long and is popular for walking, running and biking. Access points include Lake Massabesic, Candia Road and Tarrytown Road.

“It goes by Massabesic Lake and some beautiful wetlands,” she says. “It’s so unique to have that in a midsize city.”

One of its best features is it allows city residents to enjoy the natural surroundings of Lake Massabesic without having to drive.

Peter Winslow
Choice Realty

Peter Winslow was raised in Stratham, NH. He met his wife while attending Villanova University, and after graduation, they moved to Scottsdale, AZ, where she worked as a traveling nurse. Although they enjoyed Arizona, they missed being close to family and moved to Manchester in 2021.

“We have loved becoming a part of the community since getting back here,” he says.

Every day in Manchester, NH, is different as a Realtor

At the start of 2025, Winslow began working as a Realtor for Choice Realty.

“No two days look the same, which is something that I really enjoy,” he says.

He is currently involved in a project under construction that will become a multifamily development in Manchester.

“A typical day might include meeting with engineers, the construction team and my broker, who is helping me with the property management aspects,” he says.

The project he is referring to is the Lamont-Hanley building at Bridge and Elm streets in Manchester. Formerly four stories of law offices, it is now being converted into 36 residential units with a retail storefront.

“It’s been a large undertaking,” he says. “It’s a great location for people who want to live and work in Manchester.”

Restaurants are a great place to make friends

For Winslow, grabbing a bite at a Manchester, NH, restaurant is sure to add fun to any day. His recommendations include Stash Box, Shopper’s Pub + Eatery, and Industry East, which is one of his favorites. 

“They have the nicest staff who make you feel so welcome, and they’ve become some of our best friends over the last few years,” he says. “It’s just a microcosm of what Manchester is.”

He considers Shopper’s Pub + Eatery one of his top choices for a sports bar atmosphere. And Stash Box, Industry East’s sister restaurant, located centrally on Elm Street, is a great spot to visit before events or a game.

Shopping to find hidden gems

For days when shopping is on the agenda, Winslow fancies The Terracotta Room, a plant nursery that features other odds and ends, and Fishtoes, which sells vintage clothing.

“There’s a great vibe in The Terracotta Room. There are so many cool things to look at,” he says.

Community service builds confidence and friends

Sometimes, a typical day in Manchester, NH, for Winslow includes a Queen City Rotary Club meeting or event. In 2025, he decided to get more involved in the community by joining the organization. The club supports local youth by providing grants to groups like Boy Scout troops and Girls at Work, which works to empower girls to feel confident and independent.

“Since joining the organization, it’s really helped me build my confidence,” he says. “It’s helped me make so many more friends in the area.”

This article was sponsored by the Manchester Economic Development Office.