Visitors approaching downtown Manchester, NH from Interstate 293, are struck by the distinctive character of this Victorian city and the seemingly endless complex of historic brick mill buildings lining the banks of the Merrimack River. A bustling icon of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester is the historic site of the world's largest cotton textile mill, the Amoskeag Mills. A century ago, the famous mills employed 15,000 people, produced up to 600 miles of cotton cloth a day, and exported to nations worldwide. Today, this dynamic city has a population of over 100,000 and is conveniently accessible by major transportation routes, including a state-of-the-art airport with six national airlines that serve over three million passengers annually. The economy is based on high tech and manufacturing industries, many of which occupy the marvelous old mill space for a mile along the Merrimack River. With comprehensive service industries, including higher education, financial services, a full range of health care services, and a growing hospitality and tourism sector, the city has transformed itself into a 21st century lifestyle destination.<br> Manchester boasts the largest civic arena in the state, the 10,000 seat Verizon Wireless Arena, which hosts family events, concerts, expos, ice shows, and is home to the Manchester Monarchs hockey team, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. Cultural entertainment includes live performances at the beautifully restored Palace Theatre, listed on the National Register. Manchester is home to the NH Symphony Orchestra, the NH Philharmonic Orchestra, OperaNH, the NH Institute of Art, and the acclaimed Currier Museum of Art. Museums include the Millyard Museum, Manchester Historic Association, Amoskeag Fishways, FIRST, the SEE Science Center, and the Franco American Centre's New Hampshire Hockey Hall of Fame.<br> New Hampshire offers tax-free shopping, so stroll downtown and find a unique gift, from vintage baseball cards to antiques and handcrafted jewelry, in our locally owned retail shops. In downtown Manchester, there are more than 50 restaurants, coffee shops and pubs, and on any given evening, there may be a dozen sites for live entertainment.