One of the best things about New Hampshire is the appreciation of the stranger side of life. There are quite a few wacky and wonderful roadside attractions that get more foot traffic than you might imagine. We think that’s a testament to just how open minded New Hampshirites can be! There’s one particular attraction that we think deserves a little bit of extra love and it can be found hidden near the Manchester Public Library.
Manchester offers tons of food and drink options, as well as plenty of culture. We love all of it, but there’s a small, out-of-the-way alley that surprisingly offers one of our favorite little pieces of culture.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
To find the short passageway head to Elm Street between Manchester Street and Merrimack Street. It begins next to Lala’s Hungarian Pastries.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
Despite its name, the small passage wasn’t always an homage to all things feline.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
It first became known as “Cat Alley” when local C.T. Durgin witnessed a fight between stray cats and somehow the name stuck. This was long before a single cat was painted on the brick wall.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
Eventually a local realtor who had come to appreciate the little alley worked with local businesses to revitalize it.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
With the help of a local artist working with at-risk youth, cat murals were painted all the way down the wall.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
Today it’s become an attraction for no good reason except for the fact that it’s just so unique.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
And, of course, who doesn’t appreciate good local art?
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
Take a stroll down the next time you’re in town and be sure to not only appreciate the art, but also the fact that one man decided to create this project for the good of cat lovers all over New Hampshire!
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
Don’t forget to take a look at the official plaque installed here explaining the project.
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
To see what Cat Alley looks like as you walk through check out this fun video posted on YouTube by Silvester Humaj:
Silvester Humaj / YouTube
Are you a lover of art, but not excited about Cat Alley? We find that hard to believe, but for those who prefer the more historic side of the art world there’s still something for you to see! Few people know the oldest murals in America are hiding right here in New Hampshire.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Cat Alley, Manchester, NH 03101, USA
