14 Adorable Small Towns In New Hampshire
The number one thing New Hampshire is known for, Mount Washington, has a peak that is 6,000 feet above sea level. From the top of Mount Washington, on a clear day, you can see the ocean. New Hampshire is also known for having some of the most quaint towns in the northeast, and possibly all of America. Embracing the philosophy that life is too short to worry about the little things and should instead be enjoyed, these adorable towns also have a vibrant and welcoming vibe.
Franconia
Located in Grafton County, near Franconia Notch State Park, the town of Franconia is a wonder to behold. From its small population of around 1,000 people to its quaint Main Street, this town is as American as apple pie and white picket fences. During the summer months, activities abound in Franconia, including exploring the Flume Gorge, hiking in Franconia Notch State Park, grabbing some breakfast with the family at Polly’s Pancake Parlor, and going camping at Lafayette Campground. In the winter, skiing doesn’t get any better than on Cannon Mountain, unless you wish to challenge yourself and skip over to Tuckerman’s Ravine and ski down Mount Washington.
Sugar Hill
Another town in Grafton County not far from Franconia, and the newest town in New Hampshire, the town of Sugar Hill is so adorable and quaint, it even has the word sugar in its name. Despite being small, with a population of less than 1,000 people, Sugar Hill still offers visitors several activities, like sleigh rides and building snow castles in the winter and visiting the Sunset Hill Golf Course in the summer. There is also the Sugar Hill Historic Museum, where you can check out the area's history, and Harman’s Cheese and Country Store, where you can shoot the breeze with the locals.
Chatham
Considered to be a quaint and adorable, small town, to say the least, Chatham boasts less than 500 people and is the epitome of a back-home village. Located in Carroll County, which is aptly known for North Conway, Chatham is most famous for the Emerald Pool, or the Emerald Swimming Hole, just off the Baldface Circle Trail. The Emerald Pool is fed by a 20-foot waterfall, and the water in the pool is deliciously cold, even in the dead of summer. Besides being able to pop over to North Conway for afternoon shopping, Chatham is great for relaxing from the hustle and bustle of city life. And, unlike North Conway, Chatham never fills up with tourists.
Exeter
Located near the rugged coastline of New Hampshire in Rockingham County, the town of Exeter has lots of things to do while still maintaining a small-town vibe. If you are into learning about the past, Exeter has the American Independence Museum and the Gilman Garrison House. Founders Park, Gilman Park, and Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park are also relatively close, for those who love to commune with nature. For a pleasant mix of history and nature, Soleil’s Salt Caves and Gale Park War Memorial & Park are worth a visit. In the evening, if you want to wind down from a busy day, check out The Chocolatier, a specialty and gift shop.
Glen
Ten minutes northwest of North Conway, in Carroll County, Glen is an idyllic town offering visitors a taste of excitement while keeping to its down-home roots. Story Land, one of New Hampshire’s most famous amusement parks, calls the town of Glen home, as does the Covered Bridge Shoppe, a charming specialty and gift shop. Attitash Mountain Resort is also right outside of town if you are up for skiing. Another great find in the town of Glen, adding to the adorable small-town feel, is the Living Shores Aquarium, home to the Asian small-clawed otter.
Hanover
Further to the west, located in Grafton County, the peaceful town of Hanover sits astride the Connecticut River, near Lebanon. With a population of approximately 12,000 people, the town of Hanover possesses several exciting activities, like catching a hockey game with friends or family at the Thompson Arena, while also having several kick-back, relaxing pursuits, like hanging out with the family at Nathan’s Garden, hiking through Colburn Park, or catching a movie at Nugget Theater. If you find yourself hungry after a long day of excitement, Jesse’s Steakhouse and Murphy’s on the Green both offer delicious food.
Hampton Beach
Called the ideal vacation spot on the coast of New Hampshire by some, Hampton Beach is one of those places it would be a crime not to visit, especially during those hot summer months. With several outdoor activities to choose from, like visiting the Hampton Beach State Park, swimming, surfing, and sun-tanning on Hampton Beach, and hitting some golf balls across the golf course, this town has something for everyone. Yet, there is a quieter side to this coastal town, making it as quaint and adorable as it is fun and exciting. There are ample opportunities to lean back and relax on North Beach or check out the Blue Ocean Discovery Center or the Ocean World Oceanarium with the family.
Randolph
One of the hidden gems of New Hampshire, Randolph has great outdoor activities for visitors while still maintaining its peaceful, quaint status as an adorable small town. Located in Coos County, on the northern slopes of the White Mountains, the town of Randolph offers opportunities for skiing in the winter and hiking during the rest of the year. Plus, if you are vacationing alone, with the family, or even with that special someone, Randolph offers guests several different options for excellent lodging, like the Inn at Bowman and Grand View Lodge & Cabins. If you find yourself hungry, check out J’s Corner Restaurant & Lounge in Gorham or the Waterwheel Breakfast and Gift House in Jefferson.
Peterborough
Possibly one of the most adorable small towns in New Hampshire, Peterborough lies along the banks of the Contoocook River and welcomes visitors in with cozy diners, complete with outdoor patios, and quaint mom-and-pop stores specializing in nifty trinkets and one-of-a-kind knick-knacks. While you are visiting the area, you can stop by Miller State Park, where you may see Boston on a clear day. There is also the Common Pathway, offering visitors and residents prospects of hiking, jogging, and biking. The best thing to do in Peterborough is going to Peterborough Players, famous throughout the region for staging over 300 different plays since opening.
Meredith
Located in Belknap County, between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Waukewan, sits the town of Meredith. Mostly surrounded by water, Meredith offers opportunities for watersports as well as several outdoor activities that do not involve water. There are also excellent places to taste the local fare with friends or family, like Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant and Town Docks Restaurant. If you are looking for something to do with that special someone, Hermit Woods Winery, and Twin Barns Brewing Company both offer specialty spirits and have exemplary restaurants on site. Plus, Moulton Farm is just down the road with a farm market that specializes in all sorts of delicacies.
Littleton
Another adorable small town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, is the town of Littleton. Do not let the name of the town fool you, though. There are a lot of opportunities in Littleton that one would not expect. First, there is the statue of a smiling girl, Pollyanna, standing in front of the local library, welcoming everyone to town. This is the same Pollyanna that is the protagonist of Eleanor Hodgman Porter’s classic children’s book. After snapping some photos of the bronze statue of Pollyanna, and possibly checking out the library, visitors can also check out the Riverwalk Covered Bridge.
Eaton
Returning to Carroll County and the eastern side of New Hampshire, the cute town of Eaton is one of those places hardly anyone knows about but cannot stop describing how fun it was to visit when they returned home. Foss Mountain Trail offers an extremely enjoyable hike, with wild blueberries along the way (if they are in season), and a trip to check out the Little White Church is quite memorable. Plus, Eaton offers delectable local food at the café located in Eaton Village Store and finer fare at Max’s at the Snowvillage Inn in Eaton Center.
Stewartstown
Stewartstown is approximately 1 mile south of the Canadian border, in Coos County, New Hampshire. This allows for a great deal of skiing opportunities. Yet, there are several things to do in the town of Stewartstown as well. First, there is a visit to Coleman State Park, which lies on the bank of Little Diamond Pond and offers visitors ample chances to commune with nature. There are also several fine restaurants nearby, including Timeout Tavern and Northland Restaurant in Canaan and Grampy’s Drive-In and the Rainbow Grill & Tavern in Pittsburg. If you are visiting with family and want to stay in town, West Stewartstown does have the Spa Restaurant, which is vegetarian-friendly.
Bennington
Bennington is an adorable small town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire. This town, populated with less than 2,000 people, is most famous for Crotched Mountain Ski and Ride, yet that is not the only thing available to visitors. Bennington, not to be confused with the Bennington in Vermont, is also famous for The Common Place, which has excellent fare for breakfast and lunch (dinner is served on the weekend), and Alberto’s Italian Restaurant. Plus, if you are looking for downtime, Yellow Magnolia Antiques has rare finds. There are also several places in Bennington to commune with nature, like Bennington Gardens, a great place to stop and smell the flowers.
Whether you are visiting New Hampshire from another part of the country or want to explore a different part of this beautiful north-eastern state, there are several quaint, adorable towns within the borders of New Hampshire that offer a variety of exciting activities while still maintaining a calm, laid-back status. From Franconia to Bennington, each town has its own unique way of welcoming you and making it a priority that when you leave, you leave with a smile.
