6 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a stunning state with mountain ranges, lakes, waterfalls, and historic buildings. While cities like Manchester get a lot of attention from tourists every year, the small towns in the state should not be overlooked. They also make a great travel destination and offer a different atmosphere. Unlike the bustling cities, many New Hampshire towns are quiet and laid-back. In Hanover, for example, you can walk through Dartmouth's campus and see historic red brick buildings while enjoying the relaxing mountain atmosphere. In Franconia, you can enjoy the White Mountains and hike through beautiful natural places. These towns make great destinations for anyone looking to relax and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Explore six of New Hampshire's most laid-back towns.
Hanover
Hanover is a charming, laid-back college town with trails to explore and quaint shops to visit. The main street in Hanover is even part of the Appalachian Trail. This section of the trail offers scenic views of the nearby White Mountains. One of the most popular things to do in town is explore Dartmouth’s historic campus. Exploring a college campus might sound unusual if you aren't attending school, but Dartmouth's campus is beautiful. There are red brick and colonial buildings throughout the campus. The oldest building is the Webster Cottage which dates back to 1780.
The Hood Museum of Art is a building art enthusiasts will want to check out on campus. The museum houses 65,000 objects, making it one of the largest art museums on a college campus in the United States. In the winter, head to the Dartmouth Skiway to enjoy some outdoor fun in the mountains. There are also opportunities for cross-country skiing at the Oak Hill Outdoor Center.
Meredith
Meredith is a laid-back lakeside town that sits on the edge of stunning Lake Winnipesaukee. This makes Meredith the perfect town to relax, kick back, and enjoy lake life. Lake Winnipesaukee is dotted with more than 250 islands. One of the best ways to explore the lake is by jumping in the water either for a swim or by boat to adventure to the surrounding islands. There are cruises available in Meredith where you can see the lake at a leisurely pace. Those looking for a more adventurous way to explore the lake should kayak around the lake. Beyond lake life, Meredith is known for its celebrated arts community.
Downtown, Meredith has a unique Sculpture Walk. This is an art gallery set in the outdoors, on the main street, through parks, and by the lakefront. Every year the sculptures change and are created by different artists in different art styles. Besides the Sculpture Walk, Meredith has many other trails to explore. A popular hike is the Winnipesaukee River Trail. The trail goes through lush forests and historic ruins of a mill and presents lakefront views. The trail even offers views of waterfalls. This is a great hike to do in autumn when the leaves are changing color.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill is a quiet, quaint town in New Hampshire. With a population of under 600 people, the town is easily overlooked. Despite its small size, the town has a rich history. It started out as a fashionable Victorian resort town in the 19th century, visited by artists and businessmen. Today the destination is a popular place to enjoy New England's scenery and go skiing in the wintertime. The town's past is preserved at the Sugar Hill Historical Museum. Sugar Hill's local goods and charming shops also attract people to the town. Polly's Pancake Parlor and Harmon's Cheese and Country Store are two local favorites.
Lincoln
LincolIn is a charming mountain town set in the White Mountains Region. To get a good view of the nearby mountains, try the local White Mountain Express Gondola. This site is famous for being the longest gondola in New Hampshire. The Gondola is on Loon Mountain. Those looking to get closer to the mountain can also get off the Gondola at the summit and explore the trails and beautiful surroundings. There is even a Summit Café and the chance to explore glacier caves. Lincoln is also near the Kancamagus Scenic Byway, the perfect place to enjoy the spectrum of fall colors.
Littleton
Littleton is another laid-back New Hampshire town in the White Mountains. The Littleton Historical Society Museum is a great place to stop and learn more about the town's past. The Thayers Inn Hotel is a building with an interesting history worth checking out. A must-see spot in Littleton is the famous Covered Bridge. Here you can see the rushing waters of the Ammonoosuc River. Nearby is Harmony Park, a great spot for a picnic. Nature lovers will feel at home with the town's stunning trail system. Head out on the Parker Mountain trails, or take a trip to The Dells for a nice stroll.
Franconia
Nature lovers will also love the town of Franconia. The town is home to the northern half of Franconia Notch State Park. This is a great park with lots of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, and biking. Two popular attractions in the White Mountains are also in this part of Franconia Notch State Park. One of them is the Flume Gorge. This is a 2-mile self-guided nature walk through a brilliant natural chasm. The other attraction is the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, the first of its kind in North America. The town of Franconia also offers opportunities for amazing hikes. A popular one is the trek to see the stunning Bridal Veil Falls. Beyond the outdoors, Franconia is home to much history, including The Frost Place. This was the home of the famous poet Robert Frost.
New Hampshire is a beautiful state full of mountain scenery, waterfalls, rivers, and interesting American history. The smaller towns in New Hampshire showcase some of the state's most beautiful vistas and offer a laid-back vibe you won't find in the city. In Lincoln, you can take a gondola up Loon Mountain to enjoy amazing mountain views. In Littleton, you can see the iconic Covered Bridge and enjoy views of the White Mountains. From unique historic landmarks such as The Frost Place in Franconia to waterfront views of Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith, there is something for everyone in New Hampshire. Anyone looking for a laid-back atmosphere should pay a visit to New Hampshire's small towns.
