6 Picturesque Towns in New Hampshire for a Weekend Retreat in 2024
New Hampshire’s motto, “Live Free or Die,” is perhaps the perfect way to summarize this rugged hidden gem situated in the northeast of the United States. This free spirit is best exhibited in the fact that New Hampshire was the first of the U.S. colonies to declare their independence from England in 1776, thus leading the charge into the Revolutionary War and America’s founding principles. It is bordered by Maine to the east, Massachusetts to the south, and Vermont to the west, making it an integral part of New England’s history and culture. The small towns within its borders boast winter festivals, homecooked meals, picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, and a piece of the Atlantic coast spanning the expanse between Massachusetts and Maine. All this charm makes New Hampshire the perfect state to plan a weekend retreat in 2024, away from the hustle, hidden in the shadows of the state’s many mountains and forests.
Exeter
Exeter is one of New Hampshire’s most stunning locations, boasting a historical district that showcases the early days of the town’s establishment. The community is inland, located a few miles from the ocean, with the Squamscott River flowing through its borders. Its position gives it a fantastic landscape that is vibrantly green in spring and summer, bursting with colors throughout the fall, and coated in a comfortable blanket of white snow in the winter. Those who enjoy a scenic walk should stroll down Swasey Parkway, a historic location lined with beautiful trees and park benches, which make it perfect for people of all ages.
Walking through the town's historical district is a great way to learn about the town’s founding, which goes all the way back to 1638. The most notable places worth visiting include the Exeter Historical Society, the American Independence Museum, and the Gilman Garrison House on Water Street. Moreover, Exeter hosts an annual 5K and 10K Thanks for Giving run, which will be held on November 28th, 2024. It is the perfect opportunity to engage with the local community, stay fit, and support local charities. Staying in town for a weekend is a great way to enjoy its beauty, and places like Winding River Campground or the Exeter Inn are fantastic choices whether guests want a magical night under the sky or a beautiful room in a historic hotel.
Keene
The city of Keene has a history and culture that is perfectly embedded in the community’s structures and landscape. Located approximately an hour and a half west of Exeter, Keene is also an inland town, with the border of Vermont only a half-hour drive to the west. In 1733, the region of modern-day Keene was one of the Massachusetts grants in the region known as Upper Ashuelot, which was initially abandoned but resettled and incorporated as Keene after Sir Benjamin Keene in 1753.
Keene provides visitors with a blend of suburban shopping centers, historical locations, and nature sites to explore. Carriage Barn Bed and Breakfast is the best place to spend a restful week. This bed and breakfast dates back to 1810 and retains its historic beauty in its four lovely rooms. The Horatio Colony House Museum and the surrounding nature preserve are one of the perfect examples of how the town blends history and nature, with the museum preserving the original home built in 1806. There are also five miles of trails in the site’s wooded preserve. If you enjoyed the trails, Greater Goose Pond State Park and Drummer Hill Conservation Area are fantastic locations for hiking, cycling, and exploring Keene's natural beauty. In particular, these parks are stunning in autumn when the trees start changing their colors.
Gorham
Gorham is a magical little community that hosts several wonderful festivals yearly, adding to its overall appeal. The Festival of Trees, held near Christmas and the holidays, is perfect for families who want to view some of the town’s beautifully decorated pine trees. Whether guests are hoping to buy a tree to take home with them or simply wish to view some of New Hampshire's finest Christmas trees, this festival won't disappoint. Other activities for those planning to visit in the summer or early fall are the local Farmer’s Market and the Jigger Johnson Jack and Jill Festival.
Anyone hoping to indulge in some small-town activities with a warm and wholesome environment can also consider visiting nearby Story Land, a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, located about a half-hour south of town. Gorham’s position within the Androscoggin Valley gives it one of the most breathtaking views, with the Presidential Mountain Range surrounding the community. Tourists can easily access various mountain peaks from town, including Jefferson, Adams, and Mount Moriah. Hikers will love being in and around Gorham, with plenty of trails to explore, like Pine Mountain Trailhead, Carter-Moriah Trailhead, and Moose Brook State Park. Lastly, booking a stay at Moose Brook Motel is a great way to restore energy and see all there is to see.
Hanover
Hanover is a gorgeous small town, with seemingly untouched landscapes blended beautifully with the suburban vibe of the community. Its position along the Connecticut River makes the land alive, especially for visits in the spring and fall, and as part of the Appalachian Trail, there is no shortage of nature sites and wooded paths to traverse. It sits along the border of Vermont, with the Connecticut River to the west, and is approximately an hour from White Mountain National Park. Its proximity to White Mountain and Mount Moosilauke makes it all the more appealing to outdoor enthusiasts, but there is no need to leave town to appreciate nature. Lower Slade Brook Natural Area, Mayor-Niles Forest, and the loop trail at Baum Conservation Area are the most notable trails and sites within a 30-minute drive of downtown Hanover.
There is also a lot to see downtown, like Rockefeller Center, Dartmouth College, and Molly’s Restaurant & Bar to eat and drink. Moreover, visitors can look forward to the upcoming Trick Or Treat On Allen Street,, a community favorite every year. This year, it will be hosted on October 25th, starting at 5 PM. All in all, Hanover is a great place for a weekend retreat, housing vast expanses of trails and meandering pathways through its surrounding hills, meaning a stay at a site like Six South St Hotel is an ideal choice.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill is well-known as one of New Hampshire’s hidden gems, sitting about an hour northeast of Hanover and just under 20 minutes from the Vermont border. It is one of New Hampshire’s smallest and youngest towns, with a population of approximately 600 residents, incorporated in 1962. Before becoming its own town, Sugar Hill was part of neighboring Lisbon, but when they split, Sugar Hill chose a name that reflected the many sugar oak groves that grace its borders to this day. Stunning maple trees don’t just surround this community but also majestic mountain ranges. Much like Hanover to the south, Sugar Hill is located near White Mountain National Park, but it is also close to several other majestic peaks and trails like Mount Washington, Garfield, and Cannon. These mountains have some beautiful trails, including Artist's Bluff Loop Trailhead and Garfield Trailhead.
Those traveling with children or who simply love fascinating geological formations should pay a trip to Lost River Gorge & Boulder Caves, which hosts exciting events like a lantern tour and Lost River Mining Sluice. But all this excitement happening around the community does not mean the town itself is not worth spending time in. Ski Hearth Farm is a fantastic spot to visit during the winter, especially for those who like a blend of history and excursions in the hills skiing. The farm goes back to the mid-1900s and is one of Sugar Hill’s oldest locations. Not far from Ski Hearth Farm is Sugar Hill Inn, the ideal place for a weekend retreat into the enchanting landscape.
Amherst
Amherst is a close-knit community with a history dating back to its first charter in 1728 when it was known as “Narragansett Number 3.” The community is built alongside the neighboring city of Mont Vernon and is approximately two hours south of Sugar Hill, with the Merrimack River to the east. This location gives it uniquely vibrant nature sites, and its well-preserved history is evident across the town's borders. In fact, historic downtown Amherst, known as Amherst Village, is a favorite place for vacationers, no matter what season they choose to visit. Thanks to the many colonial sites like the 1825 Amherst Town Hall, the 1735 Old Burying Ground, and the 1794 Second Meetinghouse, which is the Congregation Church today.
Those hoping to see the area's natural charm should take a stroll down Atherton Trail in the south of town or travel a short distance outside of town to Purgatory Falls and Senter Falls. Anyone who enjoys a hike in nature, with other trails aside from Atherton Trail, including Gateway Trail, Pond Parish, and much more. Those who wish to spend an extended weekend exploring the community should consider booking a few nights at the Timber Post Bed and Breakfast, which is less than twenty minutes away and boasts a soothing and rustic environment that compliments exploring the community of Amherst.
Conclusion
New Hampshire is often overlooked for its neighboring states, Vermont and Massachusetts. But this oversight is unfortunate since New Hampshire is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes, which remain largely undisturbed and untouched. Tourists should choose New Hampshire if they are seeking a less commercial vacation away from the city and wish to spend their time hiking in the mountains, exploring historical colonial villages, and potentially trekking through caves and other geological formations. One thing is for sure: a weekend retreat in New Hampshire will be rejuvenating and invigorating.
