6 Quintessential New Hampshire Towns

Beautiful New Hampshire is a traditional New England state, filled with more than enough historic sites, natural attractions, special events, and cultural activities to make a four-season vacation destination. Whether you want to ski in majestic mountains in the winter, hike pristine forest trails and swim in clear lakes in the summer, or take in the fiery foliage in fall, you can do it in New Hampshire. Although the state has several bustling cities, such as Concord, it's in the small, charming towns that you'll find all of the quintessential aspects that make New Hampshire the unique, must-visit destination that it is. These six communities will immerse you in all things New Hampshire, no matter how long you stay.

Portsmouth

Pretty Portsmouth is as classic New England as it gets, with its location on the Piscataqua River and famous historic houses, such as the one where naval hero John Paul Jones boarded from 1781 to 1782. The charming town is one of New Hampshire's oldest settlements and dates back to the 17th century. Portsmouth is also the only major seaport in the state, making it an important transportation and shipping hub. To get an up-close look into the history of Portsmouth, check out the Strawberry Banke, a museum that sits in a 300-year-old neighborhood filled with Victorian-era style homes and vibrant heirloom gardens. The Langdon and Warner Houses, as well as the Portsmouth Historical Society, are other must-visit attractions. The town is also home to an iconic New England downtown district, complete with the bustling Historic Market Square, where you can book a boat tour with Portsmouth Harbor Cruises.

Exeter

Sweet Exeter is a quaint, historic town known as New Hampshire's Revolutionary War Capital and boasts a rare Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence, discovered in the attic of the Ladd-Gilman House in 1985. You can view it at the American Independence Museum, a well-known historic site that displays two early US Constitution drafts. As if those things don't make small Exeter one of the state's most quintessential towns, it also features a charming downtown district along the Squamscott River. During the warmer months of the year, take a stroll along the river at the Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park or listen to live music at the Swasey Pavilion, the town's only bandstand. Other places worth discovering include the Exeter Historical Society, which was founded in 1928, and the Sea Dog Brewing Company, where you can sample beer made from local ingredients.

Littleton

The lovely town of Littleton may be small in population and land size, but it's big in history, natural beauty, and many other things, decidedly New Hampshire. Charming Littleton was founded in 1770 and is on the scenic Ammonoosuc River. The town was once a White Mountain region trading hub, and it maintains a quaint Americana feel today. Visitors come from all over to see the area's historic covered bridges, such as the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, which conveniently connects to downtown. Another aspect that gives Littleton its classic New Hampshire vibe is its collection of local shops and eateries, many serving local fare. Don't miss Chutters, an old-fashioned shop boasting a candy counter that runs the entire length of the store, measuring an impressive 112 feet. Talk about sweet! Another must-see attraction is the Pollyanna statue, which pays homage to the book's author, Eleanor H. Porter, who was born in Littleton in 1868.

Meredith

Charming Meredith is in New Hampshire's stunning Lakes Region and is known as a rustic resort town with beautiful natural scenery. The town lies along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and beckons travelers who want to spend their summer vacations fishing, boating, swimming, or just relaxing on a beach. Meredith is also home to the Stonedam Island Natural Area, much to the delight of nature lovers. If shopping is more your thing, you're in luck with downtown's Mills Falls Marketplace, which was constructed in the early 1800s. Another place to stroll, people-watch, and enjoy local New Hampshire cuisine is the Common Man, a collection of several eateries that each have a different theme. If you're looking for a restaurant featuring a nostalgic New England mountain summer camp feel, check out Camp Restaurant.

Gorham

With its location in the eye-catching Androscoggin Valley near the Presidential Mountain Range, quaint Gorham is an idyllic small New Hampshire mountain town. One advantage of staying in Gorham is that the Appalachian Trail runs near town, making it the perfect jumping-off point for an epic hiking excursion. As another outdoor adventure option, put on your hiking boots and hit Moose Brook State Park, a natural area known for its rustic camping sites and boating and fishing opportunities on the pristine Moose and Peabody Lakes. For travelers who love a thriving arts and culture scene, Gorham doesn't disappoint. The Medallion Opera House delights visitors with its live entertainment and setting inside the historic town hall building. Another fun place to check out is the Gorham Historic Society, which is in the vintage Grand Trunk Railroad Station.

North Conway

Rounding out the list of the most quintessential New Hampshire towns is aesthetically pleasing North Conway, which is in the stunning Mount Washington Valley. Skiiers come from all over the region to experience the slopes in this charming mountain town, and history buffs seek out its significant historical landmarks, such as Zeb's General Store, which still serves up classic sweet treats in a vintage setting. The historic streets of North Conway's bustling downtown are filled with one-of-a-kind shops, antique shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants specializing in classic New England cuisine, such as the Muddy Moose Restaurant & Pub. Round out your visit by catching a mountain ride on the North Conway Scenic Railroad.

Experience the Heart of New Hampshire’s Small-town Charm

If you're looking for an exciting weekend getaway or summer vacation destination that celebrates everything that makes New Hampshire special, you'll find no shortage of small towns to call home for a few days. Whether you crave a quiet mountain retreat or a jam-packed adventure filled with historical and cultural sites, you'll find it in this pretty New England state. These cozy towns capture the essence of New Hampshire with their cozy cafes, mountainous landscapes, and pristine natural areas.