7 Most Charming cities in New Hampshire
Nestled within the beautiful New England region of America, New Hampshire is a lovely state with lots to offer. From unique historic sites from the state’s politically involved past, to the impressive Mount Washington which stands at 6,288 feet tall, there is something for everyone. Moreover, nicknamed the “Granite State” due to its abundance of granite formations, New Hampshire offers a range of opportunities from an economic and tourist standpoint. With so much to offer, the state is filled with many unique cities that have an amazing charm ready to explore!
Portsmouth
Starting off this list is the beautiful coastal city of Portsmouth. Located in northeastern New Hampshire, Portsmouth is home to a bustling population of 22,000 and offers an array of sights. As it is one of the state’s historic seaports boasting a long coast, visitors can find a wide range of waterside activities and places to visit. For example, Hampton State Beach is one of the most famous, offering multiple beach facilities, picnic tables, and more. Along with this, the beaches at Portsmouth are great for swimming and surfing with cool waters and soft sand! On the other hand, for a more relaxing experience, visit Hilton Park for a peaceful meal along the river!
Moving in from Portsmouth's coast opens up a whole new set of interesting attractions and activities! With an area of 17 sq. miles (44 sq. km.) the city features everything from amazing shopping to historical establishments. In terms of shopping, Portsmouth is full of locally-owned boutiques, outlet shops, artisan stores, and more. Thanks to this, you can find all sorts of items ranging from hand-crafted shawls to homemade jam! For the history buffs, opt for a historical tour of the city instead. With nearly four centuries of history, Portsmouth is filled with sites such as The Music Hall and Richard Jackson House. The Music Hall is an amazing 900-seat theater from 1878 which caters to more than 100,000 visitors a year. Similarly, the Richard Jackson House is New Hampshire’s oldest wood-frame house and has been around for more than 350 years. So, whether visiting for the beach, shopping, or history, Portsmouth will surely charm!
Exeter
Exeter is a famous city in New Hampshire known for its immense historical value and beauty. It is located in Rockingham County and houses a population of 16,000, although often there are hundreds of tourists here. When it comes to sites to see and things to do, Exeter is filled with historic activities that can take weeks to explore. As the city was incorporated in 1638, it has nearly four centuries of political and economic events such as the Revolutionary War that have left a massive impact. To this end, visit attractions such as the American Independence Museum, which is home to memorabilia and exhibits from the American Revolutionary War. Or, take a tour of the Gilman Garrison House, a bright red home from the 1700s which was once designed to be a defensive fortification.
Travel to the present day and Exeter has a positive charm that is visible throughout town. For nature lovers, the city has a wide range of parks and views that are unmatched! One of the most famous natural sights is the Swasey Parkway which is filled with walking trails that run parallel to the Sqaumscott River for some stunning views. Another enjoyable spot is Recreation Park which has everything from tennis courts to a baseball field to get active in the sun. After a day out in Exeter, grab dinner and drinks at the famous Thirsty Moose Tap House for a perfect end to the day.
Nashua
Nashua is New Hampshire’s second most populous city and offers a combination of urban living and peaceful town charm. The city is located in Hillsborough County and is home to a population of more than 90,000 spread throughout the large 32 sq. mile (82 sq. km.) area. With so much space, Nashua is filled with things to do whether visitors are nature lovers, a history buff, or even a shopaholic. When it comes to nature, the city is surrounded by amazing natural formations and parks that anyone can enjoy. For example, Mine Falls Park is an amazing park with dense foliage and a stunning river that provides a quaint and ideal environment to cool down. This park also houses many hiking trails that run parallel to the river so you can enjoy a workout alongside waterfalls, streams, and more. For a more involved experience, visit Nashua National Fish Hatchery where you can learn about a wide range of endangered and threatened fish species.
While the nearby views are stunning, the city center of Nashua is rich with positive vibes and historic attractions. Having been settled in 1655, tourists will find dozens of significant sites that played a part in New Hampshire’s past. One of the most famous sites in this regard is the Abbot-Spalding House Museum from 1804. This house has been used by many famous people such as the city’s founder, Daniel Abbot, and is presently a museum and library with amazing history. Speaking of libraries, Nashua is also home to the Hunt Memorial Library which features lovely Gothic Revival architecture and a treasure trove of knowledge. After checking out all Nashua has to offer, spend an evening at Pheasant Lane Mall where you can find spectacular souvenirs to remember your trip!
Dover
Situated along the southeastern coast of New Hampshire, Dover is a large city home to 32,700. Having been settled in 1623, it is one of the oldest continuous settlements in America, made evident by all the historical significance all around. For example, the Woodman Museum offers a deep dive into the worlds of science, art, and history. Established in 1916, this museum houses dozens of artifacts in four houses such as rocks, fossils, pictures, and more. From a more religious perspective, many people tend to visit the St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this church from 1840 is designed with beautiful woodwork and architecture anyone can admire!
With an area of 29 sq. miles (75 sq. km.) there is a lot more to see in Dover apart from historical sights. Specifically, the city is well known for having amazing and pristine parks and recreational areas. A perfect example of this is Hilton Park which sits within Dover’s bustling city streets. This park offers the perfect natural retreat and tourists can enjoy waterside views along the magnificent Piscataqua River. If you want to delve further into the natural sights, spend your day at the Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area. This 400-acre area is filled with local flora and fauna, as well as wetlands, coastal areas, and woodlands for a comprehensive outdoor experience. So, if history or the outdoors are to your liking, this city in New Hampshire is a must-visit.
Keene
The county seat of Cheshire County, Keene is a charming city in New Hampshire. Home to 23,000 people, this city is revered for its unique mix of history, small-town feel, and nature. When it comes to nature, Keene has a wide range of interesting attractions such as the Cheshire Rail Trail. This trail runs for 42 miles through multiple cities and covers many beautiful sights along the way. Moreover, it is imbued with local history following the route of the abandoned Ashuelot and Cheshire Railroad beds. Similarly, Keene is well-known for its family-oriented activities such as Stone Wall Farm, which is both an educational center and non-profit farm. Here, you can learn about livestock and dairy, as well as enjoy activities such as hay rides and more!
Speaking of family-oriented attractions, Keene is also home to the Cheshire Children’s Museum which is a great place for all kids. This museum has dozens of interactive exhibits and rooms where children can learn, play, and just have a great time. If you’ve dropped your kids at the museum, take out some time to enjoy the amazing food Keene has to offer. For a quick bite, you can visit the nearby Machina Kitchen & ArtBar, which offers organic food in a New American style. On the other hand, if you want to grab a few drinks, check out Elm City Brewing Company for some of the best-brewed drinks in the state! So, combining food with nature, Keene is charming for anyone and everyone!
Manchester
Manchester is a bustling urban hub and the most populous city in New Hampshire with more than 115,000 residents as of 2020. Thanks to this, the city offers a lively vibe and there is something interesting happening all the time. Specifically, Manchester is known for its prominent art and culture, which is prevalent in the many unique exhibits and centers throughout. In terms of art, you can check out the stunning Currier Museum of Art, which was founded in 1929 and showcases many interesting sculptures and artwork. On the other hand, if you’re near Hanover Street, be sure to check out the historic Palace Theatre from 1914. This beautiful theatre is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still has live shows for Broadway hits, stand-up comics, and more. That being said, no matter where you go, you’ll find amazing people and beautiful culture all around.
Apart from the city’s cultural beauty, Manchester is also filled with natural sights. While it may not be located along the Atlantic coast, Manchester is nestled along the Merrimack River and many small lakes which give it a vast array of geographical views. For example, many tourists will spend their evenings at Massabesic Lake which boasts 2,500 acres of clear waters. This lake is also perfect for fishing, sailing, etc. making it perfect for an evening out in the sun! While Massabesic Lake is an ideal summer spot, winter offers a new look at Manchester with amazing skiing opportunities. Just take a trip to the nearby McIntyre Ski Area which offers multiple routes for snowboarding, skiing, and more. The routes range from beginner to advanced difficulty so everyone can have a fun time in the snow!
Salem
Often mistaken for the site of the disappointing Salem Witch Trials, this Salem was never involved in any such trials. Located in Rockingham County and home to 30,000, Salem has a rich history spanning more than 350 years during which the city was also a famous resort town. Thanks to this, Salem is filled with many interesting sights and attractions that combine history, nature, and culture into one! A site that perfectly embodies the region’s past is the historic Methuen Memorial Music Hall. This hall has been around for hundreds of years and features stunning architecture, amazing events, and more. Similarly, Salem is home to the famous site known as “America’s Stonehenge.” This fascinating attraction has Stonehenge-like rocks that have been standing still for thousands of years without any apparent reason. So, when it comes to a unique take on history, Salem has what you are looking for.
That being said, Salem is also a fun place to enjoy a day or night out with friends and family. The Canobie Lake Park is a perfect destination for this as you can enjoy everything from rollercoasters to waterslides and more. If water slides are your thing, you can also visit Castaway Island which is home to many interesting rides to splash around and have a blast!
Conclusion
Combining history, nature, culture, and everything else New Hampshire has to offer, it is obvious that the entire state has its own charm. Whether nterested in waterside activities along the Atlantic coast or just want to relax with a small-town vibe, there is something in this state for everyone. Along with this, the state is home to many unique attractions that will keep guests coming back!
