7 Old-World Towns To Visit In New Hampshire
The “Granite State” of New Hampshire is one of America’s finest Northeastern destinations and it forms an important part of the nation’s New England region. A historic place of intrigue, New Hampshire was the 9th State admitted to the Union back in 1788, and today, it maintains a unique colonial character in a modern world. Home to just over 1.4 million inhabitants statewide, the special historical, cultural, and natural beauty of New Hampshire is indeed a treasure waiting to be discovered. Through an exploration of its smaller towns, many of which have rich histories dating several centuries, guests looking for genuine Americana can certainly find it in the “Granite State,” where something of wonder can be appreciated by all ages. So come see some of the best of New Hampshire across a journey to these great, old-world towns!
Hanover
Beautifully situated along the banks of the Connecticut River, Hanover is a most delightful old-world town that was first chartered back in 1761. With a modern population of just under 12,000 inhabitants, the town is known for its New England charm and a special college community spirit. Home to Dartmouth College (1769), in addition to spending a wonderful afternoon on campus, guests can take advantage of Hanover’s hot summers and mild winters and enjoy time spent along the River and other outdoor activities. Take in awesome panoramas of the White Mountains, while trekking along a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail is a cannot-miss opportunity for any nature enthusiast.
And, of course, as a historic town with roots in the 18th century, visitors can expect to find loads of links to the past in Hanover. Visit the downtown district and Main Street and stop by such places as the Webster Cottage Museum (examining daily life in the 1800s). Meanwhile, in the nearby community of Cornish, make sure to explore the Saint Gaudens National Historic Park, which honors the great American artist Augusts Saint Gaudens. Add in cute eateries like Molly’s Restaurant & Bar and shops like Lemon Tree Gifts, and a close encounter with Americana is never far away in Hanover.
Meredith
Meredith's modern history dates back to the 1760s, and today, it has a population of just under 7,000. Picturesquely located within New Hampshire’s Lake Region, this popular resort town along Lake Winnipesaukee is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors and old-world charm. Enjoy fun activities like swimming, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in a climate that offers moderate summer and cool winter temperatures.
From there, head to the downtown district, where a number of special businesses await all guests searching for small-town allure. Stop by the Mill Falls Marketplace and its varied assortment of eateries and shopping boutiques while a special meal at Hart’s Turkey Farm cannot be missed. Founded in 1954, this delicious and cozy family-run business specializes in turkey-based dishes that range from sandwiches to soups, burgers, and even pasta!
Littleton
Bordered by the White Mountains and the Connecticut River, Littleton is a most pleasing small town in Grafton County. Bringing together historic allure and natural beauty, this most welcoming community, first founded in the 1780s, is today the home to just over 6,000 residents. Indeed, visitors can certainly find loads of old-world allure in Littleton, and an exploration of its downtown area reveals several preserved landmarks from the 18th and 19th centuries, bringing one back to the early days of America. Visit attractions like Thayer’s Hotel (1843), the Edward Lane House (1830), and the Littleton Opera House (1894), amongst others that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. And, of course, one cannot overlook the famed Chutters Candy Store, which has been in continuous operation since the late 1800s!
Finally, with a nice variety of cute restaurants and shops like The Little Grille and the Little Village Toy & Bookshop, there is always something quaint and charming to be found in Littleton. Whether it's taking in the mountain and riverside views or enjoying a step back in time, this is definitely one New Hampshire town not to pass by.
North Conway
Located near New Hampshire’s eastern border, the historic community of North Conway can trace its colonial roots to the 1760s, and today a humble population of just over 2,000 call it home. Situated within the larger town of Conway, this popular resort village lies near the White Mountain National Forest, which attracts guests throughout the year. Additionally, other outdoor landmarks not to miss out on include the Cranmore Mountain Resort, where fun opportunities for skiing and snowboarding dominate the winter while cycling, hiking, and rock climbing remain ever popular in the summertime. From there, head on over to the Echo State Lake Park and the Black Cap Hiking Trail for a vigorous and scenic outdoor outing.
Back in town, history lovers will not want to miss visiting a charming array of old-world landmarks. These include the North Conway 5 and 10 Cent Store from the late 1800s and the Eastern Slope Inn (1926), among several others included on the National Register of Historic Places. And do not forget to take a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad, where a voyage on a restored caboose creates a real-time travel-like experience. Pass by beautiful mountains and forested surroundings, while feeling the unique charm that is small town USA.
Jackson
The town of Jackson was established in 1800, and today, this most pleasing Carroll County community boasts a very humble population of just over 1,000 residents. A most delightful resort town featuring exquisite views of the White Mountains, outdoor lovers can rejoice when visiting Jackson. Indeed, whether it is taking in some of New Hampshire’s best alpine slopes at Wildcat Mountain or spending time along the Ellis River by boating and fishing, there is never a shortage of natural splendor in this town.
Meanwhile, the old-world charm of Jackson is also hard to miss, and a number of historic structures continue to populate the landscape. These include the Honeymoon Bridge (1876), the Ellis River House (1893), and the Jackson House (1868), amongst several others. And with inviting local businesses like the Thompson House Eatery and Flossie’s General Store, a most special taste of quaint New England can be experienced in this lovely New Hampshire town.
Claremont
The largest town in Sullivan County, the historic Claremont was formally established in the 1760s, and today, nearly 13,000 call it home. Scenically located along the Sugar River, this delightful community is rich in historic heritage and guests can find a number of preserved historic landmarks that transport one back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Explore sites like the David Dexter House (1790), the Claremont Opera House (1895), the William Rossiter House (1813), and even the Native American Hunter Archeological Site, amongst others, included on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, a number of old mill structures can still be admired in the Lower Village District, adding to Claremont’s old-world character.
Finally at the Arrowhead Recreation Area, guests can enjoy fun opportunities for skiing, hiking, and cycling, in a most popular all seasons public park. And with a climate that features warm summers and cool winters, there is never a bad time to visit this wonderful place.
Portsmouth
A popular summer tourist destination, the historic seaport town of Portsmouth was first settled back in the 1630s! Today, this coastal community along the Atlantic Ocean is home to just under 22,000 inhabitants and remains a splendid place of old-world charm that couples wonderfully with an awesome natural ambiance. Explore cobblestoned streets and loads of Colonial Style architecture in the Downtown Historic District, and truly get a sense of time travel. Amongst the properties of note include the North Church (1854), the Rockingham Hotel (1885), the Tobias Lear House (1760), and many more that are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, at the Strawberry Banke Museum, learn more about the past three hundred years of history in this region of New Hampshire, ranging from the Native Americans to the first Colonial settlements.
Of course, the very lovely Prescott Park cannot be missed. There, ten-plus acres of beautiful gardens and inviting views of the Piscataqua River are a delight for all ages. Enjoy live open-air performances of music and theatre while a most calming ambiance in a pleasing year-round climate creates an ideal afternoon outing.
One of America’s finest historic destinations, the “Granite State” of New Hampshire, is a wonderful place of discovery. A key component of the New England region, the history of New Hampshire (dating to the 17th century) and its unique natural beauty have long made it a veritable treasure that all ages of visitors can appreciate. From the river communities of Hanover and Littleton to the historic centers of Portsmouth and Claremont, these and other small towns truly give off a most special old-world charm. And so, when visiting New England, be sure to add New Hampshire to the itinerary, where loads of rustic beauty and historic allure await all looking for a memorable slice of Americana.
