7 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is definitely worth a visit for its many slow-paced, relaxed, and enjoyable towns. Once inhabited by various Algonquian-speaking Abenaki tribes, New Hampshire was home to the Cowasuck and Pennacook nations before European colonization. Today, it is the go-to place for hiking, skiing, and snowboarding in the White Mountains and exploring its many lakes. So move up because it is time to smell the roses!

Hanover

A small town along the Connecticut River, Hanover is spoken in the same breath as Dartmouth College, a prestigious institution founded in 1769 that gives the town its historic New England feel. This is a place that really slows down when classes are out, and a good place to start unwinding here is Pine Park or natural preserves like Oak Hill. The town is also home to the Nugget Theater, a single-screen movie theater established in 1916 that is still in operation and one of the oldest in New England! One of the best ways to relax here, though, is kayaking and canoeing on the Connecticut River—you will not find a calmer setting.

Meredith

Speaking of calm settings, Meredith is found on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, which is the go-to for any seeker of nice and tranquil spots. This town also produces some fine wines; Hermit Woods Winery is the local wine producer here, and it provides visitors with the chance to experience slow-paced wine tastings. It is much less active in Meredith during the winter months due to its seasonal economy, so even the typical tourist rush areas will not be crowded with Main Street’s local shops and antique stores. Pay a visit to Lake Wicwas or Pemigewasset Lake if you really want to connect with the peace of nature at your leisure.

Peterborough

A town whose slow-paced lifestyle inspired the play “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder, Peterborough is quite rich in culture. The Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center is the first witness—many exhibits on global arts and cultures make for a very intimate, reflective setting here. Conveniently, you can also find the MacDowell Colony around there, an artist’s retreat founded in 1907 where artists can work in quiet, forested studios. Peterborough clearly has a sweet spot as an artist’s retreat town where residents enjoy peace and quiet. This is why you will also find the Peterborough Town Library—built in 1833—and is a local favorite.

Littleton

Although Chutters, this town’s candy shop on Main Street, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest candy counter, Littleton is also known for a number of things. A laid-back setting is made possible with interesting landmarks and local breweries like like Schilling Beer Company. You can visit the Pollyanna of Littleton Statue to learn more about Eleanor H. Porter, the author of Pollyanna—this is what made Littleton known as the “Glad Town.” You will be more than glad after a stroll to the Riverwalk Covered Bridge and a tour of the town’s milling history at The Littleton Grist Mill.

Exeter

There is quiet, academic energy in this town. Home to Phillips Exeter Academy, Exeter is as cultured as it is laid-back. The American Independence Museum is worth a visit to learn more about the Revolutionary War, and you can also see original drafts of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence! A walk down Exeter’s tree-lined downtown would leave behind all your concerns, and a picnic at Swasey Parkway can make you forget all your troubles. Sometimes, they set up markets in this relaxed riverside setting, while concerts are held on occasion. It would be a shame not to mention the community theater productions that also take place in Exeter, with seasonal events like the annual UFO Festival taking place in early September.

Jackson

Home to the “Honeymoon Bridge,” Jackson’s Covered Bridge—built in 1876—is a popular spot for photographers and has quite a view from which to bask. If your preference is to avoid major attractions and resorts, Jackson Falls is a quiet and very enjoyable series of cascades where visitors can enjoy wading. Aside from that, Black Mountain Ski Area is one of the few small, independently-owned ski resorts left, so it brings in quieter crowds than the large commercial resorts. Thanks to the town’s restrictions on major commercial developments, you will find historical landmarks, such as the Old Jackson Library, worth visiting.

Wolfeboro

Known as “America’s Oldest Summer Resort,” Wolfeboro has been drawing in visitors for many years thanks to its slow, lakeside atmosphere. Here, you can go on low-key boat tours with some incredible views of the surrounding mountains at Lake Winnipesaukee! Aside from that, you can visit the Wright Museum of World War II and take a look at all the displays from the war, especially if you are a history buff looking for an in-depth experience. At the end of the day, it is a good idea to unwind at Cate Park—nothing like a quiet space to enjoy the view near the docks. Sometimes, live music is played there.

Final Thoughts

New Hampshire’s small towns are a reminder that sometimes, slowing down is the best way to truly live. Whether you’re sipping wine by a quiet lake in Meredith, wandering through the historic charm of Exeter, or finding inspiration in the creative spirit of Peterborough, each of these places invites you to pause and soak in the simple joys of life. They aren’t about the rush or the thrill—they’re about the moments you might miss if you’re moving too fast. New Hampshire may not shout its beauty from the rooftops, but it has a quiet way of showing you that the best things in life come when you stop and take it all in.