7 Towns in New Hampshire that Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Be it a weekend excursion away from the bustle of Boston or a vacation to New England to see the sights and embrace the historical nuance, the enduring spirit of the Atlantic Northeast will capture your mind and enchant your heart. However, most visitors explore well-known attractions such as Plymouth Rock and President Calvan Coolidge’s Homestead or learn of the deadly brilliance of the USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear submarine.
Those with a little more adventure in their soul, a desire to stretch their minds in new and interesting ways, and a true sense of curiosity choose a different destination. They find their way to the beauty, the wonder, and the historical splendor of New Hampshire. Every small town in this humble, lovely state has plenty to see and do and ways to make memories that you will carry with you for life. From diverse topography, intense seasonal shifts, and old-world hospitality, you might want to plan your next trip even before you finish your first.
Meredith
With breathtaking scenery and stunning beaches, Meredith is a perfect place to relax, recharge, and let your cares and worries melt away. You will absolutely need at least a full weekend to take it all in, and while Meredith is more for adults, there are still plenty of activities for families who wish to share the time.
Set on the west edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, much of the town’s tourist attractions are found near the lake. It is almost a character in the story of the town. Adults will relish a tasting at the Hermit Woods Winery or shopping at Mills Falls on the Lake, while kids and families can get their kicks riding the Winnipesaukee Railroad and splashing at Waukegan Beach. Finish your busy day with a boat ride, watching the sunset over the water.
Franconia
Nature is calling, and you must answer. In the White Mountains on the western side of New Hampshire, Franconia is hailed as a spectacular place to view the myriad of autumn colors as the leaves change and fall. Once the trees are bare, it's time to ski, snowboard, and ice fish as Franconia becomes a winter wonderland. Enjoy it all from Cannon Mt. Ski Area.
You might discover a hidden artistic side as the spirit of creative expression overtakes you when visiting Flume Gorge and its descending staircase of waterfalls, the Flume Covered Bridge, or Frost Place, a museum and poetry center. Maybe you will be inspired to dip your quill in some ink and pen your own poem or paint the changing foliage.
Hanover
You have probably heard of Hanover but don’t know why it's such a famous setting. Its historical significance all begins with Dartmouth College, which, believe it or not, has been around since before the American Revolution. Take a tour, visit the hallowed halls, and view the many collections of art and artifacts, all present at the Hood Museum of Art.
Perhaps you would rather get out and stretch your legs. Hanover is near the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, the winding path beginning in Georgia and terminating in Maine. Perhaps that’s too intense. How about a baseball game at Red Rolfe Field? All of that will surely give you an appetite, so sate your hunger at Base Camp Café, a playground for the taste buds.
Hancock
As you might imagine, this attractive northern hamlet is named after John Hancock, who scrawled the largest signature on the Declaration of Independence. His passion, enduring spirit, and patriotism are present throughout the town and draw many visitors to experience it all each year, and his name is on many of the business and historical areas scattered about.
Start your journey after a good night’s sleep at the Hancock Inn and Fox Tavern, the oldest continuously operating bed and breakfast in all of New Hampshire. Then, tour the Hancock Village Historic District. Main Street features the Hancock Historical Society, Hancock Town Library, and the Hancock Meetinghouse, to name a handful of iconic places to see. Those not interested in history can dive into water-based activities at Nubanusit Lake, a 718-acre playland for aquatic fun.
Portsmouth
Even those who know very little about New Hampshire have heard of Portsmouth. The oldest settlement in the state, Portsmouth sits on the banks of the Piscataqua River and was founded in 1623. Houses and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries can be seen scattered throughout the town to this day.
Boutique shopping, a vibrant nightlife with live music nightly, and plenty of places to enjoy as a family give Portsmouth much of the distinctive charm that brings tourists in droves. Splash on the river from crafted beaches, visit the many beautiful parks, and find your way to one of many museums where history comes alive. It is also a popular destination for outdoor weddings due to the gorgeous scenery and weather during spring and summer.
Littleton
Plenty of Hew Hampshire’s towns have historical significance, and the accompanying museums teach visitors about all that happened within the state during many of the conflicts that shaped the nation in its infancy. History is important. What sets Littleton apart is a little different. For literary buffs, Littleton is hallowed ground due to its most famous former citizen, Eleanor H. Porter, the author of such novel series as Pollyanna and Miss Billy.
Those not touring the town for its literary mark on the world will marvel at the outstanding views of the White Mountains, the Connecticut River, and the Ammonoosuc River. The hiking, fishing, and picnic opportunities are fantastic, the quaint town charm will captivate you, and many find it hard not to fall in love with the calm, slower pace of life.
Hampton Beach
You are going to want a long weekend when you visit this stunning beach town. From its white sand beaches to the crystal clear waters to the vibrant downtown area, this historic resort town is designed with tourists in mind. For over 100 years, Hampton Beach has welcomed adventurous visitors into its warm embrace with activities such as whale watching and deep-sea fishing excursions.
Adults who want to explore can rent a scooter at Hampton Beach Scooter Rentals and make their own tour of the landmarks and historic sites. The casino scene is always a crowd pleaser, including the Casino Ballroom, playing music venues and Broadway-style shows for three centuries. The kids will have a blast at the Funarama, Hampton Beaches' largest arcade.
If visiting New Hampshire for the first time, plan accordingly. With so much to see, do, and experience, you might be surprised how little you can get through in just a weekend. New Hampshire isn’t known as a hot spot for tourism like New York or even Maine because it possesses hidden gems and historical wonders, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t ready to excite and inspire all who venture into its breathtaking borders. You will not be disappointed, and everyone will come away with a greater appreciation for this state’s contributions to the nation as one of the original colonies.
