8 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in New Hampshire
The Granite State of New Hampshire may be far from the biggest state, and locals seem to prefer it this way. Even as the Boston metro region has gradually grown beyond the Massachusetts state line and into Southern New Hampshire, this New England state still has plenty of charming small towns worth exploring and enjoying. From the majestic White Mountains to the north to the scenic Seacoast in the south, New Hampshire abounds in unique and close-knit towns, towns that feature everything from Ivy League educational excellence to perhaps the world’s most storied corner of mountain woods.
To help you begin your journey through the Granite State’s finest small towns, here are eight close-knit towns to visit in New Hampshire.
Hanover
Situated just across the Connecticut River from Vermont, around 76 miles northwest of Manchester and 92 miles southeast of Burlington, Hanover is best known for the elite Ivy League Dartmouth College. Indeed, Dartmouth's presence ensures the abundance of world-class amenities like the Hood Museum of Art for an extensive collection of masterpieces from around the world, the Black Family Visual Arts Center to catch works by ambitious up-and-coming artists, great performances at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, and exceptional sports facilities like the Dartmouth Skiway, Montcalm Golf Club, and the Riding Center at Morton Farm that are open to the public.
Yet beyond Dartmouth’s main campus (and additional facilities), Hanover is a thriving town that has even more to offer visitors. Since the Appalachian Trail runs through Hanover, it’s easy to hit the trail for exceptional hiking and biking. And since the Appalachian Trail includes Main Street, you can also take your time pursuing the charming collection of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in the heart of town. If you feel like spending some more quality time exploring Hanover, check into the Hanover Inn for a unique boutique hotel on the Dartmouth campus with luxurious rooms and suites and the tasty Pine Restaurant for global cuisine with ample local flair.
Carroll
Located high in the White Mountains, about 92 miles northwest of Portland (Maine) and 108 miles north of Manchester, Caroll is home to perhaps New Hampshire’s most imposing natural landmark: the 6,288-foot-tall Mount Washington that’s the highest peak of New Hampshire and New England overall. You can hike, drive, or ride the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway (that’s operated here since 1869) to reach the summit and enjoy the majestic mountain and valley views from the top. In addition, the nearby stretch of forest has exceptional natural treasures like the Crystal Cascades (waterfalls) and Hermit Lake, which are worth hiking to. And at Crawford Notch State Park, you can hike even more mountain trails and visit the Willey House that’s stood in this stretch of wilderness since 1793.
Beyond Mount Washington, Carroll is also famous for Bretton Woods, where a gathering of world leaders in 1944 set the framework for the establishment of the post-World War II global economy. Today, you can stay where history was made, so long as you’re willing to splurge on a luxurious stay at the Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa. Even better, the Omni includes the Mount Washington and Mount Pleasant golf courses, as well as the world-renowned Bretton Woods Ski Area for winter sports.
North Conway
If you’re up for even more adventures in the White Mountains, it’s hard to beat the amazing scenery of North Conway. North Conway is often regarded as one of the United States’ best ski towns thanks to the wealth of nearby backcountry ski trails at Merriman State Forest and White Mountain National Forest, along with Cranmore Mountain Resort for runs offering up to 1,200 feet of vertical drop for skiing and snowboarding. (In addition, Cranmore has a designated area for tubing).
If you prefer a more laid-back way to explore the White Mountains, book a ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad to experience over 150 years of history and seemingly endless mountain views on the rails. Back in town, you can peruse North Conway’s historic downtown for quaint boutiques and restaurants. Once you’re ready to settle down, you can check into the White Mountain Hotel & Resort for a lovely family-owned resort near town and Echo Lake, or you can stay at Cranmore Mountain Lodge for a historic bed-and-breakfast that was once owned by Babe Ruth’s daughter and visited by dignitaries like John F. Kennedy.
Pittsburg
Nestled at the northernmost tip of New Hampshire, Pittsburg is definitely a town for getting away from it all. With 291 square miles, there’s a whole lot of Pittsburg to explore. At Lake Francis State Park, you can enjoy a wide swath of year-round activities, from hunting and angling to hiking and canoeing. At First Connecticut Lake, you can embark on even more adventures, from hiking and paddling during summer to backcountry skiing and snowmobiling during winter.
Though Pittsburg is so spread out, it nonetheless maintains a special kind of small-town charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. At The Poore Farm Historic Homestead and Museum, you can explore a historic family farm that dates all the way back to the 1830s and a nature center dedicated to preserving this pristine corner of North Country wilderness. At the Washburn Family Forest, you can explore another long-time private homestead that now functions as a critical wildlife habitat and community recreational space that’s open to all. If you’d like to stay longer and explore more of the North Country, you can book a cabin at Land Podd Cabins and Campground, or you can book a cabin at Lopstick with direct access to First Connecticut Lake.
Wolfeboro
Though it’s often called “The Oldest Summer Resort in America,” Wolfeboro really is a wonderful year-round vacation destination. Wolfeboro is a cozy small town on the southeastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. At the Governor Wentworth Historic Site, you can see where it all began—the site of a mansion built by the British Colonial era Governor John Wentworth in 1770. Back in town, you can explore the Clark Museum Complex and find a 1778 farmhouse, an original 1805 schoolhouse, and additional throwbacks to Wolfeboro’s early days as a more modest country town.
In the years since, Wolfeboro has developed into a more refined resort town with a wide variety of recreation spaces, from the old-school Abenaki Ski Area that’s operated for nearly 90 years to 18-hole championship golfing at Kingswood Golf Club, gorgeous hiking at the Castle in the Clouds, and easy-breezy (summertime) swimming and sunbathing at Wentworth State Park and Brewster Beach. To make your Wolfeboro journey even easier, book a stay at the lovely, historic, and recently renovated Wolfeboro Inn in the heart of town.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth seamlessly blends rich New England history with classic Seacoast charm. Take the Black Heritage Trail to explore New Hampshire’s African-American heritage and multicultural roots, stop at Albacore Park to visit the vessel (the USS Albacore) built by the US Navy in 1953 as a research submarine, and experience over 350 years of history at the 32 structures that comprise Strawbery Banke.
For some walks on Portsmouth’s wilder side, head to Odiorne Point State Park for the fascinating finds at the Seacoast Science Center, a network of scenic coastal trails, and lovely tide pools worth exploring. For a truly historic and uniquely Portsmouth stay, check into Wentworth by the Sea for a grand 150+-year-old resort that has all the 21st-century creature comforts you need amidst a stunning waterfront location.
Peterborough
Peterborough may sport a convenient location, about 37 miles west of Manchester and 73 miles northwest of Boston, yet this town nonetheless looks and feels like a quaint and easygoing New England village. It’s quite easy to get out and enjoy the great outdoors with a quick drive to Miller State Park, where you can hit the trails and hike to the 2,290-foot summit of Pack Monadnock for panoramic mountain views. You can also head to MacDowell Lake for boating, fishing, swimming during the summer, and hunting during the fall season. For even more mountain adventures, check out Monadnock State Park and explore the scenery that inspired great authors like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.
Back in town, Peterborough is picture-perfect for discerning shoppers, with classy antique shops like Twin Elm Farm and Bowerbird & Friends, New England Art Exchange for period paintings and fine prints, Toadstool Bookshop for an enchanting selection of books and music, and Ava Marie Chocolates for locally-made gourmet chocolates. When it’s time to settle down, settle into a cozy and comfy stay at Riverhouse by Weekender.
Hampton
Nestled on the Seacoast, Hampton is quite the picturesque portal to the Atlantic Ocean. Hampton Beach State Park is open year-round, and it’s particularly a great summertime hotspot to cool down with swimming, fishing, beachcombing, and RV camping. For more sea excursions, head to North Hampton State Park for a cool, family-friendly beach.
Beyond the beaches, Hampton also has some interesting history. At the James House Museum, you can tour a 1723 house that now serves as a time capsule for 18th-century New England life. At the Tuck Museum, you can walk the entire complex of historic structures and find everything from local genealogical records to historic military artifacts and vintage town and school reports. For some adult fun, visit Smuttynose Brewing Co. for a wide selection of New Hampshire craft beer. And for some simple rest and relaxation with a convenient location between the town and the beach, it’s hard to beat 935 Ocean Beachside Inn.
These Towns Abound in Close-knit Charm
When you seek some authentic New England small-town vibes, these eight close-knit towns in New Hampshire definitely deliver. At Carroll, you can ascend to New Hampshire’s highest summit and enjoy the pinnacle of ski town luxury. At Hanover, you can experience classic Ivy League excellence and hop on the Appalachian Trail for endless natural adventures. At Portsmouth, you can explore a beautifully historic town and discover some of New England’s finest coastal scenery. No matter how you want to spend your time, these eight close-knit towns give you plenty to see and do in New Hampshire.
