8 Coziest Towns To Visit In New Hampshire
New Hampshire is an idealistic state that has everything from vibrant and cozy towns to forests and snow-capped mountains. If you love the outdoors, there are wonderful wilderness areas to explore in the magnificent White Mountains. On the other hand, those interested in local history adore the interesting museums and landmarks in the state's many small towns. Here are eight such New Hampshire towns that offer fun-filled destinations with historic roots and friendly communities to charm any visitor. Whether planning a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventurous family vacation, these small towns are cozy destinations perfect for a relaxing vacation.
Hanover
Hanover, home to Dartmouth College, is a bustling town renowned for its lively culture and arts scene. The Hopkins Center for the Arts, situated on the college campus, serves as the focal point for various visual and performing arts. Similarly, the town’s historic charm is evident in the well-preserved building of the Hood Museum of Art, which has exciting artwork on display. The museum also hosts various events, like the ‘Tracing Foodways Through Art’ discussion on sculpture making, which runs throughout the year.
Outside of the town’s bustling streets, Hanover offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of unique opportunities. Mink Brook Nature Reserve, just south of downtown, is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. It also has many trails through streams and scenic wooded areas, ideal for a day of hiking in New Hampshire.
Derry
Derry ranks as the fourth-most populous community in the state. The town is a cultural hub with plenty of landmarks scattered throughout. For history buffs, there are several notable sites to explore. Those interested can head to the Taylor Mill State Historic Site, a sawmill site with a history dating back to 1799. Today, it is one of the last remaining mills still in operation and offers an insight into the workings of an up-and-down sawmill. Nearby, the Adams Memorial Building is another hotspot, boasting a unique Colonial Revival architecture style enthusiasts adore. Additionally, Derry's vibrant downtown area offers charming shops, cafes, and local eateries, making it a delightful place to explore.
Island Pond is a travel option for anyone who loves outdoor adventure. This 500-acre body of water offers various recreational activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, and water skiing. Nearby public conservation lands also provide hiking and natural trails, while kids might enjoy bird watching and picnicking.
Alton
Alton is a scenic destination known for its array of hiking trails and views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Hiking enthusiasts often head straight to the Mount Major Trail, a 3.6-mile loop full of lush foliage and outdoor charm to the top of Mount Major. Those who complete the route can admire views of New Hampshire from atop the 1,780-foot peak.
For year-round fun and adventure, the nearby Gunstock Mountain Resort is a popular destination for ski and snowboarding lovers. One can enjoy Nordic skiing, snow tubing, and even skijoring on dog-friendly cross-country ski trails. Moreover, watersports are available throughout all seasons on Lake Winnipesaukee. Popular pursuits range from boating to swimming, each a fresh outdoor experience.
Exeter
Exeter is a charming town in Rockingham County perfect for a cozy vacation in all four seasons. The town sees flowers in the spring, beach weather and farmers markets in the summer, beer and chili festival in the fall, and a pretty snow cover in winter. Nature lovers who would much rather be in open landscapes will enjoy the Swasey Parkway. It's a comfortable place to sit on the benches under shaded trees and witness the beauty of the river.
In addition to its natural beauty, the town also boasts amazing historical landmarks, such as the American Independence Museum. This historic house museum features a rare collection of historic artifacts, giving a fascinating glimpse of America’s early days during the Revolutionary War. To satisfy the love of shopping, Exeter has numerous choices of antique shops, art galleries, and coffee shops, making any visit memorable.
Littleton
Littleton, New Hampshire, situated along the Vermont border, is renowned for its charming downtown area and historic architecture. With a tight-knit community of around 6,000, it was named one of the most quintessential small towns in New England in 2022 by Strategistico, a data-driven research website. The charming community is represented through Littleton’s main street, which is the heartbeat of the community. The street offers numerous options for authentic cuisine, boutiques, and shopping options from various small businesses with a stunning backdrop of the White Mountains.
The Riverwalk Covered Bridge is one of the top attractions in Littleton. A walk along the bridge is filled with stunning landscapes and ends at a lovely farmer’s market. Take a look down to see the Ammonoosuc River flowing through the mesmerizing scenery. Another must-visit attraction is the Pollyanna Statue, which welcomes visitors with a wave. Don’t forget to bring your camera along and take a picture of this iconic statue with your arms flung wide, mimicking the statue.
Franconia
Nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, Franconia is a charming town known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. At the heart of Franconia lies Franconia State Park, offering a range of hiking trails from easy strolls to challenging treks. For a more relaxing way to take in the sights, there is a gondola ride offering stunning aerial views of distant valleys and mountains. Besides that, Echo Lake offers serene waters with a backdrop of Mt. Lafayette and Cannon Mountain. Visitors will find ample recreational activities here, like fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking.
For those seeking a less adventurous experience, park buses are available to transport visitors to the bottom of Flume Gorge. As night falls, the seven-site RV park on Echo Lake's north shore is an ideal place to stay year-round. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for camping under the stars.
Gilford
This cozy town of Gilford is nestled in the heart of the Lakes Region and offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty and community spirit. The best display of the local spirit is in the town’s outdoor amphitheater, which hosts various premier events and concerts. Some of the most popular events are the Brooks and Dunn: Reboot 2024 Tour and Kids BOP Live 2024.
One of the town's main attractions is Ellacoya State Park, which features an RV campground, a playground, and a sandy beach area ideal for picnics and family-friendly activities. Additionally, nearby Governor’s Island, covering 500 acres, boasts historical buildings and numerous art collective spaces.
Meredith
Located on Lake Winnipesaukee in the foothills of the White Mountains, Meredith serves as a major resort town. Recognized as one of the 10 best small towns on the East Coast by Travel and Leisure magazine, this cozy town of Meredith looks stunning, especially in the autumn when the fall colors pop.
Meredith boasts several top attractions, including the renowned Hermit Woods Winery and Eatery. This popular spot is celebrated for its exceptional food and drinks and has earned accolades, such as USA Today’s Reader’s Pick for America’s fourth-best tasting rooms. Nearby, visitors can explore Meredith Marina, which offers boat rentals, a ship store, a fuel dock, and a wide selection of pontoon boats for convenient rental. For theater connoisseurs, Interlakes Summer Theater provides a delightful venue where talented college-age performers captivate audiences with their acting, singing, and dancing skills.
Wrapping Up
Known as the “Granite State,” New Hampshire is a gem of discovery, offering enchanting natural beauty, fascinating history, and plenty of small-town charm. While the state’s major towns are certainly worth exploring, New Hampshire’s smaller, cozier towns offer delightful holiday stopovers as well. Whether you're wandering the bustling streets of Hanover or soaking in the views at Meredith Marina, these inviting small towns provide a wonderful way to experience the best of what New Hampshire has to offer. So pack your bags and embark on an exploration of the great state of New Hampshire through these charming, cozy, and friendly towns.
