8 Picturesque Small Towns in New Hampshire for a Weekend Retreat
New Hampshire and its small towns are pure delights for visitors looking to spend an unforgettable weekend in mind-blowing natural scenery, devoid of chaos. One spectacular thing these towns have in common is the iconic White Mountains and its surrounding National Forest. In addition, there is the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean in some towns like Hampton, while others like Portsmouth also lay by the banks of scenic rivers.
Besides the natural attractions, these towns also feature historic landmarks, further making them appealing to many types of travelers, including history buffs. Discover the most picturesque towns in New Hampshire to visit for a weekend vacation filled with scenery and adventures.
Exeter
Exeter is a town in Rockingham County with an incredible blend of architectural and natural beauty. The town is also rich in history and is home to attractions like the American Independence Museum which hosts expository programs and artifacts that reflect America's fight for independence. Exeter is also home to the Exeter Historic Society and Museum, where visitors can get a glimpse into the town’s glorious past. Away from history, Exeter invites nature and adventure lovers to the Swasey Parkway, which follows the Squamscott River, with park benches and beautiful trees. Before leaving town, visitors should head over to the Exeter Fine Crafts Center to see and purchase various handcrafted items as souvenirs for the trip.
The Exeter Inn and Inn By the Bandstand are recommended accommodations for a weekend stay.
Gorham
Gorham is a charming little town in the White Mountains with so many great experiences to offer weekend vacationers. Outdoor lovers will particularly enjoy this town as it boasts attractions like the Moose Brook State Park, which is a haven for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, mountain biking, and camping. South of Gorham, Pinkham Notch also draws visitors to enjoy thrilling hiking and mountain biking adventures as well as to see beautiful waterfalls.
In addition, Gorham hosts interesting historic attractions like the Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum, where visitors can learn more about the town’s railroad industry. For the best experience, spend the weekend at either Top Notch Inn, The Glen House, or Town and Country Inn.
North Conway
North Conway is a pretty mountain town positioned in the White Mountain National Forest, where over a thousand miles of hiking trails can keep visitors busy all weekend. To begin, head to Echo Lake State Park to swim and have a picnic before climbing the 700-foot Cathedral Ledge to catch impressive views of Mount Washington Valley. The nearby White Horse Ledge also offers rock climbing opportunities with its 800 feet elevation.
For the absolute climax of mountain adventures in this town, visit the nearby Green Hill Preserves comprising three mountain peaks, with more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails and incredible views of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. Before leaving, enjoy a little dose of history at the New England Ski Museum, or head to the Conway Scenic Railroad for a train ride of a lifetime.
Residence Inn by Marriott, Cambria Hotel, and Holiday Inn Express are top accommodations for a weekend stay in this town.
Hampton
Hampton is a charming beach town that offers thrilling outdoor experiences. Visitors should first check into one of the town’s top accommodations, like Boardwalk Inn, Hampton House Hotel, and The Sands Resort, and then head over to Hampton Beach, which features one of the top boardwalks in the country. This beach hosts events like the Seafood Festival held in September and is popular for surfing, and whale watching.
Next, visitors can check out other attractions in town, like the Blue Ocean Discovery Center, to learn about the town’s maritime history. For entertainment, run to Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom or the Seashell Amphitheater, and for more of the town’s history, visit the Tuck Museum Complex.
Franconia
Franconia is a charming river town in the White Mountains with too much to be seen in just one weekend. Nevertheless, weekend vacationers can still enjoy exciting experiences by visiting the town’s top attractions, like the northern part of the Franconia Notch State Park, with Echo Lake (great for swimming and fishing), and Cannon Mountain (great for climbing). The Cannon Mountain is also home to the only aerial tramway in New Hampshire, which offers incredible views, especially in fall when the trees in the area display magical foliage colors.
Proceed to the New England Ski Museum to learn about the skiing traditions of the Northeastern United States, and then head to the Franconia Heritage Museum to learn about life in the town since it was first settled. If there’s still time, be sure to hike the Coppermine Trail to enjoy stunning views of the 80-foot Bridal Veil Falls. The Franconia Inn and Sunset Hill Inn at Sugar Hill are premier accommodations to spend the weekend.
Meredith
Meredith is a picturesque resort town in the Lakes region where it is flanked by some of the largest lakes in New Hampshire. Visitors to this town are in for exciting water adventures, and a great starting point is Lake Winnipesaukee, where recreational pursuits abound. The lake is home to Leavitt Beach, which offers great opportunities for picnics, sunbathing, kayaking, swimming, and canoeing.
Take the weekend retreat in a different direction by visiting the Waukewan Highlands Community Park, featuring forests, wetlands, wildlife, and three miles of trails for hiking, and biking. Before leaving, visit the Mill Falls Marketplace to shop and enjoy a delicious meal while gazing at the beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee.
The Church Landing at Mill Falls and the Lakefront Vacation Rental Home are recommended for a weekend stay.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is remarkably beautiful at its location on the banks of the Piscataqua River, where one can kayak, watch whales, boat, canoe, and fish on the waters. The town is also home to the massive Portsmouth Harbor, and visitors can head to this natural harbor to savor views of its scenic lighthouse.
The 10-acre Prescott Park should be the next on the list as it has stunning views of the Piscataqua River and beautiful flower gardens decorated by fountains. For history, visitors should head to the riverfront Strawbery Banke Museum which is the oldest settlement in Portsmouth, housing buildings that date more than 300 years back. Today, these centuries-old buildings house materials and events that reveal more about life during the area’s earliest days.
To get the best out of the weekend in Portsmouth, stay at one of its prime accommodations like Hampton Inn & Suites and the Inn Downtown.
Lincoln
Lincoln is one of the most beautiful towns in New Hampshire and the second-largest by area, implying more great outdoors to explore. The town is within the White Mountains and is home to a significant portion of the White Mountains National Forest. Hence, visitors can kick off their weekend vacation by exploring the vast park, with exciting hiking trails, campgrounds, and abundant wildlife species. The town is also home to a part of the Franconia Notch State Park, which houses the Flume Gorge and Lonesome Lake.
Hike the two-mile trail around Flume Gorge and then head to the beautiful Lonesome Lake to enjoy fishing and more hiking. On the east side of the town, Loon Mountain Resort invites visitors to enjoy a ride to the summit of Loon Peak on the longest gondola sky ride in New Hampshire.
The Riverwalk Resort at Loon Mountain and Holiday Inn Express are prime accommodations for a weekend stay in Lincoln.
The towns in New Hampshire are incredibly beautiful, thanks to their natural endowments. While some are framed by colossal mountains, others are flanked by gorgeous rivers and lakes, making each one beautiful in its own right. These towns are also surrounded by an abundance of trees which changes scenery according to the season. In fall, it looks and feels magical in these towns, but winter, spring, and summer also bring different sceneries and adventures, so it never gets boring. With so many picturesque natural attractions, visitors are guaranteed a satisfying weekend retreat.
