9 Eclectic Small Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire, an aesthetically beautiful northerly state in the Northeastern United States’ New England region, is eulogized for its jagged snowy alpine peaks, verdant conservation areas, sparkling aquatic expanses, a tiny Atlantic (Gulf of Maine) coastline, and comprehensive granite quarries. Although majorly overshadowed by the Granite State's more excursionist-centric bustling urban agglomerations such as Nashua, Manchester, and Concord, the state capital, the incalculable eclectic small towns peppering the mountainous and densely wooded terrain of this White Mountain State are untapped gems waiting to be discovered and worth venturing to on your prolonged getaways.
Gorham
This 2,698-inhabitant Coös County town occupies the Androscoggin Valley on the northern limit of the Presidential Mountain Range. Travelers visiting this ‘Switzerland of America’ must stop by prominent tourist magnets such as the Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum, Medallion Opera House, and Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum.
Also, go camping at the Moose Brook State Park, travel up the Mount Washington Auto Road to get a bird’s-eye view of the White Mountains region, cycle along the Presidential Rail Trail, and cruise the abutting waterbodies with the help of Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center’s guided kayak trip.
Littleton
The eclectic Grafton County town, Littleton, sits on the Ammonoosuc River shores at the White Mountains' northern extremity. Saunter through the Main Street of this commercial hub of the entire White Mountains region, and take note of the abundant sweet shops like Chutters, bookstores like Little Village Toy & Book Shop, women's clothing stores like Bella Funk Boutique, antique stores like Purple Peacock, outdoor sports stores like Lahout’s, America’s Oldest Ski Shop, coffee shops like The Inkwell Coffee House, breweries like Schilling Beer Co., and diners like The Coffee Pot Restaurant.
Concertedly, gain knowledge about the yesteryears at the Littleton Area Historical Museum, pay homage to Pollyanna's bronze statue outside the Littleton Public Library, tour the splendid Riverwalk Covered Bridge, and watch a show at the Littleton Opera House.
Meredith
Originally called Palmer’s Town and later relabeled after Sir William Meredith, this diverse 6,662-inhabitant town in Belknap County is situated at the kernel of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region on Lake Winnipesaukee's western banks. This primary resort destination is famed for its innumerable small and large aqueous bodies, including Lake Winnisquam, Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Waukewan, and Wickwas Lake. The town's economic pivot, Meredith Village, sits between Lake Waukewan and Meredith Bay's northern limit.
When in town, do not forget to pay a visit to the Meredith Marina, enjoy a maritime getaway aboard MS Mount Washington, survey Meredith Sculptures and Stonedam Island Conservation Area, delve into the past at the Meredith Children’s Museum and Meredith Historical Society & Museum, watch theatrical shows at Winnipesaukee Playhouse, ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, shop at Mill Falls Marketplace, and sample wines at Hermit Woods Winery.
Exeter
Exeter is an eclectic river town in southeastern New Hampshire’s Rockingham County alongside the Squamscott River. Settled in 1638 by the Puritan clergyman John Wheelwright and titled ‘Exeter’ after its namesake cathedral city in South West England’s Devon County, the town flawlessly fuses small-town tranquility with up-to-date conveniences. Aside from housing the Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the nation’s oldest secondary educational institutions, Exeter has profuse interesting attractions such as the Exeter Town Hall, Gilman-Garrison House, the Ladd-Gilman House’s American Independence Museum, and the Exeter Historical Society Museum.
Carefully scan the many domestically-owned toy stores like Whirlygigs Toy Shop, gift shops like New England Mercantile & Crafted New England Candles, bookstores like Water Street Bookstore, art galleries like Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery, and restaurants like Otis Restaurant that cram the tree-lined streets of Exeter’s Downtown. Those wishing to engage in outdoor activities must head directly to the Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park, Founders Park, Swasey Parkway, and Gilman Park.
Peterborough
An enchanting Hillsborough County town, Peterborough, christened as a tribute to the 3rd Earl of Peterborough Charles Mordaunt, is situated at the crisscrossing of New Hampshire Route 101 and US Route 202 Highways on the shores of Contoocook River. One of Peterborough's outstanding wonders is MacDowell Colony, a woodsy inspiration retreat sustaining roughly 300 artists, novelists, and songsmiths.
Adventure lovers can have a great time indulging in assorted playful activities offered at Miller State Park, Edward MacDowell Lake, and Temple Mountain Reservation. Try to attend Greenerborough, a summertime festival, Snow Ball Festival, Children and the Arts Day Festival, and Thing in the Spring music festival held in January, May, and June, respectively, every year.
Hanover
Chartered by the New Hampshire Governor Benning Wentworth and dubbed for its patronymic Connecticut community, this diverse college town in Grafton County sits in the Upper River Valley on the Connecticut River banks. Hanover is known for its ability to house the core campus of Dartmouth College, one of the nine higher education institutes established prior to the American Revolution.
The Appalachian Trail, which makes its way through Hanover’s Downtown, connects various hiking trails and nature preserves, luring hikers from worldwide. Allot time for inspecting a whopping haul of antiquities and artworks at the Hood Museum of Art, witnessing movies at Nugget Theaters and other productions at Hopkins Center for the Arts, enjoying a baseball game at the Red Rolfe Field, and savoring finger-licking cuisines served by Lou's Restaurant & Bakery.
Sugar Hill
Marveled for its maple syrup heritage, this teeny town in Grafton County commands the White Mountain National Forest, presenting flabbergasting vistas of Presidential, Dalton, Kinsman, and Franconia Mountain ranges. Those wishing to relish scrumptious homemade pancakes, French toast garnished with maple syrup, and waffles must pop in at Polly’s Pancake Parlor on Sugar Hill Road, whereas first-grade quality white cheddar cheese, locally produced dishes and one-of-a-kind gift items are available at the epochal Harman's Cheese & County Store.
The Sugar Hill Historical Museum tells stories about bygone times, while merrymakers are enticed by the Sugar Hill Lupine Festival every June when only for a short period, the surrounding farmlands, meadows, and gardens are loaded with blossoming pink and violet lupine flowers.
North Conway
North Conway, named in honor of Field Marshal Henry Seymour Conway, is set along the US Route 302 highway in eastern Carroll County, approx. 136 miles from Boston. Holidaymakers on a visit to this acclaimed all-season vacation retreat in the White Mountains must check out Main Street’s multiple antique shops like Richard M Plusch Antiques, art galleries like League of NH Craftsmen North Conway Fine Craft Gallery, and coffee shops like Frontside Coffee Roasters; apart from the Settlers’ Green Outlet Village’s 60-plus retail and outlet stores.
Additionally, learn about the region's skiing history at the New England Ski Museum; partake in skiing activities at Cranmore Mountain Resort, hiking activities at the White Mountain National Forest, and rock-climbing activities at Cathedral Ledge of Echo Lake State Park; sightsee via Conway Scenic Railroad rides; and travel across Green Hills Preserve, which encompasses many mountains in the Mount Washington Valley.
Franconia
Baptized ‘Franconia’ by colonial administrator Benning Wentworth owing to the terrain’s likeness with Franconian Switzerland in the German state of Bavaria, this quaint Grafton County town on the western side of White Mountains is a Shangri-la for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Franconia is distinguished for housing the stunning Franconia Notch State Park's northern half and sections of White Mountain National Forest in the town's eastern and southern parts.
During the cold season, myriad winter recreations are offered at the Cannon Mountain Ski Area, while summer and fall seasons are best for touring Franconia Notch State Park's popular sites of interest, such as Flume Gorge, Franconia Notch Bike Path, Flume Covered Bridge, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, Echo Lake Beach, the Basin, and Sentinel Pine Covered Bridge. Furthermore, the Lafayette Place Campground, Besaw Iron Furnace Interpretive Center, Franconia Heritage Museum, and the Frost Place - Museum & Poetry Center are some of Franconia’s noteworthy attractions.
From the mind-boggling White Mountain towns of Littleton and Franconia to the entrancing waterfront town of Exeter, the tantalizing settlements in the 10th least populous and 5th smallest state of the country offer experiences for every out-of-towner. Flaunting jaw-dropping natural scenes, riveting attractions, vibrant cultures, and great outdoors catering to multifarious leisure activities, these eclectic towns must be your first stops the next time you are touring the Granite State with your near and dear ones.
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