9 Most Charming River Towns in New England to Visit in 2024
If you have missed delicious clam chowder, finely prepared lobster rolls, or some of the most historical landmarks in the United States, you will want to pay a visit to New England in 2024. This six-state region is vast and dotted with a delightful array of charming towns. For those who love heart-warming waterfront views and would like to specifically explore river towns, discover below the nine most charming river towns in New England to visit in 2024.
Woodstock, Vermont
With its beautifully preserved Federal homes and buildings, some of which are associated with the Rockefellers, Woodstock is one of the prettiest places, not just in New England but in the entire country. Partly because of its architectural heritage, Woodstock Village is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. President Calvin Coolidge’s childhood home is nearby, and Norman Williams Public Library, an impressive pink sandstone constructed in 1883, is known to leave first-time visitors completely blown away.
The Ottauquechee River meanders through the town — and is known to gift the town one of its defining landmarks: The Middle Covered Bridge. Stretching for 139 feet across the shimmering waters of the Ottauquechee River, this bridge is reputed to be among the longest in the state. Visitors will want to check out the two-story Belvedere Complex, a masterpiece designed by the architect who introduced the mansard roof to the United States.
Old Lyme, Connecticut
Elated at what lay before his eyes, Henry Ward Ranger, at the time among the most popular American landscape painters, remarked in a sprightly missive to his agent — that Old Lyme was “just waiting to be painted.” That was at the turn of the 20th century. Today, this quaint Connecticut charmer, set along the picturesque Lieutenant River, is among the region’s most charming small towns. Ferry Landing State Park, with its beautiful but short boardwalk, is a great spot for boat-watching.
The Florence Griswold Museum, which is named for a founder of the town’s art colony, houses an excellent collection of American Impressionist paintings. The museum sits right on the river. If seeking a spot to rest for the night, Old Lyme Inn, with its attached Jazz Club, is homey — and can come in handy.
Lowell, Massachusetts
Because of the presence and flow of the scenic Merrimack River, Lowell deserves a spot among the most charming river towns in New England. Today, the beautiful Riverwalk, which passes through the imposing Boott Mills, gives first-time visitors the best access to the waterway. For perspective, Boott Mills is the town’s most complete remnant of the area’s antebellum textile mills. The Tsongas Center, formerly Tsongas Arena, a massive venue for concerts and events, is on the banks of the Merrimack River smack in the middle of town.
First-time visitors who will want to know why Lowell is often regarded as one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution in the United States will need to spend an hour or two at the Lowell National Historical Park. Just let them not miss the Witch Bonney Statue in Lowell Cemetery.
Brattleboro, Vermont
We are not talking of just one river here. Brattleboro features three picturesque rivers: the West River, the Connecticut River, and Mount Wantastiquet. A gorgeous, artsy town, this Vermont gem sits on the New Hampshire border in the southernmost parts of the state. The Brattleboro Area Famers’ Market, which is close to another must-see attraction in town (the covered bridge), was once named the best farmers market in Vermont.
Art enthusiasts, however, pressed for time, will need to put Brattleboro Museum & Arts Center on their to-do list. The rivers in the town’s precincts are excellent floating and fishing venues and will be a big draw to all nature and outdoor enthusiasts.
Northampton, Massachusetts
Northampton is a gorgeous college town set on the picture-perfect banks of New England’s longest river — the Connecticut River. Partly because it plays host to the architecturally stunning Smith College, Northampton is often vibrant and is known to offer awesome retail therapy. Smith College Botanic Garden, a campus on-site attraction — is among the town’s most sought-after venues.
One can stroll through the woods at Look Memorial Park, marvel at Smith College Museum of Art’s rotating exhibits, stand in awe of Calvin Coolidge’s bust outside an imposing courthouse, and traipse through the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library Collection at Forbes Library.
Albany, New Hampshire
Just for a bite-sized taste of the heart-melting Kancamagus Highway, arguably the most scenic drive in New England, Albany should be on the bucket list of every New England adventurer. Aside from this well-known drive, however, Albany, one of New Hampshire’s most underrated towns, is home to the rugged Mt. Chocorua, which happens to be one of New Hampshire's most loved hiking venues.
Just outside town is the Rail and River Trail, a short, interpretive walking trail that will take one back in time through the history of the region. The Swift River, so aptly named, flows through Albany and imbues it with a rustic, peaceful look. Whatever it offers, no one will want to miss one of the most-photographed bridges in New Hampshire—the 120-foot-long Albany Covered Bridge.
Ipswich, Massachusetts
A first-time visitor to Ipswich will thank Lady Luck for the chance to set foot on one of the most stunning coastal communities in the Bay State. One will be blown away by Ipswich’s small-town charm and its heart-warming river setting. A first-timer should consider staying at The Inn At Castle Hill, from where guests can catch a glimpse of Crane Beach, a short walk away. For a place to eat, grab a table (and a meal) at Clam Box, which, for about 90 years, has been serving up some of the most delicious fried clams in New England.
The Ipswich River, which begins in Burlington, flows through to Ipswich, where it connects with the Atlantic Ocean at Ipswich Bay. Constructed in 1764, before the birth of the republic, Choate Bridge, which spans the Ipswich River, is the second oldest known bridge in the entire United States. No one will want to miss a stroll behind the stores and over the bridge.
West Cornwall, Connecticut
The Housatonic River is nothing short of breathtaking — and it passes through West Cornwall — before dropping its waters into Long Island Sound. Famed for its biodiversity and natural beauty, the Housatonic River imbues West Cornwall with a rustic ambiance and gifts it one of its defining landmarks: the West Cornwall Covered Bridge.
This bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed in the Civil War years and should be declared a must-stop on the scenic Route 7 drive. Set in the rolling hills of Litchfield County, West Cornwall plays host to several attractions. Mohawk Mountain State Park, for instance, which features one-of-a-kind black spruce bog, is in the town’s backyard. Plus, the Mohawk Mountain Ski Area is the largest in the state.
Hanover, New Hampshire
A combination of several features, including the presence of Dartmouth College, the cascading flow of the Connecticut River, and lots of scenic hiking and cross-country skiing trails — earn Hanover a spot among the most charming river towns in New England. Known for its Ivy League status, Dartmouth College was founded in 1769 and, hence, is one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution.
For a place to stay, Hanover Inn boasts more than 100 nicely appointed rooms and was once named the best environmental inn in New Hampshire. On the flip side, for a hearty breakfast, Lou's Restaurant & Bakery has been wowing taste buds since 1947. For the art-oriented, Hood Museum of Art displays a nice selection of exhibits and moreover, is completely free of charge.
From the quaint, charming towns that dot Connecticut’s coast to Maine’s rocky shoreline, New England brims with a delicious array of picturesque towns. Boston could be the most picturesque city in New England — perhaps even in the United States. However, if seeking something smaller, more walkable, and more charming, you will want to consider other venues, including Woodstock, Vermont; Old Lyme, Connecticut, and Lowell, Massachusetts. Just brace yourself for mind-bending architectural delights — as well as sumptuous waterfront views.
