9 of the Most Charming Towns in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a beautiful state located in the New England region of the United States. It is a four-season state known for outdoor adventures all year long. It has the highest peaks in the Northeast for skiing, massive forests for hiking and camping, and clear lakes for summer fun.

The Granite State is ideal for road-tripping in the Spring and Summer, with quaint towns dotting the landscape. Bigger cities like Concord are more well-known, but there are also small towns where you can unwind and soak in the scenery. These are nine of the most charming towns in New Hampshire.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is a classic New England town on the Piscataqua River. It was one of New Hampshire's earliest settlements and is the only seaport in the state. Several historic homes are here, including the former boarding house where famous naval commander John Paul Jones stayed briefly.

The Strawberry Banke is an incredible museum that should not be overlooked. It is a completely preserved neighborhood that spans over 350 years. The historic homes are available for tours, and there are heirloom gardens, craft demonstrations, and period actors. The history and the atmosphere of historic Portsmouth make it one of the most charming in New Hampshire.

Exeter

Exeter is a small, historic town and home to the notable American Independence Museum. The museum contains numerous historical artifacts and documents from America's origins and the town. One of the original signed documents of the Declaration of Independence is on display because it was discovered in Exeter. There are also two early drafts of the US Constitution on display.

Other historical sites include the Gilman Garrison House, built in 1709, and Philips Exeter Academy, founded in 1781. Exeter has a charming downtown along the banks of the Squamscott River. Visitors can glimpse the river from String Bridge or tour City Hall, which opened in 1855. This is one of the most charming towns in New Hampshire because of its vintage architecture and walkable downtown area.

Hanover

The small town of Hanover borders the Connecticut River and is home to the Ivy League university, Dartmouth. It also has a charming and vibrant cultural scene. Hood Museum is part of the university and features exhibits from various cultures and historical eras.

Hopkins Center For The Arts is a live performance theatre and a cultural center offering a variety of arts programs and exhibitions that showcase experiential education and seek to bring together local artists and priceless pieces from around the world. In this cultural epicenter of New Hampshire, there are several other museums, galleries, and outdoor activities to explore, along with elegant dining and lodging options.

Littleton

Littleton was established in 1770 on the Ammonoosuc River and was a trading hub for the White Mountains region. Today, its history remains fused with gorgeous scenery and covered bridges that give the town an Americana touch. The Riverwalk and the Veteran's Memorial Covered Bridge form a loop connecting to Main Street downtown.

The downtown area has a classic small-town feel and includes local shops like Chutters, which boasts the world's longest candy counter. Visitors in town would be remiss not to have someone snap a photo of them next to the Pollyanna statue. The author who penned this classic character from the 1913 children's book Eleanor H. Porter was born in Littleton in 1898, and the statue stands as a memorial to her classic book, Pollyanna.

Meredith

Meredith is a rustic, charming town with beautiful scenery, such as Mills Falls and a vibrant downtown area. Mill Falls Marketplace was built in the early 1800s on the 95-acre Meredith Village Core. The Common Man is a collection of four restaurants featuring different themes and cuisine. Lakehouse serves classic New England fare, Town Docks offers outside seating and a festive atmosphere, Lago offers Old World cuisine, and Camp has a nostalgic feel of mountain summer camps.

Other noteworthy attractions include the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, a performing arts theatre featuring productions like The Jungle Book and Ghost. Visitors can take a self-guided or docent-guided tour along the Sculpture Walk downtown. There are 33 sculptures around the Main Street gardens from Northeast sculptors, and they are changed annually, so there is always something new to discover. The natural beauty and numerous activities make Meredith one of the most charming towns in New Hampshire.

Sugar Hill

The sparsely populated town of Sugar Hill overlooks the White Mountain National Forest and offers stunning views of four mountain ranges. The Presidential, Franconia, Kinsman, and Dalton mountain ranges are among the most majestic in the US and provide fantastic photo opportunities.

The quaint, walkable downtown adds to Sugar Hill's charm and scenery with local shops and restaurants. Polly's Pancake Parlor has been open for 75 years and makes the best homemade breakfast treats in the region. There are cultural attractions like the Sugar Hill Historical Museum. The museum celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2024 with two barns and the Reide-Burpee House. The Carriage Barn has period-appropriate farm equipment and horse-drawn carriages.

North Conway

North Conway is a charming rustic village with antique shops, picturesque buildings, and outdoor adventures. The Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges are popular among rock climbers, while those seeking retail therapy will love the shopping center, Settlers Green. The town center has over 70 retail shops, restaurants, and public art displays.

The surrounding area of this small town has six picturesque covered bridges that provide romantic photo opportunities. The Swift River Bridge is the most photographed, while the Jackson Bridge is the most romantic. The Scenic Railroad offers 4.5-5.5-hour train rides, an ideal way to see the landscape that makes this region so charming.

Gorham

Gorham is a historic town in the Androscoggin Valley, next to the Presidential Mountain Range in the White Mountains. The Appalachian Trail runs close to Gorham, and today, the community still welcomes hikers as they pass through town. Moose Brook State Park is another popular outdoor attraction. The park has several camping sites and pristine fishing opportunities in the Moose and Peabody Lakes.

Several cultural sites are in town, such as the Gorham Historical Society. The building was built in 1907 as the Grand Trunk Railroad Station and contains many railroad artifacts and photos of the vintage railway cars that stopped in Gorham. The Medallion Opera House is a perfect place to enjoy a night in the town. It is inside the Town Hall building on Park Street and seats 224 people.

Peterborough

The charming town of Peterborough is famous for inspiring Thornton Wilder's Our Town. It is also known for outdoor activities and its quaint downtown area with antique shops and local eateries. One outdoor adventure is hiking or driving the 2,290-foot Pack Monadnock inside Miller State Park. The summit provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges and countryside.

The downtown area is noteworthy for antiquing, with shops like Grove and Main on Main Street and Bowerbird and Friends on Depot Square. The culinary scene is outstanding downtown, with the famous Harlow's Pub and Coopershill. Harlow's is a gastropub and family-friendly restaurant serving American fare, while Coopershill provides a refined dining experience.

New Hampshire's Most Charming Towns: A Scenic and Historic Delight

New Hampshire is one of the prettiest states in New England. It is known for its weather, beautiful mountain ranges, and charming towns. These nine towns are among the most captivating and offer hiking, rock climbing, and pleasant, walkable downtown areas.

Portsmouth was the first incorporated town and today stands as a quintessential New England village. Exeter has a fantastic history intertwined with the nation's birth, and towns like Sugar Hill have spectacular views. The landscape surrounding these charming towns adds unparalleled beauty to the rural scenery, making these the most charming towns in New Hampshire.