Why This New Hampshire Town Deserves More Attention

Home to just under 700 residents, Sugar Hill often gets overlooked in New Hampshire. However, the town is framed by four different mountain groups and jumps into color in the summer months as it blooms with purple lupines, resulting in views worthy of a postcard. In addition to its beautiful natural surroundings, the town has a strong community presence, supported by many local restaurants and shops that have been around for decades. Those seeking a laid-back atmosphere and warm community spirit will find Sugar Hill is unmatched.

Sugar Hill’s Lupine Season

Each summer, people flock to Sugar Hill to witness the colorful bloom of pink and purple lupines. While there are many fields around town to appreciate the flowers, Sunset Hill Road, with a massive flower field to the side, is one of the town’s most popular spots. To celebrate the lupines’ annual bloom, the town also hosts the Sugar Hill Lupine Festival each June. In addition to appreciating the flowers, visitors can stroll through an open-air market with local artisans and vendors, live music, an art show, and a town dance.

Outdoor Recreation

Sugar Hill is surrounded by the Presidential, Kinsman, Franconia, and Dalton Mountains, resulting in incredible mountain views from every corner of town. For panoramic views of the ranges, one can head to Sugar Hill Overlook, which has a vantage point over the Swift River Valley. In the winter months, many travelers enjoy skiing at the Ski Hearth Farm. The farm itself dates back to the mid-19th century and has more than 12 ski trails as well as 3 snowshoe trails for travelers to explore.

Less than a 15-minute drive from town, travelers can reach Franconia Notch State Park, an 8-mile park featuring Echo Lake in the north and Flume Gorge in the south. Across the park, there are 34 official trails, ranging in difficulty. Flume Gorge, a natural chasm with walls reaching up to 90 feet and widths ranging from 12 to 20 feet, is easily explorable on a 2-mile hiking trail. Along the path, travelers can admire glacial pools, waterfalls, massive boulders, and other geological formations. Echo Lake Beach offers travelers the opportunity to rent kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats, perfect for exploring the serene waters that lie at the base of Cannon Mountain. In order to see the park from above, hop aboard the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, which carries its passengers over 2 miles to the top of 4,080-foot-tall Cannon Mountain, offering views of New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, and Canada along the way!

Historic Attractions

Incorporated in 1962, Sugar Hill holds the distinction of being the youngest town in the state. Despite its relatively recent establishment, the area has a rich history dating back to the 1780s, which can be explored at the Sugar Hill Historical Museum. The museum's campus includes a historic home, two barns, and a main building, each exploring a different portion of the area’s heritage. The Carriage Barn features horse-drawn carriages, tools, folk-style paintings, and an old tower clock, while the Sleigh Shed Barn houses a collection of public signs and sleighs. In the main building, photographs, artifacts, and the John E. Bigelow Gallery provide an in-depth look at Sugar Hill's history, offering visitors a richer perspective.. In the neighboring town of Franconia, check the Besaw Iron Furnace, the only remaining blast furnace in the state. This historic octagonal structure now stands along the banks of the Gale River.

Local Restaurants

Ask any local in town where to grab a bite, and they will probably recommend Polly’s Pancake Parlor to you. This cozy cafe has been in operation since 1938, and it has been owned and operated by the same family for over 85 years. One can grab a stack of oatmeal buttermilk, whole wheat, or buckwheat pancakes topped with fresh New Hampshire maple syrup. For a hearty dinner, travelers can try out Boo’s Burger Bar, which serves beef smash burgers. Those who are celebrating a special occasion can make a reservation at the Sugar Hill Inn, an award-winning, upscale restaurant that offers dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

Local Shops

Many of the shops in Sugar Hill are family-owned, some standing as pillars in the community for decades. Harman’s Cheese and Country Store is a staple in New England culinary traditions, making and selling white cheddar made of whole milk from New York State since 1955. Beyond the traditional cheddar, visitors can also purchase varieties such as smoked cheddar, cheddar with horseradish, and cheddar with jalapeño. After stocking up on cheese, travelers can head to Heath's Greenhouse & Nursery, a family-owned plant shop that has been operating for over 35 years, offering pesticide-free plants to enhance any garden. For fresh-cut flowers, stop by Grace Blooms of Sugar Hill, selling beautiful bouquets of locally grown, organic flowers.

Creating Timeless Memories in Sugar Hill

While Sugar Hill may have fewer attractions than New Hampshire's larger cities, the experiences there are truly priceless. From soaring over the mountains in a cable car and sampling aged cheddar cheese to skiing through the rolling hills of Ski Hearth Farm, guests can enjoy a range of unique activities in and around town. So, branch out from the typical New Hampshire vacation destinations and get ready to form unforgettable memories in Sugar Hill!