11 New Hampshire Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
New Hampshire's most memorable main streets pair white-steepled town centers and brick storefronts with riverwalks and mountain views. In towns like Littleton and Dover, rivers shape the downtown experience. Keene and Hanover lean into college-town energy and an easygoing pace. Portsmouth holds a working seaport at the foot of its historic downtown. Each of the towns ahead is made for an unhurried day on foot. These eleven New Hampshire main streets reward walking one block at a time.
Keene
Keene is known for its spacious, paved streets lined with a grand white church and Central Square, which is anchored by a beautiful white wooden gazebo, a water fountain, and the Civil War Soldiers' Monument, complete with cannons. This area immediately pulls you in with its shady trees and brick storefronts.
Around the corner, visitors can shop for books at The Toadstool Bookshop, a spacious and airy store lined with books up to the ceiling. There are also seating areas to relax or catch up on a riveting novel. If you crave entertainment, you will enjoy The Colonial Theatre, a restored 1924 historic playhouse that seats 900 inside its spacious auditorium, which also has an orchestra pit, balcony, and mezzanine.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Ye Goodie Shoppe. This store opened its doors in 1931 and has become a mainstay since. Its aroma draws visitors into its fresh butter cream, peanut butter cups, fudge, and fine chocolate.
Littleton
This brick-lined downtown area is set in the White Mountains alongside the Ammonoosuc River. The main street is a walkable landscape that features 1800s architecture and a busy business community. However, there is plenty to see and do for travelers and residents alike.
Chutters has the largest candy counter in the country. It looks like a classic Candyland from Willie Wonka. This bright pink storefront is known for its 112-foot-long counter, which features over 500 varieties of chocolates and other sweet treats in glass jars.
For something even more traditional, the Pollyanna Statue looks like it stepped right out of the classic children's novel by Eleanor H. Porter. The crosswalks are lined with visitors who cannot wait to take a picture with this statue, which encourages people to wave at traffic.
Steps away is the Riverwalk Covered Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge that carries guests over the Ammonoosuc River. It offers incredible views of the water wheel and suspension bridge. Cap off the trip with a cold beer at Schilling Beer Co. while soaking in the view of the European-style craft brewery and the scenic White Mountains in the background.
Hanover
Main Street in Hanover looks like the quintessential New England downtown district with its brick-lined sidewalks, local cafes, and businesses that have operated for decades, if not longer. Start out with a visit to the Dartmouth College campus, which features its Georgian architecture and grassy expanse called "The Green," where most students study and catch up after class.
Continue your educational trip across the way with a visit to the Hood Museum of Art, which displays over 70,000 artifacts. The Hopkins Center for the Arts brings art to life through its reimagination of classic plays like Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Wind down with a walk around the Appalachian Trail, which runs through downtown Hanover. It is one of the few towns where the main street and the A.T. meet. The area is littered with runners, bikers, and hikers alike.
Plymouth
This New England downtown features 19th-century buildings, cobblestone roads, and tree-lined sidewalks. Located on Main Street is the restored 1920s theater, the Flying Monkey, known for its vaudeville charm and state-of-the-art amenities.
This space features a traditional theater seating 357 guests and downstairs tables seating 69 guests. In addition, a premier balcony overlooks the stage and features 66 table seats and a private bar.
The Museum of the White Mountains honors the legacy, culture, and history of Plymouth and the surrounding areas. The exhibit changes with each theme, but the museum's goal is to offer resources and activities that engage visitors.
If you want to step foot into a classic New England college town, you will enjoy a trip to Plymouth State University (PSU), which combines historic charm with modern amenities. This 170-acre campus is situated in the White Mountains and Lakes Region and features tree-lined walkways and traditional brick buildings that look like something out of a romantic comedy.
Conclude the trip with the Plymouth Walking Tour at the Plymouth Historical Society. This scenic, self-guided tour starts at the Historic Town Center and caps off at the PSU campus. Visitors will pass by the Old Webster Courthouse, the Silver Cultural Arts Center, and the cottage where poet Robert Frost resided while teaching at the Plymouth Normal School.
Exeter
This scenic town offers views of the Squamscott River and traditional brick buildings. Historic 18th- and 19th-century architecture dominates the district, as seen at the Bandstand and Exeter Town Hall. Stroll along the Squamscott River along Swasey Parkway, which offers a peaceful backdrop to this small town.
Meanwhile, the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy is busy with young students and teachers alike. It is the nation's sixth-oldest boarding school and is home to 1,000 boarding, day, and postgraduate students.
Downtown is the Water Street Bookstore, a gathering spot for locals and guests alike. It has a back counter where customers can quietly chat, catch up on some work, or get lost in a New York Times bestseller. Close by is the American Independence Museum, a small museum that houses over 3,000 artifacts related to colonial life.
Meredith
What makes the Main Street of Meredith so unique is its variety of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. This area is close to a waterfront public park and the Mill Falls Marketplace, a shopping center featuring a 40-foot waterfall. This former mill city building is home to multiple shops and eateries that sell gifts, collectibles, merchandise, and ice cream.
Start the tour with a meal at the Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, which is a small boutique winery and eatery. This establishment crafts a wide selection of fine wines from local fruit and makes its fresh foods locally.
After a hearty meal, visit the Meredith Sculpture Walk, a self-guided outdoor gallery with over 30 sculptures scattered throughout downtown Meredith and along Lake Winnipesaukee. Up the way is the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railway, which features a variety of trains running through the open landscape surrounding this area.
Portsmouth
This coastal New England town has a working seaport and a walkable downtown area adorned with 1880s-style streetlamps, Federal-style townhouses, and scenic waterfront views along the Piscataqua River. The Strawbery Banke Museum transports visitors back in time with its nod to the early Europeans who visited New Hampshire.
For a relaxing atmosphere, Prescott Park has a waterfront green space complete with floral gardens, fountains, and grassy areas. It is the perfect place to stretch out, play frisbee, or read a good book. The downtown area of Portsmouth is packed with locally owned shops, such as Pickwick's Mercantile and Gus & Ruby Letterpress.
Concord
Concord has a mix of brick storefronts, civic architecture, and green spaces lined up along the Merrimack River. The downtown area is easily accessible, with brick-paved sidewalks and a mix of locally owned bookstores, boutiques, and cafes.
Along the way is the New Hampshire State House, known for its golden dome and Concord granite. The Capitol grounds are open to the public and feature life-size statues of New Hampshire figures, such as General John Stark and Daniel Webster.
Gibson's Bookstore is Concord's only independent bookstore and offers a wide selection of current and classic books. Every book has been hand-selected specifically for residents and guests.
If you prefer movies, catch an indie flick at the Red River Theatres, which has its own cafe and gallery, complete with classic movie posters. Round out the day with a trip to Revival Kitchen and Bar for a farm-to-table meal.
North Conway
North Conway looks like the quintessential New England mountain village with its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and open views of the White Mountains and the Cranmore Mountain Resort. Take in the sights and sounds of the Conway Scenic Railroad, which transports passengers to a bygone era with an 1874 Victorian station and vintage cars. The journey takes riders from North Conway Village into the depths of the White Mountains.
Wind down at Schouler Park, a grassy park. This recreational area has an open space with benches, picnic tables, a playground, and a splash area for kids.
Book lovers can get their fix at White Birch Books, which sells both best-sellers and indie reads. Although it looks like a medium-sized bookstore, it has a large selection that extends to the upper level. Round off the day by reminiscing on classic penny candy at Zeb's General Store, known for its life-size stuffed animals that grace the outlet.
Peterborough
This dizzying main street winds around the Contoocook River, home to boutiques, cafes, and the Peterborough Diner. This place looks like something out of a postcard. Peterborough's Main Street was the inspiration behind Thornton Wilder's play, Our Town.
Step into the 1950s at the Peterborough Diner, a classic Worcester Lunch Car from 1950. This eatery has classic meals, comfort food, and kid-friendly entrees that are eaten to the very last bite.
Get a taste for culture and history at the Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center, which strives to foster peace, unity, and understanding across borders. Although small, this engaging museum offers an educational experience for kids and adults alike.
Joseph's Coat is known as a shopper's paradise. This artisan gift shop has handmade gifts and fair-trade items, housed in a historic former bank. The store's layout is dizzying, with floor-to-ceiling displays of unique handicrafts and clothing from around the world.
The Monadnock Center for History and Culture honors Peterborough's rich history. This community museum and cultural center hosts annual exhibits, concerts, and events celebrating the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. The cultural center is next to Peterborough Town Hall.
Dover
Dover is known for its 19th-century brick architecture, set amid an active arts and dining scene. Many of the multi-story brick buildings in the area are situated along the Cocheco River, which provides the ideal backdrop for this coastal downtown. Also on the Cocheco River is Henry Law Park, which features picnic tables and riverfront recreation areas. The Dover Community Trail connects the main streets of Dover to the open green spaces. Travelers will experience the heart of the town where Main Street and Central Avenue collide. Nearby, tourists can browse local goods at My Country Story on Central Avenue, stop into the Noggin Factory toy shop in the historic mill district, or visit Lickee's & Chewy's Candies & Creamery for candy, handmade chocolates, and ice cream.
Why These New Hampshire Main Streets Stand Out
These main streets are not just another tourist trap. They are known for their rich history, distinct attractions, and welcoming communities. Most of these places appeal to travelers seeking slower-paced destinations outside busy cities. Each town has plenty of character and a plethora of activities to make memories.
