7 Best Towns In New Hampshire For A Two-Day Recharge

When it comes to downtime, New Hampshire's best small towns have everything needed to leave you feeling recharged and ready to go. And whether it’s the college town ambience of Hanover or the coastal charm of Portsmouth, these communities are also set amongst some of New England’s prettiest scenery. Add to the mix world-class attractions, tasty dining experiences, and classy accommodation options, and these small New Hampshire towns will leave you feeling like a million dollars. Find out more with our list of the seven best towns in New Hampshire for a two-day recharge.

Hanover

Thanks to prestigious Dartmouth College, Hanover has earned a reputation as New Hampshire’s top college town. This charming Connecticut River Valley community centers around historic Dartmouth Green, a large commons established in 1771 that serves as both campus quad and town square. From here, you’re an easy stroll from top attractions, including the Hood Museum of Art, a piece of modern architecture that houses over 65,000 objects of art (admission is free).

If you’re looking for a cold-weather getaway, visit during February’s Dartmouth Winter Carnival and book a stay at a cozy hotel. The Hanover Inn Dartmouth is about as near as you can get to the College Green and is New Hampshire's only hotel with over two centuries of history. It’s also handily situated next to the Hopkins Center for the Arts, so book a show or a concert to round off your stay.

Six South St. Hotel is another good choice and offers a more contemporary boutique-style experience just steps from campus. Be sure to check out the on-site restaurant, Casa Brava Tapas. It’s worth noting that both properties provide valet parking, essential in downtown Hanover where street parking fills quickly, especially during the academic year.

Portsmouth

Portsmouth is crammed with New England maritime heritage, all within an immensely walkable Historic Downtown. As you stroll, you’ll pass some of this 400-year-old seaport’s best-preserved architecture, some of the best of which is at the excellent Strawbery Banke Museum. Open seasonally from April to October, this sprawling living history museum authentically depicts coastal life from the 1600s through the 1950s. Located in the original Puddle Dock neighborhood, purchase a two-day pass to get the best from the experience.

Picturesque Market Square is another must-visit, especially if you’re feeling peckish. From here, quaint brick sidewalks lead to several great restaurants, including Black Trumpet. Set in a historic 1803 chandlery in Merchants' Row, you’ll enjoy locally sourced bistro fare surrounded by exposed brick walls that still show traces of linseed oil from its candle-making past. For a quality stay, AC Hotel Portsmouth is a downtown waterfront property that places you in the heart of all there is to see and do in town, including the Piscataqua River and The Music Hall, a performing arts center dating back over 147 years that regularly hosts concerts and shows.

Wolfeboro

Proudly laying claim to the title of "America's Oldest Summer Resort," a getaway in the lakeside town of Wolfeboro is highly recommended. And Wolfeboro doesn’t just sit on a single lake: it sits on three. While the largest, Lake Winnipesaukee, lies to the west of town, the smallest, Crescent Lake, sits in the heart of Wolfeboro and connects with Lake Wentworth to the east. Together, they provide something of a mecca for boaters, kayakers, and sightseers.

Several reputable accommodation providers offer lake views, including Lake Wentworth Inn, recently renovated and located on the 12-mile Cotton Valley Rail Trail and just a few minutes’ walk from Albee Beach. The historic Wolfeboro Inn is a little closer to the downtown area and the Lake Winnipesaukee town docks. Whichever you book, make sure you include the Wright Museum of World War II in your itinerary. Dedicated to the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the 1940s, it houses a sizable collection of WWII military vehicles.

North Conway

North Conway makes for an ideal two-day recharge for those who enjoy a mix of urban and outdoor adventure. Well-known as a jumping off point to explore Mount Washington Valley in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, this rugged countryside is popular with hikers seeking some solitude. Man-made attractions include the Mount Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center, home to the Extreme Mount Washington Museum with exhibits on the harsh winter climate here, including some of the world’s fastest wind speeds.

The elegant North Conway Grand Hotel, located next to Settlers Green Outlet Village, features rooms with mountain views within a short drive of the weather center and hiking trails. Another good choice is the White Mountain Hotel & Resort, a family-owned property boasting views of the mountains and Echo Lake.

Littleton

Small-town charm is abundant in the White Mountains’ town of Littleton, especially along its attractive Main Street. Looking every inch the picture-perfect New England downtown, it’s here you’ll find the famous Chutters candy store. A Main Street fixture since the late 1800s, it’s home to the world’s longest candy counter stretching 112 feet along the entirety of the store. You’re literally spoiled for choice as there are countless candy-filled jars with colorful confections along with homemade fudge, chocolates, and nostalgic treats.

Take some of these sweet treats back to your room at Thayers Inn, a Greek Revival hotel built in 1843 that holds the title of the oldest hotel in the White Mountains. Its guest list is equally impressive and includes Presidents Ulysses S. Grant, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, and George H.W. Bush, to name but a few. Dining is a treat here, too, especially at Grille One Eleven, a casual bistro-style restaurant and tavern serving lunch and dinner.

Other fun things to do in Littleton includes strolling the delightful River District along the Ammonoosuc River. Here you’ll find the bronze Pollyanna statue that honors Eleanor H. Porter's beloved character, and the pedestrian-friendly Riverwalk Covered Bridge connects to riverside trails.

Peterborough

Peterborough is home to one of the world's most prestigious creative residencies. MacDowell, founded in 1907 by composer Edward MacDowell and pianist Marian MacDowell, has supported numerous artists with fellowships. Some have even gone on to win Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, Tony Awards, and even Oscars. While not often open to the general public, MacDowell continues to have a huge impact on the town’s cultural scene.

Try to take in a performance by the Peterborough Players. New Hampshire's oldest professional summer theater, it presents productions from June through August in a converted barn. As for a place to stay, The Hancock Inn, just 10 minutes away in neighboring Hancock, dates to 1789 and provides colonial-era charm with modern amenities.

Meredith

As the gateway to New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Meredith serves as an ideal jumping-off point to explore Lake Winnipesaukee's 72 square miles of watery fun. The Mill Falls at the Lake complex is fun to explore for its restored mill buildings connected by covered walkways. During the summer, the public docks here buzz with activity as boats arrive for dining and shopping, while the town beach provides sandy shores for families to kick back and relax.

Meredith’s also an ideal spot for a two-day recharge even if you stay away from the water. Hop aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad which departs from Meredith Station for fun scenic rides along the lake's edge. It’s an especially lovely trip when the fall colors are at their peak. Accommodations range from the full-service Inn at Mill Falls and Church Landing at Mill Falls, both offering quality rooms near the lake.

The Final Word

There’s no better way to unwind than to spend time relaxing in a quaint New Hampshire town. From Portsmouth's appealing maritime setting to Littleton's mountain charm, a weekend in any of these destinations promises the chance to forget about things for a while as you do some serious chilling. For ideas and inspiration, be sure to check out these seven towns in New Hampshire for a two-day recharge.