7 Offbeat Towns to Visit in New Hampshire
New Hampshire, the 5th smallest and 10th least populous state, situated in the New England region of the American Northeast, is bounded by the Gulf of Maine aside from the US states of Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine, as well as the Canadian province of Quebec. Affectionately called “The Granite State” for its large-scale granite formations, New Hampshire is esteemed for its colossal mountains, lush wilderness areas, and glistening water bodies, that lure thousands of nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Speckled all over the White Mountain State’s 8,954 sq. mi terrain are innumerable underrated towns waiting to be discovered by travelers. For anyone on a quick weekend trip or an extended vacation to New Hampshire, these offbeat towns are worth a visit.
Exeter
A charming river town in Southeastern New Hampshire’s Rockingham County, Exeter sits along the shores of the tidal Squamscott River, close to Portsmouth. Home to 16,049 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, and plenty of historical architecture filling its tree-lined streets, Exeter perfectly blends small-town allure and modern-day conveniences. Aside from housing the Phillips Exeter Academy - one of the world’s premier preparatory institutions, the town boasts a lot of exciting attractions that will surely fascinate every visitor.
Heritage enthusiasts shouldn't miss the American Independence Museum at the Ladd-Gilman House, Exeter Town Hall, Gilman Garrison House, Exeter Historical Society & Museum, and Congregational Church. Stroll through Exeter’s vibrant downtown and explore the many locally-owned small businesses like Chocolatier, Whirlygigs Toy Shop, and Water Street Bookstore; art galleries such as Art Up Front Street Studios & Gallery; and award-winning restaurants and breweries like Otis Restaurant, Laney & Lu Café, and the Sea Dog Brewing Company. Parks like Robert H. Stewart Waterfront Park, Gilman Park, Swasey Parkway, and Founders Park offer perfect spots to relax amid the greenery.
Peterborough
Named in honor of Charles Mordaunt, the 3rd Earl of Peterborough, this adorable Hillsborough County town is located along the Contoocook River’s shores, at the intersection of U.S. Route 202 and New Hampshire Route 101. One of Peterborough’s noteworthy point of interest is MacDowell Colony, a wooded creative retreat that provides support to around 300 artists, authors, and composers. Travelers can also peruse the uncountable antique stores, boutiques, and fine art galleries that fill the town’s retail hub.
Outdoorsy types should enjoy various activities like bird-watching, cycling, swimming, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and fishing, which are offered at Edward MacDowell Lake, Miller State Park, and Temple Mountain Reservation. From June to September, culture enthusiasts can watch performances by Peterborough Players. Revelers are attracted to the town’s annual celebrations, including Greenerborough—a summer festival—Snow Ball, Thing in the Spring music festival, and Children & the Arts Day.
Meredith
Meredith, a major resort town in Belknap County, is situated at the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region on the western end of Lake Winnipesaukee. Christened after Sir William Meredith, the town is famed for its several large and small water bodies including Lake Winnipesaukee, Pemigewasset Lake, Wickwas Lake, Lake Waukewan, and Lake Winnisquam. Occupying the northern end of Meredith Bay and Lake Waukewan is Meredith Village - the town’s retail hub.
Holidaymakers touring Meredith should visit the Meredith Marina, ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, explore Meredith Sculptures, do plenty of shopping at the outlets in Mill Falls Marketplace, watch theatrical performances at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse, taste wine at Hermit Woods Winery, take a cruise aboard MS Mount Washington, survey the 114-acre Stonedam Island Conservation Area, and learn more about the town’s history at the Meredith Historical Society & Museum and the Meredith Children’s Museum.
Littleton
Littleton, a picturesque Grafton County town is situated along the Ammonoosuc River banks at the northern edge of the White Mountains. This New England gem invites tourists to window shop at the plethora of local businesses like Lahout’s Ski Shop, Little Village Toy & Book Shop, and the different boutiques, coffee shops, breweries, and eateries on Main Street. Travelers can also walk along any of the town’s many hiking trails, learn about the bygone days at the Littleton Area Historical Museum, visit the impressive Riverwalk Covered Bridge, catch a show at the Littleton Opera House, pay tribute at the bronze statue of Pollyanna outside the Littleton Public Library, and spend a night at the reputed Thayers Inn.
Gorham
Dubbed the “Switzerland of America,” Gorham is an enchanting Coös County settlement in the Androscoggin Valley on the Presidential Mountain Range’s northern extremity. Placed amidst magnificent natural surroundings, the noteworthy points of interest in this 2,698-resident town include the Gorham Historical Society & Railroad Museum, Medallion Opera House, and the Douglas A. Philbrook Red Barn Museum.
Travelers should participate in activities like hiking, mountain biking, and ATV rides during warmer months, and enjoy various winter recreations during the cooler months. Adventure enthusiasts can observe local wildlife with Gorham Moose Tours, access the Presidential Rail Trail, camp at Moose Brook State Park, drive up the Mount Washington Auto Road for panoramic views of the White Mountains, and relax by the town’s tranquil waterbodies with a guided kayak trip offered by the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center.
North Conway
This popular four-season resort town is situated in the eastern part of New Hampshire’s Carroll County along U.S. Route 302, approximately 136 miles from Boston. Vacationers visiting North Conway should explore the beautiful historic buildings, browse the various antique shops, independent coffee spots, and art galleries lining Main Street, as well as the more than 60 factory outlet stores, cafes, bakeries, and eateries at Settlers’ Green Outlet Village. Additionally, visitors can explore the Green Hills Preserve, which features several mountains in Mount Washington Valley, enjoy skiing at the nearby Cranmore Mountain Resort, and learn about the region’s skiing history at the New Eastern Slope Branch of the New England Ski Museum.
North Conway and its surrounding areas offer hiking opportunities at the White Mountain National Forest, rock climbing activities at the Cathedral Ledge, and sightseeing via Conway Scenic Railroad train rides. Hundreds of tourists flock to North Conway to get a glimpse of the mesmerizing autumn foliage from late September to early October.
Sugar Hill
Officially founded in 1962, this small community in Grafton County overlooks the White Mountain National Forest and offers stunning views of the Dalton, Franconia, Kinsman, and Presidential Mountain ranges. Sugar Hill, named after the abundant sugar maple groves within the town limits, is celebrated for its maple syrup heritage. The well-known Polly’s Pancake Parlor on Sugar Hill Road serves delicious waffles, homemade pancakes, and French toast topped with maple syrup. When visiting the historic Harman’s Cheese & County Store, be sure to try the premium white cheddar cheese along with a variety of other locally-produced items. History buffs will enjoy exploring the artifacts and memorabilia of the town’s past at the Sugar Hill Historical Museum.
Merrymakers are especially drawn to the Sugar Hill Lupine Festival, where gardens, nearby farms, and fields burst with blooming pink and purple lupine flowers for a short time each June. The festival also includes a town dance, concerts, an art show, and an open-air market with local vendors.
From Exeter— a charming waterfront town— to Sugar Hill— an incredibly beautiful White Mountain town— New Hampshire is filled with many unique towns, each radiating a distinctive New England charm. With stunning scenery, notable landmarks, lively celebrations, and a welcoming atmosphere, these New Hampshire towns are perfect places to enjoy quality time with loved ones.
