7 Stunning Towns In New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s towns carry a history still visible in their streets, from Portsmouth, where the story reaches back to the early 17th century, to Exeter, which once served as the state capital during the Revolutionary War. That sense of the past never stands far from the scenery, whether it appears along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee or in the backdrop of the White Mountains. Together, those details give these seven communities the mix of history, beauty, and character that feels distinctly New Hampshire.
Portsmouth
One of the things that makes Portsmouth such a memorable place to visit is that much of the streetscape and structures have remained intact over the decades and even centuries. This is where visitors encounter one of the most intact colonial districts in New England, with a history dating back to 1630. To get a glimpse back to this original settlement, many find their way to the Strawbery Banke Museum, ten acres of preserved land with period homes, furnishings, and exhibits.
Sitting on the mouth of the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth is also widely recognized for its natural wonders and preserved green spaces. Its position along the water adds to the town’s appeal, while places like Prescott Park bring gardens and waterfront views into the center of town. One of the best examples of preserved green space is Prescott Park, where lush gardens along the water add to the town’s appeal.
Wolfeboro
Summer resorts might exist in every state of the nation, but Wolfeboro claims to be the country’s oldest since it was founded in 1769. Over the past 250 years or more, the town has retained the same natural splendor and beautiful architecture that first entranced Colonial Governor John Wentworth, who built his estate on Lake Winnipesaukee in the 18th century. The town remains walkable and quaint, offering countless views of the sprawling lake, with the Ossipee Mountains to the east in the background.
As interested as the locals here are in ensuring Wolfeboro remains appealing to lake-goers, the residents are equally invested in the history and heritage of this portion of New Hampshire. Attractions like the New Hampshire Boat Museum help show how closely the town’s identity has been tied to boating and lake culture.
Exeter
The town of Exeter is full of history. Its ties to breaking free of British rule during the American Revolution are shown in the Federal-era and colonial buildings through the historic Main Street district. At one point, Exeter even served as the state capital during the Revolutionary War; a history of the community and its role in the fray is well documented at the American Independence Museum.
One of the most striking features of Exeter is the Squamscott River cutting through the center of town, offering a tranquil backdrop to the historic architecture. One of the oldest and most recognizable of these properties is the campus of the Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most distinguished and renowned preparatory schools in the United States. The community is also part of Exeter’s appeal, best showcased in the annual festivals and gatherings that draw crowds, such as the Exeter Independence Festival in July or the UFO Festival in September.
Franconia
While it might be a small town, Franconia is surrounded by scenery that stands out even in New Hampshire, starting with Franconia Notch. This mountain pass alone attracts thousands of tourists and climbers year-round, keeping the small community lively and active. But even more than the White Mountains, nature lovers are especially drawn to Franconia Notch State Park and Cannon Mountain, where sweeping views and easy access to the surrounding landscape make the area a favorite stop in the White Mountains.
The town also offers a deeper cultural side. Franconia is the home of Frost Place, a farmhouse residence of famous poet Robert Frost from 1915 to 1920 that is now a museum in his honor. The New England Ski Museum also has a lot to teach the visitor taking a break from Cannon Mountain and exploring the structures at its base, featuring exhibits on the history of skiing and the famous 10th Mountain Division, a light infantry division from World War II trained for mountain warfare.
Littleton
Littleton is a town in northern New Hampshire that has been here since 1784. IIt was built along the Ammonoosuc River, where access helped local industry thrive for many decades. You can get the best view of the rushing river here via the 352-ft-long Riverwalk Covered Bridge, a heavily photographed attraction. Today, this town is the starting point for visitors setting out into the White Mountains, using Littleton as a base of operations. It does not have the feel of a resort town, though its convenient access to the trails and ridges, not to mention the gorgeous scenery, make the community one of the most stunning in all of New Hampshire.
The walkable Main Street of Littleton is an attraction all its own, making this community feel more compact and localized, despite being home to around 6000 people year-round. One of the biggest attractions that helps to allow Littleton to maintain its unique personality and stunning reputation is the Chutters Candy Store, a Guinness World Records-awarded location for the longest candy counter in the world at 112 feet. Another gem of Main Street, adding to the community's charm, is the Littleton Opera House, which has been here since 1894 and has been operating since 1895.
Keene
Keene is one of the larger communities in New Hampshire, but it still feels preserved and set apart from another time. Despite its size, the community still feels very much preserved and set apart from another time, starting with Main Street and Central Square, the centerpiece of the historic district at the head of Main Street, with a Civil War Soldiers’ Monument. This town green hosts annual gatherings such as the Pumpkin Festival and the Ice Festival.
Beyond the monuments to the fallen from the Civil War, history is also celebrated through the preservation and continued operation of venues like The Colonial Theatre, which has stood as the town’s longest-running performing arts venue since 1924. But the natural beauty of Keene is another reason so many find it stunning, and no one has to leave the town to discover it. The Ashuelot River area features miles of trails along the water that help blend Keene’s historic character with its natural surroundings.
Meredith
Meredith is another community sharing the lengthy shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee, though in an extension of this body known as Meredith Bay. On the opposite side of town, the community is also bordered by Lake Waukewan and by some mountainous ridges to the north and west. Fertile soils also support long-standing community staples like the Hermit Woods Winery, which offers tours and sips of its regionally famous wines. Meredith’s placement in this piece of Belknap County offers a stunning combination and complete immersion into New Hampshire nature, all starting with the miles of shoreline.
Like many of the New England communities, what makes it stunning is its insistence on preserving its history and heritage. For Meredith, this means maintaining its most prized and photographed attractions, the path of the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. This train excursion offers round-trip excursions from Meredith, Weirs Beach, and Laconia.
Appreciating the Sights of New Hampshire
Whether you are taking a long ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad to Weirs Beach or you are scoping out 112 feet of candy counter that set a world record in Littleton, New Hampshire, it is full of stunning towns that are worth stopping to explore. These seven communities offer access to some of the state’s most popular natural attractions, from lakes to the White Mountains, meaning that with all the history and the heritage to find in their historic town centers, there’s even more to discover on the horizon line beyond.
