8 Most Relaxing New Hampshire Towns
New Hampshire draws visitors with its classic New England scenery, rich colonial history, and mountain views that make its smaller towns especially relaxing places to visit. It has a rich history as one of the original 13 colonies, with landmarks like the Ladd-Gilman House, one of the state's first brick homes. At the same time, the state offers plenty of natural spots, including trails and forests around the Wapack Range. Miller State Park is especially popular because it sits at the top of the range and offers spectacular views. When you visit New Hampshire, you'll find many small towns that showcase this history and natural beauty.
Hanover
The town of Hanover offers a diverse range of ways to unwind and relax that appeal to people of all interests. Hanover is home to Dartmouth College, and the Dartmouth Green is a popular picnic spot. Guests can enjoy an impressive view of the Baker-Berry Library and its iconic clock tower while lounging on the Green. Across the street, you can find The Hopkins Center for the Arts. Visitors can wind down to the sounds of classical music played by piano quartets or songs by the Clarion Choir. Families hoping for a relaxing night after a great time out with the kids can head across the river to Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, VT. The exhibits are diverse and include a Wonder Woods, where kids can explore activities that foster early interest in STEM learning. Adults may instead head to the outdoor discovery trails. The Blood Brook Trail takes guests through the surrounding forest and nearby lagoon, while the Woodland Garden features protected native New England plants.
Exeter
Visitors to Exeter will find peaceful days ahead along the Squamscott River. A calm stroll along the waterside is available from Swasey Parkway, where the trail leads along the river for a half mile. Guests will find an open lawn from which to enjoy views of the river and the Exeter Bandstand, a perfect spot to retreat on especially sunny days. Lovers of history will instead want to enjoy a quiet afternoon at the American Independence Museum. The museum is housed in the 1721 Ladd-Gilman House and features documents dating to the nation's founding. Guests will also find ceramics and furniture dating back to the 18th century. Those hoping for waterside dining will want to end their day on Water Street. The Sea Dog Brewing Company is particularly popular and offers views of the river from its second-story balcony. Guests can enjoy anything from black bean chili to maple-tamari brussels sprouts, or they can enjoy a drink of one of Sea Dog's own fruit ales.
Brookline
Brookline is a particularly small town with several destinations that make it ideal for relaxing away from the big city. One of the most popular spots in Brookline is The Grove, which serves as the town's beach access to Potanipo Pond. Visitors will find a picture-perfect miniature lighthouse standing along the water. However, all visitors will need to go as guests of residents in Brookline. Once at the pond, guests will find stretches of shore sitting beneath the shadow of the surrounding forests. South of town, the Averill House Vineyard is a family-operated vineyard with a welcoming vibe. Its 1830s New England barn sits perfectly among the surrounding vineyards, and guests can look forward to a casual afternoon, sipping drinks with friends in the tasting room or among the outdoor spaces. And in town, New England's largest outdoor sculpture park can be found at the Andres Institute of Art. Over 10 miles of hiking trails take guests through views of not only the surrounding woodlands but also over 100 sculptures.
Harrisville
History lovers will find it easy to relax in Harrisville, a preserved 19th-century mill village. The town is home to such historic sites as the Harrisville General Store, first erected in 1838 and today a key part of Historic Harrisville. The General Store features a red brick facade with simple Greek architectural elements that mirror exactly how it looked a century ago. Those who love to weave and yarn work will also find Harrisville Designs housed in one historic mill. Harrisville Designs is one of only a handful of woolen mills still within the United States and is housed in the old Cheshire Mills, first established in the mid-1800s. Today, guests can enjoy the mill's history while shopping its retail store for fleece, felting accessories, yarn patterns, and so much more. Visitors to the area may want to enhance their historic experience with a stay at Aldworth Manor, which is on the National Register of Historic Places and was first constructed in the 1800s. The manor sits on 180 acres of rolling grasslands and surrounding forests, secluded from even Harrisville itself and offering total privacy for those trying to relax without interruption.
Peterborough
The town of Peterborough boasts plenty of ways to peacefully enjoy your day, starting with a day outdoors at Miller State Park. The park is actually the oldest state park in New Hampshire and is well known for sitting on the summit of Pack Monadnock, the highest peak of the Wapack Range. Guests are welcome to walk the surrounding trails and take scenic photos around the fire tower at the summit. With the Wapack Trail extending 21 miles between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, you are sure to find some serene time away from the city if you decide to walk the footpath. In town, the Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center makes for a calm day as guests tour the exhibitions. The museum's focus is on the diversity of culture and the human experience, and its exhibits range from the textiles of Guatemala to displays of cultural dance from around the world. A unique evening experience is available at the Post and Beam Brewery located in the historic G.A.R. Hall. The Hall was first erected as a school in 1837 and, over its life, served as a military post and later as a teen center. Today, guests can sit within history while enjoying locally brewed P&B beers. Outdoor seating is perfect for those visiting during the Fall, when the trees turn a shade of orange, and the sight of Vermont's forests makes for a beautiful afternoon as you end your day.
Jaffrey
Jaffrey is a small town that people retreat to for calm days outdoors. Nearby Monadnock State Park is a popular destination for day campers and hikers in particular. Visitors typically come to scale Mount Monadnock, also known as Grand Monadnock. The mountain rises 3,165 feet in the air and offers serene views of the surrounding countryside. Nearby Annett Wayside Park is another popular outdoor destination located within the 1,494-acre Annett State Forest. From the park, visitors can hike the quarter-mile trail leading to the Black Reservoir. The reservoir is secluded, and while the waters are not for swimming, this area makes for a relaxing day along the water, enjoying the shade of the surrounding forests. Inside the town, Peterborough Street is the dining destination for those in town. Monadnock Country Café, in particular, keeps the relaxing vibes going in a laid-back environment where guests can enjoy artisanal coffee and breakfast favorites like waffles and pancakes, or meals from the grill like the Buffalo Chicken Melt.
Hampton
The town of Hampton is an inviting place for those seeking calm days on the beach or out on the water. Beach lovers can head to North Hampton State Beach, a state beach park where guests can enjoy strolls along the sand. This natural beach is perfect for those who hope to enjoy time sunbathing or taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean. On the opposite side of town, Hampton Beach State Park sits where the Hampton River meets the ocean. Here, the Hampton River Marina is open to boat enthusiasts who want to head out onto the river or embark on the ocean. The marina has provided boat slips for thirty years and provides access to some of the best local fishing grounds in the area. Those hoping to stay dry can instead enjoy views of the ocean from Ocean Boulevard while sipping coffee at the Wharfside Café or enjoying lunch with a view at the Sea Ketch Restaurant, which serves everything from calamari to seafood spring rolls.
Littleton
Those who enjoy time outdoors will enjoy time in Littleton. Campers in particular may want to visit the Crazy Horse Camp Ground. Space on the grounds can be rented for both tent and RV camping. On-site features include a swimming pool, volleyball and basketball courts, and horseshoe pits. Those who want to enjoy a free day of camping should visit Forest Lake State Park. Stretched across 397 acres of ground, visitors can visit and walk Forest Lake Road and enjoy views of the lake in a quiet environment. Those who hope to enjoy a peaceful time along the water will find a boat ramp on Newell Lane just off Forest Lake Road. And for those who enjoy learning more about the universe around them, a 20-minute drive into nearby Vermont makes for the perfect day trip. The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium is a natural history museum featuring a massive collection of 30,000 specimens, as well as displays of ancient artifacts and vintage photos. True to its name, the museum also features the Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium. This immersive experience takes guests on a tour of the stars and planets that fill the night sky.
It is easy to relax and enjoy yourself while in New Hampshire. Historic destinations abound, such as Harrisville, which takes pride in its past as a mill town. However, there are plenty of natural destinations that invite those who want to relax while taking a stroll. The Hampton beaches are an ideal example of New Hampshire's natural scenic beauty. No matter how you enjoy relaxing, if you are in New Hampshire, then come wind down in one of these eight towns.
