8 Most Walkable Town Centers In New Hampshire
In New Hampshire's walkable downtowns, you can enjoy Portsmouth's Prescott Park Arts Festival with its live music or visit a Farmers' Market at Depot Park. In Keene, you can catch a live performance at The Colonial Theatre or stop for trivia and karaoke at Madame Sherri's Lounge and Cabaret in one evening. Check out these eight town centers that are ideal for an afternoon stroll.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is among the most walkable destinations in New Hampshire, featuring plenty to see as you travel alongside the Piscataqua River. Those hoping for a day along the water can enjoy time at Prescott Park, walking along the piers for a good view of the water. Adjacent to the park is Marcy Street, which runs north and becomes Bow Street as it meets the Old Harbour. Within this stretch, you can find plenty to see within walking distance. The Seacoast Repertory Theatre sits right alongside the water off Bow Street and hosts live musical performances. A couple of blocks away along Daniel Street, you can find The Press Room, the heart of live music and pub fare in the center of Portsmouth. Food can be found on every corner, from Italian dining at Ristorante Massimo next door to the stylish dining at Popovers on the Square just two blocks away. Residents and visitors can also find plenty of shopping here. Just a three-minute walk from The Press Room, back on Bow Street, is the Cotillion Bureau, open to vintage clothing shoppers and those looking for classic accessories.
Meredith
It is hard not to find everything conveniently located in Meredith. Situated between Lake Waukewan on the west and Meredith Bay on the east, you can easily appreciate a day outdoors at Swasey Park. The park overlooks Lake Waukewan and includes a small walking trail for those spending time outdoors. Afterward, it is just a few minutes' walk along High Street to reach the Frog Rock Tavern. Locals gather here for conversation, good drinks, and classic pub food. Or you can walk along Main Street for some pizza at Giuseppe's Pizzeria & Ristorante. Along the same stretch of Main, you can find shops like White Birch Gifts if you are looking for gifts or apparel. There are other shops as well, nestled between the various restaurants, like Bonita D. Story at the end of Main. This shop sells classic home furnishings, estate jewelry, and other home and garden decorations.
Littleton
Almost everything you might need can be found along Main Street when you are in Littleton. Sour's Taverna serves up tapas, salads, and sandwiches for those looking for light eating. As you head along Main, you can find other dining destinations, like Tall Provisions at the intersection of Main and Cottage Street. Tall Provisions serves up filet mignon and linguine alongside glasses of white and red wine. There are plenty of shops between these two dining spots, including Just L Modern Antiques. This retail store focuses on mid-century modern furniture, tableware, and paintings to liven up a home. Just across the street is Jax Jr. Cinemas for those hoping to catch a movie. However, if you would prefer to see the nearby Ammonoosuc River, you can walk from Main down Mill Street to view the river from the covered bridge. This cozy spot makes it easy to enjoy the afternoon and the breeze off the river.
Plymouth
Few places are nicer to spend a day walking than Plymouth. Main Street runs south along the Pemigewasset River, and residents and visitors can find plenty to do as they head along the road. Where Main intersects with High Street, you can find the Silver Center for the Arts. The center is part of the larger Plymouth State University and hosts comedy shows, mystery theatre, and live music performances. Next door, where Main meets Court Street, you can find the Plymouth Historical Museum. The museum hosts multiple events discussing America's history, with an emphasis on the American Revolution. Discussions center on those who led the revolution and on the principles held by the Founding Fathers. As you continue south along Main, you will arrive at the Plymouth Town Common, a green space in the center of town where you can relax before continuing your day. You can hop right across if you are interested in cultivating the artist within by visiting Artistic Roots. This gallery hosts classes covering a variety of techniques, from drawing to needle felting.
Exeter
There is so much to see between Main Street and Water Street that the town of Exeter is undoubtedly one of the most walkable places in New Hampshire. Phillips Exeter Academy is a notable landmark on Main, a college-preparatory school with elegant architecture. As you walk from the academy, Main turns into Water Street. At this point, you will find the American Independence Museum about a block down. The museum celebrates the region's role in the Revolutionary War and hosts the annual American Independence Festival. This festival includes period-dressed performers reenacting the revolutionary period while artisans make crafts and live music plays. As you continue west along Water Street, you can find plenty of places to dine along the Squamscott River. The Italian Vino e Vino is the dining destination for small bites like braised shallots or hearty meals of seared swordfish, all while having wine on the river. Just a little further east along Water Street, you will find the Seacoast Artist Association. This local group showcases regional artists and also offers classes in oil and watercolor.
Peterborough
Yet another town where it is easy to combine a relaxing day outdoors with a day of shopping or dining is Peterborough. The town sits along the Contoocook River, and residents can easily spend time along the water at Depot Park. The park hosts events throughout the year, including the Farmers' Market, which runs from May through October. Just across Veteran's Way from the park is Toadstool Bookshops, a local favorite for anyone shopping for their next read. You can grab coffee and indulge in your new book at the café or head north along Depot Street. As you head north, you will find the Peterborough Diner, where American comfort food is dished out in the unique environment of a 1950s-era dining car. As you continue north along Depot Street, you will hit Main. At that point, you can duck into the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center. The museum houses objects from diverse cultures and is dedicated to encouraging peace and cooperation among people from around the world.
Newmarket
Like many other towns in New Hampshire, Newmarket centers its shopping and dining along the river. Lamprey River cuts through the center of town, with Main Street running parallel to it. As you head south from the juncture of Elm Street and Main, you will find Crackskull's Coffee and Books just a block down. Locals come here in search of their latest book and to enjoy matcha and lattes with a scone on the side. Just next door, you can pick up some flowers for your home or as a gift at Inkwell Flowers, which sells lovely displays of roses and other bouquets. A little more than two blocks further south, you can turn onto Creighton and head to Schanda Park for a time along the river. Those who want to set out on the water can head to the Newmarket Boat Ramp on the north side of the park for a day of kayaking and canoeing.
Keene
The small town of Keene is packed with things to do along Main Street. You can start your day from the Central Square, where Main Street intersects with other high traffic lanes like West Street and Court Street. As you head three blocks south on Main, you will find The Colonial Theatre, a popular center for live performance. Acrobats, dancers, and comedians can be found at The Colonial. Across the street on the opposite side of Main, you can find a number of restaurants like Madame Sherri's Lounge and Cabaret. The lounge serves drinks alongside chicken tenders and hamburgers and hosts trivia nights and karaoke events. As you head north up Main Street from Madame Sherry's, you will find a few places to shop, like Hannah Grimes Marketplace. Those looking for gifts will find woodwork, paintings, sculptures, glass art, and many other handcrafted items that make for perfect home decorations.
New Hampshire is a great place to live or visit, especially if you like walking between shops, restaurants, and entertainment. You can enjoy natural spots like Schanda Park, which has nice views of the river, or check out local favorites like Crackskull's Coffee and Books. The best part is that everything is close by, so you do not have to travel far. If you want a place where it is easy to walk between destinations, check out these eight New Hampshire town centers.
