8 Most Welcoming Towns In New Hampshire's Countryside
Escape the rush of city life and uncover the charm of New Hampshire’s countryside, where winding roads lead to quiet villages, mountain views, and timeless New England traditions. Beyond the bustle of Concord and Manchester, you will find towns where covered bridges still stretch across babbling brooks, historic sites welcome you with warm hospitality, and every season paints the landscape with new beauty. Whether you choose to wander through Hancock’s town library, take in the scenic views of Sugar Hill, or breathe in the crisp mountain air in Jackson, the eight most welcoming towns in the New Hampshire countryside are each full of quiet wonder waiting to be discovered.
Peterborough
The southern town of Peterborough is an artist’s haven, and the perfect place to get away for a quiet weekend. Start your day with a visit to Miller State Park, which is the oldest state park in New Hampshire. There are three main hiking trails to explore, where you can ascend to the summit of Pack Monadnock. If you would prefer an easier ascent, you can drive the 1.3-mile road to the summit. On a clear day, you can see into Massachusetts and Vermont from the top. All kinds of art are popular in Peterborough, from traditional painting to acting. Experience the area’s talent for yourself by heading to Peterborough Players, a local theatre that puts on performances throughout the year. Aside from the variety of shows, the venue itself is beautiful, set in a converted 18th-century barn. Another must-see spot in town is the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center, which features collections from all around the globe. It got its start as a folk art museum, but has now expanded to a more contemporary museum, with an impressive library, puppet theatre, and a children’s inventing room.
Jackson
In the heart of White Mountain National Forest, you will find Jackson, known for its New England charm. If you are planning a visit in the winter, do not skip Nestlenook Farm, where you can take a magical sleigh ride along a 1.5-mile trail lined with stunning lights. You can also go ice skating on the property’s Emerald Lake. If you cannot make it in the winter, the farm also offers summer carriage rides and a pumpkin tour in the fall, so there is truly no bad time to visit. One of the most iconic sights in Jackson is the Honeymoon Bridge, which sits over the Ellis River. Although the exact construction date is unknown, it is estimated to have been built around 1876. Today, it is considered one of the most photographed bridges in the state. Another picturesque spot in town is Jackson Falls, which is a waterfall with a total drop of 100 feet that spans over several small cascades. Pack a lunch and take in the view while you sit at the on-site picnic tables.
Littleton
Nestled in the White Mountains, near the Vermont border, the official motto of Littleton is “Be Glad.” This comes from the popular children’s novel, Pollyanna, written by Eleanor H. Porter, a Littleton native. Head to downtown Littleton to see the bronze Pollyanna of Littleton statue, which serves as a tribute to Porter. When you want to get out and explore Littleton, one of the best available views is from the Kilburn Crags Trail. The short trail is less than a mile-and-a-half long on Walker Mountain, but it boasts an elevation of 1,300 feet. Once you reach the summit, you can see views of not only Littleton but also the Ammonoosuc River Valley. After a day of exploring the town, you might find yourself craving a sweet treat. In that case, head to Chutters, home of the world’s longest candy counter, spanning more than 100 feet. Choose some rainbow-colored candy to bring home with you, or opt for the house-made fudge, with unique flavors available like raspberry cheesecake.
Tamworth
Tamworth sits in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, near Squam Lake, Ossipee Lake, and Lake Winnipesaukee. A smaller, but still popular, waterfront spot in Tamworth is Chocorua Lake. During the summer, you can enjoy the water by fishing, swimming, kayaking, or canoeing. Throughout the year, there are also regular events at the lake, like ecology paddle sessions, geology hikes, and bird language workshops. If you are a lover of theater, check out the upcoming performances at the Barnstormers Theatre so you can plan your trip around a show. Founded by the son of President Grover Cleveland, the Barnstormers troupe has been performing in Tamworth for nearly 100 years, putting on performances in almost every genre imaginable. The town is proud of its historical roots, and that can be seen in local businesses like Tamworth Distilling. This modern small-batch distillery pulls its inspiration and ingredients from the local environment, as a nod to the New England Transcendentalists of the 19th century. On your visit, sip on one of the distillery’s specialty whiskeys and bring a bottle home with you!
Hancock
Named for John Hancock, the man known for his prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence, today Hancock is a storybook town with friendly residents and no shortage of charm. Nature lovers will enjoy spending time at the Harris Center for Conservation Education. The non-profit serves to protect the Monadnock Region through conservation research and educational programs. While there are no traditional exhibits at the center, there are trails to explore and a pollinator garden, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to stroll around. Another popular place to explore is the Hancock Town Library. More than just a place to browse books, the library also features photography and painting exhibits by local artists. If music is your preferred form of art, plan your visit to Hancock in the summer. The town has an annual Summer Concert Series that runs weekly from June to September. With local artists playing a variety of different music styles, the concerts are free and held on the Common in the heart of Hancock.
New London
Sitting on Lake Sunapee, New London is a beautiful place to visit at any time of the year. Head to Mount Sunapee Resort for exciting outdoor fun no matter the weather. During the summer, you can explore the resort’s bike park or take an aerial sky ride for an impressive view of the town. In the winter, it is the area’s best spot for skiing and snowboarding. Whether you are an experienced winter athlete or a beginner in need of lessons, there is something for everyone at Mount Sunapee. If you want to spend more time outside in New London, head to Spring Ledge Farm. The local family establishment operates a farmstand with freshly grown produce, as well as other goods from local vendors. You can also pick your own strawberries at the farm when the berries are in season. Are you looking to take a step back in time while you are in New London? Visit the Ice House Museum, which houses an impressive collection of vintage automobiles, machinery, children’s riding toys, and horse-drawn carriages. Admission to the museum is free, and it is popular with visitors of all ages. The museum also hosts monthly Cars & Coffee events, where automobile enthusiasts can chat with each other over a cup of java.
Sugar Hill
Known as the “newest town in New Hampshire,” Sugar Hill was not incorporated until 1962. However, even though the town is officially relatively young, it still has an impressive history. In fact, Sugar Hill is home to the oldest nine-hole golf course in the state, Sunset Hill Golf Course. People have been golfing on the course since 1897, and today it welcomes both experienced golfers and novices. After you work up an appetite on the green, head to Sunset Hill’s on-site restaurant, Boo’s Burger Bar for a delicious dinner. If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day, plan to stop at Polly’s Pancake Parlor, which has been run by the same family since 1938. The scratch-made pancakes are topped with New Hampshire maple syrup for an unforgettable breakfast. If you cannot get enough, the restaurant sells its original pancake mix that you can take home with you. Looking for more souvenirs from your time in Sugar Hill? Make a stop at Harman’s Cheese & Country Store before you head out of town. Open since 1955, the store specializes in homemade cheddar, but you can also shop for apple butter, smoked kielbasa, and baked goods.
Sandwich
Sitting between Squam Lake and the foothills of the White Mountains, Sandwich has natural beauty, smiling faces, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Start your trip with a visit to Beede Falls, a beginner-friendly half-mile loop with a small waterfall that is perfect for enjoying a quiet morning in Sandwich. Another popular spot in the town is Durgin Bridge, a covered bridge built in 1869 that was used as part of the Underground Railroad from Sandwich to the nearby town of North Conway. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places and is a great place to visit if you want to see one of New Hampshire’s iconic covered bridges. If you are going to be in Sandwich in mid-October, do not miss the annual Sandwich Fair. A tradition since 1910, the three-day fair has classic rides, livestock, a farmer’s market, and even helicopter rides. There are also on-site campgrounds, so you can stay as close to the action as possible.
Explore New Hampshire Countryside's Hidden Gems
Whether you are strolling through the quaint shops of Littleton, picking up fresh produce in New London, or enjoying the timeless charm of Sandwich, each of these small towns in the Granite State offers local culture, natural beauty, and genuine hospitality. From outdoor adventures to peaceful escapes from city life, New Hampshire’s countryside promises unforgettable moments in every season, so why not get started planning your next getaway? From a quick weekend trip to an extended vacation, you will find that these eight welcoming places are perfect for relaxing, recharging, and rediscovering the simple joys of life.
