9 Charming New Hampshire Towns For The Perfect Getaway
Adventure plus indulgence, wrapped in postcard-worthy scenery. Doesn’t that sound like an award-winning formula for an unforgettable getaway? Fortunately, that combination perfectly describes the charming small towns in New Hampshire. With waterfront views, mountaintop hikes, cozy inns, amazing eateries, and widely known sweet shops, the Granite State has so many great places to experience. The hardest part is choosing one — or maybe two. So, pack your bags, your sense of adventure, and your sweet tooth so you can fall in love with these nine charming New Hampshire towns for the perfect getaway.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a charming coastal town with a wealth of attractions to offer. At the Strawberry Banke Museum, enjoy costumed actors bringing history to life in a 10-acre living history museum for an immersive historical experience. Walking distance from the museum are the beautiful gardens and fountains at Prescott Park. In the evening, watch the sunset from a boat on a chartered harbor cruise, or catch a live performance at The Music Hall. The Bow Hotel offers waterfront accommodations with artsy vibes located near top-notch restaurants such as Surf Portsmouth and River House.
Littleton
Littleton is the perfect destination for those who want both a relaxing getaway and engaging activities. Located on Main Street near fantastic local businesses, Thayers Inn offers a classic New England ambiance and visually stunning architecture. Two downtown places that should not be missed are Chutters, a renowned candy shop with the world's longest candy counter, and Schilling Beer Co., a riverside brewery with a cozy atmosphere year-round. A perfect opportunity for taking scenic pictures is the Riverwalk Covered Bridge located along the Ammonoosuc River, or by the Pollyanna statue in front of the public library. For more adventurous visitors, a hike up Kilburn Crags offers stunning views of the White Mountains.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill, a town as sweet as its name, is nestled in the White Mountains; it's a wonderful place to get away. For a romantic retreat, The Sugar Hill Inn & Hotel Franconia Notch provides luxury guest rooms and cottages, fine dining, a seasonal outdoor pool, and spa services. Polly's Pancake Parlor is a local favorite celebrated for its delicious food and mountain views. A filling breakfast here is a great way to start your explorations of Sugar Hill. The Sunset Hill Golf Course is another place to take in the stunning mountain views and blow off some steam with a round of golf. If you’re interested in local history and/or poetry, Sugar Hill has two places that will hit the sweet spot: The Sugar Hill Historical Museum is filled with archives of the town’s past, and The Frost Place is where poet Robert Frost lived from 1915-1920. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the Sunset Hill Golf Course, which provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains. If you are visiting in June, the annual Lupine Festival transforms the town’s landscape with colorful flowers beloved by residents and visitors of Sugar Hill.
Franconia
Right next to Sugar Hill and The Frost Place is the town of Franconia, another cute town to explore on a getaway. Get cozy at the Franconia Inn, established in 1863, with its stunning backdrop of Mount Lafayette and the Kinsman Range. The inn is the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring all that Franconia has to offer. Swim at Echo Lake, ride the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway Begin, and go hiking in Franconia Notch State Park. If you dare, check out the views from Flume Gorge — a natural granite gorge that extends 800 feet. After all of those adventures, head back to Peak’s Pub at the Franconia Inn for a warm meal and a cold drink.
Meredith
Located in the heart of the Lakes Region in central New Hampshire, Meredith is a serene spot for a getaway. For a unique shopping and dining experience, visit the Mill Falls Marketplace. This restored 19th-century linen mill now contains boutique shops, like The Nest and Innisfree Bookshop, where you can buy souvenirs, and then grab a bite and glass of wine at Giuseppe’s Pizzeria and Ristorante. Wine enthusiasts can also enjoy a tasting at Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery. At Castle in the Clouds, a 1914 mountaintop estate, surround yourself with gardens and waterfalls as you hike on the trails. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad also offers opportunities to experience the tranquil scenery in Meredith. As for accommodations, consider the Mill Falls Resort Collection at the Lake, which comprises four lakeside inns, each situated on the majestic Lake Winnipesaukee.
Peterborough
Peterborough, situated in the Monadnock Region is ideal for a rejuvenating getaway for artists and nature lovers. The Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center features interactive exhibits celebrating global cultures, and for outdoor fun, the hiking trails of Miller State Park on Pack Monadnock are the place to be. Visit in the summer to see The Peterborough Players perform high-quality plays in a rustic converted barn setting, and don’t forget to check the schedule of the MacDowell artists' residency-- the place where Thornton Wilder wrote "Our Town”. They occasionally offer public events that are not to be missed. If staying within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, galleries, and Contoocook River, then the Riverhouse is a charming option that will provide everything you need to relax.
Wolfeboro
Wolfeboro is the epitome of a charming lakeside town. The Wolfeboro Inn and The Inn on Main are two hotels that offer quaint accommodations and on-site eateries. Wolfeboro has a unique history that will intrigue out-of-towners. Wright Museum of World War II gives visitors an up-close look into the American home front during the war, and the nearby New Hampshire Boat Museum exhibits beautifully restored vintage boats from the area. As far as outdoor activities go, walk or bike along former railroad tracks on the Cotton Valley Rail Trail, or go swimming in the stunningly beautiful Lake Wentworth at Wentworth State Park.
Jackson
Jackson is another gem in the White Mountains that is perfect for skiers, couples, and families. Visitors and residents enjoy cross-country skiing in winter and scenic hiking in warmer months along the 100 kilometers of local ski trails. For accommodations in Jackson, The Wentworth is a charming hotel with fine dining on-site, or the Christmas Farm Inn and Spa is a great choice for quaint accommodations and a restaurant serving regional foods. A romantic getaway is not complete without a stop by the iconic Honeymoon Bridge, a historic covered bridge where couples can share a kiss underneath in the hope of good luck, or a visit to the cascading waterfalls of Jackson Falls. If your getaway is family-centered, the storybook-themed amusement park, Story Land, should also be added to the itinerary.
Harrisville
Harrisville, located in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region, is ideal for those who love a slow-paced getaway. The five-room Harrisville Inn is a charming bed and breakfast decorated with antiques and old-world charm. The inn has multiple common sitting rooms and a garden patio for guests to enjoy after a leisurely breakfast. Stroll around the Harrisville Historic District to see a well-preserved 19th-century mill village and Harrisville Pond. Pop by the Harrisville General Store to pick up some freshly made apple cider donuts, a short-order meal, or even a book to read on your trip. If you’d like to see some local art, The Moses Eaton Jr. House, a historic home featuring folk stenciling art, is another lovely spot to check out while you’re in Harrisville.
Any destination you choose in New Hampshire brings its own unique magic to the table. Some invite you to slow down, while others offer exciting mountain-top adventures; either way, you are guaranteed to make meaningful memories in the Granite State. Next time you plan a getaway, consider trading go-to vacation spots for the cozy corners, beautiful scenery, and welcoming faces of New Hampshire’s most enchanting towns. Once you are there, it will be hard to ever leave.
