9 New Hampshire Towns That Locals Love
There is something comforting about certain small towns in New Hampshire, places where community warmth, memorable pasts, and scenic beauty are what first attracted newcomers and locals alike. You can visit some of these quaint hamlets where maple-scented breakfasts still linger, where colonial history is preserved from centuries-old buildings, and where the charm of New England life thrives. Whether you are drawn by the soft glow of falling leaves in a mountain town like Sugar Hill or by Revolutionary-era heritage in a place like Peterborough, these New Hampshire towns that locals love offer a deeply satisfying mix of hospitality, tradition, and natural calm.
Hanover
Situated along the Connecticut River, Hanover blends intellectual vigor with a calm New England charm. The presence of Dartmouth College, founded in 1769, provides youthful energy and cultural nuance to the town. Among its standout treasures is Baker‑Berry Library, where the stirring mural series The Epic of American Civilization by Mexican master José Clemente Orozco transforms a quiet reading room into a compelling homage to history and humanity.
Across the river in Vermont lies the Montshire Museum of Science, with interactive exhibits and nature trails that make science accessible and fun for visitors of all ages. Lovers of history will also appreciate that the region is approximately within reach of Saint‑Gaudens National Historical Park, the summer home and studio of sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, just south of Hanover. Most importantly, you can participate in a number of yearly events, such as the Valentine's Skate, taking place on February 13, 2026, at the Etna Ice Rink for romantics to fall in love with the joys of skating.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill, located high above the White Mountains, is a storybook town with fewer than 650 residents, but its wealth of natural beauty and genuine New England enchantments make it one of the most beloved destinations to visit. Its name comes from the neighborhood’s many sugar maple trees, which blaze with color in fall and make the trip worthwhile.
Each June, the hills burst into a sea of purple, pink, and blue during the blooming of lupines, a floral spectacle that draws appreciative visitors to the town. To savor more of Sugar Hill’s nectarine produce, you ought to drop by Polly's Pancake Parlor, where maple-themed breakfasts continue to earn glowing praise and longtime fans for generations. Additionally, you ought to consider perusing Harman's Cheese & Country Store’s delicious and hearty cheddar, jams, and other regional treats.
While the town itself is a delightful and amicable area to explore, many venture out into the Franconia Notch State Park, a magnificent region featuring mountain passes, forested slopes, and a scenic aerial tramway that showcases the beauty of the White Mountains.
Exeter
At the point where the Exeter River and Squamscott River meet, you will come across the lovely town of Exeter, which resonates with the legends and lore of America’s early quest for freedom. Settled in 1638 by religious dissenters seeking safety, this town later rose to prominence by serving as the state capital during the American Revolutionary War. The legacy of those turbulent times is preserved at the American Independence Museum located in the historic Ladd-Gilman House, where an original Dunlap broadside of the Declaration of Independence remains on display.
Alongside this, the town still hosts the fine-earlier Gilman Garrison House and the dignified First Congregational Church of Exeter, which have survived the turbulent colonial past and now endure as reminders of American history. Strolling downtown, you will find vibrant streets, cozy cafés, and boutique shops, and even gently wooded trails in the Henderson‑Swasey Town Forest, giving you a refreshing and leisurely experience in the outdoors. Combined with its cheerful ambiance and friendly townsfolk, as well as annual festivities like the Arbor Day Celebration in April or the Alewife Festival in May, Exeter makes for a welcoming retreat that locals love.
Peterborough
Set in the heart of the Monadnock Region, Peterborough radiates an artistic spirit that is both timeless and refreshing. Its long-standing creative energy is best expressed at the MacDowell artist residency, one of the nation’s most celebrated cultural institutions, where composers, writers, and visual artists have found refuge and inspiration since 1907. While the woodland studios are private, the town’s creative enthusiasm is palpable everywhere, especially at the Peterborough Town Library, considered the oldest tax-supported public library in the world still operating in its original charter.
Boutique storefronts, galleries, and independent cafés also dominate the walkable downtown for those seeking more streamlined expressions of Peterborough’s arts. Meanwhile, the Peterborough Players, a historic summer theater in a converted barn, continues to captivate audiences with high-quality productions. Nature explorers ought to take the trails of Miller State Park on nearby Pack Monadnock, open during the warm summer months, and offering serene pathways with unparalleled views of the valleys below.
Meredith
Basking along the panoramic shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the lovable town of Meredith encourages newcomers to seek out relaxed lakeside leisure amidst a lively small-town personality. Its revived mill district, now the Mill Falls Marketplace, is home to boutique shops, waterfront pathways, and comfortable cafes. Additionally, the Mill Falls Marketplace hosts a plethora of events, especially during the upcoming Christmas season. The shimmering Lake Winnipesauke remains the main attraction of Meredith, drawing visitors for swimming, boating, and leisurely cruises aboard the M/S Mount Washington, which still offers seasonal sightseeing and themed boat trips.
For those who prefer the warmth of the countryside, the Moulton Farm farmstand and bakery offer fresh produce, house-made pies, and their well-loved cider doughnuts. Travelers can also venture north toward the Chamberlain-Reynolds Beach Cove, one of many serene coves and beaches that one will undoubtedly adore.
North Conway
North Conway is the White Mountains’ unofficial playground, a lively and lovable village where outdoor adventure and classic New England sublimity are what made the locals fall in love with the place. At the historic Conway Scenic Railroad, you can hop aboard one of the many vintage trains still rumbling past rugged cliffs and breathtaking valleys. During the cold months of winter, the nearby Cranmore Mountain Resort continues its long tradition of skiing, tubing, and family-friendly fun that locals and newcomers have long admired.
Beyond the slopes, the Mt. Washington Observatory Weather Discovery Center immerses visitors in the extreme science behind the Northeast’s highest peak, while the boutiques and outlets scattered throughout the village make it one of the state’s best shopping destinations. Add in easy access to hiking trails, waterfalls, covered bridges, and scenic byways, and North Conway becomes a thriving and prosperous epicenter of exploration for travelers seeking both adventure and the iconic beauty of the White Mountains.
Littleton
Overlooking the rushing Ammonoosuc River, the beautiful town of Littleton exudes a friendly, upbeat ambiance that has earned it repeated praise as one of New Hampshire’s happiest small towns. The iconic Littleton Riverwalk Covered Bridge provides a lovely pedestrian route to riverside paths and forested trails. On the other hand, the iconic landmark of Pollyanna’s Statue celebrates the town’s connection to author Eleanor H. Porter and her enduring message of optimism.
Chocoholics flock to Chutters, home to the world’s longest candy counter, where more than 500 jars of sweets tempt visitors of every age. Even more outdoor travelers can head to nearby trails or enjoy the calm of Remich Park for more recreational pursuits in the countryside. Best of all, annual events such as the Littleton Art Show in September showcase New Hampshire’s artistic community that many will doubtless love.
Franconia
In the shadow of the Franconia Range, this quiet mountain town, also known as Franconia, invites visitors into a world of natural splendor and history. Franconia Notch State Park remains the area’s primary attraction, with cascading waterfalls, forested paths, and scenic overlooks that reveal the dramatic landscape carved by glaciers from long ago. While the Old Man of the Mountain no longer watches over the notch, the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza offers an elegant tribute that allows visitors to visualize the famous stone face once more.
The Frost Place, the former home of Robert Frost, now serves as a living museum detailing the humble lifestyle of the acclaimed American poet. Whether you are hiking the famed Franconia Ridge, exploring Echo Lake’s peaceful shoreline, or savoring the crisp mountain air, Franconia delivers a restorative and awe-filled experience in the White Mountains.
Jackson
Jackson has remained one of the most serene mountain villages, a place known for its rustic beauty and enduring traditions. The elegant Jackson Covered Bridge (often called the Honeymoon Bridge) is one of the state’s most photographed structures, welcoming visitors into a town known for year-round romance and charm. In winter, the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation maintains one of New England’s premier cross-country trail networks, winding through forests, fields, and peaceful riverside stretches.
During the warmer months, the Jackson Falls create a beloved natural swimming and picnic spot steps from the village center. Add in annual events like the Pumpkin People Display, when the townsfolk carve unique forms and figures from pumpkins and gourds, and it becomes clear why Jackson remains a favorite retreat for travelers seeking beauty in one of the best small towns to visit in New Hampshire.
If Locals Love These New Hampshire Small Towns, Then So Will You
New Hampshire’s towns that locals love offer a heartfelt invitation to discover the stories etched into every mill building, maple grove, and mountain ridge in a stunning landscape of mountains and valleys. Many will wander through lakeside villages, tracing colonial footsteps, savoring local flavors, or gazing out across the ambient alpine views. All in all, these communities reveal the best of New England, ranging from artistic havens and heritage-rich downtowns to serene forests and scenic valleys. Whenever you are ready for a trip that lingers long after you have returned home, these charming destinations that locals love are waiting to welcome you back for the next year.
