New Hampshire's 7 Unsung Small Towns

An important cultural and economic component of New England, the alluring “Granite State” of New Hampshire is indeed a wonderful destination to experience firsthand. One of America’s most intriguing historic places, New Hampshire joined the Union back in 1788, and it continues to offer a unique colonial character that is today mixed with modern fun and comforts. Though only home to some 1.4 million residents statewide, it may indeed be said in New Hampshire’s case that great things come in small packages, and all ages will have something memorable to encounter through a visit here. From Atlantic Ocean and other river views, direct encounters with American history, and loads of famed New England charm, spending time in the “Granite State” is definitely a decision one will be glad to have made!

Claremont

Established in the 1760s, the town of Claremont is scenically situated within the Connecticut River Valley and along the Sugar River. Home to a modern population of nearly 13,000, Claremont has tons of historic intrigues and natural beauties to be encountered, and visitors of all ages will certainly find something of interest. Spend time in the Lower Village District and its collection of old mill buildings, while in Claremont’s historic center, many buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries continue to create a time machine-like ambience. Marvel at such landmarks as the Rossiter House (1813), the Opera House (1895), and the English Church (1773), amongst others that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Additionally, the outdoors-minded guest can also appreciate Claremont, where summers are typically warm, and winters are cool. Enjoy the offerings at the Arrowhead Recreation Area, including hiking, biking, dog walking, and even skiing and snow tubing! From there, head back to the town center and browse for the perfect mementos at the Claremont Plaza Shopping Center, while inviting local restaurants like Taverne on the Square and The Common Man offer some of the best in traditional American favorites.

Hanover

The town of Hanover also precedes New Hampshire’s Statehood, with modern roots dating to 1761. Today, nearly 12,000 residents call this splendid postcard-perfect community home that is beautifully located along the Connecticut River. A wonderful destination for a weekend sojourn, Hanover features the campus of Dartmouth College (1769), where a scenic and welcoming afternoon is never far away. Known for its hot summer and cool winter temperatures, spending time in Hanover and on the College grounds is an inviting proposition throughout the year, where changing foliage and snowy landscapes will amaze everyone.

Meanwhile, on Hanover’s Main Street, a fine collection of charming local businesses dot the landscape, creating a most cozy snapshot of New England. From Jesse’s Steakhouse and Murphy’s on the Green with their fine American dishes, to cute shops like Simon Pearce and My Brigadeiro Bakery, a slice of Americana is always on hand. And of course, with Hanover’s welcoming climate, as previously mentioned, outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy plenty of fun. Admire the peaks of the White Mountains and trek along a part of the Appalachian Trail, while great community events include the Valentine’s Skate and the Ice Cream Social.

North Conway

With a humble population of just over 2,000 inhabitants, the charming town of North Conway will surely leave a positive impression of small-town USA, New England style. Also established in the 1760s, enjoying some of the best outdoor adventures in New Hampshire is an easy task in North Conway, and access to several beautiful attractions has made the town popular for decades. Enjoy the nearby Echo Lake State Park and the Black Cap Hiking Trail, while the views of the White Mountain National Forest never fail to awe. Go cycling, hiking, and rock climbing, while great ski and snowboard slopes await at the Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Then in town proper a special array of local shops and restaurants welcome guests, ensuring that a most memorable set of memories are easy to come by. Find the perfect souvenir for oneself or another at Zeb’s General Store and the Settlers Green Outlet Village, and then satisfy one’s appetite at Cheese Louise and May Kelly’s Cottage Irish Pub! And of course, no trip to town would be complete without a ride on the unique Conway Scenic Railroad. Whether it is winter or summer, truly breathtaking mountain views will delight the young and old alike through rides on restored cabooses and an old-fashioned ambience.

Littleton

Littleton is framed by the White Mountains and lies along the Connecticut River, meaning scenic delights can always be counted on when visiting. Founded in the 1770s, and with a modern population of some 6,000 residents, historic intrigue and natural beauty come hand in hand in Littleton, where a nice weekend getaway awaits. Explore an assortment of 19th-century landmarks, lovingly preserved, that serve to create a most unique sense of time and place. Amongst those included on the National Register of Historic Places are the Edward Lane House (1830), the Opera House (1894), and Thayer’s Hotel (1843). There is also the truly delectable Chutters Candy Store, which has satisfied the sweet tooth of all ages for more than 120 years!

And of course, with its River and Mountain landscapes, a photogenic experience can be guaranteed. Spend time along the water, marvel at the mountains, and enjoy the changing of the seasons in a climate characterized by warm summers and cool winters. Add in inviting local eateries like The Little Grille and Sour’s Taverna, and such cute shops, including the Purple Peacock, and one will be most glad to have chosen Littleton as their New Hampshire destination.

Meredith

Located within New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, a leisurely pace of life is indeed the order of the day when in the lovely town of Meredith. Like many of the towns on this list, Meredith can trace its modern foundational roots to the 1760s and today a modest population of just under 7,000 call it home. Full of scenic beauty and known for its cool winter and warm summer temperatures, enjoying the outdoors is never a difficult task when in this New England treasure. Spend time at the nearby Lakes Waukewan, Wicwas, and Winnipesaukee, and take advantage of great opportunities for boating, canoeing, swimming, paddleboarding, and even skating.

Back on Main Street, visitors can learn more about the region’s past through an informative afternoon at the Meredith Historical Society Museum, while some great live entertainment awaits at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse. Offering some of New Hampshire’s best regional theater, this unique building, designed to resemble a barn, houses a spacious 200-seat playing space that will have the young and old alike smiling. Finally, when in Meredith, one cannot forget to dine at the famed Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant that provides all the comforts of home-style cooking in a most charming and rustic atmosphere.

Bartlett

Also within the White Mountains, the town of Bartlett totally charms with its quiet ambience and scenic beauty, ideal for a getaway from the big city centers. Incorporated in the 1790s, just over 3,000 call the welcoming community home today, where encounters with some truly stunning natural wonders are always on hand. Surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest, breathtaking views are easy to come by, while visits to some pretty local waterfalls do indeed create a fairy tale impression. These include Diana’s Baths, Waterfalls, and Ripley Falls, great places for photos and videos galore. Meanwhile, for those looking to partake in some alpine fun, be sure to go to the Attitash Mountain Resort, which features 68 ski runs. Here, both amateurs and professionals can experience some of the best of the White Mountains.

Then, in the town center, browse through a cute collection of local businesses that make for a cozy and inviting sampling of New England life. Enjoy some American favorites at Matty B’s Mountainside Café, while the seasonal Covered Bridge Gift Shoppe has many great souvenirs within a most unique setting: a covered bridge! Finally, be sure to spend a day at the Story Land Theme Park, just a short drive away. With its fairy tale theme, fun rides, games, and food, even the adults in the group can find an enjoyable excursion in this magical place.

Jackson

Jackson was established in 1800, and for guests who simply want to escape the hectic pace of modern life, it remains a perfect spot to unwind. With a quiet population of just over 1,000 residents and the special beauty of the White Mountains as a frame, relaxation and charm are easy to encounter in Jackson. Featuring warm summer and cool winter temperatures, outdoor fun can be enjoyed throughout the year, always in a most welcoming ambience. Spend time at the Ellis River for awesome boating and fishing opportunities, while trekking at Wildcat Mountain rewards visitors with truly spectacular scenery. And of course, during winter, the same named Ski Area delights and challenges guests with some of New Hampshire’s best alpine slopes.

Then there is Jackson’s historic charm, and its Main Street is lined with preserved 19th-century edifices and storefronts, while others are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Ellis River House (1893), and the special Honeymoon Covered Bridge (1876) that brings one back to the days where life seemed simpler. Finally, enjoy some genuine New England hospitality at fine establishments like the Wildcat Inn & Tavern and the Red Fox Bar and Grille, right in the town center, and let the charm of Jackson do its work.

New Hampshire, or the “Granite State,” is a beautiful place of discovery that any visitor to the famed New England region of the northeastern United States will surely not want to pass over. Full of fascinating history, stunning natural beauty, and loads of cultural charm, New Hampshire and its delightful towns are great places to enjoy a truly unique holiday. While such major cities as Concord and Manchester remain the best known, there are an equal number of awesome smaller communities here that showcase some of the very best of the State in more intimate atmospheres. From the mountain communities of Bartlett and Littleton, to the river beauty of Claremont and Hanover, New Hampshire’s unsung towns are veritable treasures just waiting to be experienced. So wait no more and come experience the “Granite State” through a sojourn in these unsung heroes of towns, and see why they have contributed to making it one of New England’s finest places.