The 8 Friendliest Little Towns In New England
New England is a region in the Northeastern US spanning six states and characterized by diverse landscapes and natural beauty that has made it a top destination for sightseers. It comprises small communities that capture the region's independent, rugged spirit, from the lush Green Mountains of Vermont to the rocky coasts of Maine. The people of New England are known for warm hospitality, a friendly manner, and a down-to-earth approach to life, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
Kennebunkport and Old Saybrook add historical nuance to the affable environment, interweaving preserved sites with modern comforts that form a tapestry of culture. Even in an entire region known for hospitality, these eight towns are among the friendliest in New England. Each demonstrates a no-nonsense hospitality that is irresistible to those seeking a deeper experience during their stay, whether on the slopes at Stowe or at the Town Green in Guilford.
Woodstock, Vermont
Woodstock is a popular destination for its New England charm and natural attractions, such as Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park. It also has a friendliness that perhaps stems from the quaint, rustic surroundings, such as the Middle Covered Bridge, and a town common area that resembles a Hallmark movie. A stay at the Woodstock Inn and Resort on Main Street keeps guests in the heart of the district for a closer look at the affable community.
One of the best ways to feel a city's heartbeat is to dine at a local eatery, such as Mon Vert Cafe in Woodstock. The favorite local diner provides a great start to the day with warm smiles, baked goods, and uses locally sourced and organic ingredients. Events such as Bookstock bring locals and visitors together to discover this quintessential New England town.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, Vermont, is a skiing destination, particularly at Stowe Mountain Resort. However, it is a pleasant place to visit year-round, with historic architecture and a welcoming entertainment district at the base of Vermont's tallest mountain. The walkable area highlights the local cultural and artistic scene at galleries such as The Current. The gallery presents indoor and seasonal outdoor exhibits that reflect the nature of the residents.
During the warmer months, the Percy Farm Corn Maze offers a family-friendly event accessible via the Stowe Recreation Path. Along with myriad outdoor activities, people also gather at Butler's Pantry on Main Street and other quaint diners to catch up on local scuttlebutt in a cozy atmosphere. The variety of communal venues is a hallmark of Stowe, making it a top destination year-round that makes visitors feel like family.
Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport's historic sites, such as its signature Goat Island Lighthouse, are just part of what makes it an extraordinary destination. It is a favorite summer destination, with stretches of isolated beaches and a walkable downtown where residents gather for events such as the Kennebunk Artisans Marketplace. The market contains over 60 vendors selling local crafts at the Waterhouse Center, including authors, bakers, carpenters, and more.
The area is filled with charming shops open year-round, including the local favorite Octopus Bookshop. The literary sanctuary is a welcoming shop that encourages guests to stay as long as they want to, a prevalent characteristic in this corner of New England. Before leaving town, stop at the Wallingford Farm for an authentic Down East experience. The farm, started in 1804, is a garden center and farm store that displays the gregariousness of the region.
North Conway, New Hampshire
North Conway is a notable winter destination in the Mount Washington Valley Region that has been called the Best Ski Town in North America. It also has a fun-loving community that enjoys the paradise it calls home, with theme parks such as Cranmore Mountain Resort. The four-season resort features an aerial park with zip lines and hosts family-friendly events year-round.
Other elements in town show how welcoming the residents are, including North Conway Fine Craft Gallery, part of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, which showcases local works and is a great place to pick up a keepsake. May Kelly's Cottage is a local hangout that should be penciled in on any itinerary. The traditional Irish bar and restaurant offers an old-world atmosphere that blends with the natural surroundings for a comfortable evening in town.
Hanover, New Hampshire
Hanover is a classic New England setting, featuring an inviting business district along the Connecticut River. It is also home to Dartmouth College, an Ivy League Institution, which contributes to the academic atmosphere in places like Base Camp Cafe and other downtown shops. Residents celebrate this heritage with many events, including Still North: Offsite: Jane Austen Ball, which celebrates the famed author's birthday.
The Hood Museum of Art is an essential stop, featuring rotating fine art exhibitions and guided tours that provide deeper insights into the area. Townies enjoy the outdoors, underscored by the Hanover Conservancy program. The program offers monthly self-guided hikes around Hanover, an excellent way to get to know the neighborhood.
Wickford, Rhode Island
Wickford is a pleasant waterfront village, established in 1709, whose roots can be explored on a Historic Walking Tour as an introduction to the town. The self-guided tour explores the entrepreneurs, influential women, and maritime history that shaped this eclectic seaport. It also provides an insider's view into the town's inviting atmosphere.
Dyed-in-the-wool locals and visitors often congregate for breakfast at Wickford on the Water, which provides an education into the local scene. Main Street is the place to be for local wares, and friendly merchants greet guests with warm smiles at Midnight Sun and other boutiques that are a significant attraction for many. End the day at Tavern by the Sea, a charming seaside restaurant with outdoor seating, offering the incredible views for which Wickford is known.
Old Saybrook, Connecticut
Old Saybrook is a scenic coastal village with a historic downtown that hosts many weddings due to its storybook charm. The fun neighborhood seeks opportunities to bring people together through events such as Concerts on the Green. The summer concert series at the Old Saybrook Town Green. The open-air event space is a popular meeting area for a wide range of events and has become a community landmark.
If you are planning a vacation around a live event at the Town Green, consider taking a self-guided walking tour of downtown. Brochures are available online or at the Old Saybrook Chamber of Commerce, highlighting historic sites such as the Edward Sanford House. It is a way to connect with the past while meeting current residents on a fun tour that is sure to leave lasting memories.
Guilford, Connecticut
Guilford is a quaint town that combines its natural beauty with an entertaining community and fun venues like Bishop's Orchards Farm Market and Winery. The space should be a stop on any visit, featuring fresh produce, jams, and other local products that define the area. The winery offers specialty fruit wines and ciders at a wine bar housed in the original 1928 barn.
After sampling the local flavors, head to Guilford Green, the heart of the community and a popular gathering place. The Green was converted from a commercial space to a recreational space in the 19th century and is bordered by more than 500 protected buildings, including The Marketplace at Guilford Food Center, where both the front sidewalk and wooden floors are swept regularly. The old-fashioned business shares Guilford's heritage while stores like Lulu's are more modern, a harmonious blend in one of the best towns to visit in the region.
The New England region is famous for its hospitality, and these eight towns are among the friendliest. Perhaps it's the natural beauty that borders the area from the Atlantic Ocean to the Green Mountains of Vermont that makes the people so friendly. It could also be the proximity of communities brought together by a unique heritage that combines colonialism, farming, and maritime trade.
It is no secret that this region is a dream winter getaway, but the locals in each town leave visitors yearning to return year-round. Community events like Bookstock invite guests to mingle with locals and get a deeper understanding of what makes the immediate era so special. Strolling through the cozy town centers feels like walking through a Norman Rockwell painting, and the warm and inviting atmosphere makes for an exciting place to visit.
