The One New Hampshire Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
Established in 1962, Sugar Hill may be New Hampshire’s newest town, but it has already asserted itself as a desirable destination. Named for the Sugar Maples, which grow within the town limits, this quaint New England village offers exceptional views of the Presidential, Franconia, Kinsman, and Dalton Mountain ranges. The blooming fields of pink and purple lupine flowers make Sugar Hill one of the most picturesque places to visit in Northern New England. Step out to the sights of nature and see what makes this town so sweet, in the one New Hampshire town everyone should visit at least once.
Colorful Quests
In New Hampshire’s Lupine Capitol, the best place to spot the colorful buds is the meadows at the base of the White Mountains, which host fields upon fields of lupine. Embark on a tour of the purple, pink, white, and blue flowers at the base of Franconia and Presidential Ranges, leaving the mountains as the backdrop for the colorful creations. Sunset Hill Road also provides views of the vast flowerbeds right along the side of the road. Visitors heading down the road will just have to drive until they see the colors sprouting, and they will know they have found the spot. Views of the Presidential Range can also be seen from the side of the road.
St Matthew's Chapel also offers immaculate views of the lupine. Construction of the pristine church began in 1893, and it was completed the following year, with a dedication during services. The dark red and solid stone building contained only wooden benches and fake stained-glass windows. Eventually, pews were installed in the church along with actual stained-glass windows donated from a church in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, while the red foundation was painted all white. The contrast between the all-white church and the colorful lupins makes this one of the most desirable places to view the blooms each year.
Good Eats
What began as a maple farm slowly turned into a tearoom with the intention of serving pancakes to highlight the maple syrup grown on the property. In 1938, Polly’s Pancake Parlor was opened and has been family-owned and operated since then. Although the original building was demolished after it started deteriorating, a new establishment was built in its place, salvaging some of the old barn boards on the walls and antiques that have all been used on the farm. Although the building may have changed, one thing hasn’t: their commitment to excellence. All pancakes are made from scratch and organically grown grains, which Polly’s stone-grinds on the premises. Try their variety of pancakes, which include Buckwheat, Cornmeal, Oatmeal Buttermilk, Gingerbread, and Whole Wheat pancakes. You can add chocolate chips, coconut, walnuts, or blueberries to your choice. In addition to a home-cooked breakfast, visitors can also delight in the lupine views from the restaurant.
Since 1955, Harman’s Cheese & Country Store has been providing high-quality cheeses to customers across the US, Canada, and even as far as Saudi Arabia. The white cheddar is made in New York from whole milk, and every year, 13 tons are sent to Harman’s for production. Dubbed “World’s Greatest” by its customers, this small cheese store only sells natural, premium-grade, aged two-year cheeses. The country store also sells high-quality local products, including yogurts, fresh meats, jams, jellies, and bread from Polly’s Pancake Parlor bakery. Stop in the bustling red country store and pick up local delicacies from this quiet, sweet town.
Stay The Night
For those looking to stay the night or a long weekend in Sugar Hill, spend the night at one of the oldest establishments in town. Since 1880, the Sunset Hill House has not only provided accommodations for 350 guests at a time, but has also invited visitors to the oldest golf course in New Hampshire. Today, guests are still welcome to the 9-hole course and stay in any of the 28 redesigned guestrooms. Dine at the hotel restaurant, Boo’s Burger Bar, while enjoying your stay in one of the premium sunrise, premium sunset, or master suite rooms.
Enjoy another classic inn with a stay at the number one place in New Hampshire to celebrate a special occasion, Sugar Hill Inn. Restored to the historic farmhouse built in 1789, the rooms at the inn feature stunning views, including the White Mountains, tasteful furnishings, soaking tubs, fireplaces, and luxury linens. Book a room in the historic main house or one of seven cottage rooms. Take advantage of the amenities in the spa, or dine on steak and seafood at the 5-star restaurant.
Nearby Towns
Explore the other quaint villages near Sugar Hill for more chances at lupines, mountains, and outdoor scenery. Franconia allows visitors the most spectacular aerial views aboard their Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Taking its explorers 4,080 feet up to the summit of Cannon Mountain in under ten minutes, passengers can see views of mountains in four states and even Canada on clear days! At the summit, experience a 360-degree observation deck, café, and bar with the highest beer taps in New Hampshire. At the end of the 2025 season, the Tram II was retired after 45 years of hauling passengers up the mountain, while the creation of a third-generation tram is currently in progress. One of the main sights on Cannon Mountain is the Old Man of the Mountain. A series of five cliff ledges that appeared to be the profile of a human face slowly became folklore in this small town. The rock formation has collapsed over the years, so it may be hard to recognize, but hikers can view it over Profile Lake.
For a slower change of pace, enjoy a leisurely activity of a visit to The Rocks. One of the activities offered at The Rocks has become a timeless tradition in Bethlehem. Participate in the Maple Experience and learn how to identify and tap sugar maple trees. After the tapping, partake in a horse-drawn wagon ride through the historic estate. After collecting syrup straight from a sapling, reward yourself with a cold drink at Rek Lis Brewing Company. Game nights and live entertainment are also available on certain nights. Be sure to check their social calendar before heading over.
Travel back in time in Littleton with an overnight stay at Thayer's Inn. The historic landmark combined modern comforts with old-world charm to provide its guests with a truly unforgettable stay. The Greek revival architecture is a hub in the heart of downtown and is just steps away from numerous activities. One attraction right outside the hotel is the picturesque Riverwalk Covered Bridge. Crossing the Ammonoosuc River, this 352-foot pedestrian bridge is located just outside the inn and connects to trails that can provide a relaxed afternoon.
Come for the flowers and stay for the pancakes. In the spring, Sugar Hill comes to life with rows of colorful lupine flowers as far as the eye can see. The mountain ranges in the back of the flower fields provide a beautiful backdrop for photographers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to see a magnificent sight. Enjoy this quaint, historic town and all it has to offer, and don’t forget to bring white cheddar home as a tasty souvenir. Spend a long weekend in the surrounding towns of Sugar Hill, but take the time to experience why this is the one New Hampshire town everyone should visit at least once.
