These 10 Towns In New Hampshire Have The Best Main Streets
It does not crow about its outdoor beauty, so you may think it's a solid 5/10, but the Granite State, home to the White Mountains' grand Presidential Range, features one of the most scintillating landscapes on the continent. From dramatically carved flume gorges to big lakes like Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire is certainly a visit-worthy state. If that's not enough, New Hampshire is star-studded with small, charming towns, some with Main Streets that can stop you mid-step. Whether you are an architecture tourist, history nerd, or just someone who loves beautiful Main Streets with colour and charisma, you will find towns that seduce you like an evening candlelight. Starting with Littleton, the following towns in New Hampshire have the best Main Streets.
Littleton
With the austere grandeur of New Hampshire’s majestic White Mountains in the backdrop, Littleton is picturesque and peaceful, from fine dining and art galleries to unique shops and historic buildings. Its Riverwalk, which includes the iconic Riverwalk Covered Bridge, weaves along the Ammonoosuc River and past many historic Littleton landmarks. Across Main Street, you will find a bronze statue of Pollyanna, a 1913 novel by American author Eleanor H. Porter. It is considered a classic of children's literature. Eleanor Porter, you may figure out, once called Littleton home.
Snap a photo of the Littleton Grist Mill. Admire the covered bridge over the Ammonoosuc. Enjoy a high-quality performance at Theatre UP. Walk along the edge of a pond at the Dells (amid swaying wildflowers). There's also the chance to go for a quiet stroll in the woods on the Pine Hill Trails, and to crown the day with a meal at the iconic Littleton Diner on Main Street, which has been in operation since the Great Depression years.
Keene
Keene’s Main Street is charismatic and lively, and dazzles visitors with its mix of historic architecture, charm-soaked streets, and a dash of youthful flair and energy, especially with the presence of Keene State College, whose history dates back to 1909. The entire entrance to Keene's Central Square is gorgeous, especially as you pass the huge old homes and the attractive campus of Keene State University. The square is dominated at one end by a beautiful, typical New England church with a white steeple. There's a large park-like area for concerts and other community events. Main Street is lined with beautiful brick buildings and charming storefronts, as well as all sorts of unique and independent shops selling everything from artisanal chocolates to handmade jewelry.
Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world, is in the vicinity and has several trails to explore, while The Colonial Theatre is a beautiful and classic old movie theater that has film screenings and live performances throughout the year. There's Cheshire Children's Museum, if you are tagging your little angels, and Athens Pizza & Family Restaurant, which serves delicious pizzas and grinders amid a classic hometown feel.
Milford
Milford is famous for its Oval, the town's historic centre that doubles up as the venue of many of Milford's biggest events, including the famous Milford Pumpkin Festival, one of the most highly anticipated Fall festivals in New England. Cafe on the Oval is a wonderful introduction to New Hampshire small-town hospitality and whips up some of the most decadent cinnamon rolls in the world. Alternatively, The Riverhouse Cafe is a well-known staple near the oval and boasts modest outdoor seating. It could be a bit of an exaggeration, but you can understand why Milford is sometimes called the Breakfast Capital of New Hampshire.
Milford's Town Hall, a majestic attraction by itself, is home to Liberty Bell #56, donated by none other than Paul Revere. It still rings on the hour and is the only remaining bell that has not been modified or repaired. Bicentennial Park ( it's an adorable space that sits on the water with a tiny waterfall), Emerson Park, and the Souhegan River Trail offer mind-calming outdoor experiences.
North Conway
With seven ski resorts (you don't get that often), over 330 trails, and 1,600 skiable acres, it is no surprise that North Conway and the Mt. Washington Valley are often ranked among North America’s best ski destinations. Main Street is White Mountain Highway and is a colorful stretch dotted with top-tier restaurants such as Horsefeathers, which serves some of the best pastrami sandwiches in New England. Although North Conway has always been a vacation destination, recent reconstruction efforts have resulted in a manicured downtown with brick sidewalks, historic lighting, and visible crosswalks.
Conway Scenic Railroad is a nostalgic 19th-century train station that offers rides on restored locomotives with dining cars. It is on Main Street. The ride is like stepping back in time while gliding through some of New Hampshire’s most breathtaking landscapes. There's Schouler Park, a green space with trees and benches, and the world-famous Cranmore Mountain Resort, which offers more than 50 trails and a tubing park.
Plymouth
Plymouth is home to Plymouth State University, a historic institution with paranormal stories that has been around since the 1870s. The town has a vibrant, artsy vibe that starkly contrasts its classic New England architecture. There's usually a lot of colour and gaiety around the quaint Common with its bandstand, while Main Street is tastefully pockmarked by beautiful brick buildings, some of which have been around for centuries. A hearty brunch at Main Street Station, whether homemade corn beef hash or fluffy buttermilk pancakes, should give you the kick you need for the day. After this, you can enjoy a live performance at the iconic Flying Monkey, loved for its comfy seats and intimate feel. The alternative is Silver Center for the Arts, which occasionally stages Broadway-worthy performances. It is an awesome part of Plymouth State University's campus. Meanwhile, the Newton Trail to Rainbow Falls features a short trail, a peaceful waterfall, and benches to sit and soak up the scenery.
Exeter
With a history that dates back to the 1630s, several decades before the birth of the republic, Exeter has seen it all. That's why a walk along its tree-lined streets is like a stroll through history. In the 1700s, colonists gathered at Folsom Tavern to discuss revolution. Today, people don't come to plot against the King. They come to feel the history and enjoy the timeless attractions. Families gather at Swasey Parkway along the banks of the Squamscott River to tap their feet to the town’s summer concert series.
Water Street, Exeter's main thoroughfare, is a photo-worthy space with red bricks and other eye-swaying attractions. The river, the bridge, the green spaces with their benches and waterfront views, and the many restaurants with side-street seating, are a small portion of what Exeter offers. You can start with a hearty breakfast at the Big Bean, a vibrant hangout on Water Street with lots of creative and delicious combinations. After this, the American Independence Museum has artifacts that shed light on the Revolutionary War and are quite evocative but educational. Snap a picture of the historic Town Hall built in 1855, then visit the Town library, an adorable space built on the Squamscott River.
Concord
Concord is New Hampshire’s state capital, and like many capitals, it has a vibrant and cheerful downtown with a Main Street that blends the sleek look and the old-school feel in almost equal measure. The Capitol Center for the Arts is a cultural hub on Main Street that offers live entertainment at reasonable price points. Patrons particularly rave about its great sound and lighting. Just across the street is Aroi Thai Cuisine, which serves some of the best Thai food in New England. From veg green curry to spring rolls to lava cake, the chefs here obviously put their heart into the work they do. Gibson's Bookstore, also on Main Street, is a throwback to smaller bookstores with a focus on books for local resources (think of hiking and travelling) and local authors. It has been an independent bookstore since 1898. Don't skip the on-site cafe, especially because of its fantastic sandwiches and drinks. As for the outdoors, the Merrimack River flows through the area and offers countless recreational opportunities.
Wolfeboro
At the risk of starting a diplomatic tiff with Grand Marais, Minnesota, we think Wolfeboro is an unbeatable contender for the Best Lake Town in America Award. The town is peacefully sandwiched between Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Wentworth and has been a much sought-after vacation getaway since the 1700s. From a dock area that borders Lake Winnipesaukee to awe-inspiring mountain views to well-curated museums, Wolfeboro has it all.
Cate Park is a swoon-worthy green space by the lake with benches to sit and drift into bliss. It's ideal for a serene boat ride, provided you pass by the amazing ice cream shop just a block away. In the meantime, Downtown Grill offers delicious turkey burgers and equally delicious waterfront views. The trick is to enjoy your dinner outside on the back deck, hopefully while a jazz band is playing at the pavilion next door. For a resort-like experience, board the MS Mount Washington and explore Wolfeboro’s shimmering beauties. Outdoor spots include the beautiful Kingswood Golf Club, Mirror Lake, and Wolfeboro Abenaki Ski Area, one of the oldest ski areas in the country.
Dover
“The Garrison City,” as Dover is often called, was settled in 1623, a feat that makes it the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire and the seventh in the country. The environment around Central Avenue, where eateries, shops, and museums operate from beautifully renovated mills, is always a delightful place to explore. You can have a look at Cocheco Mills, a 19th-century business that doubles up as an enduring symbol of Dover’s industrial past, but not before marking your entry with a hearty meal at La Festa Brick & Brew, a cozy, easy-going hangout serving wood-fired pizzas with generous toppings and draft beer. Expect the crust to be the perfect balance between fluffy and chewy. Cocheco River is not just a recreational venue. It also gives the town a mist of rustic allure and countryside scenery.
If traveling with younger members of your family, the Children's Museum of New Hampshire is a fabulous place to bring young kids. From a reimagined grocery store and post office to a STEAM Lab to a Dino Detective station and a two-story climbing structure, this facility goes all out to entertain and challenge children. Taking the cue, Woodman Museum has extensive taxidermy and geological specimens to explore.
Peterborough
If you hear that someone has spent the whole weekend tripping around the shops, galleries, and restaurants in Peterborough, don't blame him or her. Although Peterborough has other things to offer, the downtown and Main Street are jam-packed with an addictive array of seductive attractions. Peterborough was originally a mill town, meaning you’ll find brick and stone buildings at almost every turn. The iconic Peterborough Diner, which dates back to the 1930s, holds the distinction of being the first Worcester Lunch Car made with green and cream. If you have an affection for elegant writing and gripping reads, Toadstool Bookshops is a charming space with an awesome selection of new and used books. The best place to peruse your new library addition is at the on-site cafe, where a freshly made sandwich and coffee will leave you grinning out the door. Keep in mind that Pack Monadnock is a tranquil outdoor beauty with some panoramic trails and views, while Casalis State Forest, the closest thing to an oasis, is the go-to place for mental refresh. Back in town, the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center has musical instruments from several corners of the globe.
So, although New Hampshire has a lot to electrify your heart, especially in its shimmering lakes and craggy mountaintops, don't skip the small, slow-paced towns that bejewel it like stars in a dark sky. Those little towns have cute Main Streets with heart-warming architecture, soothing waterfront views, mind-rousing art installations, indie bookstores with fascinating history, and charm-soaked streets lined with moss-draped oaks. Remember to take it slow and, if possible, hang out with locals.
