This New Hampshire Downtown Is Made For Strolling
Although Littleton is rooted in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the town itself is far from inaccessible. There is a reason Littleton is considered a town where you can “park once and spend hours walking”: everything downtown has to offer. Centralized on Main Street, downtown Littleton is home to historic landmarks like the oldest continually operating hotel in the region, one-of-a-kind attractions like the world’s longest candy counter, and is filled with delightful photo opportunities, such as an umbrella-covered alleyway or public pianos that are dotted along Main Street between May and October, which have been decorated by local artists.
Leave the Car Behind
Leave your car by Harmony Park on Thayers Lane to spend hours walking. Harmony Park is open daily, free for public use, and includes five all-weather musical instruments, such as drums and chimes, that are user-friendly for all ages and skill levels.
After getting in touch with your musical side, make your way up Thayers Lane and onto Main Street. Thayers Inn, the oldest continually operated hotel in the White Mountains, is located on the corner. If you choose to spend more than a day in Littleton, then this is a great base to further roam the town. The exterior white columns have given the inn a distinctive appearance in town since it opened in 1850.
The inn offers 35 accommodation options spread across five different categories of rooms and suites that are suitable for one or two people in a room, or the whole family in apartment-style suites. Not only is Thayers Inn a comfortable lodging option, but also an affordable one. Thayers Inn boasts the lowest year-round rates for the highest-quality accommodation.
World Record Candy Store
From the inn’s main entrance, turn right and head along Main Street until you get to Chutters. Behind the purple and pink storefront is the Guinness World Record-holding 112-foot-long candy counter, stacked with glass jars filled with gummies, jellybeans, licorice, caramels, and even nostalgic favorites.
Littleton’s Main Street experience has been enhanced by the Piano Project, which has several pianos stationed downtown in front of local businesses, including Chutters, as well as The Nest and Little Village Toy and Book Shop. The pianos are placed in town between May and October and are often incorporated into annual events on Main Street, like Glad Fest, which occurs in June. During this event, buskers gather around the pianos for performances. The pianos were donated by local residents and decorated by local artists, giving them their striking appearance.
Littleton's Historical Structures
Continue up Main Street to reach the Littleton Opera House on Union Street. The opera house was built in 1894 and opened in 1895. This cornerstone landmark is a versatile space that hosts a variety of different performances, community events, and can be rented for private occasions. Not only is it a multi-use event space, but the building's exterior is impressive in its own right, with an octagonal clock tower rising from one corner.
Double back down Main Street to get to Littleton’s most welcoming attraction at the center of downtown. The Pollyanna Statue is positioned outside the Littleton Library. Pollyanna is the protagonist of a classic children’s novel written by Littleton author, Eleanor H. Porter. Today, the statue has become something of a historical landmark for visitors to the town.
The Pollyanna Gateway is across the street and easy to spot because of the canopy of brightly colored umbrellas suspended in the air, leading down a rainbow-colored stairway towards the river.
Where to Eat
If you stay on Main Street, you will be able to fuel up at the many places to eat. Adjacent to the Pollyanna Gateway is the Crumb Bum Bakery, an ideal place to grab handheld quick bites perfect for snacking while walking around town. Choose from handmade sandwiches, flaky pastries, and freshly-brewed coffee.
But if you have the time for a sit-down meal, then head back to Thayers Inn and turn down Thayers Lane for a table at Sour’s Taverna, Littleton’s up-and-coming Mediterranean tapas bar. Sample vibrant Mediterranean flavors alongside handcrafted cocktails that fit any occasion, whether it is a group dinner for the whole family or a romantic evening for two.
Similar New Hampshire Towns
While Littleton sits on the banks of the Ammonoosuc River, Plymouth sits on the Pemigewasset River and has an equally walkable downtown. Downtown Plymouth is also centered on Main Street, which is home to many local businesses, including its own sweet treat shop, M'nM Scoops, which sells frozen desserts like ice cream, sundaes, frappes, cakes, and more.
Exeter, although slightly further towards the coast than the White Mountains, is regarded as one of the most beautiful historic towns in New Hampshire. Like Littleton, it has a walkable downtown area with historic buildings such as the Gilman Garrison House, originally constructed in 1709. The house has since been restored and today operates as a history museum.
Littleton's Unique Sidewalks
Downtown Littleton was designed to be navigated on foot. Ditch the car by Harmony Park and make your way onto Main Street, stop by Chutters for a handful of candies to give you a sugar boost, and take in the architectural beauty of the Littleton Opera House. If you are in town during the summer, then be sure to visit one of the pianos dotted around town and open your ears to the sound of music. When it comes to getting around on foot, Littleton is the place to be.
