This Small New Hampshire Town Has The Best Downtown
Littleton is every inch the classic all-American town. Sitting at the junction of the Ammonoosuc and Connecticut Rivers in New Hampshire's scenic White Mountains region, Littleton’s downtown is especially pretty. Neatly divided by the town's Main Street, this nearly mile-long stretch of 19th-century red-brick buildings is so appealing that even first-time visitors immediately feel at home here.
This immensely walkable commercial district has earned Littleton plenty of recognition as one of New England’s most successful small-town revitalization stories. First settled in 1770 and incorporated 14 years later, the early prosperity brought by manufacturing and milling operations had all but dried up by the 1980s, by which time the downtown core was in rapid decline, with abandoned stores and businesses struggling to stay afloat.
That all changed in the 1990s, however, when local business owners and residents took matters into their own hands, purchasing and restoring downtown buildings to preserve their character, and also attract tourists. And it worked. Visit Littleton today, and you’ll find a historic downtown district that not only appeals visually, but one that has become a year-round destination for shopping, food and drink experiences, as well as entertainment.
Littleton’s Downtown Historic District
Downtown Littleton and its Historic Main Street district feature numerous buildings constructed in the late 19th century, creating a unique and continuous streetscape of Victorian commercial architecture. Look closely, and you’ll notice defining elements of this era in its cast-iron storefronts, pressed-tin ceilings, and large display windows characteristic of that period's commercial design.
Located just off Main Street on Mill Street, the Littleton Grist Mill is a shining example of the town’s preservation efforts. Originally constructed in 1797 and later rebuilt in 1918 after a fire, it was operating as one of New Hampshire's last water-powered mills until recently. While the mill itself is no longer producing milled products, other businesses still operate out of the building. The adjacent mill pond and dam are also a focal point of the downtown district.
The Littleton Opera House is even more impressive. Constructed in 1894, it remains the town's primary performance venue, regularly hosting events, concerts, theater productions, and film screenings. Fully restored after major restoration in 2008, you can still see its original pressed-tin ceiling, wooden seats, and stage rigging system.
Downtown Shopping
When it comes to unique shopping experiences, Downtown Littleton delivers. Those with a hankering for sweet things will want to include the famous Chutters on Main Street. Established in 1937 and a downtown staple since the 1980s, you’ll want to pop in to check out the world’s longest candy counter (it’s 112 feet end-to-end) and the store’s 800 varieties of bulk candy. Other sweet treats include international chocolates, nostalgic candy packages, and sugar-free options.
Interested in arts and crafts? Head to the League of NH Craftsmen Gallery, a few doors up Main Street. Featuring the work of some 250 New Hampshire artisans, you can shop for everything from pottery to jewelry, textiles, and woodworked items. Monthly rotating exhibits feature individual craftspeople, and demonstrations and artist appearances take place regularly.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Lahout's Summit Shop on Main Street is a must-shop. One of several stores owned by this outdoor gear and apparel business that’s been around since 1920, here you can shop for everything from skiing, hiking, and camping gear, as well as casual clothing items. There’s even a boot-fitting area and ski tuning workshop in the basement.
Drink, Eat, Stay
After all that shopping and exploring, you deserve a drink… and Downtown Littleton is just the place to find one. Just steps away from the charming Riverwalk Covered Bridge, the Schilling Beer Co. operates out of the Littleton Grist Mill complex on Mill Street. Specializing in European-style lagers and ales, the taproom is a great place to enjoy a relaxing pint. And if the weather’s good, head outside to the beer garden overlooking the millpond.
Feeling peckish? Topic of the Town is a short stroll away on Main Street and has been serving top-notch breakfasts and lunches since 1989. It can get busy, so line-ups are sometimes a thing here, especially for its popular brunches.
Downtown Littleton is also a great place to stay if you’re planning on an extended visit. The elegant Thayers Inn on Main Street has been around since 1850, making it one of New Hampshire's oldest continuously operating hotels. Designed in a majestic Greek Revival style, it retains many original features, including wide-plank pine floors, moldings, and a grand central staircase.
Other Things To Do in Littleton
With all that outdoor gear you’ve purchased, you’ll be pleased to know that Downton Littleton is the jumping-off point for one of the best hiking and biking experiences in the area.
The Ammonoosuc Recreational Rail Trail begins at the former railroad depot on Mill Street and extends 19 miles east to Bethlehem Junction, following the long-abandoned Boston & Maine Railroad line. At this level, a crushed stone path cuts through forest and agricultural land, crossing several streams and passing through the village of Lisbon.
The Downtown “Walk the Chalk” art event is a great excuse to visit Littleton. Held in September and one of the newer events on the community calendar, local artists test their skills creating fun chalk artwork around the downtown area. Combine this with an exploration of the vendor offerings at Sunday’s Littleton Farmers Market for fresh local veggies and fruit, meat and cheeses, as well as baked goods, prepared foods, and crafts, and you’ve got the perfect New England getaway.
The Bottom Line
Littleton's downtown deserves to be ranked as the best in New Hampshire. Not only is it an attractive place to visit thanks to its streetscape of well-maintained Victorian-era commercial buildings, but these same buildings also offer up no end of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. So, if you’re looking for an authentic New Hampshire downtown experience, you couldn’t do better than make it happen in Littleton.
