The 10 Most Charming Small Towns in New Hampshire

About one hour north ofBoston, Portsmouth is located on the coastline and a must-visit for beautiful beaches and summertime fun. You can spend the day fishing, whale watching, kayaking and canoeing, or simply spend time relaxing on the sand. Head to Portsmouth Harbor for fantastic views of the lighthouse and the Piscataqua River.Strawberry Banke Museum,the Moffatt-Ladd House & GardenandWarner Houseall offer historical tours that will help you better understand what this cute town is all about. (Note: Check websites for current availability). For breakfast, stop by Portsmouth’s must-have spot,the Friendly Toastfor egg sandwiches, banana and chocolate chip pancakes, and cheesecake-filled French toast. For dinner and drinks, check out Portsmouth Brewery,Cureand Surf for tasty eats and great waterside views.

Where to stay:

• Portsmouth downtown house: 7 guests
• Houseboat: 6 guests
• Studio apartment: 2 guests

Home to Dartmouth College (Go Big Green!), Hanover is located along theConnecticut河和不断被命名为“之一Best Places to Live” in the country. Popular things to do include taking a tour of Dartmouth’s historic campus (the Baker-Berry Library is seriously impressive) and skiing on the mountains to both the east and west. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, plan a hike on the Appalachian Trail, which passes right through downtown and winds through the White Mountains. Hungry after all that action? Check outMurphy’s on the Greenfor tasty pub food like seared pork chops, BBQ pulled pork tacos and deep fried calamari.

Where to stay:

• Guesthouse:2 guests
• Private retreat: 5 guests
• Savage Hart Farm: 4 guests

Found in the state’s Lake Region, Meredith is known as a major resort town and is surrounded by some of thelargest lakesin the state. If you’re ready for some water activities, head toEKAL Activity Center乘船游览、宪章和kayak paddleboardd canoe rentals. Take in the scenic waterside views by driving the 97-mile loop of Lake Winnipesaukee while stopping to explore other surrounding towns. Stop byMills Falls Marketin Meredith, which offers fun shopping and multiple excellent dining options. During the autumn months, we highly recommend taking a four-hour fall foliage train ride from the Meredith Station to experience some of the best views in New England. But no matter what time of the year you visit, make sure to stop byHermit Woods Winery & Delifor local wine and dessert tastings, as well as a selection of New Hampshire craft beers.

Where to stay:

• Craftsman cottage: 6 guests
  
• Waterfront home: 8 guests
• Romantic getaway: 4 guests

If you are searching for a small-town feel, look no further than Sugar Hill in Grafton County. This mountain town has a population of just over 500 people and is New Hampshire’s newest town after splitting from nearby Lisbon in 1962. Overlooking the White Mountain National Forest, Sugar Hill boasts some of the most spectacular views in New England. The time honoredSugar Hill Lupine Festivaltakes place every June where people visit from all over to see fields of purple lupine flowers. The festival features open-air markets, wagon rides, concerts and other fun exhibits. For even more beautiful foliage, stop by Coffin Pond for breathtaking views and a quiet ambiance. You can’t visit Sugar Hill without getting homemade pancakes atPolly’s Pancake Parlor—all topped with New Hampshire maple syrup, of course. Once you’ve satisfied your sweet tooth, stop byHarman’s Cheese & Country Store, a picturesque red country shop that sells natural premium grade white cheddar cheese among other local jams, mustards and jellies.

Where to stay:

• Private log cabin: 6 guests
• Bette Davis’ former mountain lodge: 8 guests
• Butternut Cottage: 8 guests

If outdoor adventures are your thing, Lincoln, New Hampshire is the place to be. No matter the season, this town boasts activities that will keep you occupied for days. Located right in downtown Lincoln,Loon Mountainoffers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and terrain parks. For a scenic view of the mountain, take the Gondola Skyride to the summit of Loon Peak where you’ll find glacial caves and a forest nature walk. Or head to Flume Gorge at the bottom of Mount Liberty for a beautiful one and a half mile hike around a natural gorge. Find even more outdoor fun atWhale’s Tale Waterpark, where you can ride water slides, hang in a wave pool or float down a lazy river. For chill-seekers rather than thrill-seekers, take a ride on theHobo Railroad, a restored vintage train that travels along the Pemigewasset River (opening in May). After a day of checking out the sites, head toOne Love BreweryandWoodstock Inn Breweryfor hearty food and craft beers, orSeven Birches and the Atrium Wine Barfor wine tasting.

Where to stay:

• Luxury Loon Mountain home: 16 guests
• Loon Mountain townhome: 10 guests
• The Lodge: 4 guests

Located in the heart of the White Mountains, Bartlett is a picturesque town where visitors can enjoy all that nature has to offer. Head to the Rocky Gorge, Diana’s Baths or Ripley Falls for breathtaking views of waterfalls and rock formations. During the winter months,Attitash Mountain Resortis where to go for skiing and snowboarding, and the resort also offers zip-lining, North America’s longest Alpine slide and an outdoor waterpark in the warmer months. Traveling with the kids? Said to be the “best children’s theme park” in New Hampshire,Story Landfeatures over 30 attractions and rides for children of all ages (opening in May).

Where to stay:

• A Notch Above: 11 guests
• New country home: 8 guests
• Family-friendly condo: 6 guests

North Conway is a village in Conway, NH that has plenty to offer visitors, including an excellent craft brew scene—head toMoat Mountain Smokehouse & Brewing Co., Tuckerman Brewing Co. and Seadog Brewing Company for great food and unique brews. If you are into antiquing, venture downtown where you’ll find a handful of delightful shops selling old-fashioned and vintage items. For nature enthusiasts, spend some time outdoors by hiking the Black Cap Hiking Trail, Moat Mountain Trail and Echo State Lake Park where you can find the Cathedral Ledge that leads to amazing views of North Conway. If you’d rather see the views from the comfort of your car, drive the Kancamagus Highway which has peak foliage in the fall months, or hop on theConway Scenic Railroadfor an old-fashioned train ride that offers two different routes in fully-restored coaches.

Where to stay:

• Modern mountain home: 8 guests
• 2-story home: 12 guests
• Modern farmhouse: 12 guests

Outdoor lovers, rejoice and head to Franconia. Set in the White Mountains, this town is surrounded by state parks, forests and hiking trails and is a must-see for those wanting to spend all of their time with Mother Nature.Franconia Notch State Parkhas an endless amount of activities including snowmobiling, hiking, biking, ATVing, swimming, camping and fishing. Stop byCannon Mountainfor rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing or hop on theAerial Tramwaywhere you can see the mountains of four different statesandCanada on a clear day. For gourmet dining in a cozy atmosphere, visitthe Franconia Inn(and the views aren't bad, either).

Where to stay:

• Cabin home with mountain views: 8 guests
• Austrian-style chalet: 8 guests
• House on Gale River: 6 guests

Jackson is a quiet resort town located in the middle of the White Mountains. If you are looking for a low-key weekend where you can just as easily spend time on the mountains as well as off them, Jackson is your best bet.The Jackson Ski Touring Foundationfeatures trails for beginners and experts and also offers snowshoeing and skate skiing as well as classic track skiing. Head toBlack MountainorWildcat Mountainfor even more skiing and snowboarding options. Or if skiing isn’t your thing, check outNestlenook Farmfor sleigh rides, snowshoeing and ice skating on a small private resort. And for the perfect Instagram photo, stop by Honeymoon Bridge which extends over the Ellis River where couples are known to kiss underneath the structure for good luck. While you’re here, support local businesses by visitWhite Mountain Puzzleswhere you can browse hundreds of different puzzle options—the perfect activity to cozy up with after a day of hitting the slopes.

Where to stay:

• Mid-century modern cabin: 6 guests
• Cozy log cabin: 8 guests
• Modern cottage: 4 guests

Named one of the best small downtowns in America, Littleton lives up to its reputation with a food scene that is one to remember. First, stop byChutters, home to the longest candy counter; then visitBishop’sfor more than 60 flavors of homemade ice cream (we hear the maple walnut is divine). Next, quench your thirst with a visit toSchilling Beer Co., a brewery located in a converted 18^th-century grist mill that overlooks the Ammonoosuc River and is known as for its European-inspired beers. When it comes to food, you have plenty of options: Dine atthe Beal Housefor American fare,the Little Grillefor burgers andTim-Bir Alleyfor fine dining. To work off all that grub, enjoy the outdoors by hiking Kilburn Crag and the Pinehill Trail or take a walk across the Curran Suspension Bridge. Be sure to say hi to Pollyanna, a bronze sculpture that pays tribute to Littleton native and author Elizabeth H. Porter who introduced the world tothe beloved children’s character.

Where to stay:

• Stone’s Throw: 8 guests
• Bretton Woods Log Home: 10 guests
• The Lake’s End: 10 guests