Here Are The 7 Coolest Small Towns In New Hampshire You’ve Been Meaning To Visit
There’s plenty to do in New Hampshire, so we understand if visiting small towns isn’t high on your must-do list. But we’re hoping that this article changes that. There’s so much history hiding out here that even those with only a passing interest in how the state got its start will be entertained. And beyond just history, we’re seeing more and more restaurants, bars, and other fun spots opening. While you can find something cool in any corner of the state, these towns are just a few of the ones we recommend you visit.
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Most people who visit Lincoln might do so for the White Mountain access. While that certainly helps make this town cool, it's the scenic Hobo Railroad and the annual winter Ice Castles that take it to super-cool!
While this tiny town might not make its way onto any national lists of "cool" towns, we think it should be at the top of the list for those in New Hampshire. The town of less-than 600 residents hosts the annual Lupine festival each year and it's home to Polly's Pancake Parlor. If those two things don't make up the coolest way to spend a day, we'd rather be uncool.
Home to Dartmouth College, Hanover is a fun college town in all the right ways. Live music and fun bars are just a few of the ways to enjoy the nightlife here. Plus, the small town feel is exactly what you'd expect in New Hampshire.
There's nothing more lovely than a New Hampshire river town and Littleton is one of the best. You'll find it along the Connecticut and Ammonoosuc Rivers in the White Mountains making it truly scenic. But it's also home to a fun and thriving downtown area with restaurants and shops. Don't miss Chutters, the local candy shop with the longest candy counter in the world!
This college town might be even more fun than Hanover! With plenty of restaurants, bars and theaters there's always something fun to do here. Plus, it's got easy access to the White Mountains which means you can enjoy culture and the great outdoors all in one weekend.
Sitting pretty on the Contoocook River, a lot of people might first think about nature when they think about Peterborough. While there is a lot to enjoy in the great outdoors, we like that this town is home to the MacDowell, an artists colony that dates back to 1901. There's a vibe here you won't find anywhere else and we think you'll love it.
Of course, Portsmouth is a bit of a no-brainer when it comes to being included on a list of cool towns. While it's true that this isn't a small town, we think it offers an important small town feel compared to many other places across the country that offer similar restaurants, bars and shopping. Stop in, check out the scene and we promise you'll be back.
What are some of your favorite New Hampshire towns? If you have one you love, let us know why! And if you enjoy the ones we’ve included on this list share some of your favorite things to do there in the comments.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
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