5 Small Towns in New Hampshire So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

New Hampshire’s beauty is no secret, nor can anyone deny that its small towns look like something out of a postcard. And yet, there are some places that are so dreamy, they seem like something straight out of a television show. Below are just a few such places that deserve a spot on your must-visit list!

1. Portsmouth

Location: Southeastern New Hampshire on the coast

Why It’s So Dreamy: Although this is a bigger city for a state like New Hampshire, it is still a small town overall due to a lack of urban sprawl. The town remains largely as it has for centuries, with brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and a distinct colonial, almost European vibe (it was founded in 1638, after all). With one of the few spots on New Hampshire’s coast, Portsmouth has long been an important port city and places a high importance on its maritime history and current fishing and sailing prospects. 

2. Hanover

Location: Western New Hampshire on the Vermont border

Why It’s So Dreamy: Like many small towns in New Hampshire, Hanover has deep historic roots and architecture that reflects that. However, there is a distinctly youthful air here that is unlike many other towns, mainly due to Dartmouth College and the students who attend. The presence of the college allows for copious amounts of events surrounding art, culture, sports, and community. This, plus the fact that the Appalachian Trail goes through the town and is gorgeous to visit in every season, means that Hanover is a must-visit. 

3. Meredith

Location: Central New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee 

Why It’s So Dreamy: This lakefront town is similar to California and Nevada’s Lake Tahoe, where it’s popular in every season and draws a generous amount of tourism as a result. It’s a beautiful town that has managed to remain small and relatively calm despite this popularity. The downtown features village-like architecture and feels cozy and romantic, with a nearby railroad, a sculpture walk, intimate restaurants, an old mill next to a waterfall, wine tasting (or breweries, if that’s your preference), and more. 

4. Jackson

Location: Eastern New Hampshire

Why It’s So Dreamy: With a honeymoon bridge, farms with painted barns flanked by mountains, a cozy and welcoming downtown area, and buildings that haven’t been touched too much by modernity, this small town has a very classic Hallmark-like appearance. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the White Mountains, Jackson is known for being stunningly gorgeous in every season (like most of New Hampshire), but has the added benefit of being a BIG area for skiing and other winter sports. 

5. Littleton

Location: Northern New Hampshire on the Vermont border

Why It’s So Dreamy: First conceived in 1770, this town was supported by mills until the industry began to falter, and locals came together to buy much of the town, then renovated it to preserve its history (and to attract tourists, of course). Today, the town remains quaint and small but is active and busy, with a very engaged community and a plethora of family-owned businesses. Photographers and tourists alike flock here for the views that come from the charmingly upkept main street, the river that borders it, and the mountains that loom large in the back.

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