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Ahh, New Hampshire. Although typically overshadowed by its extra touristy neighbors, the state has an amazing deal to supply vacationers, from craggy mountain peaks to shimmering lakes and a tiny Atlantic shoreline. To see the Granite State’s greatest, vacationers ought to base themselves not in a metropolis however in a small city — one thing that, with a inhabitants of 1.4 million folks and just one metropolis of greater than 100,000, New Hampshire has numerous.
I started my profession in New Hampshire as an editor at a state-wide journal, so I’ve visited my justifiable share of villages and burgs across the state. I discover them to be the heartbeat of the area, and Janet Flagg, a part-time New Hampshirite and the COO of Boston-based journey company TRAVELLUSTRE, says the identical.
“While you go to a spot like New Hampshire,” she says, “the luxurious is within the setting. The posh’s not within the lodging. The posh is having probably the most wonderful hikes — not crowded, you’re not a part of the pack. You’re getting immersive experiences.”
Immersive experiences await in all of the cities on this checklist: immersions in nature, tradition, and historical past, and in environments from the mountains to the seaside. Some do, in truth, supply luxurious lodging, however all of them supply pure magnificence and storybook attraction that you just received’t quickly overlook.
Learn on for our choice of the ten greatest small cities in New Hampshire.
North Conway
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For a lot of who’ve lived or traveled within the Northeast, North Conway is the quintessential New Hampshire city. Situated on the foot of the White Mountains, the neighborhood of about 2,000 affords ample purchasing and companies for guests headed to factors north, plus a quaint and walkable downtown. When you’ve loved a experience on the Conway Scenic Railroad and snowboarding at Cranmore Mountain Resort, head simply out of city to your lodging — two of the state’s historic accommodations (Eagle Mountain Home and The Wentworth Inn) lie inside a 15-minute drive.
Littleton
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If North Conway is the place for old style mountain attraction, Littleton is New Hampshire’s hipper, edgier mountain city. “Numerous millennials, the 30-somethings, have discovered it as a extremely reasonably priced place to reside and have an amazing high quality of life,” says Flagg — and that inflow of latest residents reveals in stylish small companies like Crumb Bum Bakery and the quirky artwork retailer Baba Yaga. For the last word Littleton expertise, seize a seat overlooking the river at Schilling Beer Co. and befriend a flannel-clad native who can inform you the most effective spots for uncrowded mountaineering or backcountry ski runs.
Pittsburg
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Because the township that encompasses all 300 sq. miles of New Hampshire’s northern tip, Pittsburg is so distant that few vacationers (and, certainly, not many New Hampshirites) will ever pay it a go to. In case you’re prepared to make the drive, although, you’ll discover a slice of nation that epitomizes Flagg’s declare that the luxurious right here is the panorama. I spent a number of days in Pittsburg whereas reporting on the Nice North Woods area, and I discovered its serene lakes and rolling hills to be a number of the greatest surroundings I ever noticed within the Granite State. There’s no walkable Most important Avenue or fancy accommodations right here, however there’s a nook retailer and a wealth of log cabins — all you want for a peaceable keep in certainly one of New England’s quietest corners.
Tamworth
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“Tamworth is certainly one of my favourite cities,” says Jenn Bakos, a photographer primarily based on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. The city of two,900 sits between the mountains and the Lakes Area in a stretch that’s usually missed. However Bakos argues that it’s value a go to, each for the charming city middle (dwelling to the indie favourite Tamworth Distilling and the historic Barnstormers Theatre) and its abundance of picturesque sights. “You’ve got all these stunning again roads and farms after which numerous nice little strolling trails,” she says. “There’s loads to take pictures of.”
Wolfeboro
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For a city that’s decidedly on the overwhelmed monitor (and for superb purpose), look no additional than Wolfeboro. This resort neighborhood of 6,600 was named certainly one of Journey + Leisure’s greatest small cities in America in 2023, and even a brief go to will shortly present you why. It lies on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest physique of water, and it boasts an abundance of substances rental retailers, trendy shops, and world-class eating places, giving it one thing for almost everybody. For an distinctive in a single day keep, verify into the Pickering Home Inn, a boutique property that’s been honored in T+L’s World’s Greatest Awards a number of instances.
Portsmouth
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The crown jewel of New Hampshire’s 18-mile shoreline, Portsmouth affords each small-town attraction and big-city facilities. Town is giant by New Hampshire requirements at about 22,000 folks, and, mendacity simply an hour from Boston, it’s a preferred relocation spot for urbanites. To outsiders, although, it’s the image of a New England village, full with white-steepled church buildings and, as Bakos places it, “numerous previous brick.” Bakos lives in Portsmouth and notes that it’s a formidable foodie city. The cooks of Black Trumpet and Vida Cantina have each been James Beard semifinalists, as has Matt Louis, the chef-owner of Moxy and The Franklin.
Newmarket
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Each Flagg and Bakos agree that, for Seacoast vacationers wanting to flee the bustle of Portsmouth, Newmarket is the place to go. “I lived there for 5 years,” says Bakos. “It’s good if you wish to go for a cute smaller city with out the crowds however nonetheless have the good meals, the good retailers, and the surroundings.” Lovers of old-school attraction will respect the transformed riverfront mill buildings that type the majority of downtown, whereas extra new-school guests will love the city’s artsy, offbeat spirit. The latter is on full show at The Stone Church, an intimate music venue that’s hosted Guster, the Avett Brothers, and (on a whopping 5 events) Phish.
Hanover
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Although the shoreline, lakes, and mountains draw the majority of New Hampshire’s guests, the state’s scenic southwest is equally value a visit. My private favourite city on this area is Hanover, the house of Dartmouth School and a beloved relaxation cease for hikers on the Appalachian Path. I’ve spent many a day wandering the city’s postcard-perfect Most important Avenue and crisscrossing the mountaineering trails that supply views throughout the river into Vermont. In case you’re planning a go to, take into account scheduling it for the autumn — Hanover affords foliage simply as beautiful because the White Mountains with a fraction of the crowds streaming in to see it.
New London
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About 30 miles southeast of Hanover, New London is the school city’s “child sister,” based on Flagg. “Quaint,” she says. “I hate that phrase, however it’s New London to a T.” The downtown space has all of the hallmarks of a traditional New England village — historic church buildings and inexperienced parks studded with gazebos — whereas, away from the city middle, two lakes supply numerous out of doors alternatives. To see the city at its greatest, are available in summer time. Not solely is it peak season for the lakes; it’s additionally efficiency season on the New London Barn Playhouse, one of many oldest summer time theaters within the nation.
Peterborough
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Out of doors adventurers will discover a lot to like in Peterborough. The city of 6,500 sits on the foot of Pack Monadnock, certainly one of southern New Hampshire’s hottest mountains, and it offers a wonderful dwelling base for mountaineering, biking, and exploring all through the Monadnock Area. Its pure magnificence has impressed 1000’s of the nation’s greatest artists due to MacDowell, the celebrated residency situated right here; to soak within the city’s inspirational energies your self, keep at Cranberry Meadow Farm, an opulent eight-room inn perched on 80 wooded acres.