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, we recommend checking out one of the following little locales — they’re the coolest towns in New Hampshire!

1. Lincoln, Grafton County
Lincoln, NH, USA
allan_harris / Flickr
Most people who visit Lincoln, New Hampshire, 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!
2. Sugar Hill, Grafton County
Sugar Hill, NH, USA
rcweir / Flickr
While Sugar Hill 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 fewer 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.
3. Hanover, Grafton County
Hanover, NH, USA
dougtone / Flickr
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.

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4. Littleton, Grafton County
Littleton, NH 03561, USA
egological / Flickr
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 Littleton, New Hampshire, is 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!
5. Plymouth, Grafton County
Plymouth, NH 03264, USA
dougtone / Flickr
This college town might be even more fun than Hanover! With plenty of restaurants, bars and theaters there's always something fun to do in Plymouth, New Hampshire. Plus, it's got easy access to the White Mountains which means you can enjoy culture and the great outdoors all in one weekend.
6. Peterborough, Hillsborough County
Peterborough, NH 03458, USA
dougtone / Flickr
Sitting pretty on the Contoocook River, a lot of people might first think about nature when they think about Peterborough, New Hampshire. 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.
7. Portsmouth, Rockingham County
Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA
dougtone / Flickr
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? What would you add to our list of coolest towns in New Hampshire? 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.

In addition to cool small towns, the state also has some unique attractions. Take this quirky road trip to visit the most unique roadside attractions in New Hampshire!

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More to Explore

Coolest Towns in New Hampshire

Sarah M. | September 23, 2022

What are the most charming towns in New Hampshire?

If you are looking for small-town America at its best, check out some of the most charming towns in New Hampshire. Littleton ranks high on our list; this small town often lies in the shadow of its more well-known neighbors, including Franconia, but this charming town on the banks of the Connecticut River is well worth a visit and stands as one of the best small towns in NH. Take a look at this weekend itinerary in Littleton to help plan out your visit. Hancock is another impossibly charming small town in New Hampshire. Hancock is a picturesque small town in the southern part of the state that offers hiking, historic buildings, and a covered bridge. Read more about Hancock, one of the most beautiful towns in New Hampshire, in this feature article. Natural beauty, charming architecture, and kind people make trips to these cute New Hampshire towns a must-do for tourists and locals alike. If you enjoyed visiting the coolest towns in New Hampshire, these charming towns in NH should be next on your list!

What's the most beautiful small town in New Hampshire?

We hate to play favorites, but there's something undeniably special about Sugar Hill, a special town with spectacular scenery and a wonderfully unique name that really suits this beautiful place. Each year, the town celebrates its vast fields of lupine flowers. The Sugar Hill Lupine Festival is an event you can't miss and is one many New Hampshirites look forward to each year! With its pastoral and mountainous landscapes, Sugar Hill is one of the best day trip destinations in New Hampshire.

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