It seems like everyone outside of New England has a vision of New Hampshire – mountains and forests dotted with tiny, idyllic towns. That’s true to an extent, sure – but most of us in much more typical urban or suburban towns than those daydreamers might realize! Of course, there are a few towns in New Hampshire that live up to the hype – and if you haven’t been to this one mountain town, you’ve got to make a trip.
Franconia is not exactly a bustling metropolis – but it's perhaps the town in New Hampshire with the highest concentration of extreme naturally splendor. This town's 1,100 residents have it good!
Franconia has some of the most dramatic geography of the state – it encompasses half of Franconia Notch State Park, parts of the White Mountain National Forest, and even holds part of the Appalachian Trail. With mountains like these, it's no surprise that Olympic skiier Bode Miller hails from Franconia.
Of course, as all true New Hampshirites know, Franconia is the site of our fallen mascot, the Old Man in the Mountain. However, right at the base of Cannon Mountain you'll find Profiler Plaza, where an inventive art installation will allow you to get a sense of what he once looked like – and mourn his loss.
But Franconia isn't just about mountains. Head to Profile Lake to cool off on a hot summer's day, or just to admire the stunningly clear water. It's a remarkably peaceful place.
Another famous feature of Franconia— and one of the most remarkable places in the Granite State— is Flume Gorge. This remarkable series of waterfalls will blow you away!
It's impossible to deny that the nature in this area is downright inspiring – so it's not surprising that this is where famed poet Robert Frost made his home. A visit to the museum on the site is a highlight of any visit to Franconia!
Though this is more of an outdoor town, all that exploring will leave you hungry, and you'll still find some great places to eat. Stop into the gorgeous, old-fashioned Horse and Hound (pictured) or head to the unassuming Dutch Treat for some shockingly good food.
