Here Are The 7 Coolest Small Towns In New Hampshire You've Probably Never Heard Of
By Michelle|Published October 28, 2021
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
New Hampshire is one of the coolest states in the country! Between the unique attractions, fun hikes and great restaurants, there’s always something to enjoy here. Remembering that this state is one of the best in America means also remembering that the small towns within it are always worth exploring. If you agree, you’ll want to take the ones here and move them to the top of your list!
Peterborough is a great place to visit if you love nature and quick access to things like hikes and the Contoocook River. But it's also home to an artists colony, MacDowell, that dates back to 1901!
If you think qualifying as a "cool" town means nightlife and late-night entertainment options, Sugar Hill might not be for you. But if you believe an annual Lupine Festival and an absolutely amazing pancake restaurant is all you need then this is definitely the spot for you! Check out Polly's Pancake Parlor here.
Dixville Notch is one of the most special towns in New Hampshire. Located in the White Mountains this small town is really an unincorporated area in the larger town of Dixville. It's got a population of 12, making it super tiny. But the cool part of this little beauty is that it's home to the midnight vote! Since 1960, every person registered to vote has come to the famous Ballot Room at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel to cast votes in the presidential primary and general election. That's some pretty cool history! You can learn more about the town by clicking here.
Located right on the Connecticut River, Hanover is famously home to Dartmouth College. As a college town it's got all the makings of a hip spot. Coffee shops, restaurants and bars can be found throughout. But we also appreciate that it's home to the Mink Brook Nature Preserve for fun in the outdoors. You can learn more about it here.
Adorable Plymouth isn't actually very small, but it still has that small-town feel we love. As a college town it offers lots of the things we've come to love about places like that. But it's extra-cool that it comes with easy access to the White Mountains.
One of the state's most lovely river towns, Littleton sits on the Connecticut River. It's small and cute, but what makes it so cool is that its home to the world's longest candy counter! Plan on visiting Chutter's, which you can learn more about here.
You might not think of Laconia when imagining small towns in New Hampshire, but we just couldn't leave it off. It's home to the largest arcade in the world, but the fun continues with access to Lake Winnipesaukee and lots of local restaurants and shops.
What are some of your favorite small towns with a coo vibe here in New Hampshire? Let us know in the comments! And if you’ve ever been to the ones on this list, let us know if you have any recommendations for fun things to see.
