One Of The Most Unique Towns In America, Dixville Notch Is Perfect For A Day Trip In New Hampshire
By Michelle|Published August 24, 2021
×
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.
It would be easy to name a list of unique towns in New Hampshire. We have so many that are special in different ways. From those with fascinating histories to the ones that offer super-fun main streets, you could make a career out of planning trips across the state for people with varied interests. When asked what we think is one of the best to visit if you only have a weekend, we have to say Dixville Notch. It offers lots of beauty, but also comes with some fun history.
There are plenty of remote towns and villages in New Hampshire, but Dixville Notch feels like one of the more far-flung locations. You’ll find it in Coos County, in the White Mountains, which means you can be sure the views are astounding.
Of course, the fact that it overlooks Lake Glorietta ensures that this is one of the most scenic spots you can visit. The town of Dixville Notch itself is really an unincorporated area within the larger township of Dixville. If this sounds small to you, you’re right. The population in 2010 was just 12!
It’s remoteness means that getting there is all part of the fun. Be sure to enjoy the drive looking at the surrounding nature. There’s a good chance you won’t have cell service until you arrive, which means this is a great trip if you’d like to clear your head.
Those who love political history will recognize it as the location of New Hampshire midnight vote. Beginning in 1960, each registered voter in town has congregated here in the famous Ballot Room to cast votes in the presidential primary and general election.
The polls are open only for as long as it takes for each person to vote which seldom takes longer than five minutes! This is the very first primary in the country and the results are typically the first to be reported. All eyes are on this tiny town during election years.
If you’re more of a nature lover, you’ll want to visit Dixville Notch State Park. One of the most beautiful in the state, this beauty offers tons of trails. One of the most well-traveled is the route leading to Table Rock which affords views of the entire area including Lake Glorietta and The Balsams.
This beautiful and unique part of the state is absolutely worth visiting the next time you have a free weekend. There’s no other place you can combine both beauty and political history into one fun adventure.
If you’ve been to Dixville Notch, what are some of your favorite things to do? If you’ve got a go-to restaurant or nature trail let us know in the comments!
