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Few other states that comprise New England truly embody the British Isles than New Hampshire. Dozens of towns in New Hampshire are closely named after actual locations in England, such as Portsmouth, Exeter, Hanover, and many more. Although some of these towns rebelled against the British Empire during the American Revolution, they have since prospered into some of the most adorable small towns in New Hampshire for you to explore in 2024. You will be awed by Peterborough鈥檚 contributions to several nation-defining wars. You will be enamored by Amherst鈥檚 bucolic sceneries and landscapes. You might even be swept off your feet鈥攓uite literally鈥攂y the strong winds coming from North Conway. Either way, 2024鈥檚 most adorable small towns in New Hampshire should not be missed.

Portsmouth

About an hour north of Boston, Massachusetts, you will find the enticing town of Portsmouth at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. Although the Piscataqua River serves as a good avenue for ferries and tugboats to go to and from the Atlantic Ocean, it also delineates the state borders of New Hampshire and Maine. People coming from both states and more can enjoy Portsmouth鈥檚 well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century houses. The ones specifically within the Strawbery Banke Museum are great places to immerse yourself into a time when Portsmouth was the first capital of New Hampshire and where costumed staff showcase traditional crafts from the second oldest settlement in the state since 1623.

The USS Albacore Museum, on the other hand, features a decommissioned Albacore submarine for those curious to see the inside of an underwater vehicle. Other historical sites include the Fort Stark State Historic Site, which was a pivotal fortress during the American Revolution and Civil War, and the St. John鈥檚 Church with its pipe organ from 1708. For more modern amenities, you can stroll through the verdant and flowery paradise of Prescott Park. You can also embrace the ocean breeze at the Odiorne Point State Park, which also contains the Seacoast Science Center for those who are enthusiastic about marine biology. There are dozens more historic and natural charms to relish in Portsmouth, and among them are the pristine lodgings you can afford, such as Wentworth by the Sea, Martin Hill Inn, or Sheraton Portsmouth Harborside.

Hanover

On the banks of the Connecticut River鈥攚hich marks the borders between New Hampshire and Vermont鈥攍ies the humble town of Hanover. As home to the prestigious Dartmouth College鈥攁n Ivy League school first founded in 1769鈥擧anover has served as a place of enlightenment and inspiration for numerous individuals, locals and visitors alike. Dartmouth College鈥檚 Baker Library on the campus green contains the frescoes of Jos茅 Clemente Orozco, a renowned artist from Mexico. Additionally, the Montshire Museum of Science from across the Connecticut River provides a number of interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and a few science parks for individuals who are eager to unlock more of the universe鈥檚 mysteries. Some of you might be more invested in touring the homely estate of a sculptor named Augustus Saint-Gaudens or seeing engineering marvels like the Wilder Dam or Boston Lot Lake. Whichever destination you go to first, you ought to at least rest a while at either the Hanover Inn Dartmouth or Six South St. Hotel.

Sugar Hill

Approximately 55 minutes away from Hanover, the delightful town of Sugar Hill will leave you ecstatic and excited to see more. As one of the smallest towns in New Hampshire鈥攚ith a population less than 650 people鈥擲ugar Hill is named after the many large groves of sugar maples in the immediate area. It is a pleasant and soothing settlement for those wanting peace and quiet in the countryside, with fantastic views of the Presidential, Franconia, Kinsman, and Dalton ranges in the grand White Mountains. June is a particularly good time to visit Sugar Hill, as its fields and hills blossom with pink and purple lupine flowers. Savor some exquisite homemade pancakes at Polly鈥檚 Pancake Parlor or cheese at Harmen鈥檚 Cheese Store. Most of all, give yourself a much-needed sleep at The Sunset Hill House, Franconia Inn, Lovett鈥檚 Inn & Restaurant, or Sugar Hill Inn.

Exeter

Exeter, with its location on Squamscott River and Exeter River, was a patriot stronghold for American soldiers during the American Revolutionary War. Before then鈥攊n the period of 1675 to 1725 when a group of religious exiles from the Massachusetts Bay colony first founded the town鈥擡xeter fell victim to several severe Native American raids. It eventually stabilized into a thriving community with several historic structures such as the Gilman Garrison House (c. 1690), the Congregational Church (1798), and the Ladd-Gilman House (c. 1721). The latter, specifically, can be found at the American Independence Museum which also illustrates the history of years following the first Independence Day. You can always enjoy a brisk walk and hike through the Henderson-Swasey Town Forest. Less than 20 minutes from Portsmouth, you can entrust your belongings at the illustrious Exeter Inn or Inn by the Bandstand.

Amherst

Around 23 miles from Peterborough, travelers will fall in love with the lackadaisical and simplistic charms of Amherst. With its position in the Merrimack Valley and the eastern edge of the Monadnock region, Amherst is a utopian destination for those wanting the rural countryside of America. Biologists and other animal enthusiasts can find all sorts of unique creatures at the Ponemah Bog Wildlife Sanctuary. The Minot J. Ross Memorial Bird Sanctuary is also a perfect spot for birdwatchers and other avian lovers. Trekkers, hikers, and campers can seek their adventures at the Hodgman State Forest and the Joe English Reservation. Meanwhile, Baboosic Lake is open to individuals who are interested in swimming, boating, and fishing. There are many other secrets and possibilities to uncover in Amherst, so consider choosing this secluded small town as an adorable getaway from your big city troubles.

Peterborough

Peterborough is a lovable town filled with deep historic ties to prior American conflicts. During the French and Indian War, the first settlers of Peterborough fought for the English King鈥檚 army in spite of their initial mistrust of the Old 海角社区 government. Then in the American Revolution, its willing townspeople fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Many of these Revolutionary heroes are now interred in Peterborough鈥檚 Old Street Road Cemetery including the drummer boy of Lexington, William Diamond.

Peterborough proved its valor once again in the War of 1812, when its native son James Miller (1776-1858) became the Hero of the Battle of Lundy鈥檚 Lane. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 1814 for defending a crucial site that would one day become Miller State Park, New Hampshire鈥檚 oldest state park. Indeed, Miller was such a hero that American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, in his introduction to The Scarlett Letter, described Miller as 鈥淣ew England鈥檚 most distinguished soldier.鈥� There are several more attractions to admire in Peterborough, like Monadnock State Park and the MacDowell Colony (now known simply as 'MacDowell'), the largest artist colony in America since 1907. And if you are in need of accommodations, look no further than to the Riverhouse.

Meredith

When it comes to relaxation and reprieve, Meredith provides innumerable opportunities for everyone wanting the laidback luxuries of rural New Hampshire. One can feel like they are at sea while strolling along the multitude of shorelines of Lake Winnipesaukee. Among these splendid shores are the Lovejoy Sands that serve as a launching point to the sublime Bear Islands, home to some of New Hampshire鈥檚 magnificent wildlife and plant life and one of several lush islands in Lake Winnepesaukee. You can also see more of New Hampshire鈥檚 wilderness at the Hamlin-Eames-Smyth Recreation and Conservation Area. Additional swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities can be earned at the much smaller Lake Winnisquam, Lake Waukewan, and Squam Lake. No need to worry about where you have to stay in the chilly evenings, because welcoming lodgings like The Oliver Lodge, The Nutmeg Inn, and Mill Falls at the Lake will keep you safe and sound in Meredith.

North Conway

Set within the White Mountains and near the state border between Maine and New Hampshire, North Conway is the first stepping stone towards the sublime summits of Mount Washington. Only about 50 miles from Sugar Hill, visitors can revel and rejoice in the many ski resorts in North Conway, such as the snowy adventures of the Cranmore Mountain Resort and the rollercoaster rides of the Attitash Mountain Resort. Traipse through the thick thickets of Merriman State Forest鈥擥awk at the alluring cascades of Diana鈥檚 Baths. Seek out one of the swimming holes along Saco River, or barter for great deals at one of the 100 big-name factory outlet stores at Settlers Green.

Visitors can get a picture-perfect vantage of North Conway and its surrounding environment from atop the Cathedral Ledge Lookout. And if you wish to know more about the extreme weather and harsh winds around Mount Washington and in the White Mountains, you can head over to the Mount Washington Observatory Offices for reliable forecasts. So put North Conway in your list of destinations to visit in New Hampshire, and consider The Colonial Motel, North Conway Grand Hotel, and School House Inn as options for your temporary place of residence in the mountain village.

In Conclusion

Skiing opportunities in the mountains? Check. Vibrant lakes and verdant forests? Check. And a deep historic association with several wars and conflicts that shaped the United States? Definitely. New Hampshire鈥檚 most adorable small towns fulfill these criteria for a fulfilling destination, and more. Take care when traversing the White Mountains and Mount Washington, specifically, in case the rapid winds that blow down to the town of North Conway are too much. Have fun when exploring Portsmouth for its seaside amenities and New England culture. Kayak through lakes such as Lake Winnipesaukee in Meredith to see some of the flora and fauna of the state. But most importantly, remember to great memories and experiences in your jolly journey through New Hampshire this 2024.