8 Most Underrated Towns In New Hampshire To Take A Trip To
The Ninth US state got its name after a county in England called Hampshire but was the first to create a constitution and declare its independence during the American Revolution. New Hampshire is well known for its nature, including the headwaters of rivers in the White Mountain Range. New Hampshire is also known as "The Granite State" because of its history with granite mining, which also ties into its natural beauty. Its nature makes it a great spot to visit, whether through big cities or smaller, underrated towns.
Littleton
Littleton was originally called "Chiswick," an Old English word for cheese farm. It is in the Northwest part of the White Mountains, making it a great stay for people trying to reach the mountain range. The oldest ski shop in America is in Littleton: Lahout's. It has been in operation since 1920 and is still serving people today. The Littleton Opera House has been in operation since 1894 and hosts community venues while serving as an attraction from an era that's since passed.
Downtown has several places to stay, like Thayers Inn, which is both beautiful and conveniently located. The Riverwalk Covered Bridge downtown spans over the Ammonoosuc River and hosts wonderful views to those who walk its length. The character Pollyanna by author Eleanor H. Porter has a bronze statue in Littleton that welcomes visitors and residents into the town.
Jackson
The charming town of Jackson sits spectacularly within the White Mountain National Forest, which means hiking on incredible trails and snapping perfect views for memorable vacation photos. Jackson is seen as a great place for love, with many wedding locations and traditions. Lovers will enjoy not only the landscapes but also the Honeymoon Bridge, which opened in 1876 and gets its name from people coming to kiss under it for good luck.
The local historical society ensures that the town's history is preserved, with the Jackson Historical Society located on the "Village Loop" just a half-mile North of the Honeymoon Bridge. People can visit and learn all about the town's history through them. Jackson is a perfect place away from air pollution, so viewing the nightly stars is a must in this resort town.
Meredith
Another resort town at heart, Meredith is in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, with its commercial center on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. People can take a scenic cruise during spring and summer on the historic MS Mount Washington, which has been running since the 19th century. During other parts of the year, hiking trails like the Laverack Nature Trail give incredible landscape views of the surrounding area and the town of Meredith.
The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad runs along the shoreline, where visitors can go on a one or two-hour ride from Meredith Station to Weirs Beach or further south to Lakeport before returning. The line has views of Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire. People looking for a bite in town can visit one of the many eateries like Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, which offers live music from Thursday to Saturday.
Lincoln
While sitting at the spot of the second-largest town by area in the state, Lincoln has a population of less than 2,000. It's the site of the Loon Mountain Ski Resort, situated on a mountain of the same name and features the eighth-largest vertical drop in New England. The town came to be as a result of railroad expansion throughout the country in the 19th century, along with a heavy logging industry that has since dried up.
Many hiking trails surround Lincoln, like Lincoln Woods, Mount Pemigewasset, and Georgiana Falls, each with its stunning journey. Even Whale's Tale Water Park provides summer fun right next to the White Mountains. For those looking to spend a few days, there are plenty of inns and resorts available, like the Nordic Inn Resort, Parker's Motel, or Pollard Brook.
Northwood
The town of Northwood was once home to many taverns to accommodate travelers coming through using the Portsmouth to Concord Turnpike sometime after 1800. Plenty of this old architecture remains, along with farms that act like inns for visitors to stay, like the Lake Shore Farm or the Meadow Farm Bed and Breakfast. Some of these farms even host berry picking during the summer months. Several lakes, like the Northwood Lake, are nearby, along with hiking trails throughout the Northwood Meadows State Park, so nature visits are a must.
Places like Northwood Diner or Johnson Seafood & Steak are a must for anyone passing through to get that true New Hampshire cuisine. Antique shops like the Northwood Antique & Collectible Center and N. Dearborn Antiques Gallery help keep the past alive and have plenty of stock for antique lovers alike.
North Conway
North Conway used to be home to the White Mountain Airport but was subsequently closed and is now an outlet mall, named Settlers' Green Outlet Village, ideal for retail therapy. Climbers will appreciate Cathedral Ledge, which is a geologic formation nearby that's popular with climbers looking for a view of the surrounding area.
The town is home to a scenic railway that operates two historic railway routes on the Conway Scenic Railroad, and also the North Conway Model Railroad Club, which also acts as a mini rail museum. Both kids and adults can ride through the Crawford Notch pass and learn about trains through the museum. Inns like the North Conway Mountain Inn provide a place to stay near the mountains and a scenic view during downtime.
Hanover
The scenic town of Hanover, sitting along the Connecticut River, was named after a parish in the town of Sprague in Connecticut. It's home to Dartmouth College, one of several Universities established before the American Revolution. The Hopkins Center for the Arts is a part of the campus, which features incredible productions in the middle of town. The Hood Museum of Art is another part of campus, which features more than 60,000 pieces of diverse art from many cultures through different periods.
Hanover also has a wonderful trail leading up to Moose Mountain North Ridge, which offers stunning views and landscapes perfect for watching seasons change or spotting local wildlife. The Storrs Pond is a man-made pond nearby that covers roughly 13 acres, along with pavilion areas, beaches, and tennis courts. Gorgeous inns like the Hanover Inn Dartmouth and The Norwich Inn provide luxurious stays and a rich history.
Sugar Hill
Sugar Hill is best known for two things: skiing in the winter and pretty flower landscapes during the spring and summer. Its name is derived from sugar maples that grow around the area, although the adorable town might be more well known for its pink and purple lupine flowers, which bloom in June every year. They make the fields and distant mountains of Sugar Hill stunning, a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers.
The first resort-based ski school in America opened up on the local slopes back in 1929, which was more than 30 years before the town was even officially incorporated! Polly's Pancake Parlor is a restaurant and gift shop selling homemade pancakes that are well-known in the surrounding areas. It's been running for almost a century and features many flavors like buttermilk and gingerbread. Pleasant fields and snowy slopes make Sugar Hill an easy stay, with The Sunset Hill House, The Victorian, and Sugar Hill Inn just some of the wonderful spots to stay and rest.
While New Hampshire might not be first on everyone's list when it comes to vacationing, it is worth a visit. There are many underrated locales to enjoy during all seasons. From skiing in the winter to swimming in the summer, hiking during the fall to tasting wine in the spring, New Hampshire has much to offer that other states can't, along with unparalleled views and excitement.
