Developed in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, New Hampshire’s small town centers remain the go-to spots for shopping, dining, and community events. Places like Portsmouth enjoy downtowns with walkable streets lined with historic homes, while college towns such as Hanover support independent bookstores, art museums, and cafes within a few central blocks. In addition, cultural venues and local festivals keep these downtowns active year-round, with lakes, mountains sometimes close to Main Street. These eight towns below will surprise you with their downtowns.
Portsmouth
The historic downtown area of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com.
While its population of around 23,000 actually makes it one of New Hampshire’s 15 biggest cities, Portsmouth’s historic downtown retains a small-town feel with its cobblestone streets and charming colonial-era buildings. Established in the 1630s and officially incorporated in 1653, this seaport town is home to a wealth of historic sites, including the Strawbery Banke Museum, where you can step back in time and explore restored homes from the 1600s… Prescott Park, which connects downtown to the revitalized waterfront, is home to beautiful gardens and provides an ideal spot for relaxation. For dinner, check out the Black Trumpet Bistro, known for its delicious seafood and inviting ambiance.
Peterborough
Main Street in Peterborough, New Hampshire. Image credit: John Phelan via Wikimedia Commons.
Located in the southwestern corner of New Hampshire, Peterborough is known for its quaint, well-preserved downtown area and its connection to the arts. Visitors can stroll through the downtown historic district, filled with nineteenth-century buildings, while stopping by local shops and cafes like Toadstool Bookshop and Peterborough Diner. The Mariposa Museum of World Cultures offers fascinating exhibits, while the nearby MacDowell Lake is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. The town is also home to the annual Peterborough Folk Music Series, which brings a variety of performers to the community.
Littleton
Ammonoosuc River flowing through Littleton, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Eli Wilson / Shutterstock.com.
Nestled near the White Mountains in a stunningly picturesque setting, Littleton boasts a vibrant downtown filled with unique local businesses, including the famous Chutter’s candy shop. Downtown is also home to the Littleton Historical Museum, located in a former opera house, where visitors can learn about the area’s history. For those interested in outdoor adventure, the Ammonoosuc River passes through town and offers great kayaking and fishing. Littleton is part of the White Mountains Region, home to some of the best hiking trails in New England. After exploring the outdoors, head back downtown to the Littleton Diner, which offers classic fare in a cozy setting.
Keene
The Bandstand in Central Square in Keene, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Andy Sutherland / Shutterstock.com.
Keene, situated in the southwest region of the state, boasts a lively and charming downtown. Its focal point is Main Street, decorated with historic brick buildings and distinctive boutiques like Miranda’s on Main. The Cheshire Historical Society Museum, housed in three historic buildings along Main Street with the newest dating back to 1870, provides an engaging glimpse into the area’s history. Each October, Keene’s downtown hosts the annual Pumpkin Festival, a popular event that attracts thousands of visitors to enjoy stunning pumpkin displays and family-friendly activities.
Wolfeboro
Brewster Memorial Hall in the historic downtown area of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
Located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro exudes timeless charm with a downtown that epitomizes classic New England character. Center Street features the Wright Museum of World War II, showcasing an extensive array of artifacts and exhibits related to the war. Just a short walk from there, you can explore Main Street, lined with stunning Victorian homes and shops offering local arts and crafts. Outdoor lovers will find plenty of recreational activities on the lake, including boating, fishing, and hiking. In winter, Wolfeboro transforms into a hub for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing at Abenaki Ski Area.
Hanover
Main Street in Hanover, New Hampshire. Image credit: Ken Gallager at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons.
Hanover, renowned as the home of Dartmouth College, is a lively college town with a cozy small-town vibe. Its downtown combines historic architecture with modern facilities, featuring charming brick buildings that house both national retailers and local favorites like Bean’s Art Store and Red Kite Candy Shop. The Hood Museum of Art provides visitors with access to world-class exhibits, while the Connecticut River offers opportunities for kayaking and hiking along scenic trails. Hanover also hosts various cultural events, including the Dartmouth Winter Carnival, which celebrates college traditions and winter with outdoor activities and performances.
Bristol
The beautiful Newfound Lake near Bristol, New Hampshire.
Bristol, located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, is a friendly town with a lively downtown. It is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including Newfound Lake, ideal for swimming, boating, and hiking. Wellington State Park, just a short drive away, offers excellent lakeside picnic and sightseeing opportunities. Back in town, the Bristol Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating look into the area’s history, while local eateries like Bristol Diner, The Purple Pit, and LinCross Roast Beef are perfect for a quick bite before visiting shops such as Imagine and Riverview Artisans.
Jaffrey
Aerial view of Jaffrey, New Hampshire, during peak fall foliage.
Jaffrey, situated in the Monadnock region, is a charming town featuring a historic downtown with antique shops and local markets. It is home to Mount Monadnock, the most prominent peak in southern New Hampshire, offering great hiking trails and sweeping views of the surrounding area. After exploring the mountain, head back downtown to browse at Escape Hatch Books and Seaver & McClellan Antiques. Then visit the Monadnock Country Cafe, famous for its hearty meals and friendly staff. Jaffrey also hosts the annual Shamrockfest in March, celebrating Irish-American culture with music, food, a parade, and more.
New Hampshire’s small-town downtowns are rich with charm, history, and opportunities for adventure. From quaint villages with historic buildings to vibrant communities that host festivals and offer outdoor recreation, these towns offer a perfect snapshot of New England life. Whether you are exploring museums, hiking mountain trails, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in a local café, New Hampshire’s small towns provide a welcoming atmosphere and unforgettable experiences for visitors.
A staple of many New Hampshire town fairs, the pig scramble may soon look a little different.
A bill signed into law by Gov. Kelly Ayotte last week requires the commissioner of the state Department of Agriculture to create best practices for any event in which people compete to capture a pig. Those guidelines will be published before the 2027 fair season, so they won’t be in place for any fairs with pig scrambles this year, such as the upcoming Deerfield Fair in the fall.
Generally, a pig scramble involves people of the same age competing to capture pigs that have been let loose in a large pen. Contestants have to catch the pig in a drawstring bag, and the first one to do so can take the pig home.
Rep. Cathryn Harvey, a Democrat from Spofford, is the prime sponsor of the bill. She said each fair has different rules for their pig scrambles, meaning some can be more humane than others. One aspect of the events she hopes will change is the bags pigs are captured in.
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“They’re putting an animal in a plastic bag on a hot summer day,” Harvey said. “It isn’t a great idea.”
Although some fairs already use more breathable bags out of burlap, Joan O’Brien, president of the New Hampshire Animal Rights League, said she’s also seen pigs being kept in plastic bags for long periods of time after the event. Not only would a burlap bag improve the pig’s ability to breathe in the heat, she said, but she also wants fairs to require participants to bring an animal carrier for the trip home. Her organization was ultimately in favor of the legislation.
“If you don’t have a carrier, you should not be allowed to leave your pig lying in a bag,” O’Brien said, adding that some fairs already ask contestants to bring carriers. “You should be taking them right home.”
The Deerfield Fair has implemented another rule that O’Brien and Harvey hope becomes part of statewide best practices — having parents supervise their child in the pen. O’Brien once witnessed a child hang a pig upside down by its legs and then lower it headfirst into the bag.
“In the heat of the moment, the kids get excited and they just do whatever it takes to get the pig in the bag,” O’Brien said. She said parents should work with the event referee to make sure their kid is handling the pig humanely.
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Harvey’s bill originally called for pig scrambles to be banned around the state, but both she and O’Brien feel that universal guidelines for fairs would still make the experience better for the animals. Even seemingly small things, Harvey said, like giving the pigs water after the scramble, would be an improvement to the current situation for them.
“I think that the bill will embolden people to speak up at these events,” O’Brien said. “If they think a pig is being mistreated, they’ll be able to say to themselves, ‘I know that there’s supposed to be a rule, so I’m going to say something.’ So I think that would be a good outcome.”
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services collected samples of the unknown substance found in Sunapee Harbor and will be testing them tomorrow. Authorities say the spill was contained and prevented from spreading further.
HAMPSTEAD, N.H. (WHDH) – Authorities have launched an investigation after responding to a reported untimely death in Hampstead, New Hampshire, officials said.
The Attorney General’s Office is investigating the untimely death of a woman at a home in Hampstead, Attorney General John M. Formella announced.
While the investigation is just beginning, there is no known threat to the general public at this time.
The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation.
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