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’s contributions to several nation-defining wars. You will be enamored by Amherst’s bucolic sceneries and landscapes. You might even be swept off your feet—quite literally—by the strong winds coming from North Conway. Either way, 2024’s 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’s 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’s 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—which marks the borders between New Hampshire and Vermont—lies the humble town of Hanover. As home to the prestigious Dartmouth College—an Ivy League school first founded in 1769—Hanover has served as a place of enlightenment and inspiration for numerous individuals, locals and visitors alike. Dartmouth College’s Baker Library on the campus green contains the frescoes of José 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’s 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—with a population less than 650 people—Sugar 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’s Pancake Parlor or cheese at Harmen’s Cheese Store. Most of all, give yourself a much-needed sleep at The Sunset Hill House, Franconia Inn, Lovett’s 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—in the period of 1675 to 1725 when a group of religious exiles from the Massachusetts Bay colony first founded the town—Exeter 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’s army in spite of their initial mistrust of the Old World 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’s 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’s 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’s oldest state park. Indeed, Miller was such a hero that American author Nathaniel Hawthorne, in his introduction to The Scarlett Letter, described Miller as “New England’s most distinguished soldier.” 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’s magnificent wildlife and plant life and one of several lush islands in Lake Winnepesaukee. You can also see more of New Hampshire’s 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—Gawk at the alluring cascades of Diana’s 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’s 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.

“It’s hot. I think it’s roughly 94 degrees,” New Jersey Forest Fire Service Chief Bill Donnelly said Friday. “Humidity’s up so a lot of wear and tear on the firefighters.

“The fire is burning in a very rugged area of the Wharton State Forest. A lot of it is inaccessible to motorized vehicles and our fire equipment,” Tom Gerber, incident commander of the NJFFS said Friday.

The so-called Tea Time Hill Wildfire was started by fireworks on July 4th and detected by the U.S. Forest Service about 9am the next day.

“A fireworks device lighted inside the forest ignited the fire late Thursday, July 4,” the NJFFS said in a Facebook post.

No structures are currently threatened, the Forest Service said. The NJFFS had previously reported that a residence and hunting club were threatened and park police evacuated Batona Campground as a precaution. A few local roads and trails were also closed. No injuries or damaged structures had been reported as of Sunday.

“On average, 1,500 wildfires damage or destroy 7,000 acres of New Jersey’s forests each year,” the NJFFS said.

In 2023, wildfire burned more than 18,000 acres of forest in New Jersey. The NJFFS responded to more major fires than they had in more than 20 years.

‘We thank God’

Morris founded Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ in 1966. It has since grown in size and influence, becoming an important and iconic place of worship for the region. Fenton, who watched Martin Luther King Jr. give his famous “Mountaintop” speech when he was 11 years old, now runs the congregation and often invokes King in his sermons, including Sunday’s.

Parishioner Handsome Newton called the event “an amazing experience.”

“It’s something that’s surreal and something that some people have never gotten to experience in their lifetime,” he told WHYY News. “This is something I’m going to tell my grandkids and great-grandkids about one day.”

Newton downplayed Biden’s age, adding, “I don’t care what people said about the debate. He actually spoke extremely well today and I was blessed to be here.”

Zetta Butler, another parishioner, called Biden’s visit “God’s given gift to the church.”

“We’re seeing so much evil that goes on in the world,” she said. “This is a man of integrity and we are so proud to have him here with us today of all days, any day. I know the election is coming up and we’re going to vote for him. He’s going to be a second-term president, and so we thank God for him and everyone.”

Down in Pennsylvania

While Biden has made Pennsylvania a regular stop in his drive for a second term, this was his first visit since the debate for which his performance has given many Democrats — including prominent elected officials — cause for concern about his ability to win the election.

Earlier in the day, Rep. Adam Schiff of California, a Democrat, told MSNBC that Biden’s TV appearance did not assuage those concerns.

The first major post-debate poll, by Bloomberg, shows Biden moved up in every swing state except Pennsylvania, where he is now down seven points — well outside the margin of polling error. With 19 electoral votes, the Keystone State may be essential to any hope for victory.

In particular, polling suggests Biden is down among Black voters in Pennsylvania and around the country. Whereas he received 92% of the Black vote in 2020, only 50% of Black voters in Pennsylvania say they would vote for him today.

Therefore, the trip to the Church of God in Christ appears to be a strategy to try to win some of those votes back.

“Black history is American history,” the president said at the church.

Fenton noted that Biden’s visit would be reported as such an attempt, saying, “I know the media says President Biden is visiting a Black church. There’s nothing on our program that says a Black church.”