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7 Towns In New Hampshire With The Best Downtown Areas In 2024

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7 Towns In New Hampshire With The Best Downtown Areas In 2024


You may know New Hampshire for its stunning New England foliage, the White Mountains, its ‘Live Free or Die’ motto, or its delicious seafood. But how well do you know the state’s small towns? New Hampshire is packed with welcoming historic and artsy communities with vibrant downtown areas offering a little something for everyone. Take a self-guided tour, relax in leafy parks, and gorge on clams by the waterfront. These downtown areas represent the best of the state.

Keene

The Bandstand in Central Square, Keene, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Andy Sutherland / Shutterstock.com.

Located in the lush Connecticut River Valley, Keene isn’t just surrounded by natural beauty, it’s also one of the prettiest towns in New Hampshire. Established in 1753, this former railroad town has seen a lot of history – and you can too in its beautifully restored brick mill buildings dotted around town. Stop into the Historical Society of Cheshire County to view exhibits from Keene’s fascinating past and/or join a guided tour of the town’s historic sights.

If you’re exploring solo, don’t miss Keene Central Square in the heart of the historical district. This downtown park features a charming gazebo, fountain, and Keene’s Civil War monument. It’s the ideal spot to take a breather from souvenir-hunting. Just off Main Street, you’ll find another historic gem, the Wyman Tavern. This opened in 1762 as a public house and is now a museum, as well as the venue for the popular Wyman Tavern Brew Fest, which takes place in August 2024.

Exeter

historic town center of Exeter, New Hampshire
Odd Fellows Hall at 115 Water Street in the historic town center of Exeter, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com.

New Hampshire’s Revolutionary War Capital, Exeter, is a charming river town in the southeast of the state. Abraham Lincoln once gave a speech here, visiting Exeter in 1860. The town’s picturesque Main Street winds east towards the Squamscott River, which you can explore up close from the beautiful Robert H Stewart Waterfront Park and the Swasey Parkway, a scenic walkway that hosts concerts and other events through the summer and fall. The Swasey Pavilion (known as ‘the bandstand’ to locals) marks the core of Exeter’s walkable historic district. From here, it’s just a short stroll to the American Independence Museum, the Gilman Garrison House, built in 1709, and the Exeter Historical Society, founded in 1928.

Plymouth

own center of Plymouth, New Hampshire
Thai Smile restaurant in a historic building at 135 Main Street in town center of Plymouth, New Hampshire . Editorial credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com

Known as the gateway to the lakes region and the White Mountains, Plymouth is a popular destination for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts. It’s also home to Plymouth State University, giving it a lively, college-town feel. Main Street runs along the Pemigewasset River. Plymouth’s beautiful historic district consists of several 1800s civic buildings clustered around the scenic Town Common; these include the town hall, the post office, the Pemigewasset National Bank building, and the old Grafton County Courthouse. For more modern entertainment, visit the Flying Monkey Movie House and Performance Center on Main Street. This iconic venue hosts concerts, comedy shows, movies, and more.

North Conway

Rainbow over the town center of North Conway, New Hampshire
Rainbow over the town center of North Conway, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Keith J Finks / Shutterstock.com

North Conway, in the Mount Washington Valley, is a scenic mountain town with a reputation for great skiing. Known as North Conway Village, the vibrant downtown area is lined with quaint shops, quirky boutiques, and welcoming watering holes. Stop at the Handcrafters Barn for some genuine made-in-New-England gifts or satisfy your sweet tooth at the old-fashioned candy counter in Zeb’s General Store. Downtown is also where you’ll find the North Conway Scenic Railroad. In operation for over 50 years, this rail route is one of the town’s top attractions. If you have time, the 4.5-hour scenic Mountaineer excursion is well worth the trip, with gorgeous alpine views of forested peaks and rocky gorges.

Wolfeboro

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire
Aerial view of the historic town center of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

Wolfeboro, on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, claims the title of ‘America’s oldest summer resort’. It’s easy to see why this New Hampshire gem has been a favorite of visitors down the decades. The waterfront area is a busy hive of activity with boutiques, galleries, cafes, and dining spots – all with a view of the water. The best scenery is in Cate Park, just a block away from the main drag and with plenty of perfect picnic spots overlooking the lake and marina. After watching the boats go by, learn about their history. The New Hampshire Boat Museum traces Wolfeboro’s maritime history through the ages with exhibits on boats of all kinds, from rafts to racers. If all that strolling and sightseeing has made you hungry, grab a bite at the Wolfeboro Dockside Grille. Located right on the water, this classic diner serves up drool-worthy seafood platters. Leave room for dessert – the restaurant also contains a dairy bar offering your choice of ice-cream sundaes.

Meredith

historic town center of Meredith, New Hampshire
Hermit Woods Winery and Deli at 72 Main Street in historic town center of Meredith, New Hampshire. CaptionEditorial credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com.

The small town of Meredith is in the heart of New Hampshire lake country and central to some of the state’s biggest lakes, including Winnipesaukee, Squam, and Winnisquam. Meredith got its start in the early 1800s as a prosperous mill town and is now known as a family-oriented community perfect for a relaxing summer break. Check out the Waukewan Town Beach for stunning views over Lake Winnipesaukee or hire a boat at Meredith Marina to spend the day on the water fishing. Back in town, stop by the Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery, a small boutique winery in the heart of downtown. Featured in USA Today, this foodie favorite crafts its wine from local fruits, pairing it with a delicious farm-to-table menu. You’ll find other great dining at the Mills Falls Marketplace, a waterfront boardwalk and open-air shopping venue featuring flower gardens, a 40 ft waterfall, and a sculpture walk.

Harrisville

A historic mill in Harrisville, New Hampshire
A historic mill in Harrisville, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Nathan Bickel / Shutterstock.com

Historic Harrisville is a beautiful little mill town in southwest New Hampshire. This charming storybook village, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, is a history-lover’s dream. Its small downtown, curved around Harrisville Pond, is extremely easy to navigate and a pleasant stroll past red brick mill homes and stunning examples of Greek Revival architecture. Highlights include the Harrisville General Store, which has been in operation since 1838 and is now a grocery store and cafe. The Cheshire Mills complex, built in the 1840s and consisting of a granite mill and a cluster of workers’ cottages, is also well worth a visit. After all that walking, pick up a snack at a different sort of town landmark — the Brown House Bakery. Serving customers for almost two decades, this popular eatery is where locals go to satisfy their cravings for freshly made muffins, donuts, biscuits, sandwiches, and more.

Dynamic Downtowns

Visit New Hampshire’s fascinating and scenic small towns and you’ll be walking in the footsteps of revolutionary war heroes, founding fathers, and past presidents. The granite state has had a front row seat for the many turbulent eras of American history and that rich heritage is evident today in the historic streets and lively atmosphere of New Hampshire’s picturesque communities. Well-preserved, well-maintained, and well-loved, these dynamic downtowns are the perfect venue for your next vacation.

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Pakistan hosts diplomatic discussions on ending war

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Pakistan hosts diplomatic discussions on ending war


Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt will meet in Islamabad today in an attempt to come up with a plan to de-escalate the Iran war.

The meeting comes as several thousand more U.S. troops arrived in the region and after another group got involved in the expanding conflict: Yemen’s Houthis.

The Iran-backed Houthis launched missiles towards Israel, and there’s concern their involvement could threaten another vital global shipping lane in the Red Sea.

Here are more updates on day 30 of the Iran war.

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Diplomacy Push in Pakistan

The four foreign ministers from regional powers will meet in Islamabad today and Monday for a push towards diplomacy to end the war.

In a statement ahead of the meeting, the Egyptian government said: “Discussions are expected to focus on recent developments related to regional military escalation and ongoing diplomatic efforts to contain tensions and promote de-escalation.”

“The talks come amid heightened concerns about regional stability, with participating countries seeking to coordinate their stances and support political solutions to emerging crises,” it added.

Whether whatever consensus the countries known as “the quad” come up with will be accepted by the US, Israel, and Iran is another question.

Pakistan has emerged as a possible peace-broker in the conflict, passing messages between the U.S. and Tehran. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Saturday that “dialogue, diplomacy, and such confidence-building measures are the only way forward.”

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Dar also welcomed the fact Iran has agreed to allow 20 Pakistan-flagged ships – or two a day – through the Strait of Hormuz.

Houthis enter war

Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen launched the first missile they have fired since the war began toward Israel on Saturday. Israel’s military successfully intercepted it but the Houthis’ attack opens another front in a war that has now moved into its second month.

Up until Saturday’s missile launch the Houthis had stayed out of this war. But a Houthi spokesman said attacks will continue until “the aggression on all resistance fronts stops.”

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs / AP

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AP

In this photo released by the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, left, meets with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

The Yemen-based rebels were active during Israel’s war in Gaza, firing on cargo ships in the Red Sea and disrupting global commercial traffic.

With Iran essentially blockading the Strait of Hormuz, driving up global oil prices, there are concerns that if the Houthis start attacking ships in the Red Sea again global shipping will be even more disrupted.

Iran also hit multiple sites around Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Saturday and Israel’s military says Iran is increasingly using cluster bombs.

Designed to detonate at high altitude the munition disperses dozens of smaller bombs that are more challenging for Israel’s multi-layered air defense system to intercept and can cause damage over a wider area.

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Dozens of countries have signed onto a cluster munitions treaty banning the weapons – except Iran, Israel and the U.S.

Iran threatens U.S. universities in region

Iranian authorities and residents say more airstrikes hit them overnight. Social media videos from across Iran showed strikes hitting all over the country.

Israel’s military said it had completed what it called a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting weapons production and storage sites.

Iran claims U.S.-Israeli strikes hit a Tehran university over the weekend and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened American university campuses in the Middle East in retaliation.

“We advise all employees, professors, and students of American universities in the region and residents of their surrounding areas” to stay a kilometer away from campuses, the statement, carried by Iranian media, said.

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Several US universities have campuses in the Gulf, including New York University in the United Arab Emirates and Texas A&M University, among others, in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to fire drones and missiles at Gulf countries, with Kuwait saying it was intercepting missile and drone attacks early Sunday. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed ten drones.

Iran also claimed it had attacked two major aluminium sites in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Emirates Global Aluminium confirmed an Iranian attack wounded several and caused significant damage to its plant.

U.S. Troops injured, more arrive

At least 15 U.S. service members were wounded Friday in an Iranian strike on a Saudi air base that hosts American troops, according to the Associated Press, including at least five in serious condition. The missile and drone strikes targeted Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan air base, located outside the capital Riyadh.

A first responder assists an injured boy following a strike that hit a residential building amid the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, March 28, 2026.
A first responder assists an injured boy following a strike that hit a residential building amid the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Iran has targeted U.S. service members at bases throughout the region since the war began a month ago, in retaliation for the U.S. attacks and seeking to drive troops out of the region. Overall, the Pentagon has put the U.S. casualty toll at 13 killed and more than 300 injured.

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On Saturday, troops from the Japan-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, made up of around 3,500 sailors and Marines, arrived in the Middle East, according to U.S. Central Command.

The U.S. military will not say where and how they might be deployed. Thousands more soldiers from the U.S. military’s 82nd Airborne Division are also expected to be deployed.

Journalists killed in Lebanon

Three Lebanese journalists covering the Israeli invasion of the country’s south were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jezzine.

Women hold posters showing Al-Mayadeen TV reporter Fatima Ftouni, left, and, in another poster, Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shoeib, center, and cameraman Ali Ftouni during their funeral at a temporary cemetery in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Women hold posters showing Al-Mayadeen TV reporter Fatima Ftouni, left, and, in another poster, Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV correspondent Ali Shoeib, center, and cameraman Ali Ftouni during their funeral at a temporary cemetery in Dahiyeh, Beirut’s southern suburbs, Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

One of them worked for a TV channel affiliated with Hezbollah and Israel accuses him of being a militant rather than a journalist – but has not provided evidence. The journalist Israel says it targeted was Ali Shaeb, a veteran TV correspondent and household name in Lebanon. After killing him, Israel’s military issued a statement accusing him of exposing the locations of Israeli troops.

The other two journalists killed were siblings, TV correspondent Fatima Ftouni and her cameraman brother, Mohammed Ftouni. Afterward their father appeared on TV, saying he was proud of his children.

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All three had been covering Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon.

Lebanese officials called the attack a flagrant violation of international law, and said they’re complaining to the UN Security Council. Hundreds of fellow journalists marched at a protest vigil in Lebanon’s capital.

The three journalists were among at least 47 people killed Saturday in Israeli attacks, according to Lebanese health officials.

Nine of those killed were paramedics, which the head of the World Health Organization called “a tragedy,” noting health workers are protected under international law.

Residents inspect their home after it was struck by an Iranian missile in Eshtaol, central Israel, Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Residents inspect their home after it was struck by an Iranian missile in Eshtaol, central Israel, Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Israel has intensified its attacks across Lebanon, mostly in the South, where Israeli ground troops are moving northward to try to oust Hezbollah militants.

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Another Israeli soldier was also killed in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressing his condolences on X over the weekend.

Developments in Syria, Iraq

The war is spreading to more parts of the Middle East. On Sunday, Syria said it had intercepted a drone strike from Iraq targeting a U.S. military base. Pro-Iran Iraqi groups have claimed responsibility for some attacks on US interests.

Separately, the Syrian and UAE governments condemned an attack targeting the residence of the Kurdish region’s president Nechirvan Barzani.

French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the attack saying: “The sovereignty of Iraq, and of Kurdistan within it, is essential to regional stability. Everything must be done to prevent Iraq from being drawn into the ongoing escalation.”

On Sunday, the Israeli army said it had launched its “first” attack into Lebanon from Syria.

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Jane Arraf in Amman, Emily Feng in Van, Turkey, Lauren Frayer in Jezzine, Lebanon, Carrie Khan in Tel Aviv, and Kate Bartlett in Johannesburg contributed to this report.

Copyright 2026 NPR





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Abandoned Camper Fire On South Main Street Knocked Down By Concord Fire And Rescue Teams

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Abandoned Camper Fire On South Main Street Knocked Down By Concord Fire And Rescue Teams


CONCORD, NH — The Concord Fire Department is investigating the cause of a camper fire on South Main Street late Friday night.

Around 11:30 p.m., fire and rescue teams were sent to South Main Street, not far from Langdon Avenue, for a report of a camper on fire. Dispatch said it was unknown if anyone was inside or if the camper was abandoned.

“We have a couple of calls on it,” a dispatcher said. “It’s fully involved.”

A few minutes later, the fire was confirmed, and firefighters worked to extinguish it. The battalion commander confirmed no one was inside, and it appeared to be abandoned. Dispatch said, if they recalled correctly, the camper had been there for “quite a while.”

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News 603 posted videos from the scene on Facebook here:

And here:

The bulk of the fire was knocked down after about 20 minutes, with firefighters overhauling and dealing with “the hot spots.”

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Not long after the overhaul update, firefighters were sent to a business on South Main Street, near the camper fire, in response to a report of an alarm activation.

After investigating, there did not appear to be an activation at the business, a commander said. Later, dispatch said the alarm appeared to restore itself automatically. Firefighters cleared the scene of the business alarm just after midnight on Saturday.





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New Hampshire may see rare Atlas V rocket launch. Here’s when to look

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New Hampshire may see rare Atlas V rocket launch. Here’s when to look


A 20-story tall, 1.3 million-pound Atlas V rocket will blast off from Florida this weekend, and Granite Staters waking up very early might able to see it if the clouds in the sky don’t cover it.

Teams with United Launch Alliance are prepping for the Atlas V rocket launch, the fifth Amazon Leo constellation mission. Liftoff is planned at 3:53 a.m. ET Sunday, March 29, 2026, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Pending weather conditions and cloud cover, the Atlas V-Amazon Leo predawn launch could be visible from Florida to New England, according to ULA. That is, if their city falls on the ULA Atlas V rocket launch visibility map (see below), and if they’re awake at the time of liftoff.

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The Atlas V rocket will be equipped with five solid rocket boosters to launch the next batch of Amazon Leo broadband satellites (previously referred to as Project Kuiper) into low-Earth orbit, giving a great show to those watching.

However, weather could disrupt viewing, as the New Hampshire area on the visibility map is set for isolated snow showers before 10 p.m. on Saturday night as well as partly cloudy skies, the National Weather Service said.

Here’s what to know about ULA Atlas V rocket launch visibility from New Hampshire.

When will ULA Atlas V launch?

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket will launch from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida in the early morning hours on Sunday, March 29. The 29-minute launch window will begin at 3:53 a.m.

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The visibility map provided by ULA shows about when and where your best chances are to see the rocket as it streaks northeasterly into space.

Will New Hampshire be able to see the ULA Atlas V launch

New Hampshire, specifically just outside Concord, New Hampshire, falls in the semi-outer periphery of the visibility area for the ULA Atlas V rocket launch, according to ULA’s visibility map.

Estimated visibility will occur at launch +330 seconds, or about five minutes and 30 seconds, following the launch in Florida. However, viewing chances depend on weather conditions, and Concord, New Hampshire is currently set for isolated snow showers before 10 p.m. and then partly cloudy skies on Saturday night into Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service. This might block visibility, as clear skies are essential for best views.

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What is ULA Atlas V?

United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket is a spacecraft with five solid rocket boosters that will send a batch of Amazon Leo broadband satellites into outer space, to low-Earth orbit.

How can you follow along live?

FLORIDA TODAY will offer live coverage via a live webcast with live tweets and updates for the rocket launch.



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