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

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

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

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

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, 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

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

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.