Imagine a place where magic is woven into the fabric of everyday life, where wonder waits around every corner—welcome to New Hampshire. One of the gems of New England, the picturesque state is home to a collection of quirky small towns that embody the essence of charming character. Diverse landscapes, from the White Mountains to Lake Winnipesaukee, set the stage for the natural essence that drives creative expression, which can be found in communities like Hanover and Peterborough. Eight whimsical New Hampshire towns wait to be discovered, with storybook settings, covered bridges, and creativity filling the air with colorful works.
Hanover
Aerial photo of Hanover, New Hampshire.
Hanover, a small New Hampshire city along the Connecticut River, is world-renowned for its reputation as a destination driven by academic pursuit and outdoor adventure. Hanover is home to Ivy-League Dartmouth College, infusing the town with a lively arts scene, diverse dining options, and a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The Appalachian Trail crosses through Hanover, linking several outdoor trails and nature preserves, such as the Mink Brook Nature Preserve, providing a verdant escape with trails winding through forests and meadows, inviting exploration and wildlife spotting. In the heart of Hanover lies the historic Dartmouth Green, a hub of scholarly pursuits and community gatherings, surrounded by venerable architecture containing eras of intellectual exploration within its walls. The changing seasons reveal new iterations of a place that expresses a captivating spirit, making Hanover a delightful destination to discover any time of year.
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Smoke and Vape store in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com
Portsmouth’s seaside allure is a masterful orchestration of past and present, where the saltwater rustle of the Piscataqua River meets the ephemeral hum of eclectic energy. The district’s waterfront throbs with the ebb and tide of life as sailboats and fishing vessels bob alongside trendy eateries and curious shops. In Prescott Park, gardens burst with color as newcomers meander lazily through walking paths, punctuated by seasonal arts festivals that celebrate the village’s innovative verve. At Strawbery Banke Museum, the past springs to life through meticulously restored homes and costumed roleplayers, transporting visitors to an era of simplicity and grace dating back 350 years. Portsmouth’s eccentric personality shines bright as the sea meets the shore, a captivating fusion of maritime heritage and bohemian flair.
Littleton
Littleton, New Hampshire, featuring the Riverwalk Covered Bridge spanning the Ammonoosuc River.
Littleton’s air is sweet with the scent of sugar and wondrous possibilities. The downtown area is a lively scene of independent shops and local eateries, where Chutters’ legendary candy store stands as a beacon of pure delight, its endless counter a rainbow-hued wonderland, and the local pubs are punctuated with the sounds of the rushing waters of the Ammonoosuc River. Just beyond, the Moore Reservoir’s sparkling waters encourage contemplative exploration, its scenic shores and islands a haven for boaters, fishermen, and dreamers. In the heart of Littleton, the Pollyanna Statue stands as a testament to Littleton’s tie to Eleanor H. Porter’s beloved literary heroine, embodying the community’s irrepressible optimism and can-do spirit. With the town’s motto, “Be Glad,” visitors will definitely be glad they have chosen to visit the wondrous place of Littleton, New Hampshire.
Jackson
Covered bridge connecting Conway and Jackson, New Hampshire.
The heart of the White Mountains cradles the resort hub of Jackson, a magical place that seems plucked from the pages of a storybook. The iconic Honeymoon Bridge, also known as the Jackson Covered Bridge, stands proudly over the town, a beloved landmark built in 1876. Jackson includes many fun activities for people of all ages, including numerous celebrations and events throughout the year, the Living Shores Aquarium, Story Land theme park, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. In addition to wintertime fun with skiing and snowboarding, Jackson Falls is a beautiful sight in the spring and summer months, cascading into view a mesmerizing series of waterfalls that invite calm strolls and sun-dappled picnics. As the mountains rise majestically in the distance, Jackson’s village center beckons visitors with rustic elegance and various dining options. A place where fantasy and reality blur, Jackson is truly a place where the boundaries of the imagination are stretched.
Wolfeboro
Aerial view of Main Street in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.
The joys of lakeside living spring to life in Wolfeboro, America’s oldest summer resort town. Softly lapping waves and sun-kissed docks entice visitors to unwind on Lake Winnipesaukee’s shores while boutique shopping and waterfront dining temptations await eager visitors. Cate Park’s lush grounds and bandshell concerts add to Wolfeboro’s carefree rhythm, as does the Wright Museum of World War II, offering unique historical perspectives into American experiences during the war. Other museums in this relaxing town include the New Hampshire Boat Museum and the Libby Museum of Natural History, the oldest natural history museum in New Hampshire. On top of its many cultural attractions, Wolfeboro offers an abundance of relaxing outdoor activities, which include boating, skiing, fishing, and hiking, along with the many trails scattered throughout the lakeside. Wolfeboro has an offbeat magnetism revealed through its rich culture and natural beauty, making it an idyllic retreat that leaves the heart and soul full of joy.
Peterborough
Street view of Peterborough, New Hampshire. By Dougtone – Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Creativity reigns supreme in Peterborough, as this center of art and culture pulsates with inspiration. Galleries and theaters burst with innovative expression, while the residents’ eclectic vibe fosters a thriving local scene. Miller State Park’s ancient forests and the majestic summit of Pack Monadnock call upon explorers to hike and discover panoramic vistas. Meanwhile, the Mariposa Museum takes spectators on a global journey, sharing folk art, culture, and artifacts that reflect Peterborough’s worldly attraction. With such a spiritual richness, Peterborough has no shortage of majestic scenery, having many nature trails and well-maintained parks. This convergence of nature and culture gives Peterborough a wondrous allure that captivates the imagination of creatives and anyone seeking inspiration in a vibrant artistic community.
Exeter
Odd Fellows Hall in Exeter, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Wangkun Jia / Shutterstock.com
Exeter exudes a colonial influence amidst modern vitality. With antique architecture creating the backdrop for a vibrant downtown filled with many shops and cafes, Exeter invites exploration to visitors from around the world. The Exeter River winds its way through the city, a shimmering ribbon of water where the sight of both kayaks and strollers are as common in the town as the many pubs and eateries that dot the streets. At the American Independence Museum, Exeter’s revolutionary spirit is palpable, with treasures like a Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence and other artifacts on display. With each step, the town’s colorful past and lively present intersect, creating a captivating display of experience that draws visitors into its allure.
Keene
The Bandstand in Central Square, Keene, New Hampshire. Editorial credit: Andy Sutherland / Shutterstock.com
A festive spirit lingers throughout Keene as the city’s legendary Pumpkin Festival conjures magic each autumn season. But Keene’s allure extends beyond this beloved bash, with a lively downtown that pulses with eclectic shops, restaurants, and local camaraderie. Along the Ashuelot River, a scenic park that invites outdoor enthusiasts to wander and play, while Keene State College’s historic campus injects a dose of intellectual curiosity and communal vitality into the mix. As the neighborhood’s warm, welcoming energy envelops you, it’s clear that Keene is a place where connection and joy are always in season, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic New England appeal and a healthy dose of whimsy.
Whimsical Towns Await Discovery
New Hampshire’s quirky towns are a delight to discover, full of charm and character. The state’s serene natural landscape sets a stage for exploration, with majestic mountains giving way to peaceful lakes and winding rivers. In this beautiful setting, places like Keene and Portsmouth have the spirit to thrive, each bursting with a distinct personality. This New England state’s raw majesty, artistic community, and quaint warmth come together to create a captivating atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor to these spellbinding destinations.
Three people suffered injuries in a two-vehicle collision early Tuesday morning in Hooksett, New Hampshire.Courtesy of New Hampshore State
Three people suffered serious injuries Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash in Hooksett, N.H., police said.
The head-on collision happened around 5:40 a.m. on Interstate 293 northbound, State Police said.
Police said that Timothy Hubbard, 43, of Rome, Maine, was traveling south when he lost control of his car and crossed the median into oncoming traffic, police said.
Hubbard, his passenger, and the other driver were taken to hospitals to be treated for serious injuries, police said. The injures were not believed to be life-threatening.
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Police said speed was believed to be a factor in the crash, which is under investigation.
Hannah Goeke can be reached at hannah.goeke@globe.com.
Franklin, NH – Sara Jane (Sanford) Doherty, 79, of Franklin, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully at her home on June 11, 2026. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Sara was born on June 5, 1947, in Hanover, New Hampshire, to Harold and Sadie (Pettengill) Sanford.
As the daughter of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers employee, Sara spent her childhood moving throughout New England, living in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. She graduated from high school in Hudson, Massachusetts, and later returned to New Hampshire, eventually settling in Franklin, where she made her home for more than forty years.
Sara built a successful career in the textile industry. She worked as a seamstress at Howland Originals before joining Star Specialty Knitting, where she began as a stitcher and, through hard work and determination, advanced to Plant Manager. She retired in 2003, and one of the greatest joys of her retirement was caring for several of her grandchildren, whom she adored.
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Sara was a remarkably talented and creative artisan. She sewed clothing for her children when they were young and later created outfits for her grandchildren and their dolls. She was a gifted painter and artist whose extraordinary drawings and paintings brought joy to those around her. An accomplished seamstress, knitter, crocheter, cake decorator, and musician, Sara had an exceptional ability to create beauty in many forms. Her handmade gifts and treasured creations will be cherished by her family for generations to come.
Her talent for cake decorating blossomed into a successful side business that spanned more than thirty years. Sara created hundreds of stunning and imaginative cakes, including wedding and birthday cakes for her own children and grandchildren. Her passion for baking was so well known that for many years her license plate proudly read “CAKES+.”
Sara also had a remarkable gift for bringing people together. She hosted countless family reunions, each one more creative than the last. With elaborate themes, games, prizes, delicious food, and endless laughter, she created memories that her family will treasure forever. She was also known for her generous holiday gatherings, often welcoming more than thirty family members and friends into her home for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Summers brought cherished Fourth of July cookouts by Webster Lake, where Sara delighted in decorating the waterfront and gathering loved ones to enjoy the annual boat parade.
Sara’s love of giraffes was known by all who knew her. She spent years collecting hundreds of them, giving each a special “G” name. Before her passing, she shared one of her favorites, “Geebri,” with her granddaughter Sydni, who is expecting Sara’s first great-grandchild.
Her warmth, creativity, generosity, and love of family touched everyone who knew her. To say she will be missed is a vast understatement. She was truly the heart of her family.
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Sara leaves behind her devoted husband of 43 years, Joel Doherty; her sons, Todd (Michelle) Chapman of Sanbornton, New Hampshire, and Paul (Cheryl) Chapman of Northfield, New Hampshire; her stepdaughters, Ali (Oliver) Frates of Amherst, New Hampshire, and Kate Hodge of Durham, New Hampshire; and her beloved grandchildren, Shelby, Sydni, Morgan, Owen, Duncan, Calum, Macy, and Elyse, and Step-grandchildren, Matthew, Jennifer, Eric, & Kevin.
Sara was predeceased by her parents.
Sara’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Franklin VNA for their rapid and seamless response in setting up hospice, and to The Payson Center for their dedication and care, which gave us more precious time with her.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Franklin Cemetery, Thompson Park in Franklin.
For more information or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.smartmemorialhome.com.
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Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes
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.”
