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.

CONCORD, NH — Lena M. Jameson, born 1957, of Concord was arrested at 10:34 a.m. on June 26, 2024, on an endangering the welfare of a child charge after an incident or investigation on Highland Street.

Dakota Austin Marsh, born 1994, of Concord received a summons at 11 p.m. on June 25 on a criminal trespass charge after an incident or investigation at the Friendly Kitchen at 2 S. Commercial St.

Abel Dusabimana, born 1985, of Concord received a summons at 7:53 p.m. on June 25 on a conduct prohibited in parks violation after an incident or investigation at Keach Park.

Alexander C. Crosby, born 1988, of Concord received a summons at 7:10 a.m. on May 29 on a conduct after an accident charge and an improper backing-interstate violation after an incident or investigation at 36 S. Main St.

Jacky Dillion Sherrard, 27, of Concord was arrested at 4:37 a.m. on May 29 on a generic city ordinance violation after an incident or investigation at the Durgin Block Parking Garage at 17 School St.

Kimberly Lynette Orantes, born 1976, of Concord received a summons at 2 a.m. on May 29 on a bench warrant after an incident or investigation on North Main Street.

Yadiel Ortega Montero, born 2001, of Marlborough, MA, was arrested at 1:51 p.m. on April 22 on violation of a protective order, stalking, and breach of bail charge after an incident or investigation on Prospect Street.

Michael S. Carter, born 1976, of Hillsboro was arrested at 4:40 p.m. on April 22 on criminal threatening and disorderly conduct charges after an incident or investigation at the Gully Hill Shell gas station at 24 Loudon Road.

Timothy C. Casey, 22, of Concord was arrested at 11:44 a.m. on April 22 on criminal threatening and disorderly conduct charges after an incident or investigation on Clinton Street.

Robby A. Moore, born 1959, of Concord received a summons at 10:41 a.m. on April 22 on a theft by unauthorized taking charge after an incident or investigation at Hannaford supermarket at 73 Fort Eddy Road.

Kera M. Mattocks, born 1978, of Concord was arrested at 8:20 a.m. on April 22 on a driving after revocation or suspension charge after an incident or investigation on South State Street.

Nathaniel G. Griffin, born 1999, of Leominster, MA, was arrested at 12:41 a.m. on April 22 on a bench warrant after an incident or investigation at 118 Storrs St.

Jazman R. Landry, born 1995, of Concord was arrested at 9:10 p.m. on April 21 on aggravated driving under the influence-passenger under 16, DUI, and endangering the welfare of a child charge as well as a yellow-solid line violation after an incident or investigation on South Street.

Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella’s YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel. Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage.

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden touched on a flood of criticism of his debate performance during a rally on Friday, while Democrats interviewed on Capitol Hill said the party must figure out a way to reassure voters after what they described as a “terrible” showing and a “bad night.”

Biden, speaking from Raleigh, North Carolina, acknowledged some of the blunders that plagued him during the Thursday night debate on CNN, which included a raspy, low voice and answers that often began one way before veering into a completely separate topic.

“I know I’m not a young man, let’s state the obvious,” Biden said. “I don’t walk as easy as I used to. I don’t speak as smoothly as I used to. I don’t debate as well as I used to, but … I know how to tell the truth.”

Biden, 81, told the crowd that despite the mishaps, he’s still up for four more years on the job and said that his rival, the 78-year-old presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald J. Trump, is a “genuine threat to this nation.”

“When you get knocked down, you get back up,” Biden said. “I would not be running again if I didn’t believe with all my heart and soul I can do this job because, quite frankly, the stakes are too high.”

Outside the Beltway, Democrats continued to try to absorb what they saw on Thursday night. In Colorado, Democratic Gov. Jared Polis would not answer directly when asked about calls from some Democrats for Biden to step aside. In the swing state of Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro as well as other Democrats came to Biden’s defense on social media and on the airwaves.

Hoyer rejects idea of Biden quitting

Back in Washington, D.C., lawmakers had mixed reviews for how Biden performed during the debate, with some saying one bad night shouldn’t lead the party to change its nominee in the weeks ahead, while others said Biden should reassess his decision to run for reelection.

Maryland Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer said Biden “had a bad night,” but said the president still showed respect for “people, the truth and the Constitution.”

“The other candidate, who respects none of those, showed that last night,” he said of Trump.

Hoyer rejected a question about whether Democrats need a new presidential candidate, saying they already had one and it “is Joe Biden.”

“He’s got an extraordinary record of accomplishments,” Hoyer said.

Minnesota Democratic Rep. Angie Craig said it was a “terrible debate.”

“We all have to acknowledge that and Donald Trump lied every time he opened his mouth,” Craig said, adding that she wasn’t worried about November, but focused on flooding in her home state.

Mood on House floor

New York Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks said he didn’t expect that all of a sudden members of the party would “jump ship” from the Biden-Harris ticket, but said Biden has a lot of work to do before Election Day.

“I know Joe Biden. I’ve sat across the room from Joe Biden in some very important meetings,” Meeks said. “And I know that he’s all there and he has the ability to do that. He did not do that last night. But I do know that he has that ability.”

The mood on the House floor Friday morning, however, was less than ideal, he said.

“You can’t hide that, people are not pleased. Nobody’s in there jumping for joy, saying that, you know, ‘That was a great night last night,’” Meeks said. “Is there concern? Yeah, because we know how important it is to make sure that we win this election.”

Meeks declined to speculate about whether Biden will back out of the second debate in September, but said “it might be difficult, maybe, to get out of it.”

Biden, he said, needs to get in front of voters much more before the election through town halls and interviews to provide reassurance.

Meeks also sought to draw a difference between Biden and Trump, saying that the lies Trump told during the debate signal he hasn’t evolved.

“Nothing has changed with reference to Trump. He is still that pathological liar that Lindsey Graham called him. He’s still the con man that Marco Rubio called him,” Meeks said, referring to Republican senators from South Carolina and Florida. “And I definitely don’t want a pathological liar and a con man to be president of the United States of America. It would be bad for us and will be bad for our allies.”

House speaker sees ‘serious problem’

House Speaker Mike Johnson said that Cabinet members should “search their hearts” on what represented the best path forward for the country, about “this alarming situation.”

“I think they know they have a serious problem – but it’s not just political, it’s not just the Democratic Party, it’s the entire country,” Johnson said. “We have a serious problem here because we have a president, who, by all appearances, is not up to the task.”

“This is a very serious moment in American history and it needs to be regarded and handled as such,” Johnson added.

The Louisiana Republican didn’t rule out that the 25th Amendment, which deals with presidential disability and succession, might be appropriate. But he noted that’s up to the Cabinet, not the House.

Trump, during the debate, “showed the temperament, the stamina, and the mental acuity that is necessary to do this really important job at this really important time,” Johnson said.

Biden, on the other hand, “showed last night that he was weak, sadly, that he is feeble,” Johnson added.

Democrats are moving forward with plans to nominate Biden as their official presidential candidate before the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in late August.

The all-virtual roll call vote is supposed to take place before Aug. 7, the final date for candidates to get on Ohio’s ballot. The state requires candidates to be officially nominated at least 90 days before the November election.

That means any final decisions about Biden’s candidacy likely need to take place during the month of July.

No need to replace Biden

Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Richard Neal said he was taking the “long view” of the campaign and didn’t believe Democrats needed to replace Biden at the top of the ticket.

“I think that we are kind of caught up in a moment where personalities are a big deal in politics,” Neal said. “At the same time, I think that Joe Biden’s got a really good track record to run on … And I think we want to make sure that people see it in the fullness of his presidency.”

Neal said that Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for president in 2016, won her first debate against Trump, even though Trump went on to win the election.

He also noted that Walter Mondale, the Democratic presidential nominee in 1984, was widely considered to have won his first debate against Republican Ronald Reagan, though Reagan went on to sweep him during the election.

Florida Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel said that “there was only one decent, honest man who reflected my values, and that was Joe Biden.”

Frankel said she wasn’t too concerned about calls for Biden to step down from the top of the ticket, though she said she hasn’t been involved in those talks.

Pennsylvania Democratic Rep. Matt Cartwright said Biden’s performance reminded him of a 2022 debate he had where his own performance was “lousy,”

“He had a tough night,” Cartwright said, adding that he believes Democrats shouldn’t “overreact.”

Cartwright said he didn’t believe Biden’s debate performance would affect how voters in his district, which covers sections of northeastern Pennsylvania, including Scranton, will vote for down-ballot races later this year.

“People split their tickets where I live,” Cartwright said. “They know who I am and they know I’m not the same guy as whoever’s in the White House.”

Republicans react

Arkansas Republican Rep. Steve Womack said Biden’s performance “validated” a lot of the concerns that lawmakers and others had about his “cognitive abilities” heading into the debate.

“But at the end of the day, you have to assume that they’re both still going to be head-to-head in November,” Womack said.

Republicans, he said, need to move “full steam ahead” to hold the House, flip the Senate, and win back the White House in November, but that’s only the beginning of the hard work.

“If that happens, we’ve got a couple of years and we need to be able to demonstrate that we’re serious about leading America,” Womack said.

Iowa Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks said it’s up to “Democrats to determine whether or not they feel that their candidate is up to the task of running the country for the next four years.”

“From my perspective, what I saw last night emphasizes to me that he’s not and that I will be voting for President Trump,” Miller-Meeks said. “I thought President Trump’s answers and policies were well reasoned, show that he was very sharp, very in tune, and very well-informed.”

Miller-Meeks said it will be challenging for the Biden campaign and Democrats to brush aside concerns about Biden’s mental functioning following the debate.

“I think what has been appearing to a lot of people is now very apparent and difficult to hide, given the performance that everyone saw last night,” Miller-Meeks said.

Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, one of the lawmakers on Trump’s short list for vice president, said that Trump “did what he was supposed to do – demonstrated leadership, demonstrated command talking about the issues that are plaguing this country.”

“As far as I’m concerned, whether it’s Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, or anybody else, the Democrat agenda has been a failure. Period.”