New Hampshire has so many cities, towns and villages to explore, each with its own unique character. From cities rich with history to revitalized Main Street communities with vibrant downtowns, there are so many special places to discover.  Check out the following cultural itineraries for trip ideas, or plan your own itinerary using the information and links provided below!   



Mills and Main Street Communities:
Manchester
Littleton
Jaffrey
Peterborough
Keene
Dover
Somersworth
Tilton
Ossipee
Meredith
Laconia/Weirs
Hillsborough
Berlin
Claremont
Nashua 

 

Manchester
By far the state's largest city, Manchester once contained the world's largest single millyard. After a period of decline, today the "Queen City" is revitalized and thriving.

Links of interest:
www.manchesternh.gov 
www.manchester-chamber.org 
www.currier.org 
www.manchesterhistoric.org
www.verizonwirelessarena.com 
www.nhfishercats.com 
www.see-sciencecenter.org 
www.amoskeagfishways.org
www.manchesterarts.org


Littleton
Located in the White Mountains, Littleton was named one of the top ten small towns in America. It features not only the beauty of the mountains but the craftmanship of the mills that allowed the town to flourish.

Links of interest:
www.golittleton.com
www.littletonareachamber.com
www.littletongristmill.com
www.townoflittleton.org 


Jaffrey
Nestled at the base of famous Monadnock, Jaffrey is home to sparkling lakes, rolling countryside, village greens, museums, shops and more!

Links of interest:
www.jaffreychamber.com
www.town.jaffrey.nh.us
www.teamjaffrey.org 


Peterborough
Named one of the 10 Coolest Small Towns in America by Budget Travel magazine, Peterborough is home to art museums, lakes, shops, state parks and much more!

Links of interest:
www.townofpeterborough.com 
www.peterboroughchamber.com 
www.macdowellcolony.org
www.nhstateparks.com/miller.html 
www.peterboroughplayers.org  

Keene
Home of Keene State College and the annual pumpkin festival, Keene embodies small town charm, full of history with Chase's mill and Colony Block. Keene's downtown offers a 19th century woolen mill, the Colony Mill Marketplace, which now houses over 30 specialty stores and restaurants.

Links of interest:
www.keenechamber.com 
www.keenenh.com 
www.keene.edu 
www.pumpkinfestival.org  
www.thecolonial.org 
www.colonymill.com 
www.keenesentinel.com

Dover
Dover is situated between the Bellamy and Cochecho Rivers in the center of the Seacoast region of New Hampshire. Dover has recently experienced a vibrant revitalization of its downtown and mill buildings.

Links of interest:
www.dovernh.org 
www.fosters.com 
www.eacoastnh.com/woodman/
www.salmonfalls.com
www.nelsap.org/nh/garrisonhill1.html

Somersworth
Situated on the Salmon Falls River, Somersworth has been home to many gristmills, sawmills, and cotton and woolen making establishments.

Links of interest:
www.somersworthchamber.com
www.somersworthmainstreet.org
www.somersworth.com

Tilton
While visiting Tilton, stop by the many quaint downtown specialty shops and see Tilton's sights such as the Tilton Arch, the 1879 Town Hall, the Iron Bridge and historic statues.

Links of interest:
www.tiltonnh.org 
www.tiltonmainstreet.org
www.franklinnhchamber.com/

Ossipee
Ossipee is made up of many small villages scattered among the hills. Shops filled with unusual crafts and antiques dot the country roads.

Links of interest:
www.ossipeevalley.org 
www.ossipee.org
www.ossipeemainstreet.org/

Meredith
Meredith, located on Lake Winnipesaukee, is home to endless lake and mountain vistas that are accented with fun family attractions, special events, historic sites, outdoor adventures and unique shops.

Links of interest:
www.meredithcc.org 
www.meredithnh.org 
www.winnipesaukescenicrr.com 
www.thezeeum.com   

Laconia/Weirs

Situated on Lake Winnipesaukee, Laconia and the Weirs Beach area offer everything from skiing to crafting, from mini-golf to 18 holes of championship golf, to museums and shopping and everything in between!

Links of interest:
www.cityoflaconianh.org  
www.cruisenh.com 
www.belknapmill.org 
www.gunstock.com 
www.lwhs.us 
www.winniplayhouse.com 
www.weirsbeach.com 
www.laconia-weirs.org 
www.weirsonline.com 
www.lakewinnipesaukeemuseum.org

Hillsborough
Discover charming preserved and restored buildings and view historic textile mills perched along the banks of the Contoocook River that once made Hillsborough a booming town.

Links of interest:
www.hillsboroughnhchamber.com
www.town.hillsborough.nh.us/Public_Documents/index 
www.hillsboroughpride.org
www.gibsonpewter.com 

Berlin
Situated on the pitch of the Androscoggin River, Berlin became the center of the pulp and papermaking industry in New England from 1800s through the early 20th century.  Today, Berlin’s historic downtown still reflects its history with turn of the century building facades as well as many modern offerings from the merchants of today.

Links of interest:
www.berlinnh.gov 
www.northernforestheritage.org 
www.androscogginvalleychamber.com 
www.stkieranarts.org 
www.ncia.net/mspberlin/

Claremont
Explore downtown Clarmont, featuring historical architecture downtown and spectacular views of textile mills along the Sugar River.

Links of interest:
www.claremontnh.com 
www.claremontnhchamber.org 
www.arrowheadnh.com 
www.claremontmarket.org 
www.claremontoperahouse.com 
www.cnhmainstreet.org

Nashua
The Nashua River and Main Street form the heart of dowtown Nashua, with shops, restaurants and unique shopping. Offering over 35 local restaurants and more than 100 stores and boutiques, New Hampshire’s second largest city was named “Best Place to Live In America” by Money Magazine.

Links of interest: 
www.nashuachamber.com 
www.gonashua.com 
www.nashuahistoricalsociety.org 
www.greatamericandowntown.org 
www.nashuapride.com 
www.nashuatelegraph.com