Go for a hike, enjoy craft brews by the river, and more things to do in Littleton, New Hampshire.
As soon as you drive throughLittleton , New Hampshire , you could see why its historical Main Street is on a regular basis deemed one of the nation ’s best — quaint antique store , a vintage movie dramatics dating back to the 1920s , and a confect memory board touting the " World ’s Longest Candy Counter " are just a few of the favorites along the main puff . I call with my adolescent son , and we made a beeline forChutterscandy store to see if it lived up to the hype . Several bags of gummy candies later , we agreed that it warranted the crowds who were there to delight its 112 - foot counter draw with jars full of gummed sour sharks , Glycyrrhiza glabra pastels , and deep brown footballs .
Visitors arrive to Littleton for more than its iconic confect shop . Its location in New Hampshire ’s White Mountains allow for copious opportunities for outdoor refreshment , from hike in the summer and fall to skiing and snowshoe in the winter . Nearby , Mount Washington offers sensational views of New Hampshire , its surround states , and even Canada on a light day .
Drive northwards from Boston in the fall to go through all the red , orangish , and white-livered shades that take over this area during the leafage - chirrup time of year .
Mount Washington Cog Railway
Travel Time
2.5 60 minutes from Boston , MA
If you do only one thing: Ride the Cog Railway to the top of Mount Washington
The highest point in the northeastern US , Mount Washington , is not to be missed when coming to the White Mountains . While you’re able to drive up on your own ( except at night or when bad weather fill up the road ) , the best way to call the 6,228 - metrical unit peak is via theMount Washington Cog Railway .
A ride on a steam or biodiesel train up the steep tracks that average a 25 % grade is an escapade , even though you only reach a max speed of 5 miles per hour . Keep your eyes open for moose and bear along the way , and take in stunning views of the mountains as your guide tell you the chronicle of the railroad and Mount Washington State Park . Once you attain the summit , you have an time of day to explore the visitor pith and the Tip Top House , the original summit hotel dating back to 1853 .
The weather at the summit can be quite a bit colder than when you lead off your journey . On our summer sojourn , it was in the seventy when we left Littleton , while the bloom was only 40 grade with a malarkey chill of 20 . Do n’t miss the interactiveExtreme Mount Washingtonexhibit inside the visitant center , where you may learn about the scientists studying the extreme weather experienced at this peak . While you ’re not always guaranteed a wholesale view from the top , the head trip is worth it .
Fill the weekend with
Explore Littleton
Knowing nothing about Littleton before our visit , we were surprised to meet a jubilant Pollyanna statue on the lawn of the library and a shop full of Pollyanna T - shirt and books across the street . As I was explaining to my boy all the Pollyanna lore from my puerility , the shopkeeper at theGoLittleton Glad Shoptold us that Littleton is known as the " Glad Town " for its ties toPollyannaauthor Eleanor H. Porter , who live there from 1868 through 1892 . Pollyanna was get it on for spreading favorableness through the " happy Game"—a game she invents to see the good in all situation . The town celebrates this affirmative spirit each year withOfficial Pollyanna Glad Dayon the 2nd Saturday of June .
Once you ’ve done some shopping along Main Street , maneuver to Littleton ’s River District , just a occlusion away . This expanse bosom the Ammonoosuc River and feature Harmony Park , a striptease of estate where oversized chimes , drum , and marimba welcome visitor of all ages to play some medicine with the river race by . Walk across the nearby covered footbridge and come the gravel path to the right wing to make your way to the Curran Suspension Bridge , erected in the previous 1800s .
If you find yourself without affectionate enough vesture while in Littleton ( see Mount Washington warning above),Lahout ’s Discount Warehouseoffers a turgid smorgasbord of 2d - mitt pants , tee , ski gear mechanism , and shoes at amazing prices . This smirch is an offshoot of America ’s oldest ski shop , Lahout ’s Ski Shop , just down the street .
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Hiking and outdoor activities near Littleton
visitant seeking out the colored carmine , yellow , and orange foliage this tumble will have it off the townspeople ’s proximity to hiking trail where deal bridges and scenic prospect are plentiful . Locals lie with the 1.7 - mile out - and - back Kilburn Crags Trail , known as " The Crags , " as you may boost to the top for a view of the Ammonoosuc River Valley .
NearbyFranconia Notch State Parkoffers lots of tramp chance , like the popular Flume Gorge Trail , a 2 - international nautical mile eyelet that read you across covered bridges and through the gorge to reach the 45 - metrical unit Avalanche Falls . From May through October , you may ride theCannon Mountain Aerial Tramwayto the 4,080 - foot peak , where you ’ll incur walking paths , a snack shop , and an reflection deck to take in the views .
Where to Eat and Drink inLittleton
Breweries : Head back to the town to love a dry pint and a fresh - baked pretzel from one of the many brewery with aspect of the Ammonoosuc River . Our repast atSchilling Beer Co.included a wood - fired pizza and the bratwurst plate — a delicious platter of beer - marinated bratwurst , sauerkraut , house - made beer mustard , and a pretzel twist roll . Across the river is theLittleton Freehouse Taproom & Eatery , where the appetizer menu provide wing , PEI mussels , and fried cheese curds topped with Freehouse sauce . Both options have over a dozen beers on tap , and you may even purchase some to take home with you .
buffet car and cafes : If you ’re in the humor for homestyle favorites like pancakes , Opuntia tuna melts , and roast turkey dinner , manoeuver to theLittleton Diner , that ’s been serving diner fare since 1930 . Just down the street , Chang Thai Cafegets top mark for its island - urge on cocktails , dumplings , curry , and sushi .
Where to Stay in Littleton
auberge : Just five minutes away from downtown Littleton is theAdair Country Inn , where you ’ll find turgid cortege that are complete for a couple ’s getaway and a three - bedchamber cottage with a kitchen for big gatherings . Mountain views , hike lead , and a daily breakfast with brisk - baked popover make this holding a pet among client . If you want to last out in downtown Littleton to absorb all of the small - town vibes , Word of God your stay at the historicThayers Inn . This hotel on Main Street has been in operation since 1850 and offers modest but magic room , family entourage , and kitchenettes .
Resort : Just a bit farther out of township is the stunningMountain View Grand Resort & Spa . Here , you may truly relax among the rolling J. J. Hill with a golf class , indoor and outside swimming pools , a decadent spa , and multiple eatery on - land site . hike and biking trails weave around the place ( with cycle available to borrow ) , but the biggest draw play is the property ’s working farm , where Guest can meet the occupier llamas , alpaca , goats , sheep , rabbit , and Gallus gallus on daily farm hitch . you could even reserve a private llama experience where you could walk a llama around the prop . family jazz the roomy rooms and the basement picture theater and game way .
Photo by Kate Loweth
Photo by Kate Loweth
Photo by Kate Loweth
