Located between the White Mountains to the east and the state border with Vermont, Littleton is an enthralling small city and would possibly very effectively be your first introduction to New Hampshire.
In the event you’re questioning how a lot there’s to do right here and whether or not it deserves a spot in your itinerary, look no additional. As somebody who has street tripped by means of New England and the Granite State, looking for out hidden gems, picturesque hikes, and thrilling locations, I can guarantee you that Littleton has lots to supply. This information will assist you to uncover the most effective issues to do in Littleton, guaranteeing your go to is each fulfilling and unforgettable.
Think about your self strolling by means of downtown on what has been repeatedly named one in all America’s greatest Fundamental Streets. A line of quaint little storefronts beckon you to return inside, and the odor of pancakes and recent maple syrup wafts by means of the air from Littleton Diner, mingling with the scent of do-it-yourself fudge from Chutters Sweet Retailer.
Crossing the image excellent lined bridge provides you a fair higher view of the historic gristmill, now a contemporary brewpub, the place you’ll be able to calm down and benefit from the afternoon alongside the river financial institution.
Able to study all about Littleton and what there’s to do right here? Let’s leap in.
Greatest Issues to do in Littleton, New Hampshire
Stroll Down the Charming Fundamental Avenue
Littleton’s Fundamental Avenue captures the essence of small-town attraction with a contemporary aptitude. From The Beal Home, a 3-star lodge and restaurant, all the way down to the Cottage Avenue bridge, this stretch makes up the center of this neighborhood and is the place you’ll wish to begin your go to.
A strolling tour of city may take as little as 30 to 45 minutes, however with time to totally discover it’s greatest to put aside a number of hours.
Within the early beginnings of Littleton a sawmill and gristmill, which continues to be a distinguished function, have been constructed proper alongside the Ammonoosuc River. From there, retailers and companies began appearing and entice residents. At this time, that historical past, relationship again to the late 1700s continues to be preserved alongside Fundamental Avenue, with a mix of recent storefronts, conserving Littleton related as each a spot to reside and go to.
You could find free and handy parking to begin your stroll alongside Porter Avenue or within the lot on the finish of Riverglen Lane. Metered parking can also be accessible proper alongside Fundamental Avenue.
The Pollyanna Statue
It might be exhausting to overlook Pollyanna Gateway. Its colorfully painted steps lead you, below equally colourful umbrellas, as much as Fundamental Avenue and the library. On the entrance garden you’ll discover the bronze statue of “the world’s most optimistic” fictional character.
Pollyanna stands with a brilliant smile and open arms, welcoming all guests, whereas celebrating hometown creator Eleanor H. Porter.
Her always-positive angle has had an actual affect and also you’ll discover many references to Pollyanna all through downtown Littleton. Followers of the youngsters’s novel can head over to the Glad Store to seek out Pollyanna keepsakes.
Riverwalk Lined Bridge
Two paths parallel the Ammonoosuc River on both facet. They’re each related by the Riverwalk Lined Bridge, a 352 foot lengthy truss bridge that was completed in 2004.
From the middle of downtown, you’ll be able to cross the river, head west, and stroll alongside a quiet and largely shaded path all the way down to the Curran Suspension Bridge. It is a good spot to discover a little bit of quiet and solitude and simply hearken to the river because it flows by. The entire path is accessible for anybody, with ramps at both finish of the bridge.
To finish the loop, cross again over the suspension bridge and be part of Saranac Avenue, which can return you to your place to begin. Your complete stroll is barely 0.8 miles and can take about 20 minutes.
Chutters Sweet Retailer
It doesn’t matter what your candy tooth is craving, there’s one thing to fulfill it at Chutters. It’s residence to the world’s longest sweet counter, measuring 112 ft, and operating the whole size of the shop.
Not solely are there jars upon jars of gummies, taffies, and jelly beans, Chutters additionally sells do-it-yourself fudge and all kinds of confections, some conventional, some much less so. Chocolate lined potato chips anybody?
Lahout’s Ski Store
One other Littleton declare to fame is Lahout’s Ski Store, the oldest constantly working ski store within the US.
At over 100 years outdated, the fourth era household enterprise has turn into an establishment in New Hampshire, offering high quality gear and repair to everybody who comes by means of their doorways.
Make a go to to browse new ski tools and outside attire, or simply to take a look round in any respect the historic memorabilia all through the store.
You’ll discover a Lahout’s location proper on Fundamental Avenue, on the intersection with Faculty Avenue, however the authentic store is the 2 story crimson constructing on the nook of Union and Pine.
Kilburn Crags
It’s identified by locals as “The Crags”.
Because of a well-marked and beginner-friendly path that finishes with views overlooking city, it’s lengthy been a favourite mountaineering vacation spot within the space. At nearly 1450 ft, you’ll get an entire new perspective of Littleton and the Ammonoosuc River.
The hike up itself is comparatively gradual, with arrows marking the way in which and main you up the forested hillside.
Relying on the time of yr you go to, every expertise can be completely different.
Through the spring and summer season count on a forest lush with ferns and dense foliage, together with loads of wildlife. The autumn colours of the distant Presidential Vary, serving as a backdrop in opposition to city, make for an particularly lovely fall hike. And the path continues to be open in winter, when it’s blanketed with snow, although you’d be sensible to pack a pair of snowshoes and be prepared for an unplowed car parking zone.
Parker Mountain
The tradition of mountain biking is alive and effectively all through New Hampshire, and Littleton is not any exception.
A neighborhood non-profit, PRKR MTN, maintains a 22 mile community of trails north of city, supported by the hassle of volunteers and donors.
Parker Mountain is open year-round for gratis. In the summertime, take pleasure in downhill mountain biking. Within the winter, trails are groomed and prepared for snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and fats tire bikers. In the event you’ve by no means tried a day of biking by means of snow on fats tires, you’re lacking out!
Don’t have your individual bike? Leases can be found by half or full day from Littleton Bike & Health they usually have sizes and fashions for all ages. They will even refer you to an area shuttle service to assist decide up and drop off gear.
Littleton Farmers Market
Nothing appears to deliver collectively the texture of a small city neighborhood fairly like an area farmers market. Each time touring, I like to cease by one if potential and decide up native treats, recent produce, or simply browse the work of distributors and artists.
Each Sunday morning from June by means of October you’ll be able to seize a espresso and make your manner over the lined bridge to the Littleton Farmers Market.
Reside music performances, recent flowers, meat, eggs, veggies, handcrafted soaps, jewellery, and wool merchandise are simply a few of the issues you will discover.
Should Go to Eating places in Littleton
The Inkwell Espresso Home
In the event you’re something like me, you’ll want a little bit morning pick-me-up earlier than strolling round city. Minutes away from Fundamental Avenue, Inkwell Espresso Home is serving up all assortment of caffeine charged drinks, scorching and iced.
When you’re at it, you would possibly as effectively seize a savory breakfast sandwich or AM energy bowl and revel in it inside their fashionable, Italian fashion bistro.
Littleton Diner
Conventional American diners are a melting pot of fine meals and good folks. And the Littleton Diner has been a spot to seek out each of these for practically 100 years.
In 1930 the Stone household had a “parlor automotive” shipped in from Massachusetts by rail and positioned on website. Ten years later, they changed it with a brand new, Sterling firm diner, the constructing nonetheless open for enterprise on Fundamental Avenue.
The inside is bursting with nostalgia and New England hospitality, with a financial institution of counter stools and stable wooden sales space seats. Conventional residence cooked meals are served in beneficiant parts, and the present house owners pleasure themselves on crafting all their dishes recent and made to order, at an affordable worth.
Schilling Beer Co.
Three buildings make up the campus of Schilling Beer Co.’s European impressed craft brewery. The previous grist mill is now a brewpub and kitchen.
On the constructing subsequent door, adjoining to the lined bridge is the Mill Avenue Kitchen. They serve European dishes, together with döner kebab and schnitzel sandwiches, that pair exceptionally effectively with beer.
And, on the alternative facet of the brewpub is a contemporary, Scandinavian fashion tasting room that serves because the brewery’s flagship.
Between the tasting room’s cozy inside seating close to the hearth, excessive prime bar seats within the outdated mill, or outside beer backyard tables with river views, there’s all the time an fulfilling place to sit down down with food and drinks.
You’ll discover a numerous and ever evolving collection of beers on faucet, starting from a floral Czech lager to the dry and spicy Belgian Tripel, in addition to some experimental IPAs.
Littleton Freehouse Taproom & Eatery
One other well-liked spot to seize locally-sourced meals alongside craft brews is the Freehouse Taproom & Eatery. Heat and alluring as it’s, the restaurant nonetheless exhibits hints of its previous, with an nearly industrial really feel. That’s as a result of the constructing was initially a storage and Ford dealership within the early 1900s.
The time period Freehouse is borrowed from the standard British which means, signifying a pub that’s not owned by a brewery and is free to serve quite a lot of beers. They take pleasure in that includes native nano and micro brews from throughout New England. From hearty stouts to crisp and refreshing lagers, there’s all the time a wide array on faucet.
So far as the menu goes, it makes a speciality of pub-style dishes to completely complement your drink. In style decisions embrace their fried cheese curds, brisket sandwich, or mac & cheese, topped with pulled pork or steak suggestions.
Visitor Creator: Joren Byers knowledgeable photographer with an unquenchable need for journey. After finishing a DIY van construct, he set off along with his spouse and two cats to see North America. On their journey weblog Lor & Jor Discover he writes guides for different adventurous vacationers and nomads.
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