When you think of historic New England towns, what you’ve conjured in your mind is probably a scene out of New Hampshire. There is no shortage of quaint, historic villages and towns in this small state and each one takes you back in time to periods like colonial times, the American Revolution, and the 19th century. Here are 5 of the most historic towns in New Hampshire.

Hanover is famous as the home of Dartmouth College. Enjoy the old-school New England vibe from Dartmouth Green, a central gathering space on campus.

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Exeter is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States.

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Not far from Exeter is Hampton Beach. Go back to simpler times when all you needed for a perfect summer day was the sea breeze in your hair, sand beneath your toes, and an ice cream cone in hand.

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Maybe you’re looking for an experience to take you back to the time of the American colonies and the Revolutionary War. The Hancock Inn has been in operation since 1789, with the secluded village of Hancock itself about as old.

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Then of course there’s Portsmouth, one of the oldest towns in the United States. Browse the shops, eat delicious seafood, and drink your way through the breweries and pubs among gorgeous 18th-century buildings.

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It doesn’t hurt that the backdrop for these historic towns is some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. From dramatic mountains to breezy seascapes to bright autumn foliage, New Hampshire’s towns and nature mix perfectly.

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Which historic towns in New Hampshire are your favorite? We couldn’t include all of them, so which did we leave out? Let us know in the comments!

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Address: Hanover, NH, USAAddress: Exeter, NH 03833, USAAddress: Hampton Beach, Hampton, NH 03842, USAAddress: Hancock, NH, USAAddress: Portsmouth, NH 03801, USA