I moved to quiet, rural New Hampshire from bustling Southern California when I was a teenager. My dad changed jobs and within a couple months the whole family packed up and headed across the country. I remember being most excited for the fact that there would be snow in the winter (not that California doesn’t get snow, we would just have to drive a few hours to find it every winter). I’ll tell you a little secret, the snow part was the whole reason I wanted to move…haha…not a very good reason, but we’re talking about a fourteen year old me here…
But since moving to New England, I have come to see the many wonderful things about this gorgeous part of the country. One of my favorite things are all the historic small towns with their little gems tucked away that hardly anyone knows about. Hancock, NH is one such town.
Not much more than a main street, the little village sits deep in the heart of the Monadnock region and has a lovely pond all the locals live in in the summer, an antique store, a cheese shop, the oldest continuously operating inn in New Hampshire, a restaurant, a market, and a cafe, not to mention a village full of charm and history!
– To Stay –
The Hancock Inn, right in the center of town, with its cozy atmosphere, Fox Tavern, and lovely open garden is the must-stay place in the region! The huge front porch is relaxing and peaceful, and as you walk about the inn, you will probably spot Potter, the fluffy golden retriever who loves nothing more than a good pat on the head, and for you to share your breakfast with him.
– To Eat –
The Fox Tavern at the inn is cozy, and oozing atmosphere. You can get anything from Cranberry Yankee Pot Roast to Cheddar Scallion Pancakes, and most of their food is made with ingredients from local farms and cheese shops.
If you are looking for something quick and easy, try across the street at Fiddleheads cafe. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu full of sandwiches, pizza, ice cream, flavored lemonades, and all-variety of baked goods!
– Shopping –
The Yellow Magnolia Antique Shop
This little antique shop is located in a lovely historic home just off the main road, and is open Wednesday-Saturday.
At main street cheese they make and sell the goat cheese right out of their big red barn at the back of their house. You can visit the goats in the back, and inside you have a choice of many different flavors of goat cheese. I chose the dill and smoked salt last time I was there!
– To Do –
Check out the local area!
Not far away is Peterborough, NH, a vibrant and artistic town. There are many small mountains in the region, not least of all Mount Monadnock, which is the second most-climbed mountain in the world! Also, don’t forget about the beautiful Norway Pond just behind the post office!