Discover Your Treasure in New Hampshire

Sponsored by VisitNH
With America’s 250th right around the corner, visitors to New Hampshire can salute one of history’s most famous revolutionary acts, the Boston Tea Party, by giving sales tax the heave-ho. The Granite State is one of just five states — and the only one in New England — where shopping is tax-free 365 days a year. There’s another kind of independence here, too: the proud Main Street embrace of locally owned businesses, from antiques emporiums to chic boutiques. Put it all together, and you’ve got a downtown shopping adventure where dollars go further and one-of-a-kind treasures abound.

LITTLETON

Settled in 1770 and later named for the Revolutionary War colonel Moses Little, this pretty town on the Ammonoosuc River serves as the commercial hub for New Hampshire’s famed White Mountains region. The river that once powered sawmills and gristmills now flows along a revitalized waterfront — complete with a covered bridge — that backs up to a bustling downtown.

A walk down Main Street reveals a picturesque mix of historic architecture, and it’s no surprise that some businesses here have been around for generations. Founded in 1920, Lahout’s Ski Shop claims the title of “America’s Oldest Ski Shop”; today it is still family-owned, and carries all the equipment, brands, and apparel that White Mountain adventurers expect. Another retail landmark that has crossed the century mark is Porfido’s Market and Deli, launched by Italian immigrant Emilio Porfido and overseen by his descendants ever since. Even the more-modern businesses have a timeless air, like Chutters: Tucked into a turn-of-the-20th-century Romanesque brick building, this Willy Wonka–esque candy shop has been going strong since 2005 and delights sweet tooths with the “World’s Longest Candy Counter.”

A different kind of traditional vibe can be felt at the League of NH Craftsmen Littleton Fine Craft Gallery, where the artisan spirit of the Granite State shines in one-of-a-kind artwork and handcrafts. Equally unique are the treasures at Just L, which specializes in midcentury decor and other intriguing items that range mostly from the 1950s to the 1990s — from Russian nesting dolls to vintage vinyl to 1950s CorningWare, you’ll find it all here. And serendipity brightens up the rest of the Littleton shopping scene, as well, at places like Little Village Toy & Book Shop, modern home-goods boutique Maison Bohème, quirky art/gift shop Baba Yaga, The Little Herb Shoppe natural apothecary, and much more.

DOVER

About a dozen miles from Fort Constitution, a historic military installation that played a key role in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, lies the largest city in the Seacoast Region. Dover also ranks as the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire (established 1623), but this riverside enclave has plenty of modern-day appeal. It boasts a stop on Amtrack’s Downeaster line, offering an easy day trip for visitors from Portland and Boston; it taps into the youthful energy of the University of New Hampshire in nearby Durham; and it has a walkable downtown filled with independent shops and eateries. (Oh, and did we mention that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were born here, too?)

For anyone traveling with kids, a day in Dover is bound to include a stop at the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire. But in addition to two floors of imagination-sparking interactive exhibits, the museum invites families to get their hands on some take-home fun at its engaging little gift shop. And if that’s not enough, Noggin Factory Toy Shop sits right across the street and is fully stocked with games, toys, learning kits, and other fun finds for kids ranging in age from infants to teens. Keep the playful vibe going at Lickee’s & Chewy’s Candies & Creamery, New England’s only medieval-themed candy shop.

More-grownup treasures can be found throughout downtown, starting with the traditional handmade pottery of Salmon Falls Stoneware: Founded by local pottery artist Andy Cochran nearly 40 years ago, Salmon Falls specializes in classic salt-glazed pieces with hand-drawn patterns. Got extra room in your car? Vintage furniture shop Just The Thing! is ready to fill it with some of its old-school gems (think: gateleg tables, barrister bookcases), while House & Home caters to modern tastes with its sleek array of home décor and accessories. More home improvements await at Hip Finds Co., which mixes vintage knickknacks with locally sourced candles and lots of houseplant-related goodies.

The Dover retail scene encompasses all kinds of specialty shops, too, from crafts (Spinning Yarns, Stamped Designs) and sports (Covered Bridge Sports, Philbrick’s Ski, Board, & Bike), to cigars (Federal Cigar) and gourmet food (Terra Cotta Pasta Co.). All these and more will ensure that hobbyists, athletes, aficionados — and just about anyone else — can follow their passion, and fill their shopping bags.

NASHUA

Southern New Hampshire has long been a favorite destination for border-hopping shoppers from Massachusetts, who tend to set their sights on Nashua’s sprawling Pheasant Lane Mall and, about 20 minutes north, the equally impressive Merrimack Premium Outlets. Yet the retail scene in Greater Nashua also gives off classic small-town vibes in this, New Hampshire’s second-largest city.

Situated like an island between a river of zooming cars (Route 3) to the west and the actual Merrimack River to the east, Nashua’s Main Street and the surrounding blocks invite visitors to park and explore. Browse fashion, accessories, and gifts at Fresh of Nashua and DesignWares, two independent shops that have graced Main Street for more than a decade. Both are women-owned, as is the more recently opened CasaNova men’s boutique — and all are stocked with the kinds of retail gems that you won’t see in chain stores. For added sparkle, check out the gold, silver, and gemstones that have been transformed into modern heirlooms at the family-owned shops Scontsas Fine Jewelry and Cardin Jewelers. Or go on a treasure hunt of another kind at Retro Rollo’s Collectibles, featuring new and used toys from the ’80s and ’90s, and Nashua Coins and Collectibles, a cornucopia of vintage goodies.

Beyond Main Street, Alec’s Shoes and Goodale Bike Shop are locally owned go-tos for big inventories and one-on-one personalized service. The Relentless Dragon offers 3,500 square feet of hobby gaming essentials (e.g., Pokémon, Dungeons & Dragons, Catan), while Bazaar Game Trading has been catering to video gamers for more than a decade. Indie-bookstore fans can lose themselves in the stacks at Balin Books, a longtime family-owned business (formerly part of The Toadstool Bookshops) that offers more than 40,000 titles as well as New England author signings.

And if you do decide to head up to Merrimack and sample the outlet offerings, too? Justify it as a Revolutionary side trip by ending the day downtown with dinner at The Common Man, whose c. 1794 building was once owned by Matthew Thornton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

For more New Hampshire travel ideas and visitor information, go to VisitNH.gov.

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