Dear Yankee | March/April 2026

I think your list of 25 best small towns should have included Littleton, New Hampshire, where I grew up. From my home on Main Street I could see the often white peak of Mount Washington. I grew up skiing at Cannon every snowy weekend. A neighbor up the street became a well-known Olympic skier (Gordi Eaton). The Ammonoosuc River flowed through the center of town just below Main Street. I am so grateful to have grown up in Littleton, a perfect New England town.

Bonnie Bogle Farrer, Bakersfield, California

We are thrilled to see East Haddam in Yankee, but wish to clarify a point made in the article written by Michael Blanding about the best places in New England. The author mistakenly referred to Gillette Castle as a crumbling storybook pile. In fact, Gillette Castle was designed to look as if it were an ancient creation and has recently undergone an extensive $900,000 restoration, which included repointing and repairs to the building, and trail improvements that has made some of these available for all-terrain wheelchair use. Gillette Castle is now another gem in the crown East Haddam can be proud of.

Laurel White, East Haddam, Connecticut

I discovered Yankee magazine shortly after moving here in 1977 at the age of 26 and have been a subscriber ever since. I absolutely fell in love with every aspect of my new home and remain so after almost 50 years. The blizzard of 1978 was so exciting (What?! Does it not normally snow 3 feet at once? This is New England! ). Yankee was with me every step of the way as I explored and discovered what makes this part of the country so very special. And it continues to educate and inspire me. I especially came to understand and appreciate our home here through the lovely writing of Edie Clark and Ben Hewitt. I reread them frequently. A sincere and enthusiastic thanks to you, and the staff for the vision, thoughtfulness, creativity and heart that goes into every issue. 

Mary Livingston, Langdon, New Hampshire

Yesterday I received the most recent copy of Yankee. I am a longtime devoted subscriber and always anticipate the latest edition arriving in our mailbox. My daughter does as well. … Without warning or notification, you have changed our beloved magazine. It seems physically smaller, the quality of the paper and clarity of photos greatly diminished and changed. As well, things like letters to the editor are now online. We both make use of the internet … she being a teacher especially, but really … what has happened?

I realize times and demographics shift and change, budgetary constraints, etc. Many things that affect the continuation of magazine publishing, but… Yankee has been unique and it seems now this new re-creation is contrary in many ways to what has made Yankee special to SO MANY of your readers. I have to think your inbox may see many letters echoing my sad disappointment. Also, how unlike Yankee NOT to share and offer an explanation. Did you think your readers would not notice?! Or worse, not care. I’d gladly welcome a subscription price increase to keep up the standard of quality and content we have always counted on. We all hope future copies may offer some answers and explanations to my concerns.

Judith Salter, Amherst, New Hampshire

Do you agree or disagree with our readers? What is your favorite magazine story? Send your comments to: editors@yankeepub.com. Please include where you live (town, state). Letters may be edited for length and clarity. 

Yankee Editors

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