Anyone who’s been reading along with me has realized by now that Northern New Hampshire has a LOT to offer. Miles of trails, glimpses of moose, and a million dollar view, coupled with an affordable cost of living, were enough to convince me to move here. What I didn’t realize is that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The World’s Largest Candy Counter

If you enjoy sweet treats, make your way to Chutters Candy Store in Littleton! Chutters is home to the world’s longest candy counter: 112 feet of jar after jar filled with delectable delights! The aroma of fresh fudge wafts out to the sidewalk luring passers by into this literal candyland.

Craft Brews and More

If you want to walk off the calories after a visit to Chutters, head down to the river walk. You’ll cross a charming covered bridge, probably pause to admire the bubbling river, then perhaps pop in at Schilling Beer Co. It’s an 18th Century mill converted into a craft brewery. If you prefer a good book over a good brew check out Little Village Book Shop right on Main Street in Littleton.

The #1 Bakery in New Hampshire

Also a brag-worthy treasure of the North is The Polish Princess in Lancaster. This quaint cafe takes the prize for #1 bakery in New Hampshire! Soups, sandwiches, and bread are made fresh with love every day.

The Small Town Theater Experience

Also in Lancaster you’ll find a small community movie theater complete with concessions. They offer some fun seasonal specials like The Polar Express (complete with hot cocoa carts during the corresponding movie scene and a jingle bell to take home) at Christmas time and Peter Rabbit for Easter. The Lancaster Fair at the end of summer is fun for the whole family, whether you enjoy the thrill of the midway or the intricacies of needlework.

Delicious Deli Fare

Just recently I found quite a gem in my hometown of Berlin. I stopped at a tiny locally owned shop called Jericho Deli for a quick lunch. The quality of the food was incredible. While giving the owner my rave review he revealed to me he’s a retired professional chef! I sure didn’t expect to find 5 star resort food in the rural North!

Unique Shopping

For those making a lifestyle of holistic living Berlin is home to Healthy Freedom, a small family run health food store carrying an assortment of organics, gluten free, Chinese medicinal herbs, vitamins, and all natural personal care items. The more fashion forward will appreciate having the lovely Maureen’s Boutique right on Main Street in Berlin carrying a selection of unique pieces.

Custom Furniture…and Brick Oven Pizza

Gorham boasts of the area’s premiere furniture store. Customers from neighboring states flock here for their custom furniture orders. One of my favorite spots I happened across was Gorham Corner Market offering locally sourced produce & meat as well as bulk olive oil. Head to Mountain Fire Pizza in Gorham if you want a fun family outing! There’s a charm to seeing your carefully prepared pizza loaded into a huge brick oven and baked to perfection over an actual fire.

I’m sure there is a lot to discover still! I randomly stumbled across these gems over the course of about six months. In the North Country, you really can’t judge a book by its cover. A humble deli may boast a master chef! Those who enjoy a bit of a treasure hunt, or perhaps with entrepreneurial aspirations, can thrive up here.