Shopping in the White Mountains

New Hampshire is known for a lot of things: scenic beauty, crystal clear lakes, rich history and the first in the nation presidential primary; come to mind, but something else that would be on the list of anyone who has ever visited the state is shopping.

While the fact that the state has no sales tax certainly doesn't hurt, it's by no means the whole story. Everyone knows about the fabulous outlet shopping, but one of the White Mountain’s best kept secrets is the shopping opportunities tucked away in the region’s small towns and villages. From old fashion country stores, to a gift shop tucked into an actual covered bridge, to the cosmopolitan shopping opportunities available in national retail stores, you'll find that shopping in the White Mountains is worth the trip on its own.

Downtown Littleton is a haven of unique and eclectic shops, Bethlehem is a favorite with antique lovers, and Franconia and Sugar Hill tempt visitors with shops featuring the work of local artisans and craftsmen. Lincoln lends itself to leisurely “shop-to shop strolling,” though you can just as easily make one of the shopping centers your destination. And nearby North Woodstock boasts a number of one-of-a-kind shops, and is well worth a visit. South of Lincoln in Waterville Valley, Town Square is the center of shopping, dining and entertainment.

More than 200 shops and stores are spread across the Mt. Washington Valley, where name brand factory outlets, nationally known stores, and high-end boutiques are the rule. Many of these stores are grouped along Route 16, but the villages of North Conway, Conway, and Jackson are tailor made for exploring on foot.

Many shops are so unusual and offer such good values that they’re visited by people from all over the White Mountains. If your White Mountains tour takes you south into the Lakes Region, allow time for a “shopping visit” to the outlet mall in Tilton, as well as shops in Laconia, Meredith, Wolfeboro, Center Harbor, and Moultonborough.

The following Businesses are members of the White Mountains Attractions Association