It could be said that New Hampshire’s small towns are the true fabric of the state. The larger towns and cities certainly had important roles in history, but the quieter corners of the Granite State are no less significant. Autumn is my favorite season to get out and explore these hidden gems as the weather becomes cooler and turning foliage lights up the landscape. The town of Sandwich, one of the oldest in the state, makes for a perfect day trip destination as one of the best New Hampshire autumn towns to visit.

Sandwich has one of the longest histories in the state, having been first chartered in 1763, with the first European settlers arriving four years later.
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To get an in-depth look into the history of the town, a visit to the Sandwich Historical Society is a must.
Sandwich Historical Society/Facebook
Durgin Bridge is a historic covered bridge over the Cold River in Sandwich. Built in 1869, it is located on Durgin Bridge Rd. between Foss Flats Rd. and Fellows Hill Rd.
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Squam Lake is in the southwestern part of the town. The lake has long been an attraction for outdoor activities due to its natural beauty.
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You won't find any shopping plazas or strip malls in Sandwich, but you will find quaint galleries and shops like the Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery.
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Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery - League of NH Craftsmen/Facebook
Take time out of the day to slow down and explore the trails and woodlands at Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods.
Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods/Facebook
If you can plan your visit around early October, the annual Sandwich Fair is a must-see event. This three-day community celebration has something for everyone.
The Sandwich Fair

Out of the best New Hampshire autumn towns to visit, Sandwich is up there near the top of the list. You can learn more about all that there is to see and do here by visiting the Discover Sandwich website.

Why not plan a road trip to some of the state’s other small towns? Here are six unforgettable ones to put on your to-do list and another that visits eight of the Granite State’s lesser-known gems.

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