New England has two of the best small towns in America, according to Travel + Leisure
New England Travel
You’ll find them in New Hampshire and Connecticut.
Two New England destinations with small populations offer big tourist experiences, according to Travel + Leisure.
Look inside this newly renovated Lake Winnipesaukee resort
The travel publication released its 2026 list of America’s best small towns on Tuesday and named Laconia, N.H. the best small lake town and Mystic, Conn. the best small food town.
The small towns ranking, which launched three years ago, focuses on destinations “with tiny populations, but big hearts and outsized attractions,” according to Travel + Leisure. Qualifying towns have a full-time population of less than 30,000 residents, a variety of activities and accommodations, and a timely reason to visit.
Lake lovers flock to Lake Winnipesaukee in the summertime, and Laconia — which is actually a small city — borders the lake in its northeast side.
“New Hampshire’s Lakes Region in the summertime is the stuff of classic Americana,” Travel + Leisure wrote. “Come June, Winnipesaukee and its neighbors crowd with pleasure-cruisers in pontoon boats, sunbathers loll on every spare strip of sand, and the region’s small towns feel almost ludicrous in their quaint New England charms.”
Last year, Weirs Beach in Laconia ranked among the best lake beaches in America by USA Today readers.
Foodies are drawn to Mystic, which is actually a historic maritime village split between the towns of Groton and Stonington.
Travel + Leisure describes the destination in the southeast corner of Connecticut as “overflowing with award-winning chefs, imaginative bartenders, hard-working farmers, knowledgeable servers, and expert fishermen.”
Mystic was named one of 26 places to go in 2026 by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, which recommended grabbing a slice at Mystic Pizza (the same that inspired the 1988 movie of the same name).
Check out Travel + Leisure‘s list of America’s best small towns.
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