It is not hard to find things to do in Harrisville. However, this little town in New Hampshire is much more than a destination for a little relaxation and recreation. There is plenty of that to find, but the town itself has a story to tell, and it's impossible to visit Harrisville and not fall in love. Prepare for a place that retains the charm and timeless qualities we all know and love about New England. Are you ready to plan your weekend getaway to Harrisville? We sure are!

From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.

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History Of Harrisville

The history of Harrisville is where not only the charm of the town starts but where it echoes through every single part of the town. The Harris family was first to settle in the area in the early 1800s and, in only seven years, built many of the brick buildings that still stand today.

Like many small towns peppering the countryside in New England, this location was picked for its natural resources of the watershed. This allowed for the textile mills to operate. The Harris family sold their holdings to the Colony family, who owned Cheshire Mills. They kept up with textile manufacturing until 1970. Most of the town was employed by the mill and the village went silent when it closed. However, the family, friends, and hundreds of others worked to return the village to what it once was. They needed a sustainable source of income that could prevent this town from falling into complete abandonment. Through a series of major risks and much dedication, they have meticulously restored the village including all the historic buildings.

Is Harrisville Worth Visiting?

What is Harrisville known for? It is their relentless determination to keep the village maintaining the original charm that makes this a place that is worth visiting. The history can draw you in, but while you are there you will be treated like a friend and welcomed. That sort of small-town hospitality can be lost in our ever-changing world and Harrisville can be a retreat from all the busyness so you can remember what rural life is really all about. Slow down and find yourself longing for the good old days as you fall in love with this tiny village in New Hampshire.

How To Get To Harrisville

The best way to visit Harrisville is by car. Part of the charm of this town is its remote countryside location, and having a car brings you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. This little village is found on the southwest side of New Hampshire right off Route 101. That being said, a day trip to Harrisville is completely doable for many people living in New England.

Getting Around Harrisville

Downtown Harrisville is very small so you can easily park your car and walk around. The Historic Harrisville Association has created a walking trail of the historical buildings where you can stream an audio tour right from your phone. This way you can take the tour at whatever pace is best for you and still soak in the rich history found in town.

Outside of the main focal point of the town, there are plenty of farms, natural beauty, and fun places to visit so you will still want to make sure you have a car to explore all that this town has to offer.

Best Time To Visit Harrisville

Everyone knows that New England has the best falls. It seems like magic is in the air as the temperatures start to drop and the leaves begin to change. For this reason, autumn is one of the best times of the year to visit. The quaint brick buildings and churches line the water's edge and are framed with bursts of fall colors. This picturesque backdrop makes every angle of the town come alive and look like a famous painting.

If crunchy leaves and pumpkin-lined doorsteps aren’t your thing, then the summer is also a lovely time of the year to visit Harrisville. You can make good use of those warm days by walking around the village or enjoying the many waterways around Harrisville.

Where To Stay In Harrisville

Aldworth Manor

Historical, charming, and sophisticated are just a few of the first words that come to mind when you see Aldworth Manor. The rolling hills of this estate are the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of exploring. Here, we are featuring the Headmaster’s House which can sleep up to 12 guests for a larger group but they also offer three other stays to meet the accommodations you require for your stay. Aldworth Manor is open for events and the perfect meeting place for large groups whether it’s a wedding or a family reunion. If you plan on having a large gathering then The Lodge can accommodate 22 guests and The Hemlock House sleeps 14. If you are just looking for a quiet and quaint getaway then The Nest will suit you well with a home fit for four.

Cottage on Mayfair Farm

The countryside of Harrisville is just as inviting as the historical village and a great place to visit while in town. Mayfair Farm offers cottages to stay in as well as a chance to immerse yourself in farm living. Raspberry picking is a popular summertime activity, while fall brings the opportunity for apple picking and cooler temperatures.

Mayfair Farm prides itself on slow country living and a stay here is a tonic to the busy world around us. Being in the country, the stars at night are incredible, and the sunrise over the rolling hills makes your morning coffee just taste better. The host of the Mayfair Farm Cottage is excellent and will get you just about anything you need during your stay, and is sure to make your rural getaway unforgettable.

Harrisville Sights & Landmarks

The Mill

The heart and soul of this small town reside in its humble beginnings. The mill was the industrial hub that made this village possible. The fact that it stands to this day still retaining the historical look for all these years speaks of the character of the community. The best Harrisville travel guide you can get is to dive into the story behind a community that stood together and, with the help of hundreds of people, was able to make something so quaint and charming last for as long as it has.

The General Store

When it comes to Harrisville attractions, there is nothing better than the General Store. This is the hub of all activity in town, and is a place where you can meet the friendly locals, grab something to eat, stock up on supplies, learn some history, and do a little bit of shopping. This is your one-stop shop for everything you need and still, you are sure to find a little more than you expected. After all, this is the heart of Harrisville.

Harrisville Activities & Attractions

Granite Oak Farm

Being in a rural area, you can expect to see sprawling farmlands, lakes, and rolling hills. However, you might not expect the kind of activities offered at Granite Oak Farm. Alongside the typical sounds and sights of a countryside farm, you will get the chance to book a session for cow cuddling. That's right: you will get the chance to snuggle, hug, pet, kiss, and play with these lovable animals. They all have distinct personalities, so you get to choose the right cow for you and spend some quality time bonding with these beautiful bovines. This is certainly one of the most unique activities in Harrisville, so make sure you check out the Granite Oak Farm website for available sessions.

Cobb Hill Estate

When it comes to the scenery in Harrisville, it's tough to beat the view at Cobb Hill Estate. This mountain-top venue is a popular spot for weddings and is the primary purpose of the property. If you are looking to tie the knot, make sure you check this place out. You can book a tour and bring your soon-to-be spouse for a picnic and a self-guided walk through the property. Take a look at the treehouse and the glamping area, explore the grounds, and while you are taking in the views, make sure to say hello to the highland cows.

If you are already married and just looking to see this marvelous spot in town, then join others at the Vineyard Hall for an open house event. Make sure to follow along with Cobb Hill Estate online to see when the next event is to see live music, taste test some nonalcoholic beers, and stroll the gardens.

Shops & Boutiques In Harrisville

The keepers of this historic town wanted to honor the very first stepping stones that made this village so wonderful. When it came time to rebuild after the close of the textile mill, they wanted to retain the story through careful design. So, they started to spin some threads once again, and that is exactly what you will find at Harrisville Designs. More than just patterns, this is a way for you to take home a piece of the tale this village has woven for more than a century. When you are looking to do some shopping, the Harrisville General Store is one of the best stops. There is something so wholesome about a country store and a place that offers a wide range of goods to find.

Restaurants In Harrisville

Breakfast: The Harrisville General Store

Start your day with a trip to the Harrisville General Store. Here, you will find a great selection of warm breakfast sandwiches, freshly baked goods, and, of course, a few delicious donuts.

The store has been in operation since 1838 and is an iconic (and historic) part of Harrisville.

Lunch: The Harrisville General Store

You won't find a wide variety of restaurants in Harrisville, but there is a wide variety of meals found at the General Store. Every day, they run specials for entrees, so you never know what you might find. The sandwiches are top-notch, and we recommend ordering the pizza, too.

Dinner: Aldworth Manor

To elevate your experience in Harrisville plan your trip around when Aldworth Manor hosts their Public Nights events. The scenic area, exquisite atmosphere, and decadent meals make this one dining experience you will not want to miss.

Dessert: Brown House Bakery

When it comes to desserts, there is nowhere better than the Brown House Bakery. This quaint little bakery produces loads of delicious sweet treats. On any given day, there will be a wide variety of options to choose from, including some amazing seasonal delights. Make sure to follow along with the Brown House Bakery Facebook page so you never miss out on any specialty creations.

Nature In And Around Harrisville

Eliza Adams Gorge

You can find some great hiking and wilderness adventures within Harrisville. The Eliza Adams Gorge is a perfect example and a great day hike for those looking to retreat into the forest for part of the day. The trail to Eliza Adams Gorge via Monadnock-Sunapee Greenway offers plenty of scenery to enjoy, including reflective waterways, moss-covered rocks, and even a waterfall.

Lakes, Ponds, and Bogs

Historic Harrisville goes to great lengths to maintain not just the architecture but also the wilderness in town. There are multiple lakes, ponds, and bogs within the town limits and each one is worthy of a framed picture. These calming waters do a great job of reflecting the man-made buildings and the surrounding trees. Sometimes, I like to find a place to sit and watch the water – whether it’s rippling from a jumping fish or completely still and mirroring nature like glass. There are several places where you can relax by the water while taking in the view.

Everyone who visits Harrisville ends up falling in love, and it's easy to see why. I certainly enjoy when a community gets together with a common goal to preserve the history and the village itself is a testimony to their hard work. Without it, this rural spot would have faded away without anyone knowing the gem that is found in southern New Hampshire. Next time you need a place where you can escape the busyness of this world, step back in time to Harrisville, where this little village is waiting to welcome you with open arms.

While you work to plan your next getaway, dig further into the history by visiting the Historic Harrisville website.