Each spring, the Insider ventures to a new part of the state and brings back a profile of a nice place to visit. This year, we chose Littleton. Here are some fun things to do while you visit:
Littleton Diner
Roll into Littleton early in the day and grab some delicious pancakes from the Littleton Diner. It’s the quintessential all-American diner; shaped like a railroad car, right on Main Street, and serving up classic diner fare all day long. Trust us, there’s nothing little about their pancakes; one of their fluffy flapjacks (made with buckwheat or whole wheat flour ground at the Littleton Grist Mill just around the corner) will fill your whole plate, and probably your whole stomach, too! No wonder the diner has been around for 81 years.
The Littleton Grist Mill
After you chow down on your pancakes, why not go see where they came from? Head down to the river and visit the Littleton Grist Mill.
“We do it the old fashioned way,” owner Ken Brisson said. He runs the mill with his wife, Kathy, and together they carry on the old New England milling tradition. Watch them hand-grind flour and oatmeal before your very eyes. They crank out 6-10 tons per month, most of which is sold to the diner. While you’re there, be sure to check out the vintage 1798 model grinder and waterwheel.
Italian Oasis Restaurant and Brewery
Is it a mirage? No, the Italian Oasis Restaurant and Brewery is really right there on Main Street. Chow down on some pub food and wash it down with some of their own microbrews. We’d recommend the nutty Black Bear Stout, but you could always indulge in the Cannon Amber Ale, the Moore Dam Ale, or any of their unique seasonal offerings.
Chutters
You’ll want to cap off your day with dessert, won’t you? Good thing Littleton is home to Chutters candy store. Main Street’s sweet spot boasts the “World’s Longest Candy Counter,” measuring an impressive 112 feet! That’s a lot of sour bears, gummy tarantulas and gobstoppers. Check out their huge variety of New Hampshire-made fudges. You’ll literally be a kid in a candy store. You’re still a kid at heart, aren’t you?
Just L
If you’re looking to bring home a treasure from your trip to Littleton, look no further than Just L Modern Antiques. The quirky little shop features furniture, trinkets and nostalgic knick-knacks from the mid-century modern era. In other words, they’ve got that awful couch from your grandmother’s living room or your crazy aunt’s place settings – just in time for them to become retro and hip again. You better bring a truck!
