Pleasures of living in a small town - Littleton

Born and raised in a small town has it's pros and cons. If you did something you weren't supposed to do, your parents knew about it before you walked in the door. Everyone knew you by name...and your siblings...and your parents! We were "bored" a lot with "nothing to do!" and there was only one stop light in town. We had very successful athletic teams with many banners to prove it (something I'm still proud of achieving!)Here in Littleton, NH generations and generations of fans would attend sporting events, musical concerts and plays put on by the drama club - anything involving kids, right down to the homecoming floats and parade through town with a bonfire at the Littleton Fire Station on West Main Street! SHOPPING & DOWNTOWN Growing up, I always thought I would move away to a big city and never come back to Littleton, NH - small town America. Now in my 30's, I find myself living and working in my small hometown and appreciating its perks. Now in Littleton, NH we now have the "big box stores" like Wal-Mart , Home Depot, Shaw's , TJ Maxx, Applebee's and the 99 Restaurant  to name a few. But one of the best features our town has to offer is the quintessential Littleton, NH Main Street. Recently renovated to include new street lamps, sidewalks and crosswalks, a storefront doesn't stay vacant for long here! You can find everything from insurance agencies and professional office spaces to banks and restaurants to nail salons, herb shops, barber shops, clothing and jewelry stores, a great health food store and historic buildings, our Littleton Main Street was recently named one of America's Best Main Streets by Fodor's Travel guide. EATING AND DINNING  Have breakfast at the Coffee Pot  where Jean, the owner will probably sit down and talk with you, or hit up the Topic of the Town  for family dining all day long, another family owned and operated business that has been here since I can remember. You'll want to hit up Chutter's and see for yourself the World's Longest Candy Counter according to the Guiness Book of World Records. They have delicious homemade fudge, and other goodies that will not disappoint! Visit the historic Thayers Inn and grab lunch or dinner at Bailiwick's.  Shop at Lahout's, a family owned ski and sports shop for decades and grab some outdoor clothing while you're in town.  Cross the road and be sure to "Stop. Look. Wave." as it says in paint on the pavement. Don't forget to stop and smell the flowers that the store owners take care of all summer long and while you're at it, play one of the many piano's placed around town as part of the Littleton Piano Project!  The Nest is a great store for gifts and they often host special events, too. The Oasis Restaurant & Brewery is a comfy restaurant to visit with a variety of items on their menu and their lounge and patio overlook Main Street (a great place to people watch!) Porfido's Market and Deli  is yet another family owned business that is often very busy, and if you stop in at Gold House Pizza & Greek Restaurant, the owner Jim will probably be behind the counter with a great big smile and "hello!" waiting for you. Don't forget to walk down by the Ammonoosuc River over one of several foot bridges and gaze at the rambling water. Listen closely and on hot summer days, you'll probably hear the laughter of people swimming in the river to cool off! A new business in town that has become popular is Schilling Brewing Company.  Located in the old Grist Mill overlooking the river, they specialize in homemade beer and wood fired pizza (you can watch it cook in the middle of the restaurant). These reasons are only a few why you should put this quiet little town of Littleton NH in your next travel plans – or relocation list! We were previously named the 9^th Best Small Town in America by Norm Crampton and with the recent Fodor's endorsement , don't take my word for it, come and see for yourself!