Hancock, NH

Unlike its neighbor (Vermont), the state of New Hampshire is not really known for having charming towns and villages. Indeed, many communities in the Granite State have strips of shopping centers rather than village greens, and some towns have no discernable centers at all. But this is certainly not the case in much of the southwestern part of the state, which is also known as Currier and Ives Country; many communities, including Jaffrey, Peterborough, Wilton, Fitzwilliam, and Harrisville have town centers that wouldn't be out of place in Vermont. And Hancock, which is next door to Peterborough, might have the most charming center of them all, with churches, a country store, an inn, and beautiful old houses, all framed by a backdrop of lush hills. The photo shown here, which was taken on a beautiful day in early October of 2006, shows a typically pastoral scene right in the center of Hancock.

For a larger version of this photo, go to the Hancock, NH photo on the Travel Guide of America site.