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Franconia, Sugar Hill, and Easton don't look like typical resort towns. Zoning doesn't allow restaurant chains or big-box stores; if you want those, you'll have to go to Littleton. With a combined population that has yet to reach 2,000, these three towns are tiny by anyone's standard. But they're in a league of its own when it comes to fresh air and gorgeous, unspoiled views. "We're 150 miles from Montreal, 150 miles from Many people come to the tri-town area for a relaxing, rejuvenating break from city life. Franconia has also attracted plenty of artists and writers over the years; the most notable literary resident of Franconia was Franconia and Sugar Hill have attracted tourists for over a hundred and fifty years. Railroads once brought families from the city up to the area for an entire summer of fresh air and beautiful scenery. To cater to these travelers, several stunning grand hotels sprang up in Sugar Hill. Over time, tourism changed. Highways took the place of railroads, and families no longer spent months on vacation. Instead, they took car trips, and stayed only for a week or two. Some of the grand hotels died out, and others burned down, but there are still quite a few lovely inns in the area, including the Sunset Hill House, the Sugar Hill Inn, the Bungay Jar, and the Franconia Inn. There is also a growing trend toward vacation homeownership, particularly among families from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Boston businessman Ed Vilandrie spends as much time as he can at his home in Franconia. He and his family were attracted to the town's authentic feel, breathtaking views, and natural yet convenient setting. "Areas south of the Notch, such as Loon, Waterville Valley, and other areas further south, felt to us like Boston-of-the-North for three seasons of the year," says Vilandrie. "Everything to us feels perfect in Franconia. Town is just the right size, with all the amenities but not too many. If we need anything we can't get in Franconia, Littleton is only 7 miles away, and they have everything! Also, all the cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and bicycling are right outside our door!" If your idea of a vacation doesn't include a mall, the tri-town area has plenty to offer. With luck, these towns will hold onto their independent spirit for many years to come. Visit another White Mountains Region NH City or Town CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FREE Dining | Real Estate | Skiing | Vacation Rentals | Inns | Hotels | Resorts Classified Ads | Golfing | Events | Attractions | Fishing | Personals Pet Friendly Lodging | Meeting Rooms | Weddings Products | NH Towns & Cities | Shopping
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Boston, 150 miles from the ocean, and we live in the mountains. If you like to live surrounded by the outdoors, this is absolutely a beautiful place to live. That's why I stayed here," says Franconia native Steve Heath. 
Robert Frost, whose house is now a museum. And then there's the outdoor recreation. For people who come to ski, snowboard, hike, or mountain bike, Franconia is truly paradise. Franconia State Park is home to Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain, the rugged, state-run ski area where international champion Bode Miller learned to ski. The state park was once the home of the Old Man in the Mountain, a granite formation that, when seen from a certain angle, resembled an old man's face in profile. Despite efforts to stabilize the rocks, they finally collapsed in 2003. The Old Man remains an enduring symbol of the Granite State, and can still be seen on New Hampshire quarters.
