Food

Owned by a local family and run with everyone else’s family in mind, The Dutch Treat Bar & Grill (317 Main St., Franconia, 603/823-8851, 11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. daily, $6–14) serves big breakfasts, lunches, and dinners at incredibly reasonable prices. After dinner, the pub area rolls out local live music until close.

Load up on the maple syrup at Polly’s Pancake Parlor (Hildex Maple Sugar Farm, Sugar Hill, 800/432-8972, www.pollyspancakeparlor.com [1], 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–3 p.m. Sat.–Sun. May–Oct., $4–7). The sugar house uses organically ground buckwheat, whole wheat, oatmeal-buttermilk, and cornmeal batters (using their own stone- ground corn) to make ethereal pancakes and waffles. Feeling decadent? Add in chocolate chips, walnuts, coconut, or blueberries at will. On your way out, purchase some pre-made mixes so you can re-create the magic at home.

Housed in a friendly bed and breakfast, The Beale House Inn (2 West Main St., Littleton, 603/444-2661, 5 p.m.–9:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat.; 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Sun., $17–21) is one of the area’s most refined spots for dining. Come for the meticulously prepared entrées of grass-fed beef, free-range chicken dishes, and desserts made from as many local products as possible.

Diner lovers will find bliss at Littleton Diner (145 Main St., Littleton, 603/444-3994, www.littletondiner.com [2], 6 a.m.–8 p.m. daily year-round, $4–9), a classic, authentic set-up serving big stacks of pancakes, thick sandwiches, and even thicker burgers.

The riverside setting alone at Miller’s Cafe & Bakery (16 Mill St., Littleton, 603/444-2146, www.millerscafeandbakery.com [3], 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sun. Jun.–late Oct.; 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Tue.–Sat. late Oct.–May, $4–8) is worth a visit. Fortunately, the food is just as alluring: Order homemade specials like roast beef on herbed focaccia with horseradish, spiced pumpkin soup, big salads, and fresh-baked cookies.