What? No Sturbridge?

From Bostonmagazine.com--

New England's Best Small Towns

From mountains to shoreline, our region offers no end of burgs filled with postcard ingredients: gleaming church spires, warm old red brick, jewel-like town greens. The 15 best towns, though, have something extra—a certain flavor that offers not just great snapshots, but also a great escape.

The harbor at sunset in Camden, Maine. Photo by Martin Child/Getty Images

PLANNING YOUR STAY
To see the full contact information for our town highlights, plus additional dining and lodging picks, click here.

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LITTLE COMPTON, RI
Because... it's a little slice of Napa in New England.

HANCOCK, NH
Because... your great-great-grandparents might have slept here.

SHARON, CT
Because... it's like a movie set (with actual movie stars)!

WOODSTOCK, VT
Because... of this place.

HANOVER, NH
Because... ivory towers make for a storybook escape. By William Martin

ESSEX, CT
Because... sometimes the river trumps the sea.

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA
Because... it's home to the Berkshires' own Restaurant Row.

CAMDEN, ME
Because... this is the Main Street of all Main Streets.

DORSET, VT
Because... this is what picture-perfect looks like.

EXETER, NH
Because... of this guy.

SHELBURNE FALLS, MA
Because... if you can imagine it, they can make it.

PUTNAM, CT
Because... a piece of history can be yours for the haggling.

LYNDONVILLE, VT
Because... your kids (and spouse) will thank you. By Steve Almond

HARVARD, MA
Because... the pickings are prime.

RANGELEY, ME

Because... you can go a little wild. By Amy Sutherland