Pelham Town Guide: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

Pelham is easy to miss. It sits right on the Massachusetts line, and most travelers heading north on the highways pass it by on the way to Nashua, Manchester or the lakes. But for families in the southern Merrimack Valley, and for visitors staying nearby, Pelham is a pleasant small town with a quiet center, a brook that runs through almost all of it, and a handful of local businesses worth a stop. This guide covers things to do in Pelham NH, where to eat, and how to fit the town into a wider trip.

Pelham at a glance

Pelham is a town in Hillsborough County with a population of 14,222 at the 2020 census, up from 12,897 in 2010. It is part of the Merrimack Valley and holds a small but genuine distinction: it is New Hampshire's southernmost town, and the easternmost in its county.

The town is close to several larger places. It is about 7 miles north of Lowell, Massachusetts, about 9 miles west of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and about 9 miles east of Nashua. That location makes Pelham an easy add-on to a visit to Nashua or a trip that crosses the state line.

A little history

Pelham's story is tied to the long argument over where Massachusetts ended and New Hampshire began. The land was originally part of the Massachusetts town of Dunstable, and Pelham was split off in 1741 when the border between the two colonies was settled. It was incorporated in 1746 and named after Thomas Pelham-Holles, the 1st Duke of Newcastle.

The earliest census count for the town, from 1767, recorded 543 residents. For most of its history Pelham was a small farming community, and its growth into a larger suburban town is relatively recent.

The southernmost point in New Hampshire

The southernmost point in the state lies in Pelham, at a spot known as the Old Boundary Pine. It is named for a pine tree that marked a difference in how the northern boundary of Massachusetts was defined. The point sits about 3 miles due north of Pawtucket Falls in Lowell, where the straight-line border to the west meets the 3-mile buffer that follows the Merrimack River.

For geography fans and anyone collecting state extremes, it is a fun piece of trivia. Note that much of the land along the border is private, so research access before you go looking for the exact point.

Beaver Brook and the outdoors

Nearly all of Pelham is drained by Beaver Brook, a 30.7-mile river that flows south through New Hampshire and Massachusetts to join the Merrimack River in Lowell. The brook shapes the town's landscape of wetlands, woods and low hills.

The highest point in Pelham is Jeremy Hill, at 577 feet above sea level near the western border. The town covers about 26.9 square miles, almost all of it land. Like much of southern New Hampshire, it has a mix of town conservation land and quiet roads that suit walking and cycling. Check with the town for current trail information before heading out.

Where to eat in Pelham

Pelham's dining is local and casual. These restaurants are listed in our directory; confirm hours and menus with each business before you go.

Kelari Taverna and Bar

Kelari Taverna and Bar is a Greek restaurant in Pelham with a bar, catering and private-party options. Its website also lists online ordering for pickup and delivery. It is the pick in town for a sit-down dinner.

Brando's Pizza

Brando's Pizza calls itself the home of the Super Sub and describes itself as a local staple in Pelham. The shop says its pizza dough is made daily. It is the straightforward choice for pizza and subs after a day out, or for feeding a group.

The Scoop Shoppe

The Scoop Shoppe on Beaver Brook Way is an ice cream parlor that also runs a coffee side, the Pelham Perk. On a summer evening, an ice cream stop is about as classic as a small-town New Hampshire outing gets.

Family fun and local shops

Altitude Trampoline Park

Altitude Trampoline Park on Bridge Street is part of a trampoline park chain and offers trampolines, air bags, dodgeball and party packages. It is a reliable rainy-day option for families with energetic kids. The listing's website forwards to the Altitude chain's Pelham location page.

Bits 'n Pieces Quilt Shop

Bits 'n Pieces is a quilt shop in Pelham that sells fabric, notions, quilting machines and longarm services, and offers classes and events. If you quilt or sew, it is the kind of specialty shop worth a detour.

Ac-Cue-Rate Billiards

Ac-Cue-Rate Billiards on Bridge Street is a game room store selling pool tables, cues, table tennis, foosball, air hockey, shuffleboard and darts. It is a destination for anyone furnishing a game room rather than a place to play, but it is one of the more distinctive retailers in town.

Pelham through the seasons

Summer is the easiest time to enjoy Pelham, with long evenings that suit an ice cream stop or a walk near the brook. Fall brings the color that southern New Hampshire is known for, and the town's wooded roads make a pleasant drive. In winter and on wet days, indoor options such as the trampoline park and the specialty shops carry the visit. Spring is quieter, a good time for a relaxed meal and a look around before the summer crowds arrive elsewhere in the valley.

Where to stay near Pelham

Pelham is primarily residential, and most visitors base themselves in a nearby city with a wider choice of hotels. Nashua, about 9 miles west, is the most convenient option on the New Hampshire side, with easy access to both Pelham and the rest of the Merrimack Valley. From there you can visit Pelham for a meal or an afternoon and return the same day. Browse our Merrimack Valley lodging listings to compare options.

Planning a visit

Pelham works best as part of a larger Merrimack Valley trip rather than a destination on its own. A few ideas:

• Pair it with Nashua. Spend a morning in Nashua, then drive east to Pelham for lunch and an afternoon outing.
• Make it a family day. Combine a session at the trampoline park with pizza and an ice cream stop.
• Follow the brook. Beaver Brook runs through most of town and is the best way to understand Pelham's landscape.
• Stop for a border photo. The state's southernmost point is a quirky addition to a road trip, provided you respect private land.

Because the town is so close to Massachusetts, it is also a natural first or last stop for visitors driving up from the Lowell and Lawrence area. A quick meal in Pelham is an easy way to start a New Hampshire weekend without fighting traffic in a bigger city.

FAQ

What is Pelham NH known for?

Pelham is New Hampshire's southernmost town. It is home to the Old Boundary Pine, the state's southernmost point, and nearly all of it is drained by Beaver Brook.

How far is Pelham from Nashua?

About 9 miles, an easy drive west.

Are there hotels in Pelham NH?

Pelham is mostly residential. Many visitors stay in nearby Nashua and visit Pelham for the day.

What is there to do in Pelham with kids?

Altitude Trampoline Park, an ice cream stop at The Scoop Shoppe and pizza at Brando's make an easy family afternoon.

Sources

• Pelham, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (population, history, geography, Old Boundary Pine, Beaver Brook, Jeremy Hill): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelham,_New_Hampshire
• Beaver Brook (Merrimack River tributary), Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beaver_Brook_(Merrimack_River_tributary)
• Kelari Taverna and Bar: https://kelarigreektaverna.com/
• Brando's Pizza and Subs: https://brandospelham.com/
• The Scoop Shoppe: https://www.thescoopshoppe.com/
• Altitude Trampoline Park Pelham: https://www.altitudetrampolinepark.com/locations/new-hampshire/pelham/150-bridge-street/
• Bits 'n Pieces Quilt Shop: https://bnpquilts.com/
• Ac-Cue-Rate Billiards: https://www.q-ball.com/