Fryeburg's appeal is seasonal and specific. In summer, the Saco River is the organizing principle -- canoeing, kayaking, and swimming take up most of a good visit. In October, the Fryeburg Fair takes over completely and draws visitors from across New England. In winter, Shawnee Peak provides low-key skiing without the crowds of the larger White Mountain resorts nearby.
The town itself is small and quiet outside of fair week. History runs close to the surface here -- Fryeburg Academy has been educating students since 1792, the Battle of Pequawket site sits a few miles east, and Lovewell Pond carries the name of the colonial militiaman who died fighting near its shores in 1725. None of it requires a guided tour; it rewards a bit of background reading and an afternoon of wandering.