Don’t let a tight schedule bog you down during your precious 24(ish) hours in the Monadnock region. Check out a few of the highlights listed below and whatever you can’t make happen will be here to welcome you back when you return.
Hiking
The Monadnock Region is home to all kinds of trails, from casual walks to more intense climbs. If you are looking for an easy stroll, maybe on the Cheshire Rail Trail a nice walk around Cranberry Bog in Peterborough or one of the shorter trails of the Harris Center in Hancock.
Looking for a bigger challenge? We don’t call ourselves the “Monadnock Region” just to laugh at your attempts to pronounce it correctly, you’ll catch of a glimpse of our bare and often snowcapped namesake, Mount Monadnock, from just about every town in the region. While second place is never anyone’s first choice, when number one is Mt. Fuji in Japan, a little bit of pride is inevitable (which is very difficult for New Englanders, except when it comes to The Patriots).
Hiking Mt. Monadnock will take 3 to 4 hours for most people (unless you’re this guy), and does have some scrambling once you reach the top.
SKIING
Crotched Mountain Resort: Bennington, NH: As a member of the Vail Resorts Management Company (yes, THAT Vail), Crotched Mountain is a legit, full scale downhill ski experience located in the northeast corner of the region. All equipment is available for rent, lessons can be reserved, and with both a pub and a cafeteria there’s plenty of options to keep your energy up – even if you take advantage of their night hours. Only 40 minutes from Keene and 20 minutes from Peterborough, Crotched Mountain is a very accessible yet surprisingly uncrowded option to hit the slopes.
Granite Gorge Mountain Park: Keene NH: Re-opening in January 2023, Granite Gorge Mountain Park is a beloved local establishment, where generations of families of learned to ski. Complete with equipment for rent and group or private lessons, it’s easy to be in and out of the park in less than 2 hours. And if you love snow but skiing isn’t your thing, check out their tubing hill. A great, easy day leaving you plenty of time to explore more of the area.
Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing: The Region has a number of trails and even a Nordic Center that provide groomed terrain for cross country skiing and a number of trails that are accessible on snowshoes. We’ve got it all laid out for you here.
Wellness
What better way to recover from a day in the snow than a spa treatment? From deep tissue relief at Deep Roots Massage in downtown Keene to a relaxing facial at European Esthetics, there’s something for anyone in need of a little self care. Add in a yoga class at any one of the nearby studios (Everglow or Aloha in Keene or maybe Tria or Aha Yoga in Peterborough) and you’ve hit the self care jackpot.
Arts and Culture
Kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy a visit to the Mariposa Museum & World Culture Center located in downtown Peterborough. Here, you can eplore the human experience and culture through a range of media and in a more contemporary context. Exhibits for all ages may examine a region of the world or cultures in transition, multiculturalism in the U.S., or an individual experience, all with an eye to understanding a diverse world and fostering greater compassion, understanding, and peace. Peterborough is also home to the New England Art Exchange and if inspiration takes hold check out the Peterborough Art Academy to pick up some supplies on your way out of town. Click here to see a more complete list of Art galleries and museums in the region.
And, nearly every single town in the region has its own Historical Society that welcomes visitors (be sure to call and double check operating hours as these change seasonally).
For more Arts and Culture recommendations, please click here.
Live Music
Whether its chamber music, African beats, classical music, up-and-coming bands, or a major Broadway production you’re after, the Monadnock Region has it. Check out this local events calendar to see what’s happening during your stay.
Dining
If you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale or romantic, check out Granita Enoteca in Keene, The Waterhouse in Peterborough, The Pearl in Peterborough, The Restaurant at Burdick’s in Walpole, or The Chesterfield Inn in Chesterfield.
When it comes to more casual dining, there’s so much to choose from throughout the region. The Hungry Diner in Walpole, in Keene you have several options, including Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe, Yahso Jamaican Grille, The Stage, Fritz, and many more. Downtown Peterborough also has several options, including Coopers Hill Pub, Harlow’s Pub, and Twelve Pine.
For a truly unique dining experience, be sure to check out Mama McDonough’s Irish Pub at the Keene airport. Enjoy a pint and some lunch and maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a Black Hawk take a practice landing.
Be sure to check out the Greater Keene and Peterborough Chamber’s video guide to over 20 restaurants and their best dishes in the area. You’ll definitely end up wanting to extend your stay!
Breweries
The Monadnock Region is home to some of the most beloved craft breweries of New England. Check out New Hampshire Magazine’s guide to brews in the region.
