Exploring the Monadnock Region

Whether you are visiting for the weekend or a week, there is plenty to do right here in Southwest New Hampshire: the Monadnock Region. Following are some ideas for things to include in your itinerary.

Take a driving tour.

The Monadnock Region is brimming with scenic villages, and idyllic town commons, with their white-washed spires from local churches and town halls. Roads often follow the paths of a stream or brook and you'll find trails everywhere just waiting to be hiked (or showshoed in winter). In fact, you can't go wrong picking just about any road between Keene and Walpole, Keene and Hillsborough, Peterborough and Jaffrey, or Jaffrey and Rindge - just point the car and enjoy! We have some suggestions for a foliage tour and also biking tours here on the site.

Go shopping.

You'll find an incredible assortment of one-of-a-kind shops throughout the Region. Downtown Keene and Downtown Peterborough both have a wide variety of independently owned shops. If you prefer shopping indoors, be sure to visit the Colony Mill Marketplace in Keene.

If you enjoy antiques, you'll find shops owned by independent antique dealers who will tell you a little bit about what you're buying and a lot about the Region. Visit our antiques section for a list of dealers.

Hike Mt. Monadnock.

Mt. Monadnock can be seen from just about anywhere within the Monadnock Region. At some point during your stay, you may want to see why it is the most popular Mountain in the United States and the second-most popular hike in the world. There are five major trails leading to the summit, and they are all worthy of explanation. Plan on a three or four hour hike and be sure to bring warm clothes for just about any season.

Visit The Friendly Farm.

Located just west of Dublin Lake on Route 101 is The Friendly Farm. Home to hundreds of friendly farm animals, this long-standing attraction makes a great destination. The Farm's five acres of gentle rolling lawns, pens and farm buildings houses some of the friendliest animals you'll meet. Whether you're feeding a bottle to a baby goat, holding newly hatched chicks, or patting and cuddling some of the many different breeds of farm animals you'll find, the Friendly Farm is a great place to visit!

Satisfy your sweet tooth.

While you explore the Monadnock Region, you may want to go on a Chocolate Tour. Start on Main Street in Keene and visit Life is Sweet Candy Store, an "old-fashioned" candy store that offers a wide assortment of candy. Next stop is Ye Goodie Shoppe (Colony Mill Marketplace). They have been serving up a great assortment of home-made candy and chocolates for 76-years. You can watch them being handcrafted right in the front window. Next, follow Route 101 toward Peterborough, stopping in Marlborough at Unbridled Chocolates. They offer a create selection of filled chocolates and Truffles with decadent flavor pairings, as well as hot chocolate and dessert. Finally stop by Ava Marie's Chocolates (43 Grove Street, Peterborough) for some of their delicious chocolate specialties, along with homemade ice cream.

If you've got a favorite destination or an idea for a tour, please let us know!