Best Places of the Monadnock Region

Looking for an opportunity to get out and explore the Granite State, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Our curated “choose your own adventure” guide gives you the map to food, adventure, shopping, nightlife and culture spots in each region so that you can create your own getaway (our list is just the jumping off point!), discover hidden gems and well-known favorites, make new memories and fall in love with our beautiful state and the people within it all over again.

Best Places of the Seacoast
Best Places of the Merrimack Valley
Best Places of the Dartmouth/ Lake Sunapee Region
Best Places of the Lakes Region
Best Places of the Great North Woods
Best Places of the White Mountains

Tucked in the shadow of the famous Mount Monadnock, the region is a perfect blend of nature, history and New England charm (not to mention small-town tranquility). It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, skiing and an abundance of opportunities for stargazing. With local spots like Kimball Farm, Peterborough Players Theater, a range of local breweries and more, this region is a hidden gem for explorers of any kind.

Shopping: 

Toadstool Bookshops  • Keene and Peterborough
This bookshop is one of the best independent bookstores in New England with its primary shop in Peterborough and a second spot in Keene. Not only do they have an enchanting selection of books, but they offer music and movies as well. toadbooks.com

Grove & Main Antiques • Peterborough
Shop for pieces for your home as well as jewelry, gifts for kids and skin care. Facebook 

General Stores 
Looking for a shopping snack break with a bonus of extra local goods? Then make sure to check out the Dublin General Store, Harrisville General Store or Sullivan Country Store.

Keene’s Main Street
We just want to generally direct you to Keene’s famous wide Main Street where walking and
window-shopping are made an outdoor outing all its own, from shops like Hannah Grimes Marketplace and many more.

Food: 

The Stage • Keene
Located at the head of town square, this family-owned restaurant (for four decades as a matter of fact) offers contemporary American cuisine in an artistic atmosphere. Think classic comfort food staples, one-of-a-kind creations and fun cocktails that can all also be made alcohol-free. thestagerestaurant.com

Smoking Trout • Marlborough
Locals rave about the surf-and-turf fare available at this special spot. Don’t miss their crispy cheese! Facebook

 The Hungry Diner • Walpole
Known for their burgers, this farm-to-table, farmer-owned diner has a commitment to sustainable agriculture that’s reflected in their menu. Dogs allowed! hungrydinerwalpole.com

Kimball Farm • Jaffrey
You can’t go to the Monadnock Region and not stop by Kimball’s for some farm-fresh ice cream. (We recommend buttercrunch or rum raisin.) kimballfarm.com

Adventure: 

Cathedral of the Pines • Rindge
Woven throughout the 236 acres of Cathedral of the Pines are two trail systems (West and East) that offer a mix of hiking and exploring opportunities like their peace monument or cross-country skiing in the winter. Don’t forget to bring a picnic to enjoy by Grassy or Emerson ponds. cathedralofthepines.org

Harris Center for Conservation Education • Hancock
The team at this community science spot protects the land, connects others with nature and conserves wildlife through research. Check out their events and trails! harriscenter.org

Crotched Mountain • Francestown
From skiing (even night skiing) to accessible hiking trails in the summer, there is something for everyone at Crotched Mountain. crotchedmtn.com

*When all else fails, grab your bike and hit the Monadnock Region Rails Trails

Night Life: 

Peterborough Players Theater • Peterborough
Based in a converted 18th-century barn just 3 miles from downtown, this professional theater company creates performances ranging from world premieres to classics. peterboroughplayers.org 

 Nova Arts • Keene
Nova Arts is a nonprofit collaborative arts initiative focused on emerging artists and underrepresented voices. novaarts.org

The Colonial Performing Arts Center • Keene
This 100-year-old theater always has something unforgettable going on. Whether it’s music, film, dance or comedy, a night out will leave you inspired and ready to experience the thrill of live performance again and again. thecolonial.org

Culture: 

Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center • Peterborough
For over 20 years, the center’s flagship space has explored the rich diversity of the world’s cultures, including dynamics of cultures in motion and multiculturalism in the country through exhibits and programs that engage your mind and senses. mariposamuseum.org

Harrisville Designs, Harrisville
Filled with history and textiles, the center offers classes on felting, knitting and weaving. (Stop by the retail shop, too.) harrisville.com

The Monadnock Center for History and Culture • Peterborough
This spot offers a variety of events, performances and exhibits that showcase the region’s historic and artistic culture. monadnockcenter.org

Staycation: 

The Burrell House Inn • Keene
Historic charm. Modern amenities. Downtown Keene within reach? Sounds like the perfect combination for a weekend getaway. burrellhouse.com 

Chesterfield Inn • Chesterfield
This New Hampshire bed and breakfast has all that you need for a relaxing staycation like locally sourced dining, country cozy rooms and an abundance of local activities to choose from. chesterfieldinn.com 

Aldworth Manor • Harrisville
Picturesque New England meets historic elegance at this one-of-a-kind estate. With gorgeous grounds, miles of trails, a variety of lodging options and more, it’s the perfect place to get away from it all. aldworthmanor.com