In a world that moves too fast, Peterborough, New Hampshire stands still just long enough for your soul to catch up.
Tucked in the Monadnock Region, this picture-perfect town (often cited as inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s Our Town) is a celebration of New England at its most poetic. Think covered bridges, art galleries in old barns, hikes to mountaintops, quirky bookstores, riverside cafes, antique treasure troves, and a sense of quiet magic that stretches from the Contoocook River to the forested hills beyond.
Whether you’re road-tripping in an RV, escaping for a romantic weekend, adventuring with kids, or soul-searching solo, Peterborough and the surrounding area promise a multi-day journey rich with charm, culture, creativity, and quirky delights. Let’s dive into the perfect 3-day itinerary.
🏡 DAY ONE: Small Town Welcome with Big Character
Morning: Arrive & Soak in the Scenery
As you roll into Peterborough, whether from Boston (1.5 hours) or further afield, you’ll be greeted by white steeples, red barns, and gentle hills that look plucked from a Currier & Ives print.
Where to Stay:
🛌 The Little River Bed & Breakfast – Cozy riverside rooms, locally sourced breakfast, and fireflies at night. 🛏️ Jack Daniels Motor Inn – Retro-chic motel right along the river with easy walking access to town. 🚐 Field & Stream RV Park (nearby in Brookline) – Full hookups, wooded sites, and peace aplenty.
Midday: Explore Downtown & Lunch
Start with a slow wander through Depot Square, Peterborough’s historic and walkable downtown.
Pop into Toadstool Bookshop, a legendary indie bookstore with creaky floors and soul. Visit Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates, go for the ice cream sundaes; stay for the chocolate-dipped everything. Shop for local art, quirky gifts, and artisan goods at European Esthetics Boutique, Joseph’s Coat, and Monadnock Oil & Vinegar.
Lunch Stop:
Enjoy farm-fresh fare at Twelve Pine, known for its soups, sandwiches, and salads you’ll wish you could pack home.
Afternoon: Art, Gardens, and Rivers
Walk the Contoocook Riverwalk, a scenic loop along the water, lined with wildflowers and perfect picnic nooks. Visit the Peterborough Town Library, the oldest tax-supported library in the country and newly renovated to blend history with sleek modern design. Explore the Monadnock Center for History and Culture, with exhibits on mill life, Shaker history, and a working 1830s kitchen.
Evening: Cozy Eats & Fireside Sips
Dinner at The Waterhouse Restaurant—tucked along the river with outdoor seating in warmer months, is pure Peterborough charm. Sip a craft cocktail or local wine while you listen to the water rush by.
Nightlife:
Peterborough keeps it low-key but special:
Harlow’s Pub – A funky local hangout with live music, killer nachos, and a vibe that hasn’t changed since the ’70s. Post & Beam Brewing – Nearby in Peterborough, offering microbrews and chill conversation.
🏞️ DAY TWO: Outdoor Soul + Quirky Detours
Morning: Hike Mount Monadnock or Explore Natural Beauty
Mount Monadnock, one of the most-climbed mountains in the world, is just 20 minutes away. Choose from multiple trailheads like White Dot Trail for a rigorous climb or Pumpelly Trail for solitude and sweeping views.
Not a hiker? Opt for:
Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge – A stunning open-air spiritual site with mountain views and a quiet reverence. Shieling Forest – A gentle nature trail and educational walk, great for families and photographers.
Midday: Picnic or Local Eats
Pick up provisions at Nature’s Green Grocer or Roy’s Market, and enjoy a picnic at Edward MacDowell Dam and Lake, you can swim, paddleboard, or just lounge near the dam, with epic mountain views.
Afternoon: Antiques, Artisans & Wacky Attractions
Spend the afternoon treasure-hunting:
Bowerbird & Friends – Whimsical home goods, vintage finds, and clever gifts. Twin Elm Farm Antiques (nearby in Peterborough) – A maze of old barns brimming with everything from typewriters to retro toys.
Don’t Miss:
The Mariposa Museum – An interactive celebration of global culture, full of puppets, masks, instruments, and handmade stories. Greenfield State Park – If you want to paddle, fish, or sunbathe for a few hours.
Evening: Girls Trip? Guy’s Trip? Solo Peace?
Dinner at Bantam Grill in nearby Peterborough is upscale-casual and perfect for a group celebration or solo splurge. The cocktail menu is top-notch.
Night Fun Ideas:
Book a sound bath or energy healing session at Aloha Keene, about 25 minutes away. Watch the sunset from Pack Monadnock, a drive-up summit with interpretive signs and photo-worthy light. Or, for the brave: Drive to Madame Sherri’s Castle Ruins in Chesterfield. Weird, beautiful, and supposedly haunted.
🎨 DAY THREE: Slow Living, Creative Spark & Surrounding Gems
Morning: Coffee, Crafts, & Sunday Market Feel
Ease into your last day:
Grab coffee and a sticky bun from Aesop’s Tables at the bookstore. Sit outside. Breathe. Head to MacDowell, the famous artists’ colony. Though the artist cabins are private, the public welcome center (open seasonally) offers insight into the artists who’ve found inspiration here, from Aaron Copland to Alice Walker.
Midday: Expand the Radius – Nearby Towns Worth Visiting
Take a short drive to:
Harrisville, a former mill village so preserved it looks like a movie set. Stop at Harrisville General Store for lunch. Keene, for more bustling energy, great for shopping, cafes, and a bigger downtown. Jaffrey, for farm stands, maple syrup, and the friendly, unfussy feel of classic New England.
Afternoon: Hobby Heaven or Spa Serenity
Before you go, try something that feeds your curiosity:
Peterborough Art Academy offers one-day classes in painting, pottery, or mixed media. Book a massage or facial at The Riverhouse Wellness Center, small-town spa charm at its most sincere.
Or, spend your final hour at Cunningham Pond, tucked just outside of town. Float, read, dream.
🧳 WHO THIS TRIP IS FOR:
Families: Nature trails, candy shops, and riverside parks Friends/Girls Trips: Antiques, art, farm-to-table fare, healing energy Guys Trips: Hiking, craft beer, haunted ruins Couples: Covered bridges, mountaintop sunsets, cozy firepits Solo Travelers: Writing nooks, bookstores, spiritual peace RV Travelers: Scenic parks, small-town access, trails galore Creative Souls: Art studios, literary history, and room to breathe
🌿 PETERBOROUGH: THE NEW ENGLAND THAT STILL FEELS NEW
Peterborough isn’t a town you check off a list. It’s one you linger in. You’ll find beauty not just in the mountains and meadows, but in the slow way the river moves, in the handwritten signs on the bakery case, in the clink of ice cubes in a porch-side glass.
It’s the kind of place you return to, maybe in person, maybe only in memory, because something here reminds you who you are when the noise falls away.
Hagan Happenstance 