Things to Do in the Monadnock Region

Blueberry Picking

Outdoor Activities

Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole, under new ownership, this picturesque orchard offers a farm stand/shop, food, and recreational and farm-related activities; in the late summer and autumn, it’s the perfect spot for apple picking

Ashuelot Rail Trail, extending from Keene to Hinsdale (on the Vermont border) runs alongside the scenic Ashuelot river, with entry 2/10 of a mile from the Bridges Inn, the 21.5-mile rail trail is great for biking or walking

Ashuelot River Park, Keene, one of the many open areas used for strolling, relaxing, picnicking, and occasional shows and events

Bretwood Golf Course, Keene, golfing, tournaments, and championships (seasonal)

Chesterfield Gorge, Chesterfield, natural area offering great opportunities for hiking as you explore the footpaths along the gorge and enjoy the scenic views (can be combined with a visit to Madame Sherri Forest)

Covered Bridges, Swanzey and Winchester, the inn is located a stone’s throw from the historic Thompson Covered Bridge and near the other Cheshire County covered bridges for which the inn is named; don’t miss seeing all six covered bridges

Crescendo Acres Farm, Surry, offers berry picking, Christmas trees, alpacas, many soft and warm clothing items and crafts made from the alpaca fiber, maple sugaring and maple products, and more

Crotched Mountain Ski Area, Bennington and Francestown, skiing

Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail, Walpole and Alstead, an environmental and horticultural learning center, with acres of gardens and miles of trails, some of which are Accessible

Fishing, you’ll find many places to fish in the Monadnock Region

Friendly Farm, Dublin, where people and animals mingle, excellent for young children and families

Granite Gorge Mountain Park, Roxbury/Keene, skiing, cross country skiing, show shoeing, and tubing

Harris Hill Ski Jump, Brattleboro, VT, since 1922, Ski Jumping Competition offers spectators an opportunity to experience the Olympic sport, featuring jumpers from the US and abroad (a weekend in mid-February)

Keene Country Club, Keene, golfing (seasonal)

Kettle Farm, Walpole, from agriculture, animals, and summer fun to sleigh rides in the winter (reservations required)

Madame Sherri Forest, Chesterfield, conservation land includes several trails plus you can view the foundation, chimneys, and a grand stone staircase from Madame Sherri’s once magnificent house (can be combined with a visit to Chesterfield Gorge)

Miller State Park, Peterborough, hike the various trails or drive up Pack Monadnock Mountain where you’ll experience wonderful views on a clear day

Monadnock Berries, Troy, a seasonal farm stand, is a lovely place to pick your own berries with panoramic views on Mount Monadnock

Monadnock State Park, Jaffrey and Dublin, hiking, backpacking, picnicking, snowshoeing, and possible backcountry skiing on some of the lower trails. Mount Monadnock, the focal point of the Monadnock Region, known as one of the most frequently climbed mountains in the world, is excellent for prepared hikers. Reservations strongly recommended April until November.

Pisgah State Park, Hinsdale, Chesterfield, and Winchester, over 13,500 acres of rough forested terrain, the park protects seven ponds (popular for fishing), four highland ridges, numerous wetlands, and six trailheads for hiking, mountain biking, ATV, and snowmobile use

Rhododendron State Park, Fitzwilliam, rhododendron grove with accessible trails is always open for recreation but is in bloom in mid-July

Richardson Park Recreation Area at Swanzey Lake, Swanzey, only a few miles away, offering family-friendly beach access and swimming seasonally (for Swanzey residents only, but guests of the Bridges Inn are admitted at no charge)

Stonewall Farm, Keene, a nonprofit working farm and educational center whose mission is to connect people to the land and to the role of local agriculture in their lives, offering events and programs such as maple-sugaring in the spring and Thanksgiving Farm Fare; also cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hayrides

Surry Mountain Lake, Surry, offers recreational opportunities such as swimming, picnicking, canoeing, hunting, and fishing as well as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in the winter

Tippin Rock Trail, Swanzey, hiking trail leads to the Tippin Rock and Hewes Hill cliffs where there’s a stunning lookout; respectful hikers, snowshoers, and cross‐country skiers are welcome

Twinkle Town Miniature Golf, Swanzey, offers miniature golf, batting cages, homemade ice cream , hot dogs, fries dough, pizza and more, seasonal, weather permitting

Walldogs Magical History Tour, Keene, outdoor walking tour featuring 15 originally designed, large outdoor murals which showcase the culture and history of the region.

Area Attractions

Ames Automotive Foundation, Marlborough, unique museum of automobiles captures the history of the America automobile industry and American ingenuity through their collection of cars, most of which are rare, low-mileage originals; by advance appointment only

Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Nelson, performance and teaching of classical music in an idyllic setting on top of Apple Hill and throughout the Monadnock Region

Cheshire Children’s Museum, Keene, play-based children’s museum for young children and families

Cheshire Fair, Swanzey, the annual Cheshire Fair is held in late July/early August; also, the Cheshire Fair Association sponsors year round events, such as horse shows, concerts, and agricultural events

Covered Bridges, Swanzey and Winchester, the inn is located a stone’s throw from the historic Thompson Covered Bridge and near the other Cheshire County covered bridges for which the inn is named; don’t miss seeing all six covered bridges

Harris Hill Ski Jump, Brattleboro, VT, since 1922, Ski Jumping Competition offers spectators an opportunity to experience the Olympic sport, featuring jumpers from the US and abroad (a weekend in mid-February)

Keene Axe House, Keene, Axe throwing

Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center, Peterborough, fosters peace, equity, and human understanding through exhibits and programs that engage the senses, mind, and heart

Monadnock Aviation, Keene-Swanzey line, treat yourself to a scenic flight and see the Monadnock Region from the sky

Monadnock Music, Peterborough, musical performances throughout the Monadnock Region

Monadnock Speedway, Winchester, located a few miles south of the inn, races and events

Park Theatre, Jaffrey, live entertainment, movies, and other arts-related activities

Peterborough Players, Peterborough, a professional theatre set in a historic 18th-century barn

Swamp Bats Baseball, Keene, Home Games are at Alumni Field at Keene High School (seasonal)

Swanzey Old Home Day, Swanzey Center, family fun featuring a farmer’s market, craft and food vendors, pony rides, parade, music, Union Civil War Re-enactments, covered bridge bike ride, and more (a Saturday in July)

Terrapin Glassblowing Studio, Jaffrey, offering classes, gift gallery, and free demonstrations

The Colonial Theatre, Keene, performance arts venue presenting exciting and diverse live events, niche independent films, and stimulating educational and outreach opportunities

The Hot Glass Art Center, Marlborough, glassblowing studio offering demonstrations, workshops, glassblowing lessons, and more

Walldogs Magical History Tour, Keene, outdoor walking tour featuring 15 originally designed, large outdoor murals which showcase the culture and history of the region; see map and description of murals

Arts, Culture, Education, Heritage

Antioch New England Graduate School, Keene

Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, Nelson

Camp Takodah, Richmond

Cathedral of the Pines, Rindge

Cheshire Children’s Museum, Keene

Covered Bridges, Swanzey and Winchester, six nearby covered bridges

Franklin Pierce University, Rindge

Historical Society of Cheshire County, Keene

Keene State College, Keene

Landmark College, Putney, VT

MacDowell Colony, Peterborough, open to the public one Sunday in August for Medal Day

Mariposa Museum and World Culture Center, Peterborough

Monadnock Music, Peterborough, performances throughout the Monadnock Region

Northfield Mount Hermon, Mount Hermon, MA

Peterborough Players, Peterborough

Pilgrim Pines on Swanzey Lake, Swanzey

Putnam Theater at Keene State College, films, Keene

Redfern Arts Center of Brickyard Pond at Keene State College, Keene

River Valley Community College, Keene

School for International Training (SIT), Brattleboro, VT

Swanzey Historical Museum, West Swanzey, open seasonally

The Caterpillar Lab, Marlborough

The Colonial Theatre, Keene

Thomas Aquinas College, Northfield, MA  

Thorne-Sagendorf Art Gallery at Keene State College, Keene

WakaDoodles Open Art Studio, Keene

Walldogs Magical History Tour, Keene, outdoor walking tour

Shopping

Some of our favorite local places to shop

Cheshire Curio Shop, Swanzey, offering unique and special items, from furniture to antiques to new items and artwork

Cheshire Horse, Swanzey, offerings for anyone interested in horses, farming, pets, or country living; gifts, clothing, and toys (great for grandparents who want unique, high quality items for grandchildren) will appeal to anyone looking for something from New Hampshire

Depot Square, Peterborough, has lovely shops, antiques, great places to eat, and is a treat for artists

Downtown Keene, Keene, shopping, dining, galleries, and more

Hannah Grimes Marketplace, Keene, home to local artisans selling their crafts and handmade treasures such as pottery, blown glass, wooden items, jewelry, and more; artists offering painting and sculpture; and brewers, vintners, farmers, and gardeners locally grown and sourced products

In the Company of Flowers, Keene, more than a florist, has unique, high-quality gifts, clothes, children’s items, New Hampshire made products, and New Hampshire souvenirs

Milkweed & Fiddlehead, West Swanzey, offering unique and special items, such as primitive country decor, Amish furnishings & made in America items

Toadstool Bookstore, Keene, book lovers won’t want to miss this wonderful bookstore with café; also in Peterborough, at Depot Square

Toy City, Keene, toy and hobby store with items for children of all ages including an expansive game department, radio control section, and an extensive baby department

Local Products and Services We Proudly Use

Cheshire Garden, Winchester, specializing in heirloom berries, fruits and herbs made into preserves, vinegar, mustard, salsa, and more; we use these delicious products in our breakfasts and sell them at the inn

Crescendo Acres Farm, Surry, supplies their own maple syrup to the inn as well as alpaca products for our gift shop

Deep Roots Massage & Bodywork, Keene, open seven days a week, to reduce stress, recover from injury, reduce chronic pain and enhance sports performance

Gomarlo’s Supermarket, West Swanzey, offers a full selection of groceries plus prepared and to-go food

Green Wagon Farm, Keene, offers produce and flowers; we love using their vegetables and fruit in our breakfasts (open seasonally June – October)

Keene Farmers’ Market (seasonal), Keene, offers vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meat, eggs, preserves, wines, maple products, breads, cookies, granola, and other tempting treats as well as local crafts

Maple Nut Kitchen, Swanzey, gluten-free and vegan granola mixes handmade in a dedicated gluten free facility, using ingredients such a nuts, maple, gluten-free oats, and berries; we use this delicious granola products in our breakfasts and sell them at the inn

Monadnock Food Coop, Keene, many ingredients in our breakfasts are purchased at this accessible, community-owned food market, offering healthy, sustainable foods and products, supporting local farmers and producers; also offers many hot, prepared food to eat onsite or to go

Monadnock Oil and Vinegar and NH Herb and Spice Company, Dublin, explore the healthy world of extra virgin olive oils, infused and fused olive oils, balsamic vinegars, salts, spices and herb blends

Nordshire Farm Bakery, Swanzey, offers Finnish baked goods, which we sometimes include in our breakfasts

Prime Roast, Keene, locally roasted coffee served at the inn with breakfast; a wide assortment of beans and ground coffee available at their coffee shop, along with pastries and light snacks

Slate Bridge Sugar House (formerly Covered Bridge Sugar House), West Swanzey, gathers sap, some of which is from the inn’s maple trees, boils it down, and bottles the maple syrup; we use this maple syrup in our breakfasts and sell it at the inn

Tippin Rock Farm, Swanzey, for their own maple syrup, fresh eggs, and more

W.S. Badger, Gilsum, maker of pure body care products, including healing balms, many of which we sell at the inn

YMCA, Keene, programs and activities for people of all ages, visitor passes available