Travel Spotlight on Keene, New Hampshire, and Its 11 Best Attractions

Located in the southwest corner of New Hampshire, Keene provides visitors a glimpse of life in a picturesque New England town. The historic downtown area is walkable and bustling with activity among its many boutique shops and eateries. The town is merely a two-hour drive from several major airports: Boston Logan International Airport, Albany International Airport, and Bradley International Airport. Amtrak stations are less than 20 miles away in Brattleboro and Bellows Falls, Vermont.

Snowshoeing, skiing and other winter sports abound. Visitors in the spring can learn how maple syrup is harvested while fall brings large crowds wishing to view breathtaking mountain scenery ablaze in color from the changing leaves. The town hosts several events, including an annual film festival and pumpkin festival.

Trace the roots of historic Keene at the Horatio Colony House Museum

Established to preserve an 1806 Federal house and 645-acre nature preserve, the Colony Memorial Trust manages Horatio Colony House Museum and preserve. The house museum holds original furnishings and international collections. Five miles of hiking trails highlighting historic sites and geological features are maintained within the Horatio Colony Nature Preserve.

Get introduced with the local farming community at Stonewall Farm

This organic, nonprofit farm is a hub of community activity and educational programs. Stonewall Farm is open year round for visitors to discover how a working New England dairy farm operates. A year round garden that produces vegetables and herbs for the local community is also available to view. A farm stand provides guests with ample opportunities to purchase organic hamburgers, Organic Valley products, maple syrup, and vegetables.

From vaudeville to rock musicals, see it all at the Colonial Theatre

Located on Main Street, the Colonial Theatre has been a staple in the Keene community since its opening in 1924. The theater originally opened to showcase acts on the vaudeville circuit, but now both live performances and films are shown like the rock musical Hair and Monadnock International Film Festival.

Grab a round at Keene's only brewery, Elm City Brewing Company

Keene’s only brewery is situated in the historic Colony Mill Marketplace and brews all of its beers onsite. Breads, sauces and desserts served in the restaurant incorporate locally grown ingredients when possible. In the summer, patrons can relax on the patio and sip one of their brews, such as the Monadnock Mt. Ale and their German ale, Keene Kolsch.

Check into the rustic and inviting Lane Hotel

The contemporary boutique hotel is located in downtown Keene on Main Street. The Lane Hotel is featured as a Historic Hotel of America due to its history dating back to 1891, but it has been updated and restored with modern comforts – warm exposed brick walls, climate controls, in-bath whirlpools and hot tubs in some rooms and more. Guests at the pet-friendly hotel can choose from several packages, based on their interests: historic walking tour, historic covered bridge tour, Monadnock antiquing package, and the romance package which includes a $50 gift card to the aptly named Fireworks Restaurant, a bottle of sparkling cider and chocolates.

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