# Peterborough (New Hampshire)

Peterborough is a village in New Hampshire. It was founded in 1760 and has about 6,300 residents.

## Understand

Peterborough appears as a classic small New England town, featured in USA Today as most picturesque and idyllic in the state. It has a charming brick downtown, and is a popular stop on leaf-peeping tours. Its cultural activities attract many throughout the region.

## Get in

Peterborough is located at the crossroads of Routes 101 and 202, and can be reached easily from Montreal, Manchester, or Boston.

## Get around

The easiest way to explore the downtown area is to walk, as it's not very large. There are also bicycle paths and cross-country ski trails that wind along rivers.

## See

Start your tour at the horsehead fountain in front of town hall; just point your phone at the UPC code there to access the guide. Every May Peterborough hosts a Children and the Arts festival, which involves hundreds of schoolchildren and centers around many performing venues. It also has a giant puppet parade. The Thing in the Spring music festival, Broke Arts festival, Wellness Festival and Greenerborough are just a few of the many events you'll find listed in the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript Calendar $^{[formerlydeadlink]}$ .

## Do

* Mount Monadnock (in nearby Jaffrey, NH). One of the most-climbed mountains in the world. The hike is quick and views from the top are phenomenal.
* Mariposa Museum, Main Street (across from the Unitarian Church). It features crafts from around the world, as well as frequent musical performances.
* The Peterborough Players. Has been putting on plays during the summer months for over a hundred years. James Whitimore was a regular there. (updated Feb 2016)
* 42.8958-71.98591 MacDowell Dam and Recreation Area (Ffrom intersection of Rt 101W, turn north on Elm St., left on Main St, drive approx. 1 mile to Wilder St. Drive uphill to dam and parking). Has a lovely beach and is a good place to relax on a hot summer day. Unfortunately, the town beach at Cunningham Pond is for residents only and your car will be towed if you park there without a sticker. But MacDowell dam is public and free. It has hiking and skiing trails, kayak and fishing boat launch, picnic areas, frisbee and other recreational games. Free. (updated Feb 2016)
* 42.877488-71.9507852 Peterborough Contra Dance, Peterborough Town House, 1 Grove St. 8PM-11PM. Try out a traditional New England folk dance that has been flourishing here since the 1700s. Contra is easy to learn, making it welcoming for travelers without prior experience. $10, $7 seniors and students. (updated Jun 2023)

## Buy

There are many shops in the downtown area.
* At Wit's End. Has knickknacks and souvenirs.
* Mariposa Museum. Has crafts from around the world.

## Eat

* Harlow's Pub, Grove St. Popular with the locals. It features delicious burritos, sandwiches, and pasta, and has a great atmosphere. Dinners run about $8.
* The Peterborough Diner (Off of School Street). A classic small-town eatery. It makes delicious burgers, fries, and Oreo frappes. A good lunch costs about $8.
* Waterhouse (Depot Square). Lovely bar. Makes delicious gourmet pizzas among other upscale foods. Dinner will cost about $20-42 per person.
* Nonie's, Grove St. Makes the best breakfasts in town and has awesome lunch specials too. It opens at 6 sharp and stays open until 2 or 3. Breakfast is about $7, lunch is a few dollars more.
* Ave Marie's, Grove St. Has great homemade chocolates and ice creams. The ginger ice cream, when they have it, is highly recommended. A medium ice cream is about $3.

## Drink

* Harlow's Pub, Grove St. The best bar in town. They have a wide variety of regional beers and the atmosphere is great on Friday nights.
* $^{[deadlink]}$ The Wreck Room, Monadnock Plaza (from the intersection of Rt 101 and 202, go south on 202 toward Jaffrey. The plaza is on your right 1/4 mile from town). Music venue and bar (updated Feb 2016)

## Sleep

* The Jack Daniel's Motor Inn, Concord St. The best place to stay in town.