Our Town: Peterborough, NH

Peterborough, NH is a quintessential New England town situated in the heart of the Monadnock Region in southern New Hampshire. Thornton Wilder wrote Our Town during his frequent stays at the MacDowell Colony. The fictitious town of Grover's Corners, NH that he brought to life onstage wasn't all that fictitious.

Settled in 1749, Peterborough became a prosperous mill town by the 1800s with cotton factories, wool mills, paper mills and seven saw mills, creating the town’s first industry. Today, Peterborough is home to one of the oldest basket manufacturers in the country, Peterboro Basket Company, which has been in business since 1854. The town is also home to the headquarters of Eastern Mountain Sports, an outdoor apparel and equipment retailer.

It became my home nearly 21 years ago and its natural beauty still remains in the face of change. Small town living may not be for everyone, but we have many things that a lot of small towns don't—the ability to provide enough industry, entertainment, and culture while still maintaining that sleepy bedroom town appeal. Students have returned again and again after they visit for the first time often repeating the same phrase, "I didn't know this place even existed". Today, I'd like to share some of my favorite places with you. 

This is just one of the many parks we have here in town. Located alongside the Nubanusit River, we'll often come here to rest after a bike ride to Ava Marie's for some ice cream. (Ava's makes their own chocolates daily and the ice cream is delicious, too. My studio was located in the same building for three years. It's tough to go to work with the smells of homemade candies wafting through the air.)

There are many shops and restaurants located along the Nubanusit River where you can enjoy outdoor seating during the warmer months. Most of the shopping is located in and around Depot Square and is home to Nonie's, our favorite breakfast place, and Harlow's Pub, where they serve the best vegetarian chili, an eclectic mix of dishes (and patrons), and live music throughout week.

12 Pine is a gourmet take-out/eat-in restaurant and market that my students are very familiar with. During training weeks, this is where I treat them for lunch. There's something for everyone and you can enjoy simple fare like homemade soups and sandwiches, or something more hearty like roasted pork loin or BBQ brisket. They'll even cater your Thanksgiving meal with roasted turkey and all the trimmings!

Sometimes you have to cook, that's when I head on over to Nature's Green Grocer. They specialize in certified organic foods and they also offer a take-out/eat-in menu at their café. Their outdoor seating overlooks a river and waterfall so you can completely relax and enjoy your meal. 

When it's time to shop, I have several go-to stores that I like, including Bowerbird & Friends. This group shop is a great place to pick up a gift, and its ever-changing merchandise will have you coming back for more. Twin Elm Farm is next on my list. It's also a group shop bursting with antiques, gently-used furnishings and accessories, and unique gifts. And finally, you must stop at the Toadstool Bookshop where you will find all your favorite author titles in both new and used copies. (And while you're there, indulge in a goodie from Aesop's Tables.)

Our town is truly beautiful and has something for everyone. Celebrating its 275th birthday on October 11th, the town is also getting ready for its annual Peak into Peterborough event on October 17th & 18th dubbed a "fall foliage tour, day-on-the-town, and early Christmas shopping opportunity". Take in a play or musical at our professional theatre, Peterborough Players. (Famous, of course, for hosting the play Our Town starring the late, great James Whitmore, and at one time, the late, great Paul Newman, as the stage manager.) Take a drive or hike up Pack Monadnock from Miller State Park where you can see views of Mt. Washington, Boston, and the Green Mountains on a clear day. (And the most hiked mountain in the United States, Mount Monadnock, is just a town away.)

There are countless hiking and biking trails, ponds, and lakes to enjoy. And snow skiing is just a short 15 minute drive north, making our town not only a "good town to live in", but a great place to visit year round.

Peterborough is located 36 miles from Manchester, NH (Boston Regional Airport) and 73 miles from Boston, MA (Logan International), so you could easily fly to either airport and then travel by car. RelayRides offers budget-friendly car rentals right from the airport. The twist is that your rental is offered through an individual (you can even rent your own car to others), is fully insured, has roadside assistance, free parking at the airport, and carshare. Check out their Hidden Gems Pinterest board to scratch your travel itch as well as check out the cars you can rent through their program.

Hey, we're #2 on the BuzzFeed list of towns to run away to this fall!