Peterborough

Travel Guide
Peterborough featuring fall colors
Home to an art colony and one of America’s oldest basket companies, this idyllic town in New Hampshire was also the inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town.

Historic New England meets a thriving arts scene in Peterborough, New Hampshire. See its charming red-brick town centre and gorgeous natural surroundings that have made the town a favourite among tourists.

Start your tour of downtown at the Peterborough Historical Society. Check out the 18th-century kitchen and learn about local history through its series of rotating exhibits.

The sprawling brick Peterborough Town Library, supported by soaring white columns, is an iconic building. Established in 1833, it also has the distinction of being the country’s oldest tax-supported public library. When you enter the library, look up. The veranda’s ceiling is adorned with a mural depicting a beautiful Contoocook River scene.

Peterborough was the inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-winning play about small-town America, Our Town. Look for Grove Street, very similar in name to Grover’s Corners, the fictional setting for the play.

Browse the shops and galleries of Depot Square, Peterborough’s retail hub. Have lunch in one of its restaurants. Peterborough Diner has hosted numerous presidential candidates on the campaign trail.

Continue your shopping at Peterboro Basket Company, which has been producing handcrafted wooden baskets since 1854. It is one of the oldest continuously operating basket companies in the United States.

Immerse yourself in New Hampshire’s scenic beauty at Miller State Park. Climb to the top of Pack Monadnock. To enjoy the mountain’s stunning views without the hike, drive along the paved road leading to its summit.

MacDowell Art Colony, just outside town, has been operating for over 100 years. Make an appointment to see works of MacDowell Fellows in the Eugene Coleman Savidge Library. The site also hosts events throughout the year.

Despite its small size, Peterborough has a large cultural scene, regularly hosting concerts, art festivals, plays and dance shows. Whether you come for a special event or just want to explore, you’re sure to leave this charming town wearing a smile.

Riverhouse by Weekender (Formerly Jack Daniels Inn)
Riverhouse by Weekender (Formerly Jack Daniels Inn)
2.5 out of 5
80 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH
The price is RM526 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM526
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peterborough. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (318 reviews)
"Nice clean rooms and comfortable beds"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Riverhouse by Weekender (Formerly Jack Daniels Inn)
Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA
Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA
3.5 out of 5
150 Great Wolf Dr, Fitchburg, MA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM942 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
RM942
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly resort in Fitchburg. Enjoy free parking, 4 indoor pools, and free water park access. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (648 reviews)
"The water park was very clean so being barefoot was ok. The rooms were comfortable. The chooses of food was good."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Leominster
Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Leominster
4 out of 5
99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA
The price is RM698 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
RM698
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Leominster. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
Very pleasant stay.
"Was a great stay. Easy in easy out. Staff was extremely pleasant and our room was comfy and clean. I left my wedding bands behind and went back to get them. A staff member had already had them in a bag ready to turn in all labeled. Thanks for a great stay."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Leominster
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
3.5 out of 5
Weare
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Weare. Enjoy free parking, a porch, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions Pats Peak and Eaton's Magic Morsel are located ...
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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