Peterborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Peterborough showing a house and autumn colours
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 center and gorgeous natural surroundings that have made the town a favorite 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 AU$263 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
AU$263
includes taxes & fees
5 Nov - 6 Nov
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peterborough. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (358 reviews)
"Way overpriced for the quality of the facilities. Outdated room interior, decent bed/beddings, noise from the road nearby can be wake you up at night."

Reviewed on 30 Sep. 2024

Riverhouse by Weekender (Formerly Jack Daniels Inn)
Spacious Estate With Mtn Views! Private Setting, Great Family Home!!
Spacious Estate With Mtn Views! Private Setting, Great Family Home!!
Peterborough
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Sharon Arts Center and Ava Marie Handmade ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Annual reunion
"House was large and comfortable with space for everyone. Enjoyed dinners with our group around the dining table. Kitchen is older but works. Played a charades-type game in the living room one evening. Peterborough wonderful for eats, walking and shopping."

Reviewed on 7 Oct. 2024

Spacious Estate With Mtn Views! Private Setting, Great Family Home!!
Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA
Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA
3.5 out of 5
150 Great Wolf Dr, Fitchburg, MA
The price is AU$363 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$363
includes taxes & fees
3 Nov - 4 Nov
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly resort in Fitchburg. Enjoy 4 indoor pools, free water park access, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (806 reviews)
"Great stay"

Reviewed on 28 Oct. 2024

Great Wolf Lodge Boston / Fitchburg, MA
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.
Spacious Estate With Mtn Views! Private Setting, Great Family Home!!
Spacious Estate With Mtn Views! Private Setting, Great Family Home!!
Peterborough
Stay at this vacation home in Peterborough. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Sharon Arts Center and Ava Marie Handmade ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Annual reunion
"House was large and comfortable with space for everyone. Enjoyed dinners with our group around the dining table. Kitchen is older but works. Played a charades-type game in the living room one evening. Peterborough wonderful for eats, walking and shopping."

Reviewed on 7 Oct. 2024

Spacious Estate With Mtn Views! Private Setting, Great Family Home!!
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
2.5 out of 5
Weare
Stay at this apartment in Weare. Enjoy free parking and in-room fireplaces. Popular attraction Pats Peak is located nearby.
Rustic Waterfront Cottage w/ Fire Pit & Kayaks
Cozy Lakeside Year Round Retreat ☀️🛶 🎣 🏊 🍁 🎃 🍎 🎿🏂 ❄️  & 🐾 are welcome 😊
Cozy Lakeside Year Round Retreat ☀️🛶 🎣 🏊 🍁 🎃 🍎 🎿🏂 ❄️ & 🐾 are welcome 😊
Hillsboro
Stay at this vacation home in Hillsboro. Enjoy free WiFi, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Eaton's Magic Morsel and Franklin ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Perfect getaway
"Very clean, all the comforts of home. We loved sitting out and enjoying the lake."

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2024

Cozy Lakeside Year Round Retreat ☀️🛶 🎣 🏊 🍁 🎃 🍎 🎿🏂 ❄️ & 🐾 are welcome 😊
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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