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Arrive in Keene NH on Friday evening, and check into the EF Lane Hotel on Main Street. The EF Lane is a new hotel with facilities to accommodate children, located in the center of this quaint New England town. Prices are reasonable, and the best restaurants are within easy walking distance. Dine in at the hotel this evening, or walk to any number of restaurants on Main Street : Lucas Mediterranean Cafe, The Stage, Margaritas, and 176 Main Street Restaurant all cater to children as well as adults.
On Saturday, wake up early and send the husband and kids to hike nearby Mount Monadnock, located 20 minutes away in Peterborough NH. A moderately challenging hike, perfect for children, takes you to the top of the most climbed mountain in the world! Chipmunks scurry on the trail ahead of you, and the view of the valley from the summit is sublime, especially in autumn. On your way back to Keene, stop at Otter Brook Dam to let the kids skip stones or splash at the water's edge.
While the kids are away, mom shall...shop, of course! The Colony Mill Marketplace, on West Street in Keene, is less than 10 minutes walking from the hotel. A quaint collection of stores, you'll find clothing, kitchen supplies, local handicrafts, books, and more at reasonable prices every day. There's just nothing quite like it!
Dine at Elm City Brewery for lunch (try a pint of their Pumpkin Ale in the fall), and then spend your afternoon walking around Ashuelot River Park, just across the street. Nicely sculpted lawns and naturalized paths lead your feet around the river and past restored wetlands, with plenty of benches perfect for reading a nice book in the sun. Return to the hotel to meet your husband and kids for an early dinner, and catch a show at the Colonial Theatre. Before turning in at night, walk to Central Square and catch some live music in the summer; or, all year around, look at the "Parish Shoes" sign left behind from the filming of "Jumanji".
Before leaving town on Sunday, enjoy a breakfast fit for kings at Lindy's Diner, just off Main Street near Railroad Square. Gawk at the famous people, from ex-presidents to movie stars, who have frequented this diner since 1989. Take the kids to the Piazza for the best ice cream sundaes in the state, and let them work off the energy at Stonewall Farm, a local organic educational farm that offers tours, activities, and more. Before departing, be sure to pick up some New England Maple Syrup at Hannah Grimes marketplace, and snap a few photos of this lovely New England town, Keene NH. |
