10 Things to Do in the Monadnock Region

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1. Climb the Twins
   There are two "Monadnocks" in the Monadnock region. Mount Monadnock in Jaffrey, which is considered one of the most-climbed mountains in the world and the lesser known "Pack Monadnock," located in Peterborough's Miller State Park. Although the 2,290' Pack Monadnock is the smaller of the two, it is less popular so you'll encounter less traffic. But, it's also (perhaps) a bit more steep in places. The view from the top of either mountain is worth the hike. On Pack Monadnock, you'll find a 27' fire tower that offers views as far away as Boston on a clear day. The bigger Monadnock comes in at 3,165' and offers 40 miles of well-maintained trails. We say tackle them both. Feeling lazy, take the auto road at Pack Monadnock. It leads to the summit and a picnic area at the top.
   


2. Measure Twice
   Your senses will come alive at Frye's Measure Mill in Wilton, where the smell of freshly planed wood lingers and a history of craftsmanship and ingenuity is honored. The mill has been producing Shaker and Colonial boxes since 1858, when a young man by the name of Daniel Cragin purchased a small building on the property of the Putnam Bobbin Factory. The enterprising young man began making knife trays, toys and "dry measures." The mill acquired hydroelectric power in the 1850s, when water power began to be used for manufacturing. Today the mill is on the Register of Historic Places. But the work continues, and a gift shop onsite carries reproduction boxes from the Shaker Village in Canterbury. Take a historic tour of their water-powered shop and see how the boxes were made, what kind of tools are used, and how water power was harnessed from nearby ponds.
   


3. Make It to Mason
   You'll want to go to Mason for the pancakes at Parker's Maple Barn, but if you're there in the early spring, you can watch them create maple syrup in their wood-fired sugar house. While you wait for breakfast (served all day), wander around in their gift shop. It's worth the ride to town. While you in town, stop over at Pickety Place and take a peek at the bookstore onsite. The cottage was the inspiration for the book, "Little Red Riding Hood," and a museum is also housed here. Make the most of your trip to Mason and wander down Route 123 to see the historic Uncle Sam's House. The house is the boyhood home of Samuel Wilson, who became known as "Uncle Sam." Wilson's likeness was used in the famous "I Want You!" army recruiting poster in WWI. A plaque points out the spot. Wilson's grave can be found at the Oakwood Cemetery in nearby Troy.
   


4. Water Under the Bridges
   Take a scenic drive through the Monadnock Region's many covered bridges. There are four of them in the Town of Swanzey, and we suggest you take tour through all four. The bright red Slate Bridge was rebuilt in 1993, after the original (c. 1800) was lost to a fire. The West Swanzey Bridge located on Main Street, is closed to traffic but a covered sidewalk will take you across on foot. The Carleton Bridge was originally built around 1789 and later rebuilt in 1869. And, the Sawyer's Crossing Bridge, located off Route 32, was built in 1771 and reconstructed in 1859. All four bridges span the Ashuelot River.
   


5. Backpack Wapack
   The Wapack National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north side of Pack Monadnock Mountain. The refuge is home to migrating hawks and other wildlife. It was New Hampshire's first refuge. Wapack contains 1,672 acres of wilderness and the 21-mile Wapack Trail, which offers panoramic views of surrounding mountains. You can access the trail from the parking lot at Miller State Park and Old Mountain Road at its northern edge.
   


6. Dine Al Fresco at Luca's
   Luca's Mediterranean Cafe in Keene is well-known for its quaint atmosphere, and its artsy and elegant urban dishes like Ahi Tuna en Croute and Shrimp Cilantro. Owner Gianluca "Luca" Paris, who came to the United States from Italy, grew up in New York. His restaurant serves up flavors from Italy, but also from places like Spain and Greece and France. It has been named "Best Restaurant in the Region" by NH Magazine for 2006, and rated "Best Fine Dining Restaurant in New Hampshire" in 2005. Why not check it out for yourself? And, don't forget dessert!
   


7. Pick a Pitcher of Blueberries
   Pick wild blueberries at Pitcher Mountain, a fire tower peak in Stoddard that offers excellent views of Mount Monadnock in the distance from the ledges and 2,163' bare summit. Also on the summit are thousands of blueberry bushes. The blueberries have flourished atop Pitcher Mountain after a 1941 forest fire wiped out all of the mountaintop vegetation, providing the rich soil required to grow blueberries. While most of the land at the top is state owned, some of the land is privately owned by the Faulkner Family, who also own Pitcher Mountain Farm and its long-haired Scottish Highland cattle. Leave a donation for blueberries in the box at the trailhead, which can be reached via Route 123. The best time to pick blueberries is mid-July through Labor Day.
   


8. Visit the Bakery
   Bellow's House Bakery, New Hampshire's largest mail order bakery, offers tours of their facility so you can watch them make all their delicious cookies, brownies and other yummy confections. Tours run Monday through Thursday from 9am to noon and 1 to 3pm. Every visitor gets a free sample. Their cookies come in two sizes, 2.25" and a jumbo size of ¼ pound. Try the Mike Chocolate Butterscotch or Triple Chocolate Chunk. Their brownies and blondies feature flavors like Macaroon and Caramel Pecan, Butterscotch Chip and Milk Chocolate Caramel Nut. Delicious. You can find the bakery on Church Street in North Walpole.
   


9. Shop at the Colony
   The Colony Mill Marketplace in Keene is a converted textile mill that was originally built in 1838. It produced fine woolen garments, including uniforms for Union troops during the Civil War. It was converted into a shopping district in 1983. Since this is an area of the state without Shopping Malls and major commercial shopping districts, the Marketplace offers something for everyone, while still maintaining the character of the region. You'll find the candy shop, Ye Goodie Shop, the popular Toadstool Bookshop, several gift shops, clothing stores and restaurants. You'll find the Colony Mill Marketplace right off Main Street.
   


10. Rhododendron Reverie
    The best time to visit the 16-acre grove at Rhododendron State Park in Fitzwilliam is mid-July, when the fragrant clusters of flowers burst into bloom. A wildflower trail within the 2,723-acre park is in perpetual bloom from early spring through fall. The trail runs adjacent to the Rhododendron grove, which is the largest in New England. Gardeners will admire the setting, and bird lovers will appreciate hearing the songbirds that make their home here. You can find the park on Route 119W.