HotelTonight – Nearby Keene Hotels
Keene, New Hampshire is a small, idyllic town that probably isn't on most travelers' radars. That's unfortunate, though, since Keene is one of the loveliest New England towns I've ever visited. To be honest, though, Keene wasn't on my must-visit list, either. I actually ended up in the town due to an unplanned road trip detour, but that detour was the best thing to happen to me on the trip, because it led me to Keene. Luckily, I always try to stay flexible when I travel, which is why HotelTonight is my favorite travel resource. I always know that I can book last-minute hotels in a matter of minutes through HotelTonight. So as soon as I knew I was going to be spending some time in Keene, I didn't hesitate. I pulled up my HotelTonight app and found a great hotel in Keene, New Hampshire in just a few taps on my phone. Just like that, I was ready to get out and start exploring the beautiful little town of Keene for myself.
Central Square
I purposely chose a hotel near downtown Keene so that I could access some of the town's best restaurants and shops on foot. I immediately discovered that downtown Keene is full of charm and character. It feels like the quintessential, quaint New England village, with a mix of old-time shops and popular restaurants. Central Square is the center of activity in downtown, as it's not only a large, gorgeous public square, but it's also where the town hosts most of its events and festivals. Plus, it's smack dab in the middle of Main Street, so there are countless eateries and shops to enjoy nearby.
The Rail Trail
Since I was visiting Keene in the early fall months, I was able to enjoy gorgeous weather and stunning natural scenery. I wanted to spend as much time outdoors as possible, so I took the advice of some locals and checked out the Cheshire Rail Trail, a 42-mile long trail that runs from Keene to Winchester. It's a locally beloved spot for mountain biking, hiking and even horseback riding. I chose to rent a bike and explore the trail on two wheels, and it led me through some breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery.
Hannah Grimes Marketplace
I'm a big proponent of supporting local artists and artisans when I travel. I hate shopping at major retailers just because they're "familiar" to me. So when I discovered the Hannah Grimes Marketplace, I was thrilled. This unique market only sells locally made products and food, so I was able to purchase some truly special souvenirs, such as locally made maple syrup and handmade jewelry. By wandering through the Hannah Grimes Marketplace, I got a great feel for the local artistic culture and lifestyle of Keene.
Stonewall Farm
I try to avoid doing anything too touristy when I travel, but several locals informed me that I had to visit Stonewall Farm. It wasn't just a popular spot for tourists, they assured me – locals love visiting the farm, too. The Stonewall Farm is a working dairy farm that is free to visit for the public, and this beautiful farm sells their own products, offers great hiking and biking trail, and provides the perfect combination of natural scenery and delicious food. I was able to feast on some of the best, freshest food I've ever had, and then take a nice stroll along the property. The experience proved to be one of the most memorable parts of my stay in Keene.
Mount Monadnock
There is so much gorgeous nature in New Hampshire that I was almost overwhelmed by it all. This is definitely a perfect destination for outdoors lovers, because there are so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors while in Keene. One of my favorite outdoor adventures was hiking Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the country. Even though it's a mountain, it's a fairly easy climb, so you don't have to train extensively for the hike. The best part is that it ends with a view that will take your breath away. There's no better way to see New Hampshire than from the top of a mountain.
HotelTonight – Fantastic Hotels in Keene New Hampshire
Keene, New Hampshire is easily one of my favorite small towns. This pretty little New England town is brimming with charm and warmth, and it wasn't hard for me to understand why the locals love their town so much. You would love where you live too if your town was surrounded by such gorgeous natural scenery. I had a blast exploring Keene and the surrounding countryside, and my time in Keene wouldn't have been nearly as fun or as pleasant if it weren't for HotelTonight, which helped me find the perfect Keene hotel at a moment's notice. Traveling has never been easier now that I have HotelTonight at my fingertips.