What could be better than summer in New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region? Nothing! 

Of course, we’re biased when it comes to our home region, but who isn’t? The Monadnock Region has some of the most gorgeous natural scenery around. Apart from the mountain itself, there are plenty of lakes, rivers, trails, small towns, and farms to lose yourself in as you take in all the season has to offer.

To celebrate summer’s arrival, we’ve put together a small list of things you can do that will get your summer started off right. So grab your berry picking pails and pack your hiking shoes because we’re off!

Strawberry Picking at Barrett Hill Farm 

A fully-operating, multi-generational family farm in Mason, NH, Barrett Hill Farm is as idyllic a New England farm setting as you can get. With enormous barns, pastures, a daily farm stand, and plenty of livestock to keep you and the family entertained, Barrett Hill makes for a perfect introduction to the summer season. And what could be a clearer sign of summer than strawberries? 

Starting in early June every year, Barrett Hill Farm operates a pick-your-own berries patch. It’s open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and visitors can meander through the strawberry patch, hunting for perfectly ripe, brilliantly red berries. We challenge you to come up with a better way to welcome summer than strawberry shortcake made with fresh local berries.

The farm is also hosting a special Strawberry Dinner on June 30, with a menu built around this star fruit for the season. If you miss this one, don’t fret. The farm hosts several farm-to-table dinners throughout the summer, though this one in June is the only one that’s strawberry themed. 

Visit the “Mountain as Muse” Exhibit 

Tucked in the heart of downtown Keene, NH, The Historical Society of Cheshire County is the region’s chief historical resource. Filled with artifacts, photos, and memorabilia stretching back to the founding of the county in the 1700s, the Society’s mission is to promote the study of history, and inspire future generations with its stewardship. (Our Regional Director, Julie Pearson, is actually a proud member of their board!)

For this season, there could hardly be a more fitting way to inspire love of the region than the “Mountain as Muse” exhibit. Through August 30 at the Putnam Exhibit Hall, the exhibit showcases 200 years of artists’ attempts to capture the essence of Mount Monadnock. Whether on canvas, in words, or in song, the art on display at the exhibit shares the mountain as its common inspiration. The goal is to honor the famous landmark, as well as the artists (many of them local), and the meaning behind their work. 

Exhibit hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the first and third Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is $5 and free for Historical Society Members. 

Walk The Common Pathway through Peterborough 

The town that inspired Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning play “Our Town” is not without its downtown charm. But beyond the wonderful restaurants and shops, the trails that wind through Peterborough show a wilder side visitors might not know too much about. So why not stretch your legs or dust off the bike and take to one of the many trails in town. 

One of the easiest and most walked is The Common Pathway, which runs 6.5 miles north from Noone Falls to the Old Railway Trail. The pathway winds along the iconic Contoocook River, which brings you into the heart of downtown Peterborough. Enjoy some shopping or a snack as you walk through town before heading onto more pastoral settings once you work down Summer Street. 

The Common Pathway is an easy and accessible walk that anyone can partake in. (Note: The only spot that can be tricky is the intersection between NH routes 101 and 202. This area has recently finished construction, so you’ll need to utilize crossing signals and sidewalks to cross safely.) 

Enjoy a Day on the Water at Monadnock Paddle 

Just off Route 12 in the town of Fitzwilliam, Monadnock Paddle has just entered another season as a kayak and canoe rental facility. With a sweeping view of Scott Brook and Mount Monadnock, you could hardly ask for a more beautiful place to go paddling. They also offer space for a picnic and easy entry into the water. What a great way to take in the beauty of nature up close! 

Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monadnock Paddle offers a variety of affordable rental rates for kayaks and canoes. Paddles and lifejackets, as well as snacks, water, and apparel are available at the small cabin office onsite. The waters of Scott Brook are easy to navigate and very gentle, making a paddle there easy even for the most green of beginners. You can also rent kayaks or canoes to use in other local bodies or water with drop-off and pickup available.

Take it All in at Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail

Distant Hill in Walpole, NH is truly a gem of an outdoor resource in the Monadnock Region. It includes 155 acres and features two distinct nature experiences. The first is the Nature Trail, a two-mile network of gravel trails accessible to both wheelchairs and strollers. There are an additional three miles of hiking trails that are also available for daily use at no cost. 

In the Gardens, stroll two acres of shrubs and native plants encircling an efficient, passive solar home. There are over 450 labeled plants, a raised-bed garden with veggies, a pond and water feature, incredible stone work, and metal sculptures throughout the space. May through October, the public is welcome to come and meander. You can also find lots of intriguing workshops related to the environment, horticulture, wellness, and nature during this season. If you’ve never been here before, you’re in for a real treat! 

Can you tell we love the place we call home? It’s more than just the great outdoors that gets us excited about the Monadnock Region. It’s also the vibrant community we have here. That’s why, for over 40 years, Masiello Employment Services has been connecting talented job seekers and amazing local businesses to help build a thriving local economy. If you’re interested in learning more about our services, call 603 358 1000 or visit our offices in beautiful Keene, NH. We look forward to seeing you!