Washington Post: New Hampshire #1 for Libraries

Of course this OpEd in the Washington Post refers to libraries in the entire state of New Hampshire.  However, the library in Peterborough received a special mention because it is the first tax supported library...in the world!!!

Old postcard image of Peterborough, NH Town Library

"One-Woman Bean-to-Bar Operation in Peterborough"

The Monadnock Region in the news...

The Boston Globe recently wrote an article featuring Neely Cohen and her recently opened chocolate shop named Vicuna Chocolate Factory.

Neely has a fascinating story of a journey that started in Peterborough and led her to New York, Israel, Chicago and South America before back home to Peterborough and her attention getting chocolate factory.  Read her story in the link provided above...or even better...make a trip to Peterborough and taste her fabulous chocolates and teas.

Spring Vacation: Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Some schools in the region have their spring break next week. What will you do with the kids? Here’s an idea: Become a tourist in your own hometown, commonly known as a "stay-cation"! After all, how many times have you said you’ve wanted to climb Mt. Monadnock, visit a local museum or even stay at a local B&B?

Here are some tips to making your hometown “stay-cation” a success:

1. 
Visit to your local Chamber of Commerce for guides and maps. You may think you know your town, but you'd be surprised by all that is new to see and explore.


2. Go to the local library. Libraries often have special discounted rates and good resources for children about your hometown
3. Go to a restaurant you've never tried.


4. Sign up for a tour – such as a walking tour, museum tour or historical tour.


5. Park the car and walk! It's amazing how different your familiar surrounding looks on foot.
6. Book a night at your local hotel or B&B. You can't imagine how thrilling it is for kids to spend the night just minutes from home but still a sleepaway
7. Take pictures, have your kids send postcards to their neighbors and friends. They may think you're a little crazy, but you'll have fun!

Sugaring Season is Right Around the Corner

Maple Syrup (and other maple products) might as well be one of the four major food groups...at least in New Hampshire and the exciting news is that the maple sugar season is just about here.  The precise date of the start of sugaring season varies from year to year (depending on the right combination of cold nights and above-freezing temperatures during the day).  However, sap houses are gearing up for the season which could start in the next few weeks (the season in the Monadnock Region runs roughly from mid-February to mid-April).

In the meantime, mark your calendars for the New Hampshire Maple Weekend which will be held this year on March 23 & 24, 2013. During that time, you can visit one of the many sugar houses that open their doors and give you the opportunity to become maple connoisseurs.  You can learn all about how maple sap is collected and the process by which it becomes syrup.  Learn about the different grades of syrup and sample many tasty treats made from the sweet delicious liquid.

Learn more about the New Hampshire Maple Weekend and participating Monadnock Region sugar producers.

Bookstore Tourism in the Monadnock Region

Travelers who are bibliophiles can’t help but wander into local bookstores when visiting a new place. Visiting an independent, used, or antiquarian bookstore is an exciting adventure for book lovers … the thrill of the “local authors” section, the delight in finding a rare book, and then there’s the relaxation of sitting down and reading the first page of a coveted hardcover.

According to Larry Portzline, the author of “Bookstore Tourism: The Book Addict's Guide to Planning & Promoting Bookstore Road Trips for Bibliophiles & Other Bookshop Junkies”, bookstore tourism is a growing grassroots travel niche that encourages book lovers to plan group trips to cities and towns with interesting, fun and unique independent bookshops.  “It taps into this thirst for literary adventure,” he writes. Portzline suggests combine your bookstore trip with other literary attractions, such as writing retreat centers, sites of well-known books and tours of famous authors’ homes.

Here are some bookstores along the way if you plan a literary adventure in the Monadnock Region. Asterisked (*) booksellers are open by appointment or by chance only, so make sure you call ahead. And don’t miss the upcoming “Round the Mountain Book Sale” on April 11-14, 2013. For more information about this sale and participating bookstores visit:

Aard Books*
31 Russell Ave., Troy NH
603-242-3638.

Bequaert Old Books*
37 Rt 119 W, Fitzwilliam, NH
603-585-3448

Callahan & Company Booksellers*
Rte. 123, Sharon, NH
603-924-3726

Eagle Books*
19 West St., Right off Central Square in Keene, NH

603-357-8721 


Homestead Books
221 East Main St. (Rt 101), Marlborough, NH

603-876-4213


Hurley Books, Inc.*

1752 Rte. 12, Westmoreland, NH 03467
603-399-4342 


Ray Boas, Bookseller*

On the Common, 44 Elm St., Walpole, NH 03608

603-756-9900


Ted Cole Books*
7 West Street, Antrim, NH 03440

Books also for sale at New Hampshire Antique Coop in Milford, NH
603-588-3145


The Book Preserve*
33 North Main St., Antrim, NH
603-588-4020


Toadstool Bookshops
3 Locations:
  12 Depot Sq., Peterborough, NH
  222 West St., Keene, NH
  586 Nashua St., Milford, NH


Winter Farmers’ Market

Just because the snow is falling and the ground is frozen solid doesn’t mean there isn’t fresh food at the farmers’ markets. While you won’t find local basil or tomatoes at a Monadnock Region winter farmers’ market, you will find lots of ingredients to make what you crave most this time of year – soups and stews. We’re talking potatoes, garlic, onions, turnips, rutabagas, celery root and carrots. Many farmers markets also sell meat, eggs and milk – and some sell wool products such as yarn and felt for winter crafting.

So visit a local winter farmers’ market during your winter stay in the Monadnock Region. You’ll go home with fresh ingredients for the comfort food you need this time of year.

Keene Winter Market
Colony Mill Marketplace (near Elm City Restaurant & Brewery entrance)
Saturdays (2nd & 4th of the month).
Nov. 10-Apr.27 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Milford Winter Market
Milford Town Hall
Saturdays (most 1st and 3rd of the month).
Oct. 20-Apr. 6 (10 a.m.-1 p.m.)

Peterborough Winter Market
Peterborough Community Center
Wednesdays, Oct. 17-Apr. 24 (3-6 p.m.)

Walpole Winter Market
Walpole Town Hall
3rd Saturday of the month.
Jan. 19-Apr. 20 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)

5 Local Gift Ideas for Your Last Minute Christmas Shopping

You’re all done with your Christmas shopping, right? No? Well, lucky you – there’s an extra weekend of holiday shopping this year.

Still, there are many of us at a loss for what to give our co-worker, neighbor or mother. Have no fear – there are plenty of ideas from the Monadnock Region’s independently-owned businesses. And, of course, there’s the added benefit of NH tax-free shopping!

Here are 5 gift ideas to get you officially “done” with your shopping this weekend:

1. Bee Line Skin Care, by S Formulators, a small bath and body company based in Henniker, NH. This line includes natural beeswax or honey, which helps soften and re-hydrate dry skin (we all need that in the winter!) The line includes skin mists, glycerin soaps, lip balms and soy lotion candles. Beautiful spa-like scents in lovely packaging. Available in downtown Keene at Hannah Grimes Marketplace, a treasure trove of local products.
2. A Fine Art Painting by Kristina Wentzell. Don’t think you could afford to give an original work of art? You can with fine artist Kristina Wentzell’s special holiday “100 paintings for $100 (or less).” Wentzell creates colorful and whimsical oil paintings of landscapes, fruit, birds, landscapes and flowers. Paintings range in size from 8”x8” (for $75-$100) down to 4”x4” (for $30). Her home studio is walking distance to downtown Keene.
3. Hand-Knit Wool Socks at Crescendo Acres Farm, Surry, NH. Who doesn’t appreciate some warm socks in the winter, especially a pair lovingly hand-knit by a farmer’s wife? These comfy socks are sheep’s wool or alpaca blend.  Price range is $25-35 per pair. A trip to the store in Surry could also give you more gift ideas – the farmers carry many unique items made from the farm’s fiber including snowmen, angels, cat toys, hats, mittens (also a hot item), shawls; plus local farm products including preserves, eggs, meat, mustards, breads, pies, honey and more.
4. A Gift Certificate to Your Favorite Monadnock Region B&B or Inn. The Monadnock Region is filled with a bed and breakfast or inn to suit individuals or families. Peruse our listings to find the best one for your gift-recipient's needs -- many have gift certificates available.
5. A Mail Basket by Peterboro Basket Company, Peterborough. This is one of the most popular baskets produced by this local company. It is hand-woven “one-of-a-kind” design with a leather handle on the back for hanging – can be used for mail, toiletries, dog leashes and more. Available in honey, cherry or natural stain and comes with the famous Peterboro brass medallion and lifetime warranty. On sale for $34 (buy 2 for $31 each).

Catch a Holiday Concert

Many local holiday concerts and chorus performance have already come and gone – but there are still three major ones coming up this weekend that are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. Two choral and one band performance – take your pick!

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Animaterra’s Winter Concert: Song of Soul

Animaterra is a women’s chorus that performs music of the world’s traditions. The group performs two winter concerts this weekend:

Saturday, December 15, 2012, 7:30-9 p.m. Saint James Episcopal Church, 44 West Street, Keene.
Sunday, December 16, 2012, 4-5:30 p.m. Union Congregational Church, 33 Concord St. (Rte. 202), Peterborough.

$10 for adults, $6 for children and seniors. 

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The Cheshiremen Chorus: A Holiday Festival of Harmony

The Cheshiremen Chorus sings in the barbershop harmony tradition. Their holiday concert features seasonal favorites performed by the chorus and quartets and a sing-along with the audience. A light reception follows the concert.

Saturday, December 15, 2012, 7 p.m. United Church of Christ, 23 Central Square, Keene.

$8 advance tickets, $10 at the door.

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Nelson Town Band’s Holiday Concert

A quintessential local town band made up of musicians of all ages from the town of Nelson. Its holiday concert features one hour of holiday music – with cookies served afterward.

Sunday, December 16, 2012, 4 p.m.

No charge.

O Christmas Tree: Cut Your Own Trees in the Monadnock Region

Sure, you can unceremoniously pick up a Christmas tree in a lot. Or buy an artificial tree.

But there’s something magical about going out to a tree farm, walking through rows of evergreens, selecting a special one, and sawing down your very own Christmas tree.  Add to that the crisp winter air, the beauty of the Monadnock Region scenery, hot chocolate, cider and homemade donuts and you have Christmas memories that will last a lifetime.

While many trees may have already been tagged by now (die-hard cut-your-own tree fans were already out at the farms early this fall picking their trees) there are still wonderful trees to be found, cut, tied to your car, and taken home. If you are from out of town you can select from many fine B&Bs and inns throughout the region to make cutting your tree a relaxing pre-Christmas weekend getaway.

Here’s a list of the popular cut-your-own tree farms in the Monadnock Region. You may want to call ahead for hours, refreshments available and availability of trees. Many farms will provide saws and roping free of charge.

Keene
Monadnock View Farm * 603-352-7892
Wright’s Tree Farm * 603-352-4033

Richmond
Windswept Mountain View Christmas Tree Farm * 603-239-4005

Rindge
Sunny Slopes Farm * 603-899-3169

Surry
Crescendo Acres * 603-352-9380

Walpole
Homestead Farms * 603-756-4800

Westmoreland
Farmstead Acres * 603-352-8730
Old Ciderpress Farm * 603-399-7210

Winchester
My Old Farm * 603-239-6751

8th Annual Currier and Ives Cookie Tour

Cookie tours are a delightful cross between trick-or-treating (without going through the trouble of dressing in a costume) and the thrill of house hunting (without the impending mortgage payment).

You get to tour the inside of an inn, bed and breakfast, store, library or historical society with your friends, see enchanting Christmas decorations and ideas for your home – AND you get a cookie treat (and a recipe card)! It doesn’t get any better than this.

The Monadnock Region’s Currier & Ives Cookie Tour – held this year on December 8, 2012 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. -- takes you on a 13-stop tour through the quintessentially New England towns of Fitzwilliam, Jaffrey, Rindge, Troy, Marlborough, Peterborough and Swanzey. Tickets are $10; a portion of this year's proceeds will be donated to the Santa's House of Jaffrey, which provides toys to local children in need.

Tour Stops include:
Little River Bed & Breakfast, Peterborough*
Paper & Roses, Peterborough
Anytime Apparel, Peterborough
The Woodbound Inn, Rindge*
Jaffrey Public Library (Santa’s House), Jaffrey
The Monadnock Inn, Jaffrey*
The Inn at East Hill Farm, Troy*
Common Collections, Troy
The Fitzwilliam Historical Society, Fitzwilliam
The Troy Historical Society, Troy*
Inn of the Tartan Fox, Swanzey
Swanzey Historical Society, Swanzey
Unbridled Chocolates, Marlborough

*Tickets can be purchased at these locations from November 26 through the day of the tour. Cash or check only.

A tour map will be printed on your ticket. You can begin the tour at any location. The average time between locations is about a 10 minute drive. Make sure you bring a cookie tin or container to store your cookies.

So pack up your friends, your sense of adventure, and have a great time touring great local establishments and tasting delicious homemade cookies!  Turn your cookie tour into an overnight or weekend getaway by staying at a local B&B or inn.

Leaf Peeping: An Epic Year?

Although New Englanders would like visitors to believe that each and every one of our leaf peeping seasons is a sight to behold, some foliage seasons (we quietly admit amongst ourselves) are better than others.

Last year was nothing to write home about. The colors were there (yes, still beautiful), but dominated by muted oranges and yellows. What we all wish for – and what characterizes a “spectacular” foliage season -- is the eye-popping “pow” of the reds.

What magical combination of weather events make this happen?

Colors from 2012

Yankee magazine meteorologist Jim Salge sheds some light on the best conditions for a great foliage season. In his blog post he writes:

“We know that the best years are made possible by a warm, reasonably wet spring, a moderate summer with adequate rainfall and an autumn season that features a dominance of warm, dry days and cool nights, with only occasional rainfall.”

So far, so good. And looking out our windows we can see that the result of this year’s magical weather formula is already turning many trees blazing red.

It may shaking out to be an epic foliage year in New England. Don’t miss it.

If you are in the Monadnock Region in this magical time of year, you may want to stop by Peterborough’s “Peak into Peterborough” at the height of the peeping season on October 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend the Saturday with your family browsing the town’s unique shops, restaurants and galleries. The town itself will welcome visitors with tent sales, a farmers’ market, hayrides, lives music and more.

Monadnock Region’s Public Forests

Many of us who live in the Monadnock Region have a deep connection with the surrounding forests – perhaps it’s because wherever you are in the area you’re never very far away from trees – lots of them.

New Hampshire, in fact, is the second most forested state in the nation (number one is Maine); forests are spread over 4.8 million acres – that’s 84 percent of the entire state.

Seems like an incredible statistic when you consider that deforestation on a global level is at an all time high (about 32 million acres of forest worldwide are destroyed every year – equal roughly in size to New York State) and that only 27 percent of the entire U.S. is forested land.

When staying at a Monadnock Region inn or B&B put on your hiking shoes and explore some of our beautiful and protected forest locations. It’s a perfect way to go “leaf peeping” during the fall season.

Fox State Forest * Hillsborough * 1,445 acres
This forest has been a State of New Hampshire research station since 1933. Open daily with more than 20 miles of trails for hiking and cross country skiing. The forest has an education center and farmhouse/office.

Shieling State Forest * Peterborough * 45 acres
Enjoy more than 2 miles of self-guided foot trails through valleys, tree-covered ridges and even a wildflower preserve. There is also a learning center with an exhibit area. Located ¼ mile south of the Monadnock Community Hospital in Peterborough. For more information call 603-271-2214.

Gap Mountain * Jaffrey/Troy * 1,100 acres
A fascinating 1.5 mile to the top that includes old cellar holes, apple trees, stone walls, meadows, and an old unfinished ski tow. At the top, enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Monadnock and enjoy picking wild blueberries in the summer.

Heald Tract * Wilton * 975 acres
This forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, birding, nature walks and picnicking. And, there’s plenty of wildlife to watch: moose, beaver, otter, hares, blue heron, fox and deer.

Madame Sherri Forest * West Chesterfield * 513 acres
The forest was named for an eccentric wealthy woman, Madame Antoinette Sherri, who worked as a costume designer for the Ziegfeld Follies in the 1920s and built her “castle” in the woods in West Chesterfield. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1962, but the foundation and grand stone staircase remain with the forest grown up all around it.

McCabe Forest * Antrim * 192 acres
This forest was once in danger of being developed into a golf course and/or a housing complex with river views. Instead, owner Dorothy McCabe deeded the land (and her home) in 1982 to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests to manage and protect. Today, you can walk along 2 mile loop of diverse and lovely trails through meadows and forests along the Contoocook River.

Monson Village * Wilton (but must be accessed through Hollis) * 215 acres
A 3-mile trail that is steeped in history: You’ll find a restored Colonial-era house, old cellar holes and stonewalls. Monson Village was New Hampshire’s first inland pioneer settlement.

And the list of Monadnock Region forests goes on!

Here are a few more forests you may want to explore if you happen to be staying in one of these Monadnock Region towns.  Make sure you ask your Monadnock Region inn or B&B host for more information and directions:

Alison Nims Piper Memorial Forest * Sullivan * 199 acres
Blaine Forest * Jaffrey * 167 acres
Olson Family Forest * Sullivan * 775 acres
Parker Hill Forest * Roxbury * 89 acres
Rumrill Family Forest * Stoddard * 89 acres
Stearns-Lamot Forest * Rindge * 123 acres
Stephens Forest * Wilton * 120 acres
Taves Forest * Roxbury/Marlborough * 175 acres
Thurston V. Williams Family Forest * Stoddard * 379 acres
Welch Family Farm Forest * Hancock * 120 acres

The MacDowell Colony: An Artists’ Retreat

If you happen to be an artist of any stripe – or a lover of the arts -- you already know that the MacDowell Colony is a special treasure in the Monadnock Region. The art colony, the oldest of its kind in the country located on 450 acres in Peterborough, is dedicated to nurturing the creative spirit of artists providing them with a stress and distraction-free environment in which to create.  The stays are free to artists who are selected in an application process (including housing and meals) – the only criterion for acceptance is artistic excellence.

Since the MacDowell Colony was founded in 1907 by Marian MacDowell, a pianist and wife of composer Edward MacDowell, the colony has hosted more than 6,000 artists – writers, poets, playwrights, visual artists, sculptors musicians and composers -- including legendary names such as Leonard Bernstein, Thornton Wilder, Aaron Copland, James Baldwin, Spalding Gray, Alice Walker and many more. The colony has supported in residence winners of at least 61 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Perhaps the most charming aspect of a colony artist’s stay is the lunches which are quietly hand-delivered in a basket to the doorstep of each of the 32 personal studios (breakfast and dinners are shared by the 20-30 artists in residence in a common dining room). The stays are a quiet, contemplative and often artistically productive retreat … one that artists relish as a pause from their busy lives to pursue -- without interruption -- their art.

While artists are on retreat, guests to the MacDowell Colony are welcome (with advance notice) to visit the Colony’s main building and the library, which houses the collected works of MacDowell Fellows in all media. You can also visit the MacDowells’ gravesite which is a registered historic marker, and is located down the road from the Colony.

Another public event, Medal Day (this year held on August 12, 2012) is when artists-in-residence open their studios to the public and an award is given to a resident artist who has shown to be outstanding in his or her field. This year the Edward MacDowell Medal will be awarded to photographer Nan Goldin. The ceremony begins at 12:15; lunch follows at 1:15 p.m. -- you can bring your own picnic lunch or purchase a basket for $20. The open studio tour is from 2-5 p.m.
The Colony also hosts MacDowell Downtown, a series of free artist presentations offered on the first Friday of the month from March through November at 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Historical Society in downtown Peterborough. Each season features several MacDowell artists who volunteer to share their work with the local community at a public presentation which have included film screenings, readings, visual presentations and more. These are free and open to all.

Treasure Hunting in the Monadnock Region

After watching the Antiques Roadshow, you can’t help but fantasize that a sweet little ceramic bowl you picked up for a buck or a wood armoire you got for a steal will fund your retirement or put your kid through college.

While finding priceless treasure is a rarity (even Roadshow guests are sometimes disappointed), the thrill of the antiquing is still a wonderful pastime.

If you are in the Monadnock Region this summer, you might want to spend a rainy day or two trying your luck in the region’s many antique haunts – from shows to shops to dealers and auctioneers. You never know what treasures you might uncover!

One of the most well known antiquing opportunities in the Monadnock Region happens every year in the historic town of Fitzwilliam and this year is no exception.  Saturday, July 21st is the 37th Annual Fitzwilliam Historical Society Antiques Show & Sale held on the town commons with more than fifty dealers invited.  A special exhibit, "Wedding Bells", will be presented in the Amos J. Blake House Museum during this time. Admission to the Museum is free and tours are conducted by trained docents.

In addition to the Fitzwilliam Show, here are some of the shops you may want to include in your tour around the region:

Fitzwilliam is worth a special trip for its nine antique shops in town – including Dennis and Dad,  which specializes in 18th and 19th  century English ceramics and Macreay Landy, which collects unusual architectural hardware, wrought iron, oil lamps and fireplace equipment.

Head northeast from Fitzwilliam to Peterborough and you’ll find five antique shops in town, all with a different focus. Bowerbird & Friends on Depot Square sells antiques, gifts and plants for the home and garden … and don’t miss their fabulous collection of antique children’s books. Visit Grove & Main Antiques on Grove Street for their intriguing mix of French and Swedish enamelware including body pitchers and turn-of-the-century lunch pails and more. Murray’s Home Again on the corner of Routes 101 and 123 sells an eclectic mix of household and garden items, check out their Facebook Page where they update new items almost daily.

If you happen to be staying the western part of the Monadnock Region, check out the several antique shops in Walpole. Of note is Robin Fernsell Antiques on School Street, where Robin sells folk art, furniture, art work and accessories for the home. And for the dog and horse lover, take a side trip to Dog and Pony Show on the outskirts of town on Country Road, located in a horse barn. Their collection of horse- and dog-related items date from the late 18th to the first quarter of the 20th century and include porcelain, pottery, metal ware, prints, paintings and home furnishing. They also sell custom-made needlepoint dog collars for your furry friends.

Have fun treasure hunting in the Monadnock Region and let us know what you find! For a complete list of the Monadnock Region’s antique shops, visit the Monadnock B&B Association's website and listing of Antiques stores all across the region.

It Takes a Village … to Hold a Music Festival

Actually it takes many villages – more than a dozen -- in the Monadnock Region to host the annual summer Monadnock Music Festival. The village concert festival – now in its 46th year -- is a series of free classical music concerts set in intimate New England venues – from town halls to churches to historic meeting houses.

“What has always made Monadnock Music special is the intimacy of our venues and the quality and range of offerings across a spectrum of periods, styles and genres,” says William Chapman, executive director of Monadnock Music.

The 2012 summer festival season – July 6-August 11 -- brings some rising stars and renowned artists; selections include a season-long examination of the works of Virgil Thomson, the return of opera, Sanford Sylvan and Appalachian Spring. At the helm of the season is Monadnock Music’s new artistic director, Gil Rose, the former artistic director of Boston Modern Orchestra Project and Opera Boston, and a three-time Grammy Award nominee.

The concert series is a perfect excuse to catch a world-class concert, and explore some old New England villages in the Monadnock Region such Peterborough, Harrisville, Wilton, Francestown, Walpole, Jaffrey and Dublin.  It is also a way to get to know village residents, who come out in droves to support the concert series; the goal of the concert series, after all, say organizers, is to make classical music accessible to people in rural areas.

So, this summer, spend a day (or night) in some of the Monadnock Region’s most picturesque towns – and listen to some beautiful music.   Complete your evening of classical music with an overnight stay at one of our many wonderful local B&Bs or inns.

Here’s the lineup:

Note: Village Concerts are free, other concerts require ticket purchase; visit Monadnock Music  for details and reservations.

Friday, July 6, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
OPENING NIGHT

Monadnock Sinfonietta performs music commissioned by Martha Graham

Sunday, July 8, 3:00 pm – Harrisville Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players

Wednesday, July 11, 7:30 pm – Deering Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Irina Muresanu (violin), Rob Auler (piano)

Friday, July 13, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest Artist: Claremont Trio

Sunday, July 15, 3:00pm – Wilton Center Unitarian Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players

Wednesday, July 18, 7:30 pm – Keene Ahavas Achim Synagogue
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Hirsch-Pinkas Duo (pianos), 
Jonathan Hess, Robert Schulz (percussion)

Friday, July 20, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest artist: Alan Feinberg (piano)

Sunday, July 22, 3:00 pm – Francestown Old Meeting House
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players

Wednesday, July 25, 7:30 pm – Temple Community Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest artists: Terry Everson (trumpet), Scott Jarett (organ)

Thursday, July 26, 7:30 pm – Sullivan Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: F. A. E. Duo, Nicholas DiEugenio (violin), Chi-Chen Wu (fortepiano)

Sunday July 29, 3:00 pm – Keene Colonial Theatre
Opera Celebration (tickets required)
Guest Artists: Heather Buck (soprano), James Maddalena (baritone), Frank Kelley (tenor), Aaron Engebreth (baritone); directed and conducted by Gil Rose

Wednesday, August 1, 7:30 pm – Hancock Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players with Krista River

Thursday, August 2, 7:30 pm – Washington Congregational Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players

Saturday, August 4, 7:30 pm – Peterborough Town House
Town House Concert (tickets required)
Guest Artists: Sanford Sylvan (baritone), David Breitman (fortepiano)

Sunday, August 5, 3:00 pm – Walpole Unitarian Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Players

Wednesday August 8, 7:30 pm – Jaffrey Center
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Quartet

Friday, August 10, 7:30 pm – Peterborough All Saints’ Church
Village Concert (free)
Guest Artists: Lorelei Ensemble

Saturday, August 11, 3:00pm – Dublin Emmanuel Church
Village Concert (free)
Monadnock Quartet

Secret Gardens

For a gardener, there is something enticing about a “secret garden” … those home gardens that you might catch a small but inviting glimpse of an arbor, the turn of stone path, a flower bed alive with color.   For us avid gardeners, it takes every ounce of restraint not to edge in and take a closer peek.

The best way to indulge the voyeuristic gardener in us – and to get new ideas for your own garden – is to go on a garden tour. The most popular garden tour in the Monadnock Region is the annual Secret Gardens of Keene.

The Secret Gardens of Keene tour, hosted by the Cheshire Housing Trust, is held this year (rain or shine) on June 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The tour is actually a successful fundraiser for the nonprofit organization to support its mission to provide affordable housing for moderate- to low-income families (the Cheshire Housing Trust runs 63 affordable apartments or rooms in Keene, Marlborough and Hinsdale).

Each year the tour features new gardens throughout Keene – from traditional landscapes to more eclectic gardening styles. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $12 each at various locations throughout the region, or purchased at the day of the tour for $15 at Ashuelot River Park (273 West Street in Keene).

Once the Secret Gardens of Keene tour day is over, make sure you mark your calendar for The Garden Conservancy’s “Open Days” which will be held twice this year in the Monadnock Region.

The Garden Conservancy’s Monadnock Region Open Days:

• June 30, 2012, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A tour of four exquisite private family gardens in Peterborough, Harrisville and Nelson. 
• July 1, 2012, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tour includes gardens in Walpole, Alstead Center and nearby Wilmington, Vt.

Here are some tips for attending a garden tour:

• Stay on the paths. Don’t ever wander into a garden bed.
• Never take any seeds, seedlings or plants without permission.
• Don’t stop in the middle of the pathway – if you want to linger to admire a plant or take photographs let other visitors pass you.
• Don’t go into any roped off areas for any reason.
• Carpool to each location with friends in order to reduce traffic and pollution.
• Thank the host at each stop – it is a lot of work getting a garden ready to be viewed by the general public.

The best way to enjoy a garden tour is with your family or a group of friends. If you are from outside the Monadnock Region, book an overnight stay at a B&B or inn to get an early jump on the tour; and take a break during the middle of the day with lunch at one of the many Monadnock Region’s restaurants.