EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE

If you are seeking a more wholesome and meaningful way of life for you and your family without sacrificing the recreational and cultural advantages of a larger city, the Peterborough area is the perfect blend of country charm, unsurpassed recreational opportunities, and an active
cultural community.

Recreation for all Ages

The Monadnock region is a year round recreational playground for all age groups. Located in the stunning geographic area of southwestern New Hampshire, Peterborough is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and beautiful rivers. Mount Monadnock, one of the most climbed mountains in the world, is the “backdrop” for Peterborough and the many towns and villages in southwest New Hampshire, which is often referred to as
the Currier and Ives corner of the State.

Summertime activities abound! Within a fifteen-mile radius of Peterborough there are over 20 lakes and ponds having public access for swimming and boating. Peterborough offers:

• two beautiful lakes, each with a public beach and boating access
• a picturesque six mile walking/biking path that follows the Contoocook River
• access to hundreds of miles of hiking trails within a short distance of downtown

The Monadnock region in the winter is a wonderland of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Skiing or snowboarding at nearby Crotched Mountain is a favorite past-time. Cross country skiing and snow shoeing are also popular activities.

Young athletes will appreciate Peterborough's wide range of organized youth programs, along with an expansive town recreation area. The recreation department supports local and travel sport programs, such as soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis and golf.

For the golf enthusiast, the Peterborough Country Club offers a nine hole executive course. Within 30 minutes of Peterborough, there are four 18-hole courses that offer a variety of levels.

The Arts

With the establishment of the MacDowell Colony in 1907 by Edward and Marian MacDowell, Peterborough has become a mecca for composers, authors and visual artists. Thornton Wilder wrote Our Town in 1933 while in residence at the MacDowell Colony.

Established in 1933, Peterborough Players is the oldest operating summer theater in the country and enjoys the reputation of being one of the country's finest summer theater groups. The nationally acclaimed Monadnock Music and Apple Hill Chamber Music offer some of the best classical music programs outside of Boston and New York.

The Monadnock region is also home to hundreds of artists and writers who fill the town's many art galleries and bookstores with their works. The Sharon Arts Center, with its fine art gallery, craft shop, and school of arts and crafts, is one of Peterborough's downtown treasures.

Community Happenings

Strong community participation is part of the uniqueness that sets Peterborough apart from other communities. The first Friday of every month is designated "First Friday" and is an evening celebration, with gallery openings, concerts, open shops, and lots of culinary delights. The annual springtime Children and the Arts Festival brings thousands of people to downtown Peterborough to experience youth theater, dance and music performances, and "Peak into Peterborough" is the annual fall foliage celebration. Early in December, the whole town comes out for the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting and festivities. These and many other events combine to create a rich social fabric that uniquely binds the community, so that even the newest arrival will feel a part of this friendly and active community.

Office of Business Development
P.O. Box 43
Peterborough, NH 03458

603-371-5100