There's no greater trigger for self loathing than mindless scrolling through the depths of the internet. Occasionally, though, you can stumble on something that actually enriches your life (ahem) and last year, as I perused my usual standards (Design Sponge, Design Mom, Apartment Therapy) a lone comment on a random article struck a chord: "You should checkout Bowerbird & Friends in Peterborough, NH". So I did, because the internet told me to, and for once, the internet was right. Bowerbird & Friends and the town of Peterborough have become monthly staples for me. If ABC Home, Anthropologie, Ikea, Garnet Hill, Orvis, and Dean and Deluca founded a town together, it would look a lot like Peterborough. Read on to learn more about the shopping, eating, hiking, skiing, and of course, the staying.
As you drive into Peterborough you are greeted by a tasteful sign that whispers, "Welcome to Peterborough. A Good Town To Live In." In New England speak, that means "This PLACE IS FREAKING AWESOME." Both are true.
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Soon after moving to Keene I was lucky enough to meet Desha Peacock, founder of Sweet Spot Style and best selling author of Your Creative Workspace and Create the Style You Crave on a Budget You Can Afford: The Sweet Spot Guide to Home Decor. Over a hearty salad and smoothies, she listened as I struggled to articulate my professional goals, and she very kindly recommended I read Elizabeth Gilbert's book, Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear. Here I was, sitting in a vegetarian cafe in Brattleboro Vermont, being gifted with handmade textiles, essential oils, and an Elizabeth Gilbert book recommendation. My inner cynic definietly had her ears piqued, but my inner cynic is also kind of a soul-sucking pain the ass, so I took the advice to heart and drove straight to my local library. The truth is, that meeting and that book have a lot to do with how I summoned the courage to write stories like the one you are reading right now, because as Ms. Gilbert so rightly articulates, "Creative living is a path for the brave."
Since the summer of 2017, Keene, NH is my hometown, and it never fails to surprise me. It's been featured, rather hilariously, on John Oliver, was the setting for the original Jumangi, and nearly every day, a handful of protesters populate the town center to renounce war, pollution, and violence. It's a college town, hosting both Keene State and Antioch University, but also a quaint New England experience. I feel lucky to live here.
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AuthorI started Weekends Arounds to marry my passion for hospitality and interior design with my love of New England. Because lodging has the greatest impact on a travel experience, I only feature Airbnbs, home rentals, and hotels that I have personally visited (and on my own dime and time - always). I’ll share all my detailed itineraries, photography, and recommendations so that you, too, can experience this beautiful part of the world. Archives
June 2018
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