The Keene center is about the area of Mariposa Museum and the area of Keene State College.
No matter what time of year you visit Keene, there's always something to do. Not every season caters to every activity, however, so it's best to know what you can expect beforehand. The high travel season can also push hotel prices up, so be wary of that as well.
The temperature fluctuates quite a bit in Keene, depending on the season. Summers are fairly warm with highs in July pushing 80 degrees. Meanwhile, the winter months often have lows below freezing with temperatures in January getting down to 12 degrees. This presents a great opportunity for winter activities, as the snowy season lasts for almost half the year from the end of October to a little after the middle of April.
There's high travel volume to Keene at the end of summer and the winter months, so if you don't care about snow activities you should consider visiting in the spring. Precipitation is at its max at the beginning of fall, so spring is the ideal time for clear skies, warm weather, and not too much foot traffic. Remember, however, that Keene has something to do no matter what time of year you visit, so it'll never be a wasted trip.
When you venture to a new place, it's best to come prepared. You don't have to settle for the most inexpensive hotel you can find when you can take advantage of available discounts. Fortunately, Keene has plenty of hotels that offer extensive discounts to AAA members and military personnel.
The Holiday Inn Express Keene offers a 14% discount for all AAA members. This incredible hotel is noted for its premier service, so you can be sure that all your concerns will be properly addressed. Every guest gets access to a free breakfast buffet along with free Wi-Fi and parking. For recreation, you'll find an indoor pool and, in your room, you can enjoy premium cable television with pay movies. Your room also includes a coffee/tea maker and an ironing board.
You can also try the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Keene Downtown if you want a high-quality experience complete with a 10% discount for AAA members. At this highly rated hotel, you'll find yourself in a brilliant location just steps away from the beautiful Central Square. Every room inside comes with flat-screen TVs with cable programming along with both wired and wireless internet, so you can choose which you prefer. There's a snack bar and deli available to all guests, along with a business center and fitness center.
Just because you're trying to travel smart doesn't mean you have to settle for the lowest quality hotels. There's plenty of middle ground to be found around Keene for a comfortable, yet affordable experience.
Head to The Bridges Inn at Whitcomb House B&B for a rewarding and quaint stay just four miles from Keene's city center. If you have a taste for the Victorian, you'll love it here, as the rooms are furnished with Victorian-style furniture and wallpaper. Don't think it's stuck in the past, however, as all guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and a coffeemaker in their room. Gourmet breakfasts are served every morning, so you can enjoy the best aspects of the Victorian era without sacrificing the modern amenities you've come to know and love.
A few miles outside of Keene you'll find The Monadnock Inn. This incredible hotel offers scenic views, breakfast every morning, and much more. You can enjoy free Wi-fi, of course, in addition to cable TV and premium bedding. Uniquely, there's a library here with a wide selection of books for all kinds of people. What better way to wrap up an exciting day than to curl up in bed with a good book? There's also a restaurant complete with a bar and lounge area.
When you're in Keene, you don't have to worry about finding something to do, but rather just determine which order you want to do everything in. With so many attractions catering to a variety of different audiences, you'll find something to keep you busy for your entire trip.
Numerous hiking trails around the city feature scenic views as you stroll through the well-preserved natural areas. For a more thrilling outdoor adventure, make sure to stop by Granite Gorge if you're visiting in the winter. Here, you'll find incredible skiing and snowboarding opportunities. There's even snow tubing available, which offers just as much fun without any of the skill or athletic ability required to ski or snowboard. Even in the summer, the gorge offers a beautiful view and is a rewarding location to hike around.
If you're a fan of the arts, there are plenty of art galleries to see around town. For a more historical experience, make sure you stop by the numerous museums available. You'll find a variety of different kinds, from history museums to children's museums. Before you go, make sure you take the time to visit the Colonial Theatre. This classic location has a lot of history and still operates today good as new. No matter what kind of vacation you want, Keene is a great place to visit.
Below are reviews of the city of Keene, NH from an actual visitor's perspective.
The river, animals and just the outdoors!
Keene is beautiful! So many things to do.
It was easy to find the college where I was attending a conference. Good mid-price restaurants. One fine bookstore.
Downtown Keene is artsy, kitschy and quaint. Enjoyed walking around.
I live in Antrim and I spend a lot of time in Keene. Restaurants!
Small town charm! Convenient location to many nature trails and parks.