Travel and lifestyle photographer Julia Harpe visited New Hampshire this December to experience the festive feel of the holidays. Read on to see how she captured the magic of the Monadnock Region during the holiday season.
There is no more magical place to enjoy the Holiday season than in a small town in New Hampshire. Folks go all out decorating their homes and business in such a beautiful, classic style with candles in the windows and real garland around the doorframes and windows. I recently spent three days exploring the countryside of the Monadnock Region to see all the Christmasy things the region had to offer!
First on the list was the family friendly, live, interactive Nativity in Hancock! Here visitors walk through the town, interacting with the locals and business owners who are dressed as wise men, shepherds, and king Herod. It all leads to the beautiful church building in town where Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus are just inside, and Christmas carols are being sung. It’s a lovely experience that everyone can enjoy! A yummy bite to eat at Fiddlehead’s Cafe is also a must when you stop in town!
Another festive destination on the grand tour is the town of Peterborough. This is always a favorite town of mine, and it is especially lovely at Christmastime! There are many antique shops such as Bowerbird, Remarkable, Grove & Main, and Twin Elm Farm to do a little Christmas shopping, and each has its own flavor and vibe. Peterborough is also the place to stop for a bite to eat. Harlow’s Pub and the Peterborough Diner are popular spots, and my personal favorite, Twelve Pine, has a bakery case full of pastries, and lots of grab an go lunch options!
Just outside of Peterborough is the town that sits highest in the state, the small lakeside town of Dublin. This peaceful spot is home to Yankee Magazine, Dublin Lake, and beautiful historic homes all along the main road. Their Christmas tree, which sits next to Yankee Magazine’s publishing house is lit up with colorful lights for the Christmas season!
The furthest west you can go in the region, sitting right up against the VT/NH border is Walpole, NH. If you are looking for a town with French food, chocolate, and beautiful countryside drives…this is the place to visit! Stop by The Restaurant at Burdick’s for a French Bistro inspired lunch or dinner (I highly recommend the French onion soup and truffle pomme frites!), and then top it all off with a quick jaunt next door to L.A. Burdick. L.A. Burdick is a delicious chocolate shop offering the best hot chocolate you will ever have, chocolatey pastries, and an array of delicious Christmas gift options!
The Monadnock region was beautiful this time of year, and there really isn’t a better place to visit to get you excited for Christmas! I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and ate and shopped my way through the region! Be sure to visit for the holiday season and do a little Christmas shopping and eat a chocolate or two…you won’t be disappointed! Merry Christmas!
- Julia Harpe