My Weekend in Keene
We arrived in Keene somewhere around 12:30. It was too early to check into our hotel and so, famished and freezing ( it was a very cold winter weekend in New England), we took a 360 degree pivotal view of Main Street and our eyes settled on the Fritz 45 Main Street Keene NH 03431 (603)357-6393. The Fritz specialty is hand cut Belgian fries. ...so of course I had to get me some of those. They use only New England grown potatoes from family owned and operated farms. They come with a variety of dipping sauces to choose from. I picked Rosemary Garlic. Mmm...Mmm...they were scrumptious! To offset the fries I ordered an Asian Chicken salad. It was fresh, big, and delicious! The Fritz also serves paninis and even grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids.The service was friendly and all items were reasonably priced. They have a terrific beer selection for connoisseurs including Hennepin and Stone bottles and Hoegarden on draft. You can enjoy live music every Friday night at the Fritz and open mic night each Thursday.
After lunch, we braved the cold and did a little exploratory shopping. Creative Encounters 18 Main Street Keene NH (603)352-3724 was a really cool shop with even more friendly people. Primarily a locally owned frame shop, Creative Encounters has been in business for over 25 years and carries the largest selection of historic and contemporary art prints from around the region. In addition, Creative Encounters offers some unique and unusual gifts, many made by local New England craftsmen such as Robinson Pottery, NH, Fusion Art Glass, New England, and Ponzini Art Glass, NH.
Another awesome stop was the Cheshire Music Store 20 Main Street Keene NH (603)357-4277. You don't have to be an instrumentalist or music enthusiast to appreciate the Cheshire's mammoth selection of new and used musical instruments. They have everything from guitars and sitars, to oboes, violins, and auto harps. I was particularly impressed by a vintage National Steel guitar. National began producing resonator guitars in the late 1920's. Instead of a wooden soundboard they have a metal one.They were originally designed to be louder than the traditional acoustic guitar. These instruments are often heard in Blues Grass as well as Blues and Jazz music and have a really unique sound that you can't miss.
We also stepped into to Hannah Grimes Marketplace 42 Main Street Keene NH 03431 (603) 252-6862 . Hannah Grimes promotes and sells New Hampshire made crafts, foods, and other products. Hannah Grimes plays a major role in the New Hampshire business community by helping local farmers, craftspeople, and other small businesses develop through various workshops, educational programs, community partnerships, and of course at their marketplace on Main Street.
We checked in the E.F. Lane Hotel 30 Main Street Keene NH 03431 (888)300-5056 at around 3:00. The building was constructed by Elisha F. Lane in 1890. For over 100 years this four story, red brick structure served as the Goodnow Department store. In 1999 renovations began to convert the building to the E.F. Lane Hotel. The building has maintained its structural integrity and much of its original design making it an interesting stay. Creaky floors, high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and large windows overlooking Central Square on Main Street are reminiscent of Keene's factory days. Each of the 40 guest rooms are unique in their layout and decor and include modern day conveniences amid a nostalgic feel and history. I had to laugh when checking out the shower as the shower head was about 9ft up from the base of the tub.You'd have to be a basketball player just to adjust the thing. Friendly service, reasonable prices, and free off street parking are available. Chase Tavern is located just off the lobby area and offers live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
We spent the next half hour walking up and down Main St looking for a package store. Words to the wise: there are none! You need to get in the car and head towards the State Police barracks off route 10. You will find State Liquor Store#15 on 6 Ash Brook Court Keene NH 03431 (603)352-1568. We picked up a bottle of wine and were happy. We returned to the hotel to relax for a couple hours watching scary movies and doing crossword puzzles.
For dinner, we went to Margaritas 77 Main Street Keene New Hampshire 03431 (603)357-4492. Margaritas is part of a chain of Mexican restaurants that began in Concord, New Hampshire and spread throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. They pride themselves on authentic Mexican cuisine and giving back to community through charitable donations, education, and various outreach programs. Service was pleasant, food: tasty,and prices: reasonable. During the warmer seasons, outdoor dining is available presenting the perfect opportunity to sit back, relax, and watch the passerbys on Main Street.
The highlight of the evening, of course, was watching Brandi Carlile perform at the historic Colonial Theater 95 Main Street Keene NH 03431 (603)357-2033. The Colonial is a remarkable theater rich in history and culture. Built in 1924 , legendary greats such as Rosa Ponselle,Thornton Wilder, and Amilia Earhart once graced it's stage. Thanks to community efforts and support the Colonial was saved from demolition in the early nineties and restored to its original grander.Today, the Colonial's cathedral ceilings, plush velvet curtains, painted,artesian walls and beautifully carved moldings continue to house theater, dance, comedy, film, and musical performances. Brandi and the twins were awesome. If you ever get a chance to see her live, don't miss it...the stage is the place she really shines. By the end of the evening, everyone was out of their seats with her rendition of Johnny Cash's Folsom Prison! To see some really awesome photographs of the Colonial, visit Jeff Newcomer's project on Flicker.
We left the show and called it a night! The next morning, we said goodbye to the Colonial and walked across the street, again to Timoleon's Restaurant 27 Main Street Keene NH 03431 (603)357-4230 for breakfast. You've got to check this place out. It's your traditional style family restaurant... nothing fancy and the perfect example of a small town local breakfast joint. I watched as locals gathered at the counter sipping their coffee and reading the Sunday paper while a mother gave her toddler bites of pancake in a neighboring booth Timoleon's claim to fame is their coffee...but, OMG, you have to try the raisin toast...thick, soft, with plump, juicy raisins!Timoleon makes all their toast from homemade breads that are to die for! The omelet I had was filled with all fresh ingredients...spinach, mushrooms..yum !!! Service was terrific and prices inexpensive. They also serve lunch and dinner..and home made pies !!!
After breakfast we headed back across the street again to clean six busted cans of seltzer water and a bottle of ginger ale out of the trunk...it was that cold!!!! On the way out of Keene we made one last stop at the Colony Mill Marketplace 149 Emerald Street Keene NH 03431 (603)357-1240. Once a textile mill, the building was a constructed in 1838. The Faulkner and Colony Woolen Mill manufactured woolen garments here.They supplied uniforms for the Union troops during the Civil War and and our allied forces during both the World Wars. For well over 100 years the mill was a prominent company serving our country and families businesses until it closed its doors in 1953. During the early eighties the building was purchased and transformed into a complex of small shops and businesses. Today, the mill holds a nice selection of gift shops and cafes. There is also a kitchen supply store and an independent bookstore, however we spent most the day in the Antiques at the Colony Mill. Antiques at the Colony is a huge antique store where goods are sold from consignment. I immediately began my search for glass bottles, radios, and old books...however I had to look the other way when I walked by a collection of antique dolls...creepy...The Bride of Chucky comes to mind. The people who work at the store are very friendly and it was clear how much they love what they do!
Written By : Jessica Layne
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