The Colonial Theater in downtown Keene has been under renovation for over a year now, but plans to re-open in the spring of 2022.
While Keene State College puts on many events to help get students out and interacting, there are many things you can find to do off campus as well. The surrounding community offers plenty of activities to interest a large variety of people. Whether you’re in the mood for something to eat or just for some sight seeing you can find a little of everything in our area.
If what you’re looking for is a place to grab a bite, downtown Keene has you covered. Sophomore Charlotte Lahey said, “Elm City Brewing Company is my favorite.” Elm City Brewing Company is located at 222 West street here in Keene, they are a small restaurant and microbrewery that serves food prepared with local ingredients. Lahey also said “I love to get milkshakes at Ricks with my friends,”. Rick’s Gourmet Ice Cream is located at 58 Key Road in Keene where they serve many different flavors of ice cream. Casey Brown, a member of Student Involvement, said “one of my favorite things to do is go grab chips and salsa at Margaritas,” Margaritas is a Mexican restaurant located in downtown Keene at 77 Main Street.
If shopping is more your style, Lahey said she enjoys “shopping at T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods and Target,”. Daria Gessner backs up the Target statement “my favorite thing to do is go to Target because it’s therapeutic.” Target can be located at 46 Ash Brook Road in Keene. Brown said, “Keene has a very vibrant downtown life and a really awesome locality to it that more students should be involved in, especially the farmer’s markets downtown on Tuesdays and Saturdays.” The farmer’s market takes place down Gilbo Ave.
If what you’re looking for is something to do, Sophomore Dominic Scarponi said, “My favorite thing off campus is mini golf or bowling.” One place to go Mini golfing near Keene is Twinkletown Miniature Golf in Swanzey. For bowling students can visit Yankee Lanes in Keene at 477 Park Ave.
Some students, like Ruby Chenbert may like to “drive around and look at the foliage.” One place nearby where you can take in the foliage and the view of Mount Monadnock is the Mt Monadnock Scenic Vista at Perkins Pond in Troy.
