Weekend in Keene

My family headed north to Keene this past weekend.  My wife and daughter were attending a bridal shower for my soon to be sister-in-law Gina on Sunday.  We decided to go up Saturday morning and make a mini-vacation out of it.  My brother Glenn met us on Main Street and we had lunch at Keene Fresh Salad.  After lunch and despite the rain and drizzle, we headed up the road to Pitcher Mountain for a hike.  This proved to be a great suggestion by Glenn.  We followed a single track trail up about a half a mile to the summit.  Near the top, we began noticing the blueberries:

The summit was open, with lots of high bush blueberry bushes, a fire tower, and great views: 

We spent quite some time up there and brought home a good amount of berries.  We hiked back on an old road that had great views.  It was a perfect length hike for our kids.  After checking into our hotel and trying out the pool, we went to Armadillo's for dinner.  I love their sweet potato filling for burritoes. 

The next morning we had a great breakfast at Bagel Works and then went for another swim at the pool before checking out.  We met Glenn at the nearby Robin Hood Forest, which had a fun playground and nice wooded trail around a pond.  For lunch, my parents (also up for the shower) and brother Greg, joined us at Elm City Brew Pub.  I recommend all the places we ate at!  We were hoping (my son especially) to hike the Dublin Trail up Mount Monadnock, but the weather (hot and humid) and time constraints ruled it out.  Instead, we hiked to Kilburn Pond in Pisgah, swam, and hiked back (which for me meant carrying my 40lb son on my shoulders).  The day was topped off by the men crashing the bridal shower and meeting our new extended family.  It was an action packed trip!  I just wish I took more pictures.