Keene Is The Most Hippie Town In New Hampshire And You Need To Visit

When it comes to political affiliation and lifestyle choices, New Hampshirites are all over the map. After all, our state motto is “live free or die” – and free living means something different for everyone. There’s no denying, though, that New Hampshire is home to its fair share of hippies, and one town in particular stands out as a hippie paradise.

Keene is a quintessential New England college town, home to both Keene State and Antioch University New England, as well as plenty of hippies both among the student population and those who have been in town for decades.

Wikimedia Commons/John Platek

Like every hippie town worth its salt, Keene has a fantastic farmers market, that’s even open (indoors) during the winter.

Facebook/The Farmer’s Market of Keene

Naturally, any hippie college town worth its salt is home to plenty of protests, and Keene is no exception.

Flickr/Quinn Dombrowski

You can’t have a hippie town without a great yoga studio, and the Keene Yoga Center is fabulous – students keep coming back for the warm teachers and great energy.

Facebook/Keene Yoga Center

Of course, hippies have to eat too, and they’ll find the meal of their dreams at Country Life Restaurant, which offers up a healthy non-GMO vegetarian and vegan buffet and salad bar. Trust us, meat eaters will love this place too!

Facebook/Country Life Restaurant

Looking for the perfect gift for your crunchiest friend? Head to Route 101 Local Goods on Marlboro Road and pick up some Smelly Hippie Apothecary products (no, we’re not joking!)

Facebook/Route 101 Local Goods

Every good hippie college town has a great thrift store, and Keene’s is Urban Exchange. With plenty of brand names to be found, there’s no need to dig through musty racks here.

Facebook/Urban Exchange

If you prefer your funky fashion new and on the higher end, check out Moe - Momentum Clothing. They carry all the coolest bohemian brands, like Free People and BB Dakota, as well as plenty of accessories.

Facebook/Moe - Momentum Clothing

Of course, a good crunchy town needs a great bookstore, and the Toadstool on Emerald Street delivers. It’s an absolute gem!

Facebook/The Toadstool Bookshop, Keene NH

Love the places in New Hampshire that are just a little quirky? Check out these funky museums.