5 Reasons to Visit® Hanover, New Hampshire

The Top 5 Reasons to Visit® Hanover, New Hampshire Right Now

Money Magazine calls Hanover, New Hampshire one of the “Best Places to Live in America” and with good reason. Nestled in New Hampshire’s quaint Upper Valley on the picturesque Vermont border, this lively enclave literally has a river that runs through it, classic colonial architecture, renowned farm-to-table dining options, upscale shopping and well... prestigious Dartmouth College, established in 1769 and chartered before the American Revolution.

1. THE ARCHITECTURE

From the historic Dartmouth Green (where the Baker Bell Tower plays the “Alma Mater” daily), Fraternity Row, Downtown Hanover, to the beautiful turn-of-the-century estates that border Occum Pond and the Hanover Country Club—you’ll want to enjoy these views by taking it all in on foot.

Luckily, the town of Hanover, New Hampshire is both very walkable and bikeable—making it perfect for exploring.

2. THE RIVER

On the banks of the Connecticut River, a relaxing walk from the Dartmouth Green, you can enjoy a serene outing at Ledyard Canoe Club. Since 1920, the club has promoted environmental stewardship through sustainable usage of the river and river cleanups.

During the spring, summer and fall, canoe, kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are available daily. And the best part? They are pet-friendly!

3. THE COCKTAILS

Tucked away behind a wall of royal blue hydrangeas, affording views of Dartmouth College and its historic colonial architecture—the terrace at PINE Restaurant at the Hanover Inn is the perfect spot to unwind with a handcrafted cocktail and soak in the Ivy league atmosphere.

Led by Chef Justin Dain, PINE offers an outstanding farm-to-table menu focused on both presentation, taste and refined service and you’ll need to savor the Diver Scallop Crudo—which is nothing short of amazing with its blackberry, lime and jalapeño kombucha emulsion.

4. THE SHOPPING

Everything you need (or may want), is at your fingertips in Downtown Hanover, New Hampshire.

From the latest preppy fashions at J. Crew, kitchen and bath essentials at Main Street Kitchens and luxurious handcrafted artisanal goods from Vermont staples such as Farmhouse Pottery and Simon Pearce—your choices are seemingly endless.

5. THE ART

Established in 1772, the Hood Museum of Art encompasses important holdings of American, Native American, European, African and Melanesian art—including a significant collection of indigenous Australian contemporary art and a major archive of photojournalism.

The study of objects, whether works of art, artifacts, or natural history specimens, has always been an integral part of the curriculum of Dartmouth College. The first reference to the development of a collection at Dartmouth dates to 1772, when Anglo-American scholar and missionary David McClure wrote to the first president of the College, the Reverend Eleazar Wheelock, that he had “collected a few curious Elephant Bones found about six hundred miles down the Ohio, for the young Museum at Dartmouth.” The Hood Museum of Art is free and open to the public.