Things to Do In Hanover, NH
From cross-country or downhill skiing to kayaking on the Connecticut River, from hiking the Appalachian Trail to shopping on classic Main Street, from meandering through any of the many noted museums or galleries to dining in any of several dozen restaurants, the Hanover Area is more than just a home to those who live here. It’s also a getaway from the grind of daily life for people from around the country.
Visitors to the Upper Valley can enjoy a spacious room at the historic Hanover Inn or the enchanting Norwich Inn, sit on the porch overlooking the bustling corner of Main Street or put their feet up at a laid-back inn on a hilly back road in the quaint villages of Etna or Lyme. Downtown Hanover also includes the more modern choice of Six South Street Hotel, a contemporary, boutique hotel. For those more comfortable in a national chain, a wide variety of accommodations can be found within a stone’s throw of the intersection of Interstates 91 and 89.
After cycling along the Connecticut River, teeing off at the Hanover Country Club or at one of the other courses sprinkled throughout the valley, marveling at a raptor performance at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science or checking out the renowned Orozco murals at Dartmouth College, it’s time to eat. No matter what your taste buds desire, it’s all here: steak and seafood at Jesse’s, tandoori chicken at the Jewel of India, Hawaiian pizza at Ramunto’s Brick & Brew, a traditional sandwich at Salt Hill Pub or the classic diner feel of Lou’s and so much more.
When the sun sets, it’s time to check out any of the many area theaters or live performance venues. You might go to Dartmouth’s Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts, see the latest flick at downtown Hanover’s Nugget Movie Theater, listen to live local musicians or head across the river to White River Junction, Vermont, to catch a Northern Stage performance at the Barrette Theater. Opera North has world-class opera performances by well-known opera performers. Head over to catch a play or music performance at the Lebanon Opera House. No matter where you choose, there are always performances to enjoy throughout the year.
There’s always a reason to visit and plenty to see and do. The Farmers Market on the Dartmouth Green runs every Wednesday from mid-June through mid-October with regular and rotating vendors, including those who sell fresh local produce or prepared foods in the late afternoon amidst live musical entertainment. A visit to the area might include Hanover’s Occom Pond Party in February, the quaint Hanover Center Old Timers Fair and Oxen Pull in June or Ivy League football games and leaf-peeping in the fall. December brings Celebrate the Season events, which include great shopping, crafting and caroling, as well as the Handel Society Holiday singing. Those who prefer attending winter sports events can visit Dartmouth’s Thompson Arena for exciting Ivy League ice hockey. Check out www.hanoverchamber.org to learn more about the many available activities in the area.