Home of old Dartmouth College, Hanover is an attractive college town in western New Hampshire with an up-scale student atmosphere and a host of historic buildings. The quaint campus of the college is the centerpiece of the town but there is plenty more going on here than homework and bunking off lectures. The town offers numerous outdoor activities and has a thriving cultural scene fueled by the college.
Dartmouth College is an attraction in itself so take the time to see many of its impressive old buildings such as the Baker Memorial Library with its clock tower and spire. Hanover has spawned a wealth of literary talent over the years and its artsy feel is very apparent given the host of cultural offerings here. There is a museum of arts and an arts centre here along with a popular museum of science.
When Hanover locals aren’t busy perusing the local gallery or discussing the latest Harry Potter novel over a double latte, invariably they’re out in a pair of shorts involved in all manner of sports and outdoor activities. The town features a cross-country skiing center, a golf course and the popular Appalachian Trail, a demanding hiking route that passes directly through Hanover and follows the mountains of the same name. If you finish it you’ll be doing fairly well – it extends through 14 states and 3,500 kms of rugged terrain.
Highlights
Dartmouth College: founded in 1769, this attractive college campus is crammed full of historic buildings that demand to be explored.
Hopkins Center for the Arts: one of many arts centers in the town, this one features the lot – film, dance, music concerts and visual arts.
Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center: 25 kms of cross-country trails and facilities providing ski and skate hire.
Appalachian Trail: one of the toughest and longest trails in America, the Appalachian Trail passes through Hanover so even those feeling unfit needn’t go far to at least try a portion of it.