Hanover Destinations: A Weekend Guide to the Upper Valley Region
Photos by Maddie Nasch
The Upper Valley Region straddles the Connecticut River between New Hampshire and Vermont with the tri-city core of Hanover and Lebanon in NH and White River Junction in VT. The tight-knit communities in this area center their values around local food products as well as endless outdoor activities.
Consider this is your weekend guide to all things local in Hanover.
You’ll read about where to stay, what to eat and where to go to make the most of a weekend trip to the Upper Valley. Although there are infinite possibilities to what your weekend might look like, here are a few spots that stand out on a long list of can’t-miss places.
First, you’ll want to check the availability of the beautiful brick Hanover Inn on the corner of Main and West Wheelock Street in downtown Hanover. A stay at this boutique hotel with over 225 years of history will give you a classic New England experience with modern conveniences.
After checking into your room, recharge your batteries with a coffee and pastry. A few hundred feet away on South Street is a small and quiet café with in-house roasted coffee beans and fresh sourdough bread baked off every morning. Charles and Carolyn Umpleby have owned and operated Umpleby’s Bakery and Café since 2000. A local favorite, this café has everything: breakfast sandwiches, salads, meat pies, soufflés and delectable slices of housemade cake. Take a peek at their menu and you will notice their sandwiches are named for famous literary titles and authors as well as notable historical explorers. The Mungo Park, for example, is named after a Scottish explorer of West Africa and layered with roasted red peppers, grilled zucchini, balsamic marinated mushrooms and curry mayonnaise.
If a short scenic drive is what you’re after, Bascom Road Blueberry Farm is about 30 minutes outside of Hanover. Located in Newport, NH, they offer pick-your-own blueberries as well as a small indoor market featuring local cheeses, maple syrup, honey and vegetables.
If you prefer an activity within walking distance of your hotel, try renting kayaks on the Connecticut river. Ledyard Canoe and Kayak rentals offer hourly rates for all levels of kayakers.
After working up an appetite, Lou’s Restaurant on South Main Street should be your next dine-in location. An institution since 1947, Lou’s has been Hanover’s neighborhood family and friends spot for nearly 75 years. Slide your way into a dark green vinyl diner booth and browse their menu to find staples like omelets, French toast and pancakes. Or maybe try some of their newer menu items like their chicken pesto sandwich on local Vermont sourdough or their smoked salmon hash with free range eggs. Don’t forget to take home an order of the homemade frozen custard.
A picnic on the Dartmouth College green is always a good option, too. It’s a popular spot, full of Spikeball nets, frisbees and many, many puppies. Or book a table at PINE, the Hanover Inn’s acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant; enjoy seasonal offerings sourced from local farms for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend of leisurely outings or exciting activities, Hanover has excursions for every traveler.
