C&W's Upper Valley Map

Activities

Dartmouth College – Wander around Chelsea's alma mater!  Be sure to see the Tower Room in Baker Library, the rare manuscripts in Rauner Library, and the art exhibits at the Hood Museum. Head down to Tuck Hall to see where Warren and Chelsea are wrapping up their MBAs, then take a stroll around Occom Pond.

Hanover Country Club – Schedule a tee time or go for a stroll at the Hanover’s gorgeous golf course.  Be sure to stop and rest on the bench dedicated to Chelsea’s grandmother on the tee of the 14th hole, and order a “pink thing” at the clubhouse. 

Connecticut River – Go for a swim off the boat docks at Wilson's Landing or head to the Ledyard Canoe Club to rent kayaks and canoes to explore the Connecticut River, the physical divisor between New Hampshire and Vermont. 

Hiking – There is a variety of excellent hiking options in the Hanover area, ranging from leisurely strolls to strenuous treks, and all offering great views of New England. 

  • Gile Mountain – Quick and easy hike that offers great views of the Hanover area. ~10 minutes from downtown Hanover in Norwich, VT; 1,873 ft peak / 1.4 mile hike / 1 hour rountrip. 
  • Moose Mountain – A segment of the Appalachian Trail, right in Chelsea and Warren’s back yard. ~20 minutes from downtown Hanover in rural Hanover; 2,300 ft peak / 2.2 miles / 2.0 hours round trip. 
  • Mount Cardigan – Panoramic views stretching from rural New Hampshire in the foreground to the summits of the White Mountains in the distance. ~30 minutes from downtown Hanover in Canaan, NH; 3,155 ft peak / 3.3 miles / 2.5 hours round trip. 
  • Mount Mooselauke – Dartmouth’s home mountain and state park, this is the starting point of orientation and the ending point of graduation for every student.  A segment of the Appalachian Trail and part of the White Mountains, and by far the best views in the area. Strongly recommended for anyone coming into town early.  ~50 minutes from downtown Hanover in Benton, NH; ake the Gorge Brook Carriage Road Loop:  4,802 ft peak / 7.2 miles / 4.5 hours roundtrip 

Norwich Farmers Market - Every summer Saturday in Norwich, VT (just across the river from Hanover!), the town hosts a market featuring local Upper Valley farmers and craft vendors. Sample unbelievable local cheese, bread, produce, and prepared foods, or just take in the Vermont atmosphere. Open 10 AM - 2 PM.

Strawberry Picking – There is nothing like fresh New England strawberries, and July is prime picking season.  Head to either Edgewater Farm in Plainfield, NH (~15 minutes), or Cedar Circle Farm in East Thetford, VT (~10 minutes). Unlimited eating!

Simon Pearce Glassblowing Factory - Nationally renowned glass factory in a refurbished Vermont water mill.  Head downstairs to watch the glassblowers hand make everything that you'll find for sale in the store upstairs. Pair with lunch, dinner, or drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar. The sesame chicken is a Dodds family favorite.  Well worth the drive.  (Quechee, VT - ~20 minutes)

Harpoon Brewery / Artisans Park - Maybe the best New England brewery. Their Windsor, VT campus offers daily tours, as well as a bar and restaurant - Chelsea likes the "UFO" offerings, while Warren usually has their Leviathan. The brewery is located in a large park with 14 acres of crafted trails through the VT countryside, as well as some other great vendors to visit (vodka distillery, wood-fired pizza, etc.). (Windsor, VT - ~30 minutes)

 

Eating and Drinking in Hanover

Breakfast and Brunch:

  • Lou’s – Hanover’s famous breakfast spot.  Dartmouth alumni have been known to trek up from Boston and New York just for brunch.  Don’t let the lines scare you off – have a cruller while you wait.
  • Market Table – Great downtown breakfast or lunch option, especially if you want to sit outside.  Light salads and sandwiches with local ingredients. The avocado wraps are wonderful.

Quick Bites and Coffee:

  • Umpleby’s – Local Hanover bakery with excellent breakfast and lunch sandwiches as well as coffee and pastries. Located immediately across the street from Six South Street Hotel.  The #6 is a family favorite for lunch.
  • Dirt Cowboy Cafe – Hanover’s locally beloved coffee shop with about a thousand different options and minimal organization… Also serving bagels and light snacks. If you’re looking for efficiency, there is a Starbucks down the street.
  • Morano Gelato – Phenomenal homemade gelato that began as a stand at the Hanover Farmer’s Market (just like Dub’s!).  Daily flavors incorporate local Upper Valley ingredients in season (i.e., strawberries in July!).  Morano may be making a late night appearance at the wedding.

Lunch, Dinner and Drinks:

  • Pine – Chelsea and Warren's favorite restaurant in Hanover.  Right in the Hanover Inn, overlooking the Dartmouth green.  Chelsea’s favorite drink is Pine’s Arrow in the Gale, and Warren loves their Old Fashioned and bourbon selection. Warren and Cody distracted Chelsea here while the rest of the family gathered at Campion Rink on the night that Warren proposed. 
  • The Skinny Pancake - The newest restaurant in town has quickly become Chelsea and Warren's go-to for casual lunches and dinners. They serve a variety of both savory and sweet crepes made with ingredients sourced from local farms, and there's not a bad option on the menu. The Jonny Crepe and sweet potato fries are favorites, as are the 20+ local craft beers on tap!
  • Canoe Club – A Dartmouth favorite, this was where we took Warren’s family on their first night in Hanover.  Holly tried to order Catherine a glass of wine, unaware that underage possession and consumption with parental consent isn’t legal in New Hampshire… Only in Texas.  Excellent burgers.
  • Candela’s – Fun tapas bar with tasty small plates and good drinks.  Chelsea and Warren have spent a lot of time here with Cody and Brittany enjoying pitchers of sangria and Moscow mules.
  • Tuk Tuk Thai – This place holds a special spot in our hearts because in the 1980s and 90s, it was home to 5 Olde Nugget Alley, a bar and restaurant opened and run by Chelsea’s parents. It was legendary among Dartmouth and Tuck alumni of the era.  After her parents sold it (because they didn’t want their kids growing up in a bar…), the space changed hands a few times and ultimately hit its stride as this current Thai restaurant.  The food is shockingly tasty for Thai in the middle of New Hampshire.  But we, along with the alumni community, wish it was still 5 Olde...
  • Murphy’s – Tuck’s go-to bar and gathering point.  Chelsea and Warren’s Tuck classmates gathered here to celebrate their engagement the night that Warren proposed. Try the "Murph Burger", wings, and pulled pork nachos. Open late.

 

Eating and Drinking Outside of Hanover

Breakfast and Brunch:

  • 4 Aces Diner – A classic New England diner, jukebox and all.  Best breakfast around.  Holly’s favorite spot.  (Lebanon, NH - ~10 minutes)
  • The Norwich Inn Dinning Room - Maybe better known for its pub, the Norwich Inn also has an excellent brunch on weekends.  Chelsea and Warren waited hours for this place to open after arriving back from Japan incredibly jet-lagged.  The blueberry pancakes are life changing. (Norwich, VT - 5 minutes)

Quick Bites and Coffee

  • King Arthur Flour – The headquarters and flagship store of the flour company, just across the river in Vermont.  Sit in on a cooking class and enjoy the incredible coffee shop, café, and bakery.  Great spot for a casual breakfast or lunch. (Norwich, VT - ~5 minutes)

Lunch, Dinner and Drinks

  • Simon Pearce – Nationally renowned restaurant and glass factory in a refurbished Vermont water mill.  Local Vermont flavors – everything on the menu is incredible.  The sesame chicken is a Dodds family favorite.  Make sure to swing downstairs to see the craft glass factory and watch the live demonstrations.  Well worth the drive.  (Quechee, VT - ~20 minutes)
  • Carpenter & Main – One of our favorite restaurants in the area.  Great cocktails and small plates.  Chelsea’s drink staple is the knife fight, and Warren always goes with the thai chili gin and tonic.  The avocado fries are addicting. (Norwich, VT - ~5 minutes)
  • Jasper Murdoch Alehouse at The Norwich Inn – Vermont pub right across the river.  Most Friday nights, Chelsea’s parents can be found sipping home-brewed beers in rocking chairs on the front porch of The Norwich Inn.  The Norwich Inn is also a hidden gem brunch spot on the weekends.  Be sure to stop in next door at Dan & Whit’s, Vermont’s oldest general store. (Norwich, VT, ~5 minutes)
  • Stella’s – Chelsea grew up celebrating birthdays here with her family, and she and Warren’s are now regulars.  Excellent Italian food and wine in a converted general store.  A hidden gem that only the locals seem to know about.  (Lyme, NH - ~15 minutes)
  • Ariana’s – Defining “farm to table”, this restaurant is literally a spacious dining room inside a Vermont farmhouse sourcing everything on the menu from their backyard.  The chef changes the menu daily to reflect the freshest ingredients.  While it’s a bit of a hike, the back-country drive is a great way to see rural Vermont.  Be sure to make a reservation.  (Orford, NH - ~25 minutes)
  • Worthy Burger – Creative burgers and craft beer in an old train station.  A Dartmouth graduate student summertime favorite for those up for a drive through Vermont.  (South Royalton, VT - ~30 minutes)
  • Worthy Kitchen - Sister restaurant of Worthy Burger, serving a slightly more diverse New England menu, with a great craft beer list. Located in the picturesque town of Woodstock, VT, budget some time for walking around if you go.  (Woodstock, VT, ~20 minutes)
  • Harpoon Brewery - See description under activities!  The food is good - the beer is better!  (Windsor, VT, ~30 minutes)