Things To Do
in Hanover
Hanover, New Hampshire is a compact, picturesque New England college town best known as the home of Dartmouth College and its leafy campus overlooking the Connecticut River. The town blends collegiate energy, a tight-knit local community, and easy access to riverfront parks, forested trails and nearby mountains. Downtown Hanover offers a walkable Main Street with independent shops, bakeries and a strong farm-to-table restaurant scene.
Visitors typically come for outdoor recreation, cultural events at the college, and classic New England seasons—especially vibrant fall foliage and snowy winters.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café in downtown Hanover, where freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries await. After your meal, take a stroll through the charming streets, enjoying local shops and art galleries that showcase the town's vibrant culture. Don’t forget to snap photos of the historic architecture that adorns the area.
For lunch, visit one of the delightful restaurants that offer classic American cuisine with a twist, perfect for fueling your afternoon adventures. Afterward, explore the Hanover Historical Society to learn about the rich history and significance of the area during the Revolutionary War. Round off your afternoon with a relaxing walk at Codorus State Park, where you can take in the scenic views and perhaps spot some local wildlife.
As the sun begins to set, head to a local brewery to sample some craft beers and enjoy a casual dinner with friends. Live music often fills the air, providing a perfect soundtrack for a fun and lively atmosphere. Cap off your evening by taking a leisurely stroll through the beautifully lit streets, soaking in the local nightlife.
Start with an invigorating breakfast at a favorite eatery known for its farm-to-table approach. After breakfast, gear up for a morning hike in the nearby South Mountain Nature Preserve, where you can explore trails that range from easy walks to challenging treks with breathtaking views. The tranquility of the outdoors will refresh your spirit and provide a perfect escape from daily routine.
For lunch, prepare a picnic to enjoy on the trails, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Spend your afternoon kayaking on the Susquehanna River, where calm waters and picturesque scenery let you unwind while staying active. Alternatively, visit a nearby vineyard to indulge in wine tasting and learn about the local winemaking process.
Return from your adventures to enjoy a rustic dinner at one of Hanover's signature farm-to-table restaurants. After dinner, attend an outdoor movie screening in one of the local parks, where you can enjoy classic films under the stars. This relaxing environment gives you a chance to wind down and connect with fellow community members.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range) | $60-110 |
| 🏨Hotel (per night) | $120-250 |
| 🚗Gasoline (per gallon) | $3.00-4.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable downtown and beautiful college campus
- Excellent access to outdoor activities—hiking, paddling and skiing nearby
- Strong cultural calendar thanks to Dartmouth College (performances, lectures, museums)
- Authentic New England character and seasonal beauty (especially fall foliage)
- Limited nightlife beyond college-oriented venues
- Can be pricey for lodging and dining during peak seasons
- Public transit is limited—a car is helpful for exploring the surrounding region
- Weather extremes in winter may affect travel plans
Places to Visit in Hanover
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic collegiate architecture, the tower and the tree-lined Green provide classic New England campus shots—especially atmospheric in fall and winter.
Riverside views, reflections and canoe/kayak activity create scenic compositions at sunrise and sunset.
Quiet forest trails and small streams provide intimate nature photos, wildflowers in spring and lush greens in summer.
Panoramic mountain vistas and ridgelines—best for wide-angle landscape photography on clear days.
Charming shopfronts, seasonal decorations and street scenes that capture small-town New England character.
Food in Hanover
Hanover Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pure local maple syrup and maple candies are ubiquitous—look for them at farmers’ markets and specialty shops, especially in spring and early summer after sugaring season.
Must-Try!
Creamy clam chowder and seafood bisques appear on menus at many restaurants; while Hanover is inland, regional seafood features prominently in seasonal dishes.
Apple pie, cider donuts and other apple-based treats are common in autumn at bakeries and markets across the region.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A seasonal market (typically weekends, spring through fall) with local produce, baked goods, maple products and artisanal foods—great for picnic supplies and tasting local flavors.
Occasional food trucks and pop-ups appear near campus events, sporting matches and festivals—offering everything from tacos and sandwiches to seasonal specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress is casual, but polite behavior, respect for campus rules and quiet in residential neighborhoods (especially near campus) are appreciated.
Yield to hikers going uphill, pack out trash, and keep dogs leashed where required. Observe posted trail and river safety signs.
Be mindful of snow removal rules in winter—don’t block sidewalks or driveways when parking, and allow extra time for travel in snowy conditions.
Safety
Tipping in Hanover
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S. applies: 15–20% in sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars or 15–20% of the bill, and a few dollars for taxi drivers or bellhops. Tips are expected for most personal services unless stated otherwise.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common. Small businesses and farmers' market vendors sometimes prefer cash—carry a small amount for markets and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect a wet, variable season with melting snow in early spring, blooming trees and the return of farmers' markets; trail conditions can be muddy—good waterproof footwear is recommended.
Warm, generally pleasant weather with long daylight hours—ideal for paddling, hiking and outdoor events; mosquitoes and ticks can be present in woods and tall grass.
Peak foliage season (late September to mid-October) draws visitors for spectacular leaf color—book lodging early and expect heavier weekend traffic on scenic routes.
Cold and snowy with opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing and campus winter activities; roads can be icy—dress in layers and prepare for winter driving conditions.
Hanover at Night
Hiking in Hanover
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The famous long-distance trail passes through the region with accessible day-hike sections near Hanover—good for short treks and ridge views.
A prominent nearby peak offering rewarding summit views and several trail options; more challenging but popular with experienced hikers.
Close, easy-to-access woodland trails ideal for short hikes, birdwatching and photography—great for half-day outings.
Local conservation land with well-maintained trails and viewpoints—family-friendly and good for moderate hikes and fall leaf-peeping.
Campus-adjacent trail network maintained by the Dartmouth Outing Club with year-round opportunities for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing.
Airports
How to reach Hanover by plane.
Small regional airport a short drive from Hanover with limited commercial flights and easy access to the Upper Valley—useful for convenient regional connections.
About 1.5–2 hours away, BTV offers more frequent commercial flights and car-rental options; popular for visitors coming from the Lake Champlain region and northern Vermont.
Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car, MHT provides a wide range of domestic flights and is a practical alternative to Boston for many travelers to the Upper Valley.
The largest nearby international airport (about 2.5–3 hours by car, longer by public transit); offers the most flight options and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Dartmouth College students, faculty and staff form a large and vibrant part of the local population, contributing to cultural events, diversity and a transient young-adult demographic.
Many families and multi-generational residents live in and around Hanover, maintaining strong community institutions and local businesses.
The scenic region attracts retirees and seasonal second-home owners who contribute to off-peak economic activity and quiet neighborhood life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Dartmouth’s varsity teams—particularly football, hockey, lacrosse and skiing—are central to local sports culture; attending a game is a popular visitor activity.
Downhill and cross-country skiing are popular in winter; local ski areas and backcountry opportunities draw outdoor enthusiasts.
The Connecticut River attracts rowers and paddlers in warmer months, including collegiate crew teams and recreational boaters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hanover.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafes and restaurants—many eateries offer seasonal vegetable mains, grain bowls and hearty salads. Bakeries and delis also have good breakfast and lunch options.
Vegan choices exist but can be more limited than vegetarian ones; ask servers about modifications and check menus at cafes and the college dining outlets for plant-based dishes.
Some bakeries and restaurants offer gluten-free options or will accommodate dietary needs if informed; farmers' markets are a good source of naturally gluten-free foods like produce, cheeses and maple products.