It was perhaps unfair to go to this charming town with so many preconceptions. I expected a quintessential New England town, complete with friendly locals, old buildings decorated in white and green, gleaming in the Christmas lights.
However, Hanover did not disappoint.
The home of historic Ivy League Dartmouth College, this small city was everything I described above – and more. Hanover Inn, where I stayed, impressed me. I had expected the older building, the lovely decorations with wood furniture and quaint charm. What I did not expect was modern conveniences like Keurig machines in each room, doors that opened with just a wave of the key card, and a gingerbread display in the lobby complete with a Star Wars diorama!
The people in the town were great. The staff at #HanoverInn were amazing, helpful, and solicitous. I even got a tray of chocolates in my room and a personal note from the manager!
The restaurant at the inn, #PineRestaurant, was delicious and classy. I had breakfast there one morning (bagel with lox and capers) and a delicious burger for lunch the next day.
While the pub I went to on Thursday night (#MurphysontheGreen) was too full for one lone person, I had great fish and chips at #MollysRestaurant instead. It was also very busy, but the food was delicious!
I was craving some Thai food and Hanover has not one but TWO Thai restaurants downtown. I chose #ThaiOrchid, and had an absolutely delicious bowl of seafood pho. What impressed me was that they offered cider (Angry Orchard), and I was well pleased!
For a treat I went (twice!) to #MyBrigadeiro, a fantastic little chocolate truffle shop. I had Noir, salted caramel, eggnog, and doce de leite truffles, and was in absolute heaven. They are a recently opened shop, and I had a great time chatting with the owner, Paula, and her two daughters. They use mostly local ingredients, and it is well worth a visit. Or two. Or three!
The lights twinkled from Christmas decorations all along the high street, and the massive Christmas Tree was lit up in blue on the Green. The only thing it lacked was snow to make it more charming, but I was happy with the omission. It made walking and driving around a lot easier!
I did take one detour about 10 minutes away to the town of Lyme, and visited a sweet local artisan gallery called #LongRiverGallery. It had some beautiful jewelry, art, crafts, and nicknacks, including some of the best etching art I’ve yet seen.
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Don’t miss information on Celtic myth and history, as well as practical travel planning tips, and hidden places, in my travel books.
– Stunning, Strange and Secret: A Guide to Hidden Scotland
– Mythical, Magical, Mystical: A Guide to Hidden Ireland
More info at Green Dragon Artist :: Home ,
Christy Jackson Nicholas, Author , and
Tirgearr Publishing – Christy Nicholas
I am an artist, accountant and author living in western New York, transplanted from Denmark, Michigan, Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania (in that order!) I love the beauty of the world and sharing it with others through jewelry, photography, digital painting and writing.
I’ve read a lot about Hanover from Bill Bryson’s works and this just confirms my expectations of it! 🙂
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I’ve read his books, as well. Where do you think all those preconceptions came from? 🙂
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Should have hopped over to Manchester and said hi!
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That’s where I flew in and out of!
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My homeland!
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