Over 100 Things in the Upper Valley TO GO, SEE, AND DO

Hiking

Quechee Gorge
Quechee, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Some 13,000 years ago, as the glacier receded from the ocean waters, the melting waters slowly and steadily cut away the bedrock ridge that has become Vermont’s most spectacular natural wonder, Quechee Gorge. Enjoy beautiful vistas 168 feet above the Ottaquechee River, have a picnic overlooking the waterfalls or get something to eat at the snack bar. Enjoy hiking or walking the trails along the mile-long chasm.

Link: https://vermonttourismnetwork.com/quechee-gorge-vermonts-little-grand-canyon/

Storrs Pond Recreation Area
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: The Storrs Pond Recreation Area is operated by the Hanover Improvement Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Storrs Pond is located only minutes from the Town of Hanover, New Hampshire and Dartmouth College. The Area features scenic woodlands, a man-made 13-acre pond and two sandy swimming beaches, a heated swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball court and picnic areas.

Link: http://www.storrspond.org/

Holt’s Ledge
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

EASY Dayhike: 2.2 miles (2 hours) — 13 miles from Hanover -  Holt’s Ledge is a precipitous cliff with fine views to the east. The cliff edge is fenced off not only to protect unaware hikers on foggy days, but also to protect the peregrine falcons who nest on the cliff. Before being protected by the Endangered Species Act, peregrines were driven out of New England by the ravages of DDT, which thinned their egg shells and caused the eggs to break before the chicks were mature enough to survive. Holt’s Ledge was one of the first sites in New Hampshire where peregrines were successfully reintroduced. The gentler northern slope of Holt’s Ledge is home to the Dartmouth Skiway, and also the route of this day hike.

Link: http://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/holtsledge.html

Wright’s Mountain in Bradford
Bradford, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Wrights Mountain Trail is a 1.6 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Bradford, Vermont that features a great forest setting. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/wrights-mountain-trail

Mt. Cardigan in Orange
Canaan, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Cardigan Mountain State Park spans 5,655 acres and is an excellent area for hiking. A mountain road leads to trails on the west slope of Mount Cardigan as well as a trail to the summit. Mount Cardigan's 3,121-foot treeless granite summit affords outstanding views of west central New Hampshire, with a panorama that includes Mount Monadnock and the White Mountains, Camel's Hump in Vermont, and Pleasant Mountain in Maine

Link: http://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/cardigan.html
 

Balch Hill Natural Area
Hanover, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description:  The Balch Hill Natural Area has been a favorite of Hanover residents for its great views, picnicking, walking, and bird watching.  Ten trails provide easy to moderate routes to the 937-foot summit.  Its diverse communities include a former pasture and apple orchard at the summit, and forests of pine, hardwoods, and hemlock on the slopes. Owned by the Hanover Conservancy, the oldest local land trust in New Hampshire, Balch Hill is one of many trails and natural areas open to public hiking. 

Link: www.hanoverconservancy.org/

Mount Kearsarge
Warner, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: On paper (aka the map) Mt. Kearsarge in Winslow State Park appears to be an easy, breezy hike perfect for families with young kids. You drive more than halfway up the mountain to reach the trailheads, after all, and there’s a playground adjacent to the parking lot.

https://www.northeasthikes.com/mt-kearsarge-hike-winslow-trail-barlow-trail-loop-winslow-state-park-nh/

Sculptured Rocks Natural Area
Groton NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Sculptured Rocks Natural Area spans 272 acres. Popular activities include exploring the sculpted canyons, picnicking, and hiking. 

https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/sculptured-rocks-natural-area.aspx

Moose Mountain Trail
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: The north peak of Moose Mountain, at 2,300 feet, is the highest point within Hanover’s town boundaries. Where cleared pastures once bordered the summit of this long ridge, now the forest has grown back and returned Moose to its wilder past. For those whose picture of Hanover is limited to the busy intersection of Main and Wheelock Streets, this hike is an opportunity to see another side of town and to experience the rural landscape of the Upper Valley.

Link: http://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/moosemountain.html

Gile Fire Tower
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Gile Mountain Trail is a 1.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Norwich, Vermont that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Link: http://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/hiking/hikes/gile.html

Vershare Snow-Shoe-A-Thon
Vershire VT
Festivals & Events, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: A two-mile snowshoe hike for all ages.

Link: http://vershare.org/snowshoe.htm

Valley Quest Books
Local Flavor, Activity
Outdoor Activity

Description: The Upper Valley is full of adventures, and the Upper Valley Quest Book is the ultimate guide.

Link: http://vitalcommunities.org/valleyquest/questing-book/

True’s Ledges 
Lebanon NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Rocky gorge (between upstream and downstream parcel boundaries, True’s Brook drops some 50 ft. in elevation along 700 linear feet of shoreline with 3 dramatic overlooks); long-popular local swimming hole; varied plants and animals (aquatic, riparian, and upland species share relatively small area). In 1998, local efforts succeeded in City’s acquisition of this parcel; now permanently conserved by easement to Upper Valley Land Trust.

Link: http://www.uvlt.org/docs/trails/Trues_Ledges_trail_map_from_lebcity.pdf

Boston Lot Lake and Wilder Dam Ledges
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Boston Lot is a forested upland area. The Boston Lot Reservoir, (elevation 638 feet) is ringed by ridges. Several small streams flow into the reservoir, and one stream flows from the dam spillway to the Connecticut River.

Link: https://lebanonnh.gov/448/Boston-Lot-Conservation-Area

Eshqua Bog

Hartland, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Eshqua Bog is a botanical wonderland of cold-climate holdovers--small pockets of bog plant species and a two acre fen--from the post-glacial era 10,000 years ago. This preserve contains a diverse array of bog and fen plants: labrador tea, cotton grass, pitcher plants, showy lady's slippers, larches and buckbean.

https://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/vermont/places-preserves/eshqua-bog-natural-area.xml

Carriage roads (trails)
Woodstock VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: In the park boundaries there are over 20 miles of trails (download List of Hikes) available for visitors to explore. The trails crisscross the property through peaceful forests, to spectacular overlooks and historic scenery. The trails can be accessed from the park entrance on Vt. 12 or from the parking lot on Prosper Road.

Link: https://www.nps.gov/mabi/planyourvisit/outdooractivities.htm 

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: The Appalachian Trail is a 2,180+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by private citizens, and completed in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, US Forest Service, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and thousands of volunteers.

Link: https://www.nps.gov/appa/index.htm

MOUNTAIN BIKING

The Upper Valley Mountain Biking Association has maps of trails ranked easy to difficult of the region. www.uvmbta.org

Green Woodlands Foundation has over 50 miles of single and double track trails in Lyme and Dorchester NH. Free to ride. www.greenwoodlands.org

BOATING

Sunapee Harbor
Sunapee, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Sunapee Harbor has been a mainstay for vacationers since the 1800’s when the sweltering heat of the cities sent vacationers fleeing north by train to enjoy the cool waters of Lake Sunapee. Nestled along the shores of Lake Sunapee in the heart of the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire, Sunapee Harbor offers boating, kayaking, shopping, waterfront dining, picnicking, fishing, free music, narrated boat tours, ice cream and much more.

White river canoeing

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: White River is fairly shallow although rocky with some deep smooth areas with MANY small rapids and ledges along the way. It is rated between Class 1 and 3 according to the Appalachion Canoe and Kayak NH/VT guide.

Link: https://paddling.com/paddle/trips/white-river-vermont-1/?lat=43.7195&lng=-72.3981&zoom=11

Link: http://www.sunapeeharborriverway.com

Ledyard Canoe Club- rent canoe or kayak

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Rent a boat from

Link: http://www.ledyardcanoeclub.org/

WINTER SPORTS

Skiing at Dartmouth Skiway

Dartmouth Skiway offers big-mountain challenges in a family-friendly setting with more than 100 ski-able acres spread over two mountains and enough terrain variety to thrill any ski or snowboarding enthusiast. The Skiway has something fun for everyone: a 968-foot vertical drop, full-service day lodge, superb grooming, and exciting terrain features. A special ticket price also means a family can enjoy a weekend of skiing and riding at the Skiway for one great price.

skiway.dartmouth.edu

Skating on Occom Pond
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Festivals & Events

Description: Delightful year-round, but known for ice skating and the Winter Carnival in February (weather dependent – the ice has to freeze solid).

 

http://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/natural_areas/occom_pond.html

Skyline Ski Trail
Pomfret VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: The Skyline Trail travels a scenic route through rural central Vermont, crossing numerous farms and pasture lands. The official Skyline Trail begins in East Barnard with a two-mile climb which most skiers avoid. Details are available in the Skyline Trail pamphlet, from the Woodstock Touring Center.

 

Link: http://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/backcountryskiing/trips/skyline.html

Lake Morey 
Fairlee VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: longest ice skating trail in the US (Fairlee), plus, summetime activity: Treasure Island, canoeing, rowboats, fishing, etc.

 

Link: http://lakemoreyresort.com/

RECREATION

Cornish-Windsor Bridge
Cornish, NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Historical

Description: The Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge is the longest wooden bridge in the United States and the longest two-span, covered bridge in the world. It is also a classic example of wooden bridge-building in 19th-century America. With copious supplies of timber at hand and a generous reserve of carpentry skills available, bridge builders in early America quickly discarded the masonry arches prevalent in the Old World. Instead, they opted for a revival of timber-truss designs dating from 14th century Europe.

Link: http://www.asce.org/project/cornish-windsor-covered-bridge/

VINS
Quechee, VT
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Motivating individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

Link: http://www.vinsweb.org/​

Saint-Gaudens
Cornish, NH
Arts & Culture, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Saint Gauden’s Sunday afternoon concerts (2 – 4 p.m.) https://www.nps.gov/saga/planyourvisit/summer-concerts.htm

Step into the world of one of America’s greatest artists

Discover the home, studios and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors. See over 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, or indulge your hidden talents during a sculpture class.

https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm

 

 

Concerts in the Park or on the Green
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Colburn Park music in the summer in Lebanon https://lebanonnh.gov/367/Front-Porch-Concert-Series, Lyme Town Band on summer Tuesdays: http://fairleevt.org/event/concert-on-the-common-lyme-town-band/
(Check your local towns)

Pick-Your-Own Farms
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Local Flavor

Description: Seasonal pick-your-own farms offer everything from pumpkins, to apples, to flowers (Spring Ledge Farm), to strawberries and blueberries

Link: http://www.pickyourown.org/NH.htm, http://www.pickyourown.org/VT.htm

Fore U Minigolf & Ice Cream
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: West Lebanon's mini golf court. Come play the course and enjoy the best ice cream in town.

Link: http://foreugolf.com/icecream.html

Light Shrine at LaSalette Shrine
Enfield NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: The spectacular LaSalette light festival has been a local tradition since 1954.

http://www.nhmagazine.com/December-2015/Visit-the-La-Salette-Shrine-Light-Display/ and Joseph Smith Memorial in South Royalton https://www.lds.org/locations/joseph-smith-birthplace-memorial?lang=eng&_r=1

Alyson's Apple Festival
Outdoor Recreations
Walpole, NH

Annual apple festival. Pick your own. Apple pie contest. Fun for the entire family.

http://alysonsorchard.com/upcoming-events/

 

Circus Smirkus in July

​Description: Circus Smirkus is a nonprofit arts and education organization operating in Greensboro, Vermont. Our mission is to promote the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus, and to inspire youth to engage in life-changing adventures in the circus arts.

Link: http://www.smirkus.org/

Summer Revels
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: Revels North educates the community through theatrical, dance, and musical experiences that bring the world’s cultural traditions and celebrations to life.

Link: http://revelsnorth.org/summer-revels/

 

Montshire Museum of Science
Norwich, VT
Arts & Culture, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: The Montshire Museum of Science is a hands-on museum located in Norwich, Vermont, with more than 140 exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. The building is located on a 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, and the Museum's outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience.

Link: https://www.montshire.org/

Enfield Shaker Museum
Enfield, NH
Arts & Culture

Description: Nestled in a valley between Mt. Assurance and Mascoma Lake, in Enfield, New Hampshire, the Enfield Shaker site has been cherished for over 200 years. At its peak in the mid 19th century, the community was home to three “Families” of Shakers. They practiced equality of the sexes and races, celibacy, pacifism and communal ownership of property. Shakers farmed over 3,000 acres of land, educated children in model schools and worshipped in the “Shaker Way.”

https://www.shakermuseum.org/

Saint-Gaudens
Cornish, NH
Arts & Culture, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Saint Gauden’s Sunday afternoon concerts (2 – 4 p.m.) https://www.nps.gov/saga/planyourvisit/summer-concerts.htm

Step into the world of one of America’s greatest artists

Discover the home, studios and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors. See over 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, or indulge your hidden talents during a sculpture class.
Link:
https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm

American Precision Museum
Windsor, VT
Arts & Culture, Historical

Description: The Museum preserves the heritage of the mechanical arts, celebrates the ingenuity of our mechanical forebears, and explores the effects of their work on our everyday lives. The American Precision Museum, housed in the original Robbins & Lawrence Armory, now holds the largest collection of historically significant machine tools in the nation.

Link: https://www.americanprecision.org/

Hopkins Center (The HOP)
Hanover, NH
Arts & Culture

Description: The Hopkins Center’s mission is to ignite and sustain a passion for the arts within Dartmouth and its greater community and to provide the core educational environment for the study, creation and presentation of the arts.

https://hop.dartmouth.edu/Online/default.asp

League of NH Craftsmen
Hanover, NH
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: The mission of the League is to encourage, nurture, and promote the creation, use and preservation of fine contemporary and traditional craft through the inspiration and education of artists and the broader community.

https://www.nhcrafts.org/

Nugget Theater
Hanover, NH
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: The Nugget Theaters is a movie theater with 4 screens showing first run movies ….

http://www.nugget-theaters.com/

King Arthur Flour
Wilder, VT
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: We're an employee-owned company, every one of us bakers at heart. Our mission is to inspire connections and community by spreading the joy of baking.

https://www.kingarthurflour.com/

Hood Museum of Art
Hanover, NH
Arts & Culture

Description: As a teaching museum, the Hood Museum of Art is committed to helping all visitors develop visual literacy skills—the ability to construct meaning from what we see. 

Link: http://hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu/

Simon Pearce
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor
3 Locations: Hanover NH, Quechee, VT and Windsor, VT

Description: Handmade in the USA

We believe simplicity, quality and artisanship are tenets of a better way of life. From our hand-thrown pottery to our lead-free glassware, each piece carries a story that lends meaning, authenticity and grace to every use.

https://www.simonpearce.com/

Northern Stage
White River Jct, VT
Arts & Culture
Description: Northern Stage is a regional non-profit Actors’ Equity LORT-D professional theater in White River Junction, Vermont. Northern Stage’s mission is to change lives one story at a time
​https://northernstage.org/

Main Street Museum
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor
White River Jct. VT

Description: The Main Street Museum is an eclectic display space for material culture and a civic organization in White River Junction, Vermont.

Link: https://www.mainstreetmuseum.org/

Lebanon Opera House
Lebanon, NH
Arts & Culture

Description: Lebanon Opera House is the only community-based theater of its size in west-central New Hampshire and the cultural focal point of the greater Lebanon community.

https://lebanonoperahouse.org/

Vermont Toy Museum
Quechee, VT
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: Be a kid again and share your childhood memories with family and friends at The Vermont Toy Museum located inside Quechee Gorge Village shopping complex on the second floor above Cabot cheese.  Explore each decade of toys from the 1800's to the present from cast iron, tin, actions figures, Star Wars, Cracker Jack and many of your childhood heroes.  Click on the "play" button in the upper left hand corner of Star Trek to view our slideshow.

http://vermonttoymuseum.com/index.html

AVA Gallery
Hanover, NH
Arts & Culture

Description: AVA Gallery and Art Center (Alliance for the Visual Arts) is dedicated to promoting the visual arts through exhibitions and educational programs that nurture, support and challenge New England artists, and to providing art classes for children, teens and adults of all levels and abilities.  AVA’s programs—including special events that foster interaction among artists, patrons of the arts and the community, and which emphasize sustainability—are dedicated to recognizing the ways in which art enriches our lives.

https://avagallery.org/

Billings Farm
Woodstock VT
Art & Cultural
Description: Numerous events and festivals year-round: Quilting, Harvest Festival, Antique Truck Show – check out the events page:
Link: https://billingsfarm.org/
http://billingsfarm.org/event/

Orozco Murals in Baker Library at Dartmouth
Arts & Culture, Historical
Hanover NH

Description: The monumental mural cycle The Epic of American Civilization was painted by Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco between 1932 and 1934 in Baker-Berry Library at Dartmouth College. This national historic landmark is considered one of the finest examples of mural painting in this country by one of the greatest twentieth-century practitioners of public art.

Link: http://www.dartmouth.edu/digitalorozco/

New London Barn Playhouse
New London NH
Arts & Culture

Description: The Playhouse presents many musicals and plays each year. In addition, it offers classes and workshops for actors of all ages.

Link: https://nlbarn.org/

Eclipse Grange
Thetford VT
Arts & Culture

Description: A nonprofit theater group that presents both classic plays and works by local artists.

Link: http://www.parishplayers.org/eclipse.shtml

New London Historical Society
Historical, Arts & Culture

Description: See history brought to life through fun events such as reenactments, feasts, and fiddle contests.

Link: http://www.newlondonhistoricalsociety.org/

Artisans Park
Local Flavor, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Windsor, VT

Description: We are a collection of 8 unique Vermont businesses all located in the same park. We are home to the Harpoon Brewery, Simon Pearce, SILO Distillery, Path of Life Sculpture Garden, Great River Outfitters, Oh! Veggies, Blake Hill Preserves, and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company Market.
http://www.artisanspark.net/

The Co-Op Food Stores
Local Flavor
Hanover, Lebanon, White River Junction

Description: 
Begun in 1936,the Co-Op Food Stores are the oldest food cooperative in the nation. They carry roughly 4,000 products grown, baked, nurtured and delivered from over 300 farmers and food producers from within a 100-mile radius of the Upper Valley. For more than 80 years, the Co-op has maintained a stated commitment to buying locally produced food. With locations in New Hampshire and Vermont, this cooperative generates sales of more than $70 million annually from its three grocery stores, community market and auto service center.

http://coopfoodstore.coop

League of NH Craftsmen
Hanover, NH
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: The mission of the League is to encourage, nurture, and promote the creation, use and preservation of fine contemporary and traditional craft through the inspiration and education of artists and the broader community.
https://www.nhcrafts.org/

Nugget Theater
Hanover, NH
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: The Nugget Theaters is a movie theater with 4 screens showing first run movies ….

http://www.nugget-theaters.com/

King Arthur Flour
Wilder, VT
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: We're an employee-owned company, every one of us bakers at heart. Our mission is to inspire connections and community by spreading the joy of baking.

https://www.kingarthurflour.com/

Dan and Whits
Norwich, VT
Local Flavor

Description: A Vermont Country Store

Welcome to Dan & Whit's online. We're a true Vermont General Store located on Main Street in Norwich, Vermont. Our goal has always been to provide the daily necessities of our customers here in the Upper Valley area; as well as stocking those items that are requests of our customers.

http://www.danandwhitsonline.com/

Simon Pearce
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor
3 Locations: Hanover NH, Quechee VT & Windsor, VT

Description: Handmade in the USA

We believe simplicity, quality and artisanship are tenets of a better way of life. From our hand-thrown pottery to our lead-free glassware, each piece carries a story that lends meaning, authenticity and grace to every use.

https://www.simonpearce.com/

Artisans Park
Local Flavor, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
Windsor, VT

Description: We are a collection of 8 unique Vermont businesses all located in the same park. We are home to the Harpoon Brewery, Simon Pearce, SILO Distillery, Path of Life Sculpture Garden, Great River Outfitters, Oh! Veggies, Blake Hill Preserves, and Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company Market.

http://www.artisanspark.net/

Main Street Museum
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor
White River JCt. VT

Description: The Main Street Museum is an eclectic display space for material culture and a civic organization in White River Junction, Vermont.

Link: https://www.mainstreetmuseum.org/

Vermont Toy Museum
Quechee, VT
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: Be a kid again and share your childhood memories with family and friends at The Vermont Toy Museum located inside Quechee Gorge Village shopping complex on the second floor above Cabot cheese.  Explore each decade of toys from the 1800's to the present from cast iron, tin, actions figures, Star Wars, Cracker Jack and many of your childhood heroes.  Click on the "play" button in the upper left hand corner of Star Trek to view our slideshow.

http://vermonttoymuseum.com/index.html

Maple Open House Weekend – NH & VT
Festival & Events, Local Flavor

Description: Maple sugar house open house weekend March 23-24 2018. Keep an eye out for each years dates.

Link: https://vermontmaple.org/mohw
Link: https://nhmapleproducers.com/directory/categories/maple-weekend

Fairlee Diner
Fairlee VT
Arts & Culture, Local Flavor

Description: A classic New England diner for all your breakfast needs.

Link: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g57262-d603946-Reviews-Fairlee_Diner-Fairlee_Vermont.html

Christmas Revels at Hopkins Center
Hanover NH
Festival & Events

Description: The Christmas Revels, a beloved Upper Valley tradition for the whole family, is presented annually by Revels North at the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. We celebrate the holiday season and the turning of the year with singing, dancing, and traditions that span the centuries and the globe. 

http://revelsnorth.org/christmas-revels/
 

P&H Truck Stop
Wells River VT
Local Flavor

Description: A cozy diner that features a mini mart for travelers.

Link: http://www.pandhtruckstop.com/

Vershare Snow-Shoe-A-Thon
Vershire VT
Festivals & Events, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: A two-mile snowshoe hike for all ages.

Link: http://vershare.org/snowshoe.html

Valley Quest Books
Local Flavor, Activity

Description: The Upper Valley is full of adventures, and the Upper Valley Quest Book is the ultimate guide.

Link: http://vitalcommunities.org/valleyquest/questing-book/

McNamara Farm Mondays and Thursdays milk bottling
Plainfield NH
Local Flavor

Description: Come enjoy fresh milk and fun events hosted by the local McNamara farm family.

Link: https://karinamcnamara.wordpress.com/

Pick-Your-Own Farms
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Local Flavor

Description: Seasonal pick-your-own farms offer everything from pumpkins, to apples, to flowers (Spring Ledge Farm), to strawberries and blueberries

Link: http://www.pickyourown.org/NH.htm, http://www.pickyourown.org/VT.htm

Light Shrine at LaSalette Shrine
Enfield NH
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: The spectacular LaSalette light festival has been a local tradition since 1954.

http://www.nhmagazine.com/December-2015/Visit-the-La-Salette-Shrine-Light-Display/ and Joseph Smith Memorial in South Royalton https://www.lds.org/locations/joseph-smith-birthplace-memorial?lang=eng&_r=1

Old Home Days in any upper valley town
Local, Historical

Description: Enjoy various vendors, live music, food, petting zoo, demonstrations, contests, games and exhibits!

Link: http://hudsonoldhomedays.blogspot.com/

Local farmer’s markets
Local, Activity

Description: Farmers markets featuring local produce and other delectables.

Link:  
http://www.hanoverchamber.org/hanover-area-farmers-market   
http://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org/

 

Flea Market in Lyme, late June
Local

Description: Come enjoy local goods, antiques, and handmade items sold by local vendors.

Link: http://cclyme.org/events/lyme-flea-market/2017-08-26/

​

Maple Open House Weekend – NH & VT
Festival & Events, Local Flavor

Description: Maple sugar house open house weekend March 23-24 2018. Keep an eye out for each years dates.
Link: https://vermontmaple.org/mohw
Link: https://nhmapleproducers.com/directory/categories/maple-weekend

Dartmouth Pow Wow

Festivals & Events - May

The Dartmouth Powwow serves as an opportunity for members of both the Dartmouth and Upper Valley communities to observe, participate, and learn from a broad representation of Native American Dances, music, and arts and crafts.

Canaan Fair Speedway
Canaan, NH
Event

Description: Come watch exciting races, featuring both local competitors and national stars.

Link: http://www.racingin.com/track/details.aspx?s=NH&Address_ID=1063

Tunbridge World’s Fair
Tunbridge, VT
Festivals & Events

Description: Come enjoy a wide array of rides and attractions after Labor Day at the fair.

Link: http://www.tunbridgeworldsfair.com/schedules/fair/

Cornish Fair- August
Cornish NH
Festivals & Events

Description: The Cornish Fair features live entertainment, rides, fresh food, and other attractions.

Link: http://www.cornishfair.org/

Circus Smirkus in July
​Description: Circus Smirkus is a nonprofit arts and education organization operating in Greensboro, Vermont. Our mission is to promote the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus, and to inspire youth to engage in life-changing adventures in the circus arts.

Link: http://www.smirkus.org/

Summer Revels
Arts & Culture, Festivals & Events - June

Description: Revels North educates the community through theatrical, dance, and musical experiences that bring the world’s cultural traditions and celebrations to life.

Link: http://revelsnorth.org/summer-revels/

Christmas Revels at Hopkins Center
Festival & Events, December

Description: The Christmas Revels, a beloved Upper Valley tradition for the whole family, is presented annually by Revels North at the Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. We celebrate the holiday season and the turning of the year with singing, dancing, and traditions that span the centuries and the globe. 

http://revelsnorth.org/christmas-revels/

Vershare Snow-Shoe-A-Thon
Vershire VT
Festivals & Events, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: A two-mile snowshoe hike for all ages.

Link: http://vershare.org/snowshoe.htm

Prouty in the summer for NCCC
Festivals & Events

Description: The Prouty is a sponsored athletic event that raises funds for cancer research.

Link: http://theprouty.org/

Glory Days of the Railroad festival
White River Jct VT
Festival & Events

Description: Come relive the high point of the northern railroads.

Link: http://vtglorydaysfestival.com/

 

Norwich Fair
Norwich VT
Festivals & Events
Description: Rides and attractions in Norwich for patrons of all ages.

Link: http://www.norwichlionsclub.org/norwich-fair

Skating on Occom Pond
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Festivals & Events

Description: Delightful year-round, but known for ice skating and the Winter Carnival in February (weather dependent – the ice has to freeze solid).

http://outdoors.dartmouth.edu/activities/natural_areas/occom_pond.html

Alyson's Apple Festival
Walpole NH
Outdoor Recreations

Annual apple festival. Pick your own. Apple pie contest. Fun for the entire family.

http://alysonsorchard.com/upcoming-events/

Saint-Gaudens
Cornish, NH
Arts & Culture, Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation, Historical

Description: Saint Gauden’s Sunday afternoon concerts (2 – 4 p.m.) https://www.nps.gov/saga/planyourvisit/summer-concerts.htm

Step into the world of one of America’s greatest artists

Discover the home, studios and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America’s greatest sculptors. See over 100 of his artworks in the galleries and on the grounds, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, or indulge your hidden talents during a sculpture class.

https://www.nps.gov/saga/index.htm

American Precision Museum
Windsor, VT
Arts & Culture, Historical

Description: The Museum preserves the heritage of the mechanical arts, celebrates the ingenuity of our mechanical forebears, and explores the effects of their work on our everyday lives. The American Precision Museum, housed in the original Robbins & Lawrence Armory, now holds the largest collection of historically significant machine tools in the nation.

Link: https://www.americanprecision.org/

Fort at No. 4 Open Air Museum
Charlestown, NH
Historical

Description: The Fort at No. 4 was once the Northernmost of the Western British colonies. Now, reenactors host tours and events at the settlement.

Link: http://www.fortat4.org/

Orozco Murals in Baker Library at Dartmouth
Arts & Culture, Historical
Hanover NH

Description: The monumental mural cycle The Epic of American Civilization was painted by Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco between 1932 and 1934 in Baker-Berry Library at Dartmouth College. This national historic landmark is considered one of the finest examples of mural painting in this country by one of the greatest twentieth-century practitioners of public art.

Link: http://www.dartmouth.edu/digitalorozco/

New London Historical Society
Historical, Arts & Culture

Description: See history brought to life through fun events such as reenactments, feasts, and fiddle contests.

Link: http://www.newlondonhistoricalsociety.org/

Old Home Days in any upper valley town
Local, Historical

Description: Enjoy various vendors, live music, food, petting zoo, demonstrations, contests, games and exhibits!

Link: http://hudsonoldhomedays.blogspot.com/

Upper Valley Aquatic Center
Activity- White River Jct. VT

Description: The Upper Valley Aquatic Center is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization with a mission to deliver a diverse range of high quality fitness and aquatic programs accessible to all members of the Upper Valley community.

https://uvacswim.org/

Valley Quest Books
Local Flavor, Activity

Description: The Upper Valley is full of adventures, and the Upper Valley Quest Book is the ultimate guide.

Link: http://vitalcommunities.org/valleyquest/questing-book/

Fore U Minigolf & Ice Cream
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation
West Lebanon, NH

Description: West Lebanon's mini golf court. Come play the course and enjoy the best ice cream in town.

Link: http://foreugolf.com/icecream.html

Local farmer’s markets
Local, Activity

Description: Farmers markets featuring local produce and other delectables. 

Link:
http://www.hanoverchamber.org/hanover-area-farmers-market  
http://www.norwichfarmersmarket.org/

Flea Market in Lyme, late June
Local

Description: Come enjoy local goods, antiques, and handmade items sold by local vendors.

Link: http://cclyme.org/events/lyme-flea-market/2017-08-26/

Ledyard Canoe Club- rent canoe or kayak
Natural Wonders & Outdoor Recreation

Description: Rent a boat from the Ledyard Canoe Club.

Link: http://www.ledyardcanoeclub.org/

For Foodies:
Pay a visit to world-renowned Simon Pearce Factory in Quechee, Vermont, to watch their master glass blowers create beautiful and useful glassware. Glass blowing happens daily between 10 AM to 9 PM. Stroll through the Quechee Mill and have lunch at the Simon Pearce Restaurant, voted one of “America’s Most Romantic Restaurants” by Travel and Leisure and recipient of the Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence.”
http://www.simonpearce.com

Book a cooking class at King Arthur Flour located in Norwich, Vermont. Founded in 1790, King Arthur Flour is the oldest flour company in the United States and their Norwich campus includes
a café, factory store, production and world class baking school.
http://www.kingarthurflour.com

Do a craft beer tasting at the Norwich Inn’s Jasper Murdock’s Alehouse & Brewery www.norwichinn.com or one of SILO Distillery’s liquors. 
http://www.silodistillery.com

If looking to learn to cook a new entrée, book a cooking class at the Hanover Consumer Co-Op Culinary Learning Center located in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Using locally sourced ingredients from surrounding farms, learn to cook seasonal specialties from local chefs.
http://coopfoodstore.coop

Finish your day with a Chef’s Showcase Dinner at PINE Restaurant located at the Hanover Inn in Hanover, New Hampshire. Executive Chef Justin Dain will now showcase his creativity with a weekly three-course, wine paired menu in PINE Restaurant. Offered alongside our popular daily menu offerings, experience this elevated dining experience.
http://www.pineathanoverinn.com

For Art Lovers:

Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, hosts The Epic of American Civilization, an extensive mural cycle created by Mexican artist José Clemente Orozco between 1932 and 1934. One of Orozco’s finest creations and one of Dartmouth’s most treasured works, it was designated a national historic landmark in 2013. Housed in Baker Library at the center of Dartmouth’s campus, visitors may view the murals whenever the Orozco Room is open.
http://hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu/explore/news/jose-clemente-orozco-epic-american-civilization

Continue your tour of Dartmouth College’s extensive art collections by touring Hood Museum, located at 6 East Wheelock Street, Hanover and 53 South Main Street, Hanover, the Hood Museum has works by Rembrandt van Rijn, Francisco Goya, Pablo Picasso, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keeffe, Richard Serra, Andy Warhol, and Frank Stella, as well as extensive Native American holdings—nearly 7,000 objects—ranging from archaeological materials to 19th century beadwork to hundreds of items created by contemporary Native American artists.

Continue your tour in Hanover with a visit to the League of New Hampshire Gallery Store. The League Gallery store sells inspiring work by over 250 local, juried craftspeople in ceramics, jewelry, wearable art and home décor. Want to create your own art? Book a class at the League and learn to create your own masterpiece in a variety of media from jewelry making to fiber art, clay, metal or wood.

AVA Gallery in nearby Lebanon, New Hampshire, has an edgy loft vibe in a downtown setting. The main building was built in 1890 and houses the main galleries as well as classrooms. Visitors can tour the galleries and view works by local artists. Check AVA’s schedule online for their periodic talks with the artist as well as a class schedule. Classes range from painting and fine arts, to sculpture, stone carving and wood working.

For Theater Lovers:

Lebanon Opera House, a historic 800-seat performing arts center, is the largest proscenium theater in the Upper Valley. Located in downtown Lebanon, performances range from small theater productions, opera, ballet, comedy nights to concerts by well-known artists.
http://lebanonoperahouse.org

Northern Stage is a regional non-profit Actors’ Equity LORT-D professional theater in White River Junction, Vermont. Northern Stage is a regional non-profit Actors’ Equity LORT-D professional theater in White River Junction, Vermont. The company offers 6 full productions from September to May. Operating under a LORT-D contract with Actors’ Equity, Northern Stage draws talent from the region and across the country, including many with Broadway, Regional Theater, and National Tour credits. Seasons include comedies, dramas, musicals from the classic cannon, new shows fresh from Broadway and London’s West End, and world premiere productions.
http://northernstage.org

The Hopkins Center for the Performing Arts at Dartmouth College include the 900-seat Spaulding Auditorium, the 480-seat Moore Theater, the Warner Bentley Theater, a flexible “black box” space with up to 180 seats. The Hop, as it is affectionately known by the locals, has over 100 or more live performances in virtually all genres of music, theater and dance, plus well over 200 film screenings and other events. In September, the Hop hosts “Telluride at Dartmouth” Film Festival, bringing films from the world famous Telluride Film Festival.
http://hop.dartmouth.edu

The Briggs Opera House in White River Junction, Vermont, is a small intimate theater that produces small scale productions and musical venues. Audiences have an opportunity to be in close proximity to the performers. In February, the BOH hosts JAGFest, a Festival of African American Playwrights . http://briggsoperahouse.com

Opera North is the premier professional summer music festival of the Upper Valley. Founded in 1982 and based in Lebanon, NH, it is the only full-time professional opera company serving the tri-state region of New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Throughout its history, Opera North has focused on bringing classic musical theatre – in a myriad of styles – to the region, working with noted international artists, designers and directors.
http://www.operanorth.org

For Adventurers

The Upper Valley is a mecca for outdoor adventures in every season. From sunset cruises on Lake Sunapee to kayaking on the Connecticut River or in the many lakes and many other outdoor activities.

Try something new and exciting by taking a tour on a Segway with Quechee Segway Tours. Young and old can Segway! Tours start in Quechee Gorge Village, an artisan village and shopping destination, and follow the trails along the famous Quechee Gorge, an 165 foot waterfall and natural feature.
http://www.quecheesegway.com

Experience the fun of a scenic daytime cruise on Lake Sunapee aboard the MV MT Sunapee II or enjoy an evening dinner cruise aboard the MV Kearsarge Restaurant Ship. Come aboard, relax, enjoy the wonderful New Hampshire scenery. Settle into your deck chair or ease back at your table and listen as the Captain narrates the history, lore and points of interest of this beautiful pristine mountain lake.
http://www.sunapeecruises.com

Book an adventure at the LL Bean Outdoor Discovery Center in Lebanon. Learn to kayak, fish, stand up paddle board, outdoor skills, archery and many more outdoor sports. 
http://www.llbean.com

Hike one of the beautiful and scenic trails that abound in the Upper Valley. From Mt. Cardigan in Orange, NH to the numerous trails of the Hanover Conservancy and Upper Valley Land Trust, there are trails for every skill level.