| HANOVER, near Lebanon and just across from Vermont, is home to the venerable and elegant Dartmouth College, founded in this remote spot in the eighteenth century "for the instruction of the Youth of Indian tribes … and others." The main attraction here is the small Hood Museum of Art on the college green (Tues & Thurs–Sat 10am–5pm, Wed 10am–9pm, Sun noon–5pm; free), which has works by Picasso and Monet alongside Assyrian bas-reliefs. In the adjacent cultural complex, the Dartmouth Film Society screens international art and classic movies year-round ($5). Hanover itself is enjoyable to wander around, with lively places to eat and drink such as Molly's Restaurant & Bar, 43 S Main St (tel 603/643-2570), and the always busy Lou's Restaurant & Bakery, 30 S Main St (tel 603/643-3321). Its best accommodation is in the Hanover Inn (tel 603/643-4300 or 1-800/443-7024, www.hanoverinn.com; $250+), overlooking Dartmouth Green from the corner of Main and Wheelock streets; the Chieftain Motor Inn, 84 Lyme Rd (Rte-10 N) (tel 603/643-2550, www.chieftaininn.com; $75–100/$100–130), represents the best budget option. One secluded and memorable place to stay nearby is Moose Mountain Lodge (mid-June to mid-Oct and Dec 26 to early March; tel 603/643-3529, www.moosemountainlodge.com; $160–200, two-night stay required), a steep climb up in the hills above Etna, overlooking Vermont. All year it feels blissfully remote from the world below, but it really comes into its own for cross-country skiing in winter. The friendly owners, who love the country life, charge $100 per day per person, which includes a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner.
|
