While Hanover may appear small on a map, this is a vibrant community with a remarkable array of things to see and do. Hanover and the surrounding Upper Valley are quintessential New England. People not only enjoy the picture-book scenery right out their window, they live it. After work or during a study break, it's easy to escape for a couple of hours to hike a nearby trail, take a few runs down the College's ski area, or kayak on the Connecticut River. Whether your idea of outdoor recreation is heart-pumping or simply breathtaking—you'll find it all right here.
Hanover is also home to a wealth of cultural and artistic attractions. Dartmouth's Hopkins Center for the Arts presents about 500 film, dance, music, and theater events each year, from Wynton Marsalis, Angelique Kidjo, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Arturo Sandoval and Pilobolus. The College's Hood Museum includes works by Monet, Rodin, and Rembrandt. Recent speakers on campus include Paul Farmer, Abraham Verghese, Ann-Marie Slaughter, Bobby McFerrin, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Martha Redbone, Yo-Yo Ma, Ken Burns, Werner Herzog, and Terry Tempest Williams. Newcomers to Hanover are continually surprised by the diverse richness of this area's cultural experience—without the hassles or expense of city traffic or parking.