With so much to do here in the Upper Valley, here are a handful of our favorite excursions handpicked for foodies, art lovers, theater lovers and adventurers!
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 Baking Company located in Norwich, Vermont. Founded in 1790, King Arthur Baking is the oldest flour company in the United States and their Norwich campus includes a café, factory store, production and world class baking school. https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/visit
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 https://hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu/, 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.
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 woodworking. https://avagallery.org/
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 https://www.sunapeecruises.com/ 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. https://www.facebook.com/quecheesegway/
Ever wanted to try an e-bike (electric bicycle)? Take a tour with Hanover Adventure Tours. Both guided tours or on your own, you can farther on an e-bike! https://hanoveradventuretours.com/ Try it on the Northern Rail Trail, a 56 mile level trail that starts in Lebanon and ends in Boscawen, New Hampshire. https://fnrt.org/
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
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.