Planning a Trip

Getting There -- Hanover is just north of Lebanon, New Hampshire, via Route 10 or Route 120. From Boston, Concord, or Manchester to the south, take I-93 to I-89 north. From Brattleboro or St. Johnsbury, Vermont, take I-91. From Montpelier or Burlington, Vermont, take I-89 south to I-91 north in White River Junction, head north a few miles, then exit for Norwich and cross the river.

Even for the car-less, Hanover is well connected. Dartmouth Coach (tel. 800/637-0123; www.concordcoachlines.com) buses pull into town from Boston at least a half-dozen times a day, an easy 2 1/2 hour ride costing $40 to $55 round-trip. Furthermore, Amtrak (tel. 800/872-7245; www.amtrak.com) trains from New York City pull into White River Junction, Vermont, which isn't far away, once per day.

Visitor Information -- Dartmouth College alumni and local chamber of commerce volunteers maintain an information center on the town green in summer. It's open daily from 10am to 5pm in June and September, daily from 9:30am to 5pm in July and August. In the off season, head for the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce (tel. 603/643-3115) office, at 47 S. Main St., across from the post office. It's open Monday through Friday, from 9am to 4:30pm.

Special Events -- In early to mid-February, look for the fantastic and intricate ice sculptures marking the return of the annual Dartmouth Winter Carnival; call Dartmouth College's student affairs office at tel. 603/646-3399 for more information on this traditionally beer-soaked event.