
My Favorite Springtime Activities
Spikeball on the Green, cherry blossoms in front of Baker….As spring is arriving here in the Upper Valley, I thought I'd write a quick post about my favorite things to do near campus this time of year!
- No. 1
Ice Cream Fore-U
May 1st was opening day at Ice Cream Fore-U, which doubles a mini golf place in West Lebanon–about 10 minutes from campus. The portions are crazy big and I always get overwhelmed by the extensive menu. Getting an ice cream there makes it finally feel like spring!
- No. 2
Walk through Pine Park
Just on the other side of Occom Pond, you’ll find the gorgeous wooded paths of Pine Park. Some sections parallel the Connecticut River and others wind through the golf course. I took a long walk here last weekend and seeing the trees in bloom and shimmering water made me fall in love all over again with Dartmouth’s campus.
- No. 3
Picnic Dinner on the Green
Grab some friends, a music speaker, a blanket and have a picnic during golden hour on the Green! Seeing the Green buzz with people is another wonderful reminder that spring has arrived. Dartmouth’s Dining Services (DDS) has a program called Green2Go where you can take food from the dining halls in reusable boxes and return the boxes for a carabiner when you’re done. Another great option is Snackpass, which is a convenient app that lets you order takeout from a bunch of local restaurants.
- No. 4
Nathan’s Garden
Right before the entrance to Mink Brook, on Maple Street, is a lovely spot called Nathan’s Garden, founded in honor of Nathan by his family. There’s a wooden swing, a little waterfall, and steps up to a gazebo. The whole place looks straight out of a fantasy novel! It’s a perfect place to journal, meditate, or do some homework (that doesn’t require wifi!)
- No. 5
Wheels
Whether you’re roller blading, longboarding, or biking, having some sort of wheels on campus is really helpful...not only for getting from your dorm to the library, but also just to cruise. I love longboarding around Occom with friends and on a warm spring day, and you’ll also likely see other crews of people you can link up with!
- No. 6
Volunteer at the Dartmouth Organic Farm
About a 5 minute drive from campus is our very own Organic Farm! As I mentioned in my last post, one of my classes is currently working on painting a mural there, but there are plenty of other ways to get involved. The timber frame barn (built by past students!) has speedy wifi and is open for any student who wants to chill there and study. Additionally, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities through the student-run farm club...from planting seedlings to prepping the soil, or even helping out with honey harvest from our bee hives! Overlooking the Connecticut River and grassy fields, the Organic Farm is an ideal place to embrace spring in the Upper Valley.