Lauren Halsey

My Favorite Things To Do Near Campus

After spending my summer in Hanover, I have accumulated a list of activities I often do when on campus. Enjoy!

Ice Cream Fore-U (called IC4U) is a fan favorite—I have been far more times than I would like to admit. The fantastic ice cream shop—and mini-golf center—is conveniently located in West Lebanon (in the Home Depot parking lot, lol). They have countless flavors of ice cream—some of which they make themselves. There is almost always a sizable line at the shop, and there are almost always other Dartmouth students in line or eating ice cream nearby. I highly recommend getting "Chocolate Cookie Monster" if you are ever in the area. There are also resident skunks that meander around in the summer—dessert and a show!

Proof of my frequent IC4U attendance AND the resident skunks!

The Norwich Farmers Market runs every Saturday morning from the late spring to early fall. The fun part about the farmers market is that nearly everyone you know will be there. I highly recommend you check it out; they have amazing grilled cheese sandwiches (favorite = "The Morning Goat") and fantastic pickles. Everyone will get their coffee and grilled cheese sandwiches on Saturday mornings, listen to local bands, and chat with friends. 

Lake Morey gets bonus points because it is applicable in the warmer months and the peak of winter. It is a stunning lake about a 20-minute drive from campus. In the winter, it is a giant ice skating loop that families and students use—and you can rent ice skates from. During the spring and summer, it is a fantastic place to swim and sun tan—there is even a waterfall nearby that you can explore. I have even been to Lake Morey resort for Greek life formals; term after term, I always end up visiting Lake Morey. 

King Arthur Flour—yes, like the all-purpose flour in your kitchen cabinet—has a flagship store in Norwich, VT (right across the river from campus). Students call King Arthur Flour "KAF"—pronounced "calf." Various Dartmouth Dining locations offer KAF pastries for students to buy, but it is nice to see what the large flagship store has to offer every once in a while.  They have amazing pastries and sandwiches that my friends and I always get when the farmers market is closed in the winter.

There are quite a few rope swings along the Connecticut River—that my trippees and I discovered on First-Year Trips—and an awesome one on Storrs Pond (a 5-minute drive from campus). Finding and trying out a new rope swing or swimming hole near campus is always a fun adventure.

The Gile Fire Tower is a beautiful hike—especially at peak foliage. Students say Gile is not a hike; however, if you go into it thinking it will be a walk, it will feel like a hike—and vice versa. I have done Gile countless times, as it only takes 30-45 minutes! You can even see the tower of Baker Library if you orient yourself correctly.

I highly recommend checking out these activities if you are ever in the Hanover area—whether as a current student or prospective applicant!