Melissa Barales-Lopez

An iconic institution located in the middle of town, Lou’s Restaurant has been open for over 70 years. This business has served the Dartmouth community well, supplying mouth-watering and delectable plates during that time period. For any Gilmore Girls fans out there, I would class classify Lou’s as the equivalent to Lukes in the fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. While I can’t speak to the food at Lukes, I can certainly attest to the sheer deliciousness of Lou’s menu items. It attracts people far outside of Hanover, but beyond it being a regional tourist attraction, Lou’s is the faithful haven of Hanover residents and Dartmouth students. On any given day, you can find long-time community members, undergraduates, and even Dartmouth professors chatting away inside! In addition to the celebrational visits to Lou’s with close friends, I’ll miss its quaint and friendly ambiance. The restaurant’s sense of community is something you can’t replicate anywhere else. 

As a movie fanatic, the Nugget Theatre is my favorite place in Hanover. The Nugget Theatre first opened in 1916 and, given its popularity among the community, it’s stayed open ever since. While my first visit to the Nugget took place during spring break, I have not stopped going since! The Nugget is smaller than your traditional movie theater, but it still screens the most popular productions out there. So far, I’ve seen Jordan Peele’s Us, the long-anticipated blockbuster End Game, and Disney’s live-action film Aladdin. The popcorn served in the Nugget also happens to be especially good (it’s somehow extra savory), and the small showing rooms create a pleasurable viewing experience. Every time I’ve gone to the Nugget, everyone seems to be immersed in the movie, and it elevates the entire experience. Beyond the yummy treats and the comfortable accommodations, the experience of watching a good movie with close friends is unbeatable. 

Unlike my handful of (yet nonetheless memorable) visits to the Nugget Theatre, I frequently visit Morano Gelato. Morano Gelato is also located down Main St. and is an absolute town gem. While Morano Gelato is not unique to Hanover, the establishment has a special place among the community. With a continuously changing list of flavors, Morano Gelato notably serves something for everyone. Because of its impressive variety, you can almost always count on encountering a line of customers when you pay Morano a visit. But the wait time is well worth it! My favorite flavor is Cioccolato Bianco (or White Chocolate), which I like to enjoy on the nearby outside patio. I love relaxing on one of the many benches on this courtyard on a nice sunny day while savoring delicious gelato.