Melissa Barales-Lopez
Class of 2022
« All Posts by this Blogger
Here’s What I Love about the Town of Hanover
This summer, I'm heading to Los Angeles for the first time in five months. That means I’ll be leaving the small, quaint town of Hanover which has truly become a second home during my time at Dartmouth. Hanover and Los Angeles are polar opposites, but both environments offer attractions that are distinctly special.
Over the year, I’ve slowly explored the town of Hanover, which is mostly comprised of Main St. Main St. doesn’t run for too long (it’s not like your typical city boulevards), but it’s packed with distinct treasures that undoubtedly shape students’ experiences. Many of the establishments found on Main St. are unique to Hanover and beloved by the community (and, of course, myself). Here are the spaces in our college town I’ll miss during the summer.
- No. 1
Lou’s Restaurant & Bakery
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.
- No. 2
The Nugget Theatre
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.
- No. 3
Morano Gelato
Unlike my handful of (yet nonethless 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.
Posted 07/21/2019 at 12:30 PMAll List Posts
Posts You Might Like
The sidewalks and roads are illuminated at night, and drivers are generally more cautious because they are used to pedestrians crossing the roads and bikers in the bike lane.
Jenny Chen
2021
This was actually my first trip with the DOC, besides First-Year Trips and other events such as their semi-formal at a roller rink.
Jenny Chen
2021
I finished my first week of college a few days ago and it was, in short, a good time.
Robin Martinez
2023
Here are some of my favourite shots from the summer.
Julianna Thomson
2020
The Prouty raises funds for Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center, the only cancer center in northern New England.
Jenny Chen
2021
With deadlines fast approaching, it's important to make the most of every moment.
Guilherme Marinho
2022
Every summer, members of the sophomore class stay on campus and take classes.
Julianna Thomson
2020
Since my birthday also falls close to July 4th, there were some on-campus events, no school on a Thursday, and a weekend for my sister to visit via the Dartmouth Coach from Boston.
Jenny Chen
2021