When I moved to the Upper Valley, I quickly realized that there was so much more to explore than I had imagined.
For those who may not know the area, the Upper Valley sits along the Connecticut River, between the states of New Hampshire and Vermont, and it has become one of my favorite places to explore in New England.
I love discovering places that combine nature, small towns, local food, farms, history, and culture, and after exploring the region little by little, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite spots and day-trip ideas.
So, if you’re new to the Upper Valley, planning a visit, or simply looking for something new to explore, here are some of my recommendations:
1. Explore Hanover’s Campus & Downtown (New Hampshire)
One of my favorite ways to spend a day is simply walking around the town of Hanover and exploring the Dartmouth College campus.
Some of my favorite stops include:
- Main Street & downtown Hanover
- Hanover Inn
- The Hop
- Hood Museum of Art
- The Green
- Baker-Berry Library
Even if you’re not a student, the campus is beautiful to walk around, and there are always interesting buildings, art, green spaces, and little corners to discover.
2. Hiking & Getting Outdoors
The Upper Valley is also a great place for hiking. A few trails and areas I’ve enjoyed exploring are:
- Gile Mountain
- Cardigan Mountain
- Boston Lot
- Appalachian Trail
Each one offers a very different experience, which makes it fun to explore throughout the seasons.
3. Vermont Day Trips: Quechee and Woodstock
Crossing the river into Vermont opens up another whole list of places to explore.
Some of my favorites:
Quechee Covered Bridge — one of those classic Vermont scenes that never gets old.
Simon Pearce — beautiful location, craftsmanship, and a great place to see local artisans at work.
VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science) — a wonderful stop, especially if you enjoy nature and wildlife.
Woodstock — one of my favorite Vermont towns to wander around, it looks like you are inside a Christmas movie!
And if you’re there, I recommend checking out Mon Vert Café and Worthy Kitchen.
4. White River Junction (Vermont)
If you enjoy wine and local experiences, Putnam’s Vineyard is another place to add to the list. You can also see a play or musical at Northern Stage.
5. Farms & Rural New England
One thing I really love about living in this area is how easy it is to find beautiful farms and experience a little bit of rural New England.
Some places I’ve enjoyed:
- McNamara Farm
- Riverview Farm
- Billings Farm & Museum
- Cedar Circle Farm
- Edgewater Farm
I especially love visiting farms throughout the seasons because there’s always something different happening.
6. Places to eat:
If you find yourself in South Royalton - Vermont, Worthy Burger is a fun stop for a meal.
It’s also a great little town to explore while you’re in the area.
Another local restaurant recommendation: Baited Hook. (Lebanon, NH)
I love finding these kinds of local spots rather than always going to the places that show up on the typical tourist lists.
Another fun day-trip idea is visiting Harpoon Brewery. (Windsor, Vermont)
In Lebanon, NH you can grab a bite at Salt Hill Pub or Snax, love both!
7. Farmers Markets of Norwich + King Arthur Baking Company
Farmers markets are one of my favorite ways to experience a place.
I love seeing what local farmers and producers are growing and making, and it’s also a great way to discover seasonal foods.
And, of course, King Arthur Baking Company is a must for anyone who loves baking, pastries, bread, or just good food.
8. Covered Bridges
Another fun day-trip idea is drive through Vermont and New Hampshire to discover some of the area’s beautiful covered bridges.
If you’re also a Local Guide from the Upper Valley, NH or VT, I’d love to hear your recommendations! What places am I still missing from my list? 
Here’s the Google Maps list!
I’ve also created a Google Maps list with all of these places, so you can easily save it and explore them yourself. I’ll keep adding new discoveries as I explore more of the Upper Valley and surrounding areas.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1S9iqefWOmGS6_2uVwTKDCazDroTBSiI&usp=sharing
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