The Changing Face of Hanover: A Mix Of Businesses Makes Downtown Vibrant
Nov 19, 2024 04:07PM ● By Wren Wahrenberger Photography By Lars Blackmore
First, we scored Dunk’s, the hopping sports bar and restaurant on Lebanon Street. Then, the gaping hole left by Dartmouth Book Store on South Main Street was sweetly filled by My Brigadeiro, and into the back of that building on Allen Street, book lovers can now browse and have a beverage at Still North Books & Bar. Sawtooth Kitchen opened downstairs, adding dining, music, dancing, and a late-night hangout spot to the town’s palette.
We did lose Morano Gelato, but now we have The Nest Kitchen and Cafe, Hanover Scoops, and Red Kite Candy. Umbleby’s, Dirt Cowboy, and Lou’s all still have breakfast handled.
Fat Face Clothing closed, but we have Indigo, which, let’s face it, has always been the trendiest. In addition, The Ivy Edit, with clothing for young women, has moved up to South Main Street near Simon Pearce and across from Lemon Tree Gifts, and both of those stores are still welcoming patrons seeking distinctive gifts.
To the joy of board game and comic geeks everywhere, we gained The Fourth Place in the Hanover Park building. Then Dartmouth moved its Computer Store to South Street, opening it to the public. Now even karaoke is coming to town, soon to be in the lower level of Hanover Park, next to Han Fusion and Base Camp.
Clearly, Hanover is bringing the fun, and not just for young people. An effort to create more walking space for festivals and family events is also in the works, and longtime downtown businesses, who have weathered recent challenging times, couldn’t be happier.
A Welcoming Downtown for Everyone
Robert Houseman, director of planning, zoning, and codes for eight years and current interim town manager, explains that COVID-19 taught Hanover an important lesson: “Our downtown economy is fragile and dependent in many ways on the college presence. When the college shut down, it impacted the downtown.”
Longtime Hanover residents noticed an increase in businesses closing or shifting locations and owners. Many struggled to find employees. Now, with the pandemic over, people are coming back, and the town isn’t taking anything for granted. The Dartmouth student body is almost half of the population, and downtown businesses are working harder to welcome students, who are mostly pedestrians or bikers, to town. In the fall at arrival day events, they provide goody bags, town events calendars, and maps of downtown businesses. This year, businesses hung “Welcome Class of 2028” signs in store windows.
An informal downtown business group is working to bring back a sense of energy and vitality to the town that is diversified—embracing not just the college students but also families, retirees, and high school students. A big part of this effort is to make the area more pedestrian friendly.
One of the first changes implemented during COVID-19 by former Town Manager Julia Griffin was allowing for emergency “parklets” for on-street dining. This has become a permanent ordinance, and Murphy’s, Lou’s, The Works, and Boloco’s have seating areas outside, attracting more walking customers. The town also permits sidewalk seating if there is enough space.
The Parking Issue
The catch-22, however, is that locals are worried about losing those parking places. People expect to find a free parking place in front of their destination, and they theorize that losing South Main Street parking will reduce patrons to the area.
“Data doesn’t bear out that losing parking is a problem for other businesses,” Robert says. Single-vehicle parking being the dominant use of land space on a main street actually leads to less foot traffic and fewer customers for the businesses trying to stay open in a downtown area. A willingness to park a block or two away, for example in the parking garage, which usually has plenty of free spaces, is a more sustainable option to allow for a vibrant pedestrian presence in downtown.
“We are a walking village and while a lot of people drive here, we do have over 2,000 parking spaces that the town manages,” says Robert. For those still worried about parking, an idea in the future would be for Hanover to number parking spaces and connect them to a Wayfinding app that would indicate where free spaces exist at any given moment.
Foot-Traffic Friendly
In keeping with the goal to draw foot traffic to the downtown, the Town of Hanover is looking at plans to reimagine South Main Street from Wheelock Street to Dorrance Place. Specifics of three possible designs from GPI, an engineering group for urban infrastructure development, are detailed by Carolyn Radisch on the town’s website. The possible changes include curb extensions at pedestrian crossings for added safety and to calm traffic. Larger sidewalks, as well as clearly marked bike lanes, are also goals. Some space could be found for these changes by converting angled parking spots to parallel spots, which would further reduce direct downtown parking but allow for a much safer experience, especially for children and the elderly in those bike lanes. Adding another bus shelter is also an option.
According to the website’s Hanover Sustainability Master Plan, the community has expressed a “strong desire” for additional areas in the downtown for social interaction. The idea is to create a kind of plaza space for cultural events, such as street performances, where cars “feel like they are the strangers.” The hope is also to beautify the area with art murals, sculptures, and more trees and flowers and to create better water drainage. Some people suggest closing South Main Street entirely to cars, but that would be a state decision, and the surrounding roads are not designed to absorb the current traffic flow.
According to Robert, Hanover has a unique advantage over other small towns in that businesses feel they can be successful here. He notes that a vibrant downtown has a mixture of shops, dining, banking, gems like the Howe Library, and a post office that all generate foot traffic. An active downtown decreases isolation, which is particularly problematic today. Robert points to his cell phone as a major culprit.
“Main Street sidewalks are the downtown living room of a community,” he says. Robert enjoys eating his lunch outside on the picnic tables in front of the town hall and chatting with community members. He also likes sitting at the Sustainability Park on School Street, which has a pollinator garden and is a popular hangout for families, especially on hot summer evenings.
Even in the colder months, downtown Hanover is a whirlwind of activity, as families enjoy Trunk and Treat and Home for the Holidays events, such as the tree lighting on the Dartmouth Green.
Hanover residents gain many advantages from living in a college town, but the college is also lucky to be right next to such a special downtown village. Supporting local businesses keeps local businesses, and Hanover is still worth the walk.
New: Getting to know You
Downtown Hanover has undergone many changes recently and will certainly continue to evolve in the years to come. For the purposes of this feature, new businesses are those that have opened in the past five years, have a new owner or manager, or have moved to a new location.
ERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES VERANI REALTY
Founded 1967, opened Hanover office 2021
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty was founded by Oswaldo Verani in 1967. The company has 24 offices throughout New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Maine. The team serves the greater Upper Valley, the Sunapee region, and the Northeast Kingdom.
“We are local experts who are passionate about serving the communities in which we live and work,” says Lori Shipulski, regional manager, Upper Valley. “We are helping to build vibrant communities for people from all walks of life.”
Lori continues, “Hanover is a bustling community, and we feel fortunate to be a part of the Allen Street microcommunity in downtown Hanover. The events on Allen Street allow us to connect with and give back to the community in fun and unique ways. We love participating!”
The team at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty is focused on serving clients at the highest level and at every price point. “We are excited about the opportunity to connect with them and to gain their trust as their Forever Agents.”
5 Allen Street, Suite 1 (Hanover office)
1 Verani Way
Londonderry, NH (Main office)
BOLOCO
Established 2004, new owner 2024
Boloco, a burritos and frozen beverages eatery next to the Hanover town hall, began as The Wrap in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1997, a franchise founded by four friends—John Pepper, Gregg Harris, Jason Hutchinson, and Adam Liebman. The Hanover location opened in 2004, and current owner/CEO CJ Jackson, who recently bought the Hanover restaurant in February of 2024, says she loves the vibrant, active, friendly community and enjoys meeting students and alumni. CJ worked alongside previous staff for a while before taking over the business. “I am proud of my business,” she says. “The restaurant has a warm family feel and customers feel at home.”
CJ was studying at Vermont Law School a few years ago when she saw a “B Corp” sign at the restaurant. “I was standing near the stairs and looked at the sign and took a photo of it,” she says. She had just been studying what a B Corp was in a law class. A B Corporation is a for-profit business that meets high standards of social and environmental performance. They put employees first and pay higher wages than the industry standard with better benefits. It is a rigorous process to be named a B Corp, and very few companies have that rating. It requires recertification every three years. Other notable B Corp members are Patagonia, Tom’s of Maine, Cabot Creamery, and Seventh Generation. CJ knew right then that she wanted to be involved in Boloco.
CJ is proud of her business and feels like it’s her purpose. “It makes me happy every day,” she says.
35 South Main Street
(603) 643-0202
DARTMOUTH AUTHENTIC STORE
Established 2024
There’s
a new place in town for students, alumni, and community members to get
their Dartmouth gear. The Dartmouth Authentic Store will open the second
week of December 2024 on South Main Street. “We’ll also continue to
offer
Dartmouth gear at all ticketed athletic events
on campus,” says Regional Manager Tina
Plotegher. Customers have a lot to look forward to at the downtown
store, says Tina, including new Dartmouth branded merchandise for game
day, sports-specific apparel, and gifts.
“Being part of a community and supporting students, alumni, and fans creates a sense of belonging,” says Tina. “It is rewarding to help everyone on campus celebrate their school spirit with Dartmouth gear and make game days special. Game-day energy can really bring everyone together, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie.”
24 South Main Street
(508) 954-4623
DUNK’S SPORTS GRILL
Established 2021
Located downtown, Dunk’s Sports Grill is a food-forward sports bar.
Customers can enjoy high-definition televisions, handcrafted cocktails,
an ever-changing beer list, and amazing food. Drop in for trivia every
Thursday at 7pm!
7 Lebanon Street, Suite #103
(603) 277-9102
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE COMPUTER STORE
Established 1981, new location 2024
For more than four decades, Dartmouth College Computer Store has been supplying computers, software, and more to the Hanover community and offering helpful advice on the latest in computer technology. Dartmouth students, faculty, staff, alumni, and current Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (and affiliates) employees are eligible for purchasing computers, iPads, and software. Non-Apple accessories can be purchased by anyone, and Apple computer repairs are available to anyone, regardless of where the computer was purchased. Other repairs are limited to computers sold at the store.
“Everyone has been so welcoming to us at 7 South Street,” says Theresa Woodward, director of Endpoint Solutions. “Our business neighborhood is
wonderful to work with.”
7 South Street
(603) 646-1049
DUENDE
Established 2023
In Spanish, duende translates to “a quality of passion and inspiration.” It’s with this energy that Juan and Laura Garceran recently opened Hanover’s new Spanish restaurant, Duende, in the former Candela Tapas Lounge on Lebanon Street. The couple, who are both from Spain, hope the restaurant brings to downtown a different kind of dining experience.
15 Lebanon Street
(603) 306-4826
esduende.com
JEWEL OF INDIA
Established 1992, new location 2020
Jewel of India opened in Hanover 1992 and serves traditional North Indian food, says manager Surjit Kaur. In 2020, the restaurant on Lebanon Street moved closer to downtown from the corner of Sandborn Road to the former Noodle Station building just east of Talbots. The new location has plenty of indoor tables and a patio in back for outdoor seating. As always, Jewel of India also has a brisk takeout business. The menu features appetizers, breads, soups, salads, curries, tandoori dishes, and vegan options.
“We love our local Hanover community. They have supported our business for 32 years,” Surjit says. “Being in town is the best location, providing lots of business from the college and the hospital. Jewel of India is very proud to serve our amazing customers.”
11 Lebanon Street
(603) 643-2217
MOLLY’S
Established 1983, new owner 2023
In the center of downtown Hanover, Molly’s is a lively tavern providing pizza, drinks, and pub food with Ivy League memorabilia as décor and a breezy back patio for summer dining. Established in 1983, Molly’s has been an integral part of the Dartmouth experience. By no means a new business, Molly’s does have a new managing owner, Jennifer Packard, who is continuing some of the restaurant’s beloved traditions, such as the $3 margarita, home-baked bread rounds with honey butter, craft cocktails, and many treasured items on the from-scratch menu. Both vegetarian and gluten-free options are clearly marked. Molly’s offers their guests great food, good value, and hospitality at its best.
“Our guests are our family,” Jennifer says. “We have built relationships with so many of our local neighbors and visitors to the area and enjoy welcoming them back into Molly’s.”
43 South Main Street
(603) 643-2570
IVY IV AESTHETICS
Established 2024
Opening IVY IV Aesthetics was a dream come true for Renee Cather. “When the perfect space opened up in Hanover, I took a leap of faith and decided to give my business a permanent home on Allen Street,” she says. “I have worked in medicine for over 33 years and trained in aesthetics years ago, previously providing mobile services in client homes.”
IVY
IV Aesthetics offers a range of services including Botox, dermal
fillers, medical-grade skin care, and IV therapy. “I am continually
training so that
I can offer new services.” According to Renee, IV therapy is beneficial
for hydration, energy, and delivering fluid and nutrients, leaving many
patients feeling refreshed and replenished. Botox is beneficial for many
reasons, both aesthetically and medically, such as wrinkle reduction,
TMJ treatment, and migraine treatment.
“Being in rural New England, there are not many businesses that offer the services I do, and I see a real opportunity there to bring people to Hanover from surrounding areas. Attracting people from all around gives exposure to all the wonderful businesses in Hanover and the wonderful community we are so lucky to be in,” Renee says.
“A lot of stigma still surrounds aesthetic medicine, and I hope IVY can help show the community of Hanover that it is an entirely personal choice and should be something that brings joy and confidence,” she says. “I love meeting my community and providing personalized service. I strive for my clients to leave IVY feeling amazing about themselves.”
Renee continues, “Hanover is such a diverse community, and I love meeting and getting to know our community members. I love talking with my clients and learning about their individual lives.”
5 Allen Street, Suite B
(802) 356-3914
rpmNH
Established 2020
Four years ago, Bryan Smith, the longtime manager of IDVD and Poster, took over ownership of the beloved Hanover store and moved it to a new home just up the road from its original location. The store’s inventory includes vinyl records; Dartmouth Winter Carnival Posters; a huge range of movie, TV show, and pop-culture posters; Ivy League football programs; and more.
53 South Main Street
(603) 643-6555
RED KITE CANDY
Established 2009, opened Hanover store 2020
Red Kite Candy offers handcrafted caramels, ice cream, ice cream cakes, seasonal candies, and candy bars. Elaine and Mike McCabe started Red Kite Candy in their home kitchen in Bradford, Vermont, in 2009. Their candies developed a huge following both at the local Co-op Food Stores and outside of the Upper Valley. The McCabes signed the lease to open a storefront in Hanover in January of 2020, just weeks before COVID became a household word.
“The first couple of years were a little slow, but our loyal customers kept coming, and it’s gotten
better every year,” says Mike. “We make all of our candy, ice cream, and
ice cream cakes ourselves. Even our cones and the sauces, cookies, and
other good things folded into our ice cream are made by us. And if you
can’t make it to our store, you can always order our candy online. We
ship everywhere in the US. Our caramels have been to every continent
except Antarctica!”
Red Kite Candy has many loyal customers. “Our repeat customers get what we’re doing. They’re thoughtful people who enjoy giving thoughtful gifts,” says Mike. “The hard work pays off when you know the customer understands that you’re trying to do something special.”
5 South Street
(603) 277-9201
SAWTOOTH KITCHEN, BAR, AND STAGE
Established 2020
Looking for delicious southern-inspired comfort food? Look no further than Sawtooth Kitchen, where everything is made from scratch from fresh local ingredients and they’re continually experimenting with new daily specials. An added bonus is a wide range of live entertainment, from music and comedy to dance and theater.
“We engage with the Hanover community at every opportunity, from hosting events for local charities or sports teams to bringing live music to the streets of Hanover,” says General Manager Kieran Campion. “Sawtooth is really ‘one of one’ in the Upper Valley. In both a culinary sense and from an entertainment standpoint, we are doing something nobody else is trying.”
When asked what gives Kieran the most pride about his business, the answer is an easy one: “We brought nightlife to Hanover! It’s been a dream of mine for years to have a place in Hanover really built to host live music, and the welcoming response has been gratifying.” And in our “diverse little bubble in a homogenous state,” Sawtooth hosts guests of all ages from around the world. “We’re creating new stories every day,” says Kieran. “Come visit us under Allen Street!”
33 South Main Street (Entrance on Allen Street)
(603) 643-5134
HANOVER SCOOPS
Established 2021, opened Hanover store 2022
Hanover Scoops ice cream shop is owned by Kim and Scott Smith, who also own Woodstock Scoops, established 2021 in Woodstock, Vermont. Both locations offer locally made hard-scoop ice cream and soft-serve “creemees.” The Vermont Maple Creemee is a specialty, made of 100 percent Vermont dairy and Vermont maple syrup. Nondairy options are also available. The Smiths love seeing the smiles of customers of all ages. Everyone loves ice cream, so it’s a happy business. Hanover Scoops is located next to the Nugget Theater.
57 South Main Street
(603) 607-6877
STILL NORTH BOOKS & BAR
Established 2019
“When we first opened Still North in 2019,” says owner Allie Levy, “we heard a familiar refrain over and over: You can’t have a college town without a bookstore.” Dartmouth Book Store had closed, leaving downtown Hanover with a “bookstore-shaped hole.” Still North’s primary mission was to ensure that the many readers in Hanover had a place where they could buy new books. “We’ve been successful for nearly five years now, and we hope to keep going for at least 50 more!” Allie says.
In addition to providing essential reading material, Still North Café offers a cozy gathering space for the entire community—students, residents, faculty, and the rest of the Upper Valley community. “We are a space that breaks down the division between town and college,” Allie says.
Allie is proud of the fact that Still North is one of several successful hybrid business models downtown, providing two services and doing it well. “Our café is not an afterthought, as is sometimes the case with the bookstore-café model, but an integral part of our business,” Allie explains. “We put fresh ingredients and care into everything on our menu, and we’ve been told by more than a few customers that they think we serve the best latte in Hanover.”
Allie loves interacting with her customers. “Hanover is a town with many identities that shift with the seasons: intellectual, outdoorsy, young, old, and everything in between. As a bookstore, eclectic is in our nature. We love getting the opportunity to cater to such a wide-ranging array of customers.”
3 Allen Street
(603) 676-7846
THE FOURTH PLACE
Established 2022
“The
Fourth Place is a community space, not just a store,” says owner Ian
Struckoff, who beams as he surveys his kingdom upstairs in the Hanover
Park building. “It’s a place for everyone who loves games, comics, and
geek culture.” Behind him, a group is
playing Dungeons & Dragons around a large table,
and a few patrons at the café tables are getting work done on their laptops.
The
Fourth Place hosts 50 free events each month and has a membership
system to allow for unlimited use of the video game consoles and video
game library, a Pac Man machine, the board game library, and much more.
The business hosts special youth events such as
vacation day camps and seasonal clubs (for example
a Magic: The Gathering league) as well as birthday parties and book clubs. “The space is a pop-culture center,” Ian says. Star Wars, Star Trek, Japanese anime—you name it. Beverages and snacks are available, and he is looking to bring in more food offerings.
“It’s one of the hybrid spaces in town,” Ian adds, allowing for multiple uses and multiple opportunities to make like-minded friends.
3 Lebanon Street (Second Floor)
(603) 277-9659
THE IVY EDIT
Established 2016, new location 2024
The Ivy Edit moved in the fall of 2024 into a larger space on South Main Street once occupied by Farmhouse Pottery. Older high schoolers and college students can find everything from a bathing suit to jeans, sweaters, tees, short skirts, and formal evening gowns for special events. Accessories such as jewelry are also for sale—basically “a college girl’s dream closet,” as the website says.
“The
Ivy Edit is a retail clothing shop curated to represent community,
fashion, and self-confidence,” says co-owner Allison Smith. “We provide
everything from formal dresses to everyday wear. We strive
to stay on trend and relevant to our college customers while maintaining a demure and mindful
appearance that any age group can appreciate.”
In 2016, Kim and Allison, mother and daughter, opened a second location of their Woodstock,
Vermont, shop, 37 Central Clothiers. In 2019, they rebranded their business with the help of a
Dartmouth student, Hannah Utter, to become what is known today as The Ivy Edit. Allison went
on to major in community entrepreneurship at the University of Vermont.
Since graduating in 2021, she has been the face of the business and its
future.
“Since opening in 2016, I have always dreamt about our new location on Main Street. While leaving the space that started my personal career in retail clothing is saddening, I am excited to see where my business goes in this new chapter and absolutely stunning space,” Allison says.
35 South Main Street
(603) 277-9147
THE NEST KITCHEN & CAFÉ
Established 2021
The Nest Kitchen is a small café offering breakfast, smoothies, baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and salads. Working with farmers to source high-quality, locally produced ingredients, the café supports the community while providing convenient, healthy food for people with busy lives.
57 South Main Street
(603) 277-2916
THE WORKS CAFÉ
Established 1988, opened Hanover store 2024
Established
in Manchester, Vermont, in 1988, The Works Café came to Hanover this
year with a focus on quality food and a commitment to creating a
welcoming community. “Our commitment to enhancing the community is
deeply rooted in sustainability and social responsibility,” says founder
and CEO Richard French. “We strive to create a welcoming environment,
not only serving great food but also contributing to the well-being of
the communities we’re a part of. We prioritize sustainable sourcing,
using fresh, local, and organic ingredients whenever possible,
supporting local farmers, and reducing our environmental impact. Our
cage-free eggs, hormone-free meats, and organic wheat are just a few
examples of how we ensure our food aligns with our values.”
They also take pride in offering compostable and recyclable packaging to minimize waste and lessen their ecological footprint.
“Beyond sustainability, we foster strong community connections. We regularly partner with local organizations and support community initiatives, from hosting local events to donating food to those in need. We are committed to being a positive force in the community.”
Richard continues, “We appreciate the diversity of people who come through our doors—from early risers grabbing a morning coffee to families enjoying lunch together or students seeking a cozy spot to study. Our customers’ enthusiasm for our fresh, thoughtfully sourced menu keeps us motivated, and their excitement about trying new things makes it a joy to innovate and expand our offerings. They’re more than just guests—they’re part of our extended family."
25 South Main Street
(877) 419-2113
Besides highlighting many changes with new businesses opening downtown, the old faithful, tried-and-true places we love shop and dine give Hanover a sense of stability and history
DESIGNER GOLD
Established 1977
Designer Gold is the go-to place for fine jewelry handmade here in Hanover. Jeweler Paul Gross established Designer Gold in 1977 and moved the business from South Main Street to the second floor of the Hanover Park building in 1990, according to manager and co-owner Peggy Sadler. Peggy describes Paul as “a master of fine handmade jewelry.” Paul has worked for more than 47 years designing and handcrafting jewelry for individual customers. “We display some of his limited-edition and one-of-a-kind pieces in our gallery, but most of his time is spent creating custom pieces with customer participation.”
Peggy says that most of their employees over the years have been locals, three of whom have gone on to follow careers in jewelry making. Paul himself trained as an undergrad at Dartmouth in the Jewelry Studio under the tutelage of Erling Heistad over 55 years ago and continues to love creating new designs.
Peggy says that Designer Gold is really three businesses in one: a retail establishment selling jewelry in their gallery, a manufacturer making jewelry in their studio, and a repair shop where they restore customers’ fine jewelry. In addition to the jewelry that Paul designs and handcrafts, their employee Lily strings pearls and gemstone beads for the gallery and restrings them for customers.
Paul “has developed a wonderful expertise in stone setting: he may be the best stone setter in New England,” Peggy says. “His astonishing skill in problem solving has allowed him to create pieces others have said could never have been made. And his stunning designs are timeless.”
Designer Gold’s customers are “fabulously loyal,” says Peggy. “Many of them today are children and grandchildren of Paul’s original customers. We often hear from new customers that they have been referred to Paul and Designer Gold as the only place they should go to have wedding rings, or necklaces, or earrings made.” Couples from all over the country will visit and show Paul the rings that he made for their weddings 25 and 30 years ago.
“About 18 years ago, a woman came in holding a scrap of paper on which she had drawn a squiggle in the shape of a swirl. She asked Paul to make a ring in this shape,” says Peggy, recalling one of her favorite customer stories. The woman wanted a diamond in the center, and she and her husband were thrilled with Paul’s eventual design.
Designer Gold regularly gives back to the community, supporting many local charities including WISE, the Haven, Northern Stage, ChaD, the Family Place, and the Hanover High Crew Team.
3 Lebanon Street
(603) 643-3864
HANOVER INN
Established 1780
According to Hanover Inn’s General Manager Brian Hunt, customers become family. “Many parents have multiple children attending Dartmouth, so not only do we get to know families over the course of four years, in many instances it may be eight years or even more! Then there are the alumni, passionate guests that we see so frequently we are able to form bonds that are not typical in a ‘normal’ hotel/inn. And let’s not forget about the local community. We love seeing all of our locals attending meetings or having a bite to eat in PINE, just such a wonderful customer base we have! We are quite lucky!”
With
its rich history and classic architecture, the inn adds to the
aesthetic appeal of the downtown area, attracting visitors who
appreciate its character and making Hanover a more attractive place for
both residents and visitors. “By attracting tourists,
business travelers, and families, the inn supports local businesses, from restaurants
to shops, contributing to the overall well-being of the community,” says
Brian. “The inn also hosts events, conferences, and gatherings that
promote cultural exchange and
community engagement, making it a social hub for both residents and visitors.”
2 East Wheelock Street
(603) 643-4300
HILL OPTICIANS & GALLAGHER EYECARE
Established 1947
Hill Opticians was Hanover’s first optical shop, and generations of patients have trusted the staff with their vision and eye health. A full-service eye and vision care provider, the office accepts both eye emergencies as well as scheduled appointments. From glasses to specialty contact lenses and diabetes to macular degeneration, the office has the skills and technology to ensure you maintain the best vision possible.
53 South Main Street
(603) 643-2400
INDIGO
Established as Bella 1989, present location for eight years
“What I love most about my customers is the sense of community they bring to my store,” says Mia Vogt, owner of women’s clothing store Indigo on South Main Street. “Many of them are familiar faces—friends, neighbors, and local women and men I’ve known for years. I cherish the personal connections we’ve built and the good energy they bring to the store.”
Mia also loves meeting new customers, whether they’re Dartmouth students and families or visitors from out of town. “The fresh perspectives they bring from around the country and the world add a wonderful element to daily life in the store. Every interaction enriches my experience as a business owner, and I feel grateful to be a part of so many lives, both old and new,” she says.
“I like to think that Indigo provides a bridge between local residents and Dartmouth College. Women of all ages and backgrounds gather and share a common appreciation for fashion and beauty. I feel lucky to witness this every day.”
22 South Main Street
(603) 643-3343
LEDYARD BANK
Established 1991
Last year, Ledyard completed an important redesign of their Hanover financial center, which was established in Hanover in 1991, aligning it with the modern banking needs of their customers. “We’re thrilled with the result!” says Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Jeff Marks. “This redesign, consistent with updates we made in recent years to some of our other financial centers, focused on creating a more welcoming, efficient, and technologically advanced environment. We introduced banking pods to foster deeper interactions, comfortable consultation areas, and additional digital displays to enhance the client experience."
Ledyard is a full-service bank with a $2.0 billion wealth management division,
(Ledyard Financial Advisors). “Our mission is to help individuals and
businesses make clear, confident decisions about how to save, borrow,
and manage their finances,”
Jeff says. “The bank’s unique combination of expert advice, leading-edge financial
solutions, and personal attention represent the highest standard of client advocacy
and responsiveness.”
Ledyard
actively encourages employees to volunteer, fostering a spirit of
giving back and strengthening local bonds. By partnering with local
nonprofits and organizing
volunteer events, they help address community needs while empowering
residents. “This culture of service promotes a sense of shared
responsibility and uplifts both
our organization and the broader community,” Jeff says.
“I
love Hanover for its small-town vibe, where scenic streets blend
seamlessly with the vibrant energy of the college,” he continues. “The
surrounding nature offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities,
from hiking to kayaking and the natural beauty surrounding the town
makes it an outdoor lover’s paradise year-round. The downtown is filled
with unique shops and excellent dining options, offering a variety of
cultural experiences despite its small size. The tight-knit community
creates a welcoming
atmosphere, making it feel like home whether you’re a student or a longtime resident.”
38 South Main Street
(603) 643-2244
ledyard.bank
LOU’S RESTAURANT & BAKERY
Established 1947
Lou’s has been known for from-scratch, locally sourced modern diner cuisine and service since just after World War II. Lou Bressett, a recently discharged Marine, had a vision of owning his own coffee shop and bakery. After 33 years, Lou passed the institution on to Bob Watson, a Dartmouth graduate who had done business in Mexico and returned to Hanover to raise his family. In 1992, Bob sold Lou’s to Toby and Pattie Fried. Toby put Lou’s bakery on the culinary map, introducing many Austrian and German entrees and desserts. In 2018, after 27 years, Toby and Pattie turned Lou’s over to Jarett and Cailin Berke.
30 South Main Street
(603) 643-3321
MURPHY’S ON THE GREEN
Established 1992
Murphy’s has been in business for 32 years, according to owner Nigel Leeming. “During those years, we have seen a lot of changes in downtown Hanover, but our customer base remains loyal (the best part of being in the restaurant business). Our menu and beverage selections have always adapted to our customers’ needs and wants, in conjunction with incorporating seasonal local food when possible. We are just a friendly gastro pub that strives to put out great food,” says Nigel.
“One note of interest that always makes me proud of our standing in the Hanover community: We have the distinguished honor of hosting 37 first dates that ended in marriage (to date). That’s at least the number we know of!”
11 South Main Street
(603) 643-4075
MY BRIGADEIRO
Established 2012
According to owner Paula Alexandrescu, “We are an upscale Brazilian bakery with a European and Argentinian flair. I’m proud of our 12 years in business and my team, and I love the Hanover community.”
My Brigadeiro offers a unique fusion of Brazilian
classics like brigadeiro chocolates alongside European pastries,
American savories, and hearty sandwiches. Their menu also boasts
refreshing smoothies and expertly crafted espresso drinks. Specializing
in both breakfast and lunch options, My Brigadeiro caters to diverse
palates, making
it a welcoming destination for any occasion, from a casual coffee or tea break to a celebratory
wedding cake or catering to your parties.
33 South Main Street
(603) 277-2187
POMPANOOSUC MILLS
Established 1973
The “forever furniture” at Pompanoosuc Mills is handmade by
local craftsmen in the company’s mill in Thetford, Vermont. All the
furniture is built with hardwoods from sustainably harvested lumber from
North America, says Nancy Connolley, showroom manager. “Our Hanover
showroom offers free home design consultation to help with anything from
furniture choices to paint and placement suggestions for all the rooms
in your home,” she says.
“Our furniture is built one piece at a time, allowing each piece to be unique unto itself. This business model allows us to be able to give our customers exactly what they are looking for—whether it is a standard design or a custom build—we do it all.”
She continues, “I am very proud to be part of the Pompy work family, which encompasses everyone from our builders, upholsterers,
and delivery team to all my colleagues in our other locations from
Burlington, Vermont, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It’s an
extraordinary group of individuals who care about the quality of the work and the clients that will receive this beautiful furniture.”
Nancy appreciates that Hanover retains a small community feeling while hosting folks from all over the world. “I love that our customers come from all regions of this country and all walks of life,” she says. “We are now old enough to have generations of Pompy families who have grown up with us. It is heartwarming to know that a piece of furniture purchased 50 years ago is now being used and enjoyed by our customers’ grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
3 Lebanon Street
(603) 643-1530
Hanover Brick & Brew – Ramunto’s
Established 1997
“We
strive to be a beloved part of our community’s family memories,” says
owner Tim Cullen. “From hosting free pizza-making parties for local
preschools to
celebrating Little League victories and supporting Ray School Parent Teacher
Organization fundraisers, we aim to provide a warm and welcoming social
space. We’re also proud to host post-event gatherings for Hanover High
School varsity sports and theater productions. When families look back
on their children’s childhoods, we hope they remember us as a setting
for joy, connection, and celebration.”
Tim is proud that his employees have been with the company for so long and that they have befriended so many customers. “It’s a special place,” he says. “I love that our customers understand and appreciate we want to create an environment that’s not just about great food and service but also about our community.”
9 South Street
(603) 643-9500
ROBERTS FLOWERS OF HANOVER
Established 1930, new location 2015
On a daily basis, Roberts Flowers of Hanover has had the honor of supplying floral tributes for newborn babies, big-number birthdays, dance recitals, proms, weddings, and memorial remembrances for local residents since1930. “Oftentimes families have come to us for each of these occasions for several generations,” says owner Michael Reed. “I am most proud of the easy, almost familial relationship we have developed with our customers over the years.”
In 2015, the business moved up from its former location on West Wheelock Street to the corner of South Main and Lebanon Streets in the lower level of the Starbucks building. It is a beautiful space to walk through, with carefully selected seasonal home décor items for sale in addition to the flowers. Now located in the heart of downtown, Roberts enjoys the reputation of being a one-stop shopping destination for customers’ floral and plant needs. Orders can also be made online, and Roberts delivers to Upper Valley addresses in addition to working with established florists to deliver across the country.
“l love that Hanover still retains a small-town feel of neighbors who are friendly, understanding, and caring,” says Michael. “It’s never been a concern for us to leave the shop unattended to run a delivery down Main Street because we often return to find two old friends, deep in conversation, waiting for us.”
44 South Main Street
(603) 643-4343
WALT & ERNIE’S BARBERSHOP
Established 1903, new location 1938
According to their website, Walt & Ernie’s was started by namesakes Walter Chase and Ernie DesRoche in 1903 and was originally located in the historic Hanover Inn lobby. The business moved to the Davison building on Old Nugget Alley in 1938. Walt and Ernie retired in the 1970s, and Carley Massey, who started cutting hair at Walt & Ernie’s in 1954, purchased the business. From the 1980s until recently, Bob Trottier, who became an employee at the shop in 1957, owned the barbershop.
In true Walt & Ernie’s fashion, in January of 2022, the ownership torch was passed to another longtime Walt & Ernie’s stylist, Carol Eastman. Carol started working with Bob Trottier at the barbershop back in 1992. She credits her desire to continue offering the same great services the Dartmouth community and Upper Valley have come to know to Bob’s mentorship, kindness, and friendship.
“Walt & Ernie’s Barbershop helps keep people looking their best year after year,” Carol says. This authentic four-chair barbershop is rich in Dartmouth College and Hanover history and offers quality haircuts with friendly service. The hairstyles may have changed, but the true Hanover barbershop experience has stayed the same!
“We love the diversity of our customers from person to person,” says Carol. “One client may work for the CIA, and the next one could work as a chef. I know how they like their hair cut but also how their week has been.”
Olde Nugget Alley
(603) 359-8064
We made every effort to include as many businesses and highlights from the downtown area as possible. If we missed you, please know it wasn’t intentional—we truly value all the contributions that make our community great.
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