Best Places of the Dartmouth/ Lake Sunapee Region

Looking for an opportunity to get out and explore the Granite State, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Our curated “choose your own adventure” guide gives you the map to food, adventure, shopping, nightlife and culture spots in each region so that you can create your own getaway (our list is just the jumping off point!), discover hidden gems and well-known favorites, make new memories and fall in love with our beautiful state and the people within it all over again.

Best Places of the Seacoast
Best Places of the Monadnock Region
Best Places of the Merrimack Valley
Best Places of the Lakes Region
Best Places of the Great North Woods
Best Places of the White Mountains

Calling all nature lovers — this region is for you. The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region is nestled in the heart of the state, where outdoor adventure-meets-charming small-town character in an area full of history, tradition and classic Granite State beauty. Whether you’re skiing Mount Sunapee, grabbing a bite and beer in quintessential downtown Hanover or roaming the grounds at the John Hays Estate at the Fells, this area is the perfect year-round retreat for all ages.

Adventure: 

Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park • Cornish
New Hampshire’s only national park includes four covered bridges, plus the home, studio and gardens of America’s greatest sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Visitors can tour his studio, gardens and the surrounding trails. Bring a picnic lunch, camera and journal for the inspiration that awaits you. saint-gaudens.org

The John Hay Estate at The Fells • Newbury
From skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and aerial obstacle courses,
Mount Sunapee has something fun for everyone, year-round. thefells.org

Mount Sunapee Resort, Newbury
From skiing and snowboarding to mountain biking and aerial obstacle courses, Mount Sunapee has something fun for everyone, all year round. mountsunapee.com 

Shopping: 

Downtown Hanover
If you’re looking for a fun afternoon of shopping, just head to downtown Hanover. Discover a variety of eclectic boutiques, local shops and inviting storefronts that offer unique finds to timeless classics. Stop by Bean’s Art Store, Still North Books & Bar, Main Street Kitchens, Lemon Tree Gifts, The Fourth Place and more for a mix of shopping experiences that cater to every taste and preference. 

Spring Ledge Farm • New London
Check out this family-owned farm that offers fresh-cut flowers, vegetables and fruits. To complete your shopping experience, you will also find breads, dairy products, meats, pies, pasta, condiments and seasonings, coffee, tea, maple syrup and more. They are also a full-service farmer-florist, providing wedding and seasonal arrangements for events large and small. springledgefarm.com

Staycation: 

Inn at Pleasant Lake • New London
Looking for a full-service weekend away by the lake? The Inn at Pleasant Lake offers a breathtaking waterfront retreat complete with award-winning upscale dining in a classic New England setting. innatpleasantlake.com 

Hanover Inn at Dartmouth • Hanover
Overlooking the Dartmouth College Green, this hotel is the only full-service property in New Hampshire with a rich legacy of over two centuries. Pair New England charm with an abundance of things to do downtown, and you have the perfect year-round staycation escape. hanoverinn.com

Food: 

Pleasant Lake Cheesecake Co. • New London
Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Sample from cheesecakes like apple pie, cherry limeade, New Hampshire mud and more. pleasantlakecheesecake.com

The Flying Goose Brew Pub & Grille • New London
This classic, fan-favorite brew pub boasts more than 15 house-brewed ales and beers, homemade root beer and hard cider and traditional American fare, including pit-style BBQ. Enjoy menu highlights featuring locally raised meats and poultry, or burgers, steak and seafood in the dining room. flyinggoose.com

Lou’s Restaurant and Bakery • Hanover
A trip to the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee area isn’t complete without a trip to Lou’s. Don’t forget to get a famous sticky bun to go. lousrestaurant.com

The Bend at Sugar River • Sunapee
A fine food delicatessen and country store offering handmade breakfast, lunch and dinner options created with locally sourced ingredients. thebenddeli.com

Nightlife: 

Lebanon Opera House • Lebanon
For over 100 years, this iconic spot has served as a vaudeville theater, movie house, city hall and performing arts center. It’s a vital hub and gathering place for people of all ages, and from concerts to comedy, they have something fun for everyone. lebanonoperahouse.com

Claremont Opera House • Claremont
Stop by this opera house whose goal is to build community through diverse art experiences. (We can all get behind this!) cohnh.org

New London Barn Playhouse • New London
As one of the oldest continuously operating summer theaters in the country, New London Barn Playhouse is the perfect spot to enjoy a night out seeing “Mary Poppins” or “Hairspray,” and soak in some history with family and friends. nlbarn.org

Culture: 

AVA Gallery & Art Center • Lebanon
As a catalyst for creativity, this gallery cultivates an openness of space and mind to inspire, nurture and showcase the artistic spirit that surrounds the Granite State. It offers events, exhibitions, artist studios and educational programs for artists of all ages and abilities. avagallery.org  

Enfield Shaker Museum • Enfield
Step onto this 230-year-old property and learn firsthand about the Shakers who lived, worked and worshipped throughout this now-living museum. shakermuseum.org  

The Ice Museum • New London
Come and explore Bill Kidder’s special collection of automobiles and Americana, from children’s ride-on toys to steam whistles and horse-drawn carriages. wfkicehouse.org