Seeing Green in Hanover
This college town offers everything from school spirit supplies to high-end fashion
If there's one thing you don't want to do when you go to Hanover, it's wear a Harvard T-shirt. Fortunately there are a gaggle of stores along Hanover's South Main Street where you can certainly find a good solid, respectable, forest green Dartmouth shirt. Check out the Dartmouth Coop, Traditionally Trendy and the Dartmouth Book Store for anything related to Dartmouth, from pencils to brass lamps; if it says Dartmouth then it's for sale.
Kick up apparel a notch and swing in to Rare Essentials, 37 Main St., for trend, color, form, fit and fashion. Designer labels include Nicole
Miller, Stuart Weitzman and so many others that cater to sophisticated, stylish and sexy women. There's even an Essentials for Men located at 3 Lebanon St. where you'll find that smart, tailored and debonair look you crave for the man in your life. When it comes to great-fitting jeans, sassy dresses and hip accessories, a lot of students head for Bella, 43 South Main St., for clothing and shoes. Look for Citizens of Humanity jeans and deck shoes in great fall colors. If you're an alum you can't help but go to Folk, the store where students have hung out since the 1970s. Browse the large selection of Free People clothing and check out the 100-percent wool hats from NY Hat Company ($36 starting). Look for great Indian print bedspreads and jewelry.
Every college town needs a consignment store and The Pink Alligator, 53 South Main St., doesn't disappoint. The owner has ties to NY fashion industry, which brings in some "never been worn" items as well as hip fashion. With more than 2,000 area consigners you're guaranteed to walk away with a deal. For contemporary and reasonably priced fashion visit Clay's on Lebanon Street where you'll find Very Vineyard, Flax, Jag and more. You'll adore the Nally and Millie reversible skirts in yummy fall colors. Seriously, two skirts in one for only $79.90. Wear that over a pair of leggings and you're the bomb.
For the adventurous, Hanover offers several outdoor stores. Zimmerman's, 63 S. Main St., is the place for North Face and Oakley and anything related to skiing. The Mountain Goat, 68 S. Main St., is geared more to runners, hikers and snowboarders. Both feature enthusiastic and helpful staff.
Main Street Kitchens will delight you. You'll find two floors of kitchen, bath and lifestyle items. Trending right now is the SodaStream System ($79.95) that makes making carbonated water at home as easy as turning on a faucet. Espresso makers, waffle irons, pancake "pens" and good-quality knives abound. Dressing up for dinner? Do it with exquisite hand-blown glass and elegant pottery from Simon Pearce, 15 S. Main St. Your guests will thank you.
For last minute hostess gifts (Matryoshka measuring spoons and cups are great) visit College Supplies, 28 S. Main St., a store that has something for everyone. Look for toys, cards, gifts, great paper products and more.
Before leaving town fill up at Molly's Restaurant, 43 S. Main St., where you'll find cold beer and ridiculously fat, juicy burgers. Oh, and about that Harvard shirt, mark your calendar: Dartmouth plays Harvard during Homecoming on Saturday, October 27, at 5 p.m. Go, Big Green.
