Hanover

Hanover, New Hampshire is the epitome of a diamond in the rough. Hanover is a rural town located along the Connecticut River, which forms the picturesque border between New Hampshire and Vermont. It is surrounded by beautiful villages, mountains, rivers, and lakes. Hanover, located in the region of New Hampshire and Vermont known as "The Upper Valley", is the cultural center of a large region. Though its downtown and population are relatively small, with a total population of around 11,000 people, the town has grown and thrived thanks to its main resident: Dartmouth College.

Founded in 1761, the town began as an agricultural community before transitioning and growing as Dartmouth grew in prominence. Today, the distinction between the town and the college is clear, as Wheelock Street almost perfectly separates the two entities, with Dartmouth to the north and Hanover to the south. Despite being geographically separated, with a few overlaps, the relationship between the college and the town is long and important, as neither would be possible without the other. In general, Hanover exists and thrives as a result of Dartmouth and the advantages that an elite educational institution provides.

Apart from the college, Main Street is perhaps the most notable feature of Hanover. Downtown Hanover, with its wide range of shops and restaurants, represents a landscape dominated by consumption. A visit to Lou's Bakery and Restaurant at 30 Main St reveals the town's, college's, and people's relationships. Inside, the walls are covered with old photographs from the mid-nineteenth century of locals and, presumably, college students. There are numerous entertainment and activity venues available, including shopping, theaters, parks, ski resorts, live college sports games, and museums.