The Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region shows off a splendid blend of Ivy League culture with New Hampshire’s rural charm. A road trip through here takes you along scenic country drives, around crystal clear lakes, and through towns bustling with history. The Appalachian Trail meanders here, making one of its few main street cut-throughs in the Dartmouth University town of Hanover.
Must See
The New Hampshire Telephone Museum (1 Depot St, Warner, NH) is just the sort of cool and quirky stop we love to call out. This place is the brainchild of Alderic O. “Dick” Violette. Mr. Violette started in the phone business in 1946 and worked his way up over the next 50 years. Along the way, he collected all sorts of telephone equipment like phones, books, tools, and other memorabilia. In 2001, he took his collection of over 1,000 pieces and created this museum that swiftly became one of New Hampshire’s most popular. Visitors consistently give high marks for the interactive style of the knowledgeable museum staff.
Hood Museum of Art (6 E Wheelock St, Hanover, New Hampshire) This museum on the campus of Dartmouth University has been building its collection since 1772. The result is a monumental gathering of art and artifacts from Native American, African, European, and Melanesian cultures. Be sure to check out the exhibit on scientific instruments for a showcase of American scientific development from the Revolution through the Cold War.
Currier and Ives Scenic Byway (Towns of Henniker, Hopkinton, Warner, Webster, and Salisbury) This road trip gives you bites of all New Hampshire has to offer. From downtown villages to river kayaking to farm stands dotting the roadway, this is a trek not to be missed. The route also shows off sites of historical and cultural significance like farm churches and community buildings that hosted the meetings that helped form our nation. The beauty of this roadway cannot be overstated. Peaceful farmlands dot the hilly landscape, moss-covered stone walls mark old property lines, and fall pops with breathtaking beauty.
Murphy’s On The Green (11 S Main St, Hanover, NH) College town taverns can be the great equalizer, with students and professors alike stopping in for libations. Murphy’s has become this type of iconic spot in Dartmouth University’s hometown. We hear the food here is so good that the local Theta Delta Chi chapter has pledged their loyalty to the Murph Burger, a half-pound Angus beef patty with crispy shallots, rémoulade, bacon, and American cheese. Even if you don’t eat there, the drinks and camaraderie make Murphy’s a worthy pit stop.
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area (251 Sculptured Rocks Rd, Hebron, NH) We’re all about walking and hiking trails on any road trip. Sculptured Rocks is a pet-friendly stopover where you and your fur friends can explore a narrow canyon carved in bedrock. Skip from rock to rock as you enjoy beautiful water features and stunning nature.
Cornish Windsor Covered Bridge (Cornish Toll Bridge Road, Cornish, NH) As one of the longest covered bridges in the country, Cornish Windsor is not to be missed. It’s a beautiful span that complements any road trip through the region.
Can’t-Miss Towns
Along the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway you’ll find the lake’s namesake town of Sunapee. This cozy town sits at the foot of Mount Sunapee and is the perfect base camp for lake adventures. It’s also home to Sunapee Cruises, a boat company offering dinner cruises and daytime excursions on the water. Mount Sunapee State Beach offers a large sandy beach with a mountain backdrop. When it comes to grub, check out Fenton’s Landing for down-home food, the Wildwood Smokehouse for BBQ, and the Quack Shack for your ice cream fix.
Newport is known as ‘The Sunshine Town’. Actor-turned-entrepreneur Billy B. Van bestowed this nickname on the friendly village nearly one hundred years ago. The name stuck and has continued to inspire townsfolk to keep this small and friendly village a place with unparalleled quality of life. Stroll the historic streets for local shops like Hubert’s Family Outfitters, take in a community performance at The Newport Opera House, and dine at spots like The Salt Hill Irish Pub and The Old Courthouse.
Pollard Mill Falls and Corbin Wooden Truss Covered Bridge are two other must-see locations in Newport.
Other Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Notables:
- Camping and RVing — Forests, mountains, and lakes abound in this region. Breathe them in with RV camping. This campground locator will help you find your spot.
- Trails —The Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway, for example, is a 75-mile loop trail that links four New Hampshire state parks. Hike it, bike it, or combine the two to see amazing sights. Other trails like the Mount Sunapee Summit Trail and the Eagle’s Nest Trail are great options too.
- Academic pursuits — Dartmouth University is an Ivy League institution that predates the birth of the U.S. It’s well worth a walking tour of its wooded grounds, magnificent libraries, and the fun neighborhood surrounding the college.
- Lake life — Lake Sunapee is one of New Hampshire’s most famous for good reason. Spend time here soaking up all the kayaking, boating, and swimming you can.
Looking for more to explore? Check out these additional Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee resources:
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