Archive for the 'Upper Valley Dining and Events' Category

After writing a blog on cider and hard cider in the area, I got to thinking about the great local beers produced right in our area.  This may in fact be my best and most useful blog yet, I am thinking of a tour of sorts……..   Starting from the Hanover area, my first stop on this theoretical drinking tour would be in Norwich VT at the Norwich Inn. A guy named Patrick Dakin is now the brew master there and he has kept up the high standards of the Jasper Murdoch Ale line set by prior Inn owner/brew master.  My particular favorite is the Whistling Pig Red Ale, a fine and flavorful brew.  (more…)

Poverty Lane Orchards

One of the great things about living here in the Hanover/Dartmouth College region is that as the seasons change, interesting seasonal foods and beverages appear for our enjoyment.  This time of year I always look forward to getting a gallon of cider made by the Patch family at Walhowden Farm in Lebanon Barbara.patch@myfairpoint.net.  They are located at 33 Walhowden Way in Lebanon, NH. A trip to their beautiful farm in the fall is a great day out.  I like their cider best of the local producers because they do not pasteurize it – they use ultraviolet light instead to kill any bacteria.  That leaves the cider with its natural tangy and clean taste; pasteurized cider tends to get a bit syrupy and loses some of the biting taste I appreciate.  (more…)

The Ava Gallery and Art Center, located at 11 Bank Street just off the Green in Lebanon New Hampshire, is another amazing organization that helps make life here in the Upper Valley have that “metropolitan” feel.   Who would think that an arts organization the caliber of AVA would be located in our backyard?  The fact that it does exist is a testament to the diversity of people who have chosen to call this area their home and reflects the incredible cultural depth they bring with them.  Carol and I have attended several AVA silent auctions. (more…)

Upper Valley Fall Foliage

Fall Foliage Drives

New Hampshire attracts visitors from all around the world during peak fall foliage. As the leaves turn to gold, the brilliant beauty from the Great North Woods to the Merrimack Valley shines. Take a “peak” for yourself, with our list of the best routes to take on your leaf-peeping journey.

Dartmouth-Sunapee Region

• Route 12A, from Claremont to West Lebanon. You’ll find four covered bridges off this scenic route, including the longest two span covered bridge in the world. This road meanders along the Connecticut River.
• Route 31 from Newport to Washington. Classic small town beauty along this route.
• Route 103A & 103B Lake Sunapee takes you around the Lake, and offers the view of the Lighthouse at Blodgett’s Landing, one of three on Lake Sunapee.
• Route 103 & 11 from Newbury to New London offers lake and mountain views and, at the right time, spectacular foliage.
• Route 10 north from West Lebanon to Hanover and into town, where the Ivy League serves as a perfect New England backdrop for all the vibrant fall color of the Upper Valley.

More Great Entertainment in the Upper Valley – Woodstock VT area @ Suicide Six!

Carol and I discovered another great music venue in the Upper Valley area last Saturday night,  Suicide Six in Pomfret, Vt..  We saw both Dr. John and The Neville Brothers on a double bill show that lasted over 4 hours.  The acoustics were great, sitting in that beautiful Vermont valley watching the artists was spectacular and each of the hundreds of folks there had a great view of the show.  Dr. John was amazing, to see a man his age banging away on the piano, playing guitar and singing with all his soul was a treat to behold.  The Neville Brothers were great as well; they played all the old favorites and a nice selection of songs from their new album.  Both bands have new albums out that are focused on post Katrina New Orleans and the reality that the city has been forgotten by our government and is still suffering the effects of that devastating storm.

The show was put on by The Pentangle Council on the Arts. You should check out their website for upcoming shows, they have some more good stuff coming our way.  The Woodstock Inn located in Woodstock VT and the Harpoon Brewery, which is located in Windsor, VT both sponsored the event and offered food and beer for sale.  You could bring your own picnic, which I would probably do if I had time to plan next time I see a show there, but you can’t bring in any alcohol, so the presence of Harpoon was appreciated.  The Point FM also sponsored and promoted the show, another website that should be on your favorites list if you enjoy getting out and seeing live music.