Hanover, N.H., has as one of the nicest small town
downtown districts in New England, and it's not strictly "academic."
Home to Dartmouth College, the Hanover downtown district, from some
perspectives, centers around campus life with the five acre "The Green"
common and classic Ivy League 19th century buildings. Upon closer
inspection, however, the downtown could hold its own anywhere. Wide
sidewalks, a great mix of shops and restaurants with excellent signage
and lighting, hanging flower baskets in the summer and benches along
the way create this downtown bliss. I think if appointed, elected and
volunteer downtown economic developers had to choose a prototype as a
model to help improve their own downtown districts, Hanover would be
the place.
I wouldn't even call Hanover a "college town." Yes, you'll see students
frequenting the downtown, but plenty of locals also embrace this
district. It's easy to see why: create a pleasing atmosphere with many
of the elements that bring people in -- books, ice cream, coffee, a
movie theater (Nugget), performing arts center (Hopkins Center),
several good restaurants (try Lou's or Anything but Anchovies) and an
overall setting that feels so
welcoming. This is one of the few small town downtowns in New England
that has remained thriving without selling out to chains and
other generic shops and restaurants!
Downtown Dartmouth town green with a Dartmouth
Colle building providing additional charm.
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Eric
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