Ivy League tradition: The Hanover Inn Dartmouth
Baker Memorial Library, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire. Song requests toll from the bell tower.
By arriving before students and their parents swarmed in for the fall term we were able to get a reservation at the Hanover Inn Dartmouth and have much of the campus to ourselves. It is the longest continuously operating inn in New Hampshire and is known for elegance and gracious service. As the the only hotel on the Dartmouth College campus it is immersed in the Ivy League tradition. It is a member of the Historic Hotels of America, a National Trust for Historic Preservation program, which means it is recognized nationally or locally as part of America’s cultural heritage.
All 108 guest rooms, including twenty-one suites, were recently completely renovated with the latest amenities.
The sophisticated decor incorporates wood reclaimed from regional rural and agricultural architecture, accents in the college’s Dartmouth green, and the rock for which the Granite State is named. It is rated four diamonds by AAA.
We headed out for a stroll along Main Street and a late lunch at Molly’s, one of the many lively restaurants and cafés. On the other side of the inn there is the Hopkins Center for the Art and Hood Museum, which began collecting artifacts in 1772 and has one of the oldest and largest collections of any college or university in the USA.
The Rauner Library is across the Dartmouth green. In addition to its scholarly material houses a unique assortment of artifacts and curiosities including a lock of our first President’s red hair framed in the binding of John Marshall’s The Life of George Washington, Mao Zedong’s calligraphy art, Daniel Webster’s socks, and a 1914 menu and invitations to dance parties at the Hanover Inn. Dartmouth’s Robert Frost Collection is one of the finest in the world.
There are chips from a maple tree at Frost’s farm in Derry, where a house tour includes a film and wooded walking trail with markers denoting spots from his poetry. Frost was a member of the class of 1896, but stayed only a few months. He returned later to lecture. There is a life-size bronze statue of Frost by Bartlett Tower in the College Park.
There are about 2,000 manuscripts and publications by Daniel Webster, class of 1801, member of Congress, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State. Books about him fill 55 feet of shelf space. Three of the four volumes of John James Audubon’s Birds of America that formerly belonged to Daniel Webster as well as various versions of Moby Dick were in showcases. A large format 16th century choir book was out on display, but most material must be requested by call number.
The Hanover Inn Dartmouth’s roots go back to the when Dartmouth College steward General Ebenezer Brewster converted his home into a popular tavern. His son moved the tavern and built a much larger building, the Dartmouth Hotel. The Wheelock Hotel was built soon after, and in 1901reconstructed, remodeled, and named the Hanover Inn. Before Dartmouth went co-ed in 1972, the fourth floor was a dormitory for single women who were provided with chaperones.
The inn’s new signature Pine Restaurant overlooks the Dartmouth Green and offers al fresco dining. It is named for the tree in the Dartmouth College crest and its decor incorporates repurposed wood from rural and agricultural New England architecture, like the ceiling beams from a Dartmouth-owned barn. The ambience is sophisticated, yet informal and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They strive to meet the eco-friendly Green Seal’s Standard by recycling, composting, using the safest cleaning products.
Roasted Local Tomato & Fennel Soup with Tasso ham and Parmesan, Pine Restaurant, Hanover Inn Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
Pine Lobster with celeriac, tiny onions, Romanesco, leon and ginger, Pine Restaurant, Hanover Inn Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
It was created by the renowned Chef-Restaurateur Michael Schlow, of Boston, who appeared on Bravo’s Top Chef Masters, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Nightline, and The Food Network. He was named Best Chef in the Northeast by the James Beard Foundation. Esquire, Food & Wine, Conde Nast Traveler, and Gourmet have named his restaurants among the best in the world.
Pine Restaurant is run by the creative Executive Chef Justin Dain, formerly of the Boston Harbor Hotel in Boston, MA. Specialties are created from fresh, locally sourced dishes from New England farms and artisans and include Italian and seafood dishes with a New England twist. It is open seven days a week and serves brunch on weekends. It is said to be the “in” spot in Hanover.
Executive Sous Chef Amanda Champagne has extensive pastry training and oversees the daily operations of the culinary team and works with Executive Chef Justin Dain to create beautifully presented creations.
Warm Banana Strudel with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and caramelized banana, Hanover Inn Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
Toffee Cardamom Bavarian Torte with candied pistachio, Pine Restaurant, Hanover Inn Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
The breakfast menu includes a wide range of traditional favorites and lighter alternatives.
Belgian waffles with fresh strawberries, whipped cream and Vermont maple syrup, Pine Restaurant, Hanover Inn Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
The Hanover “Benedict”, made with local eggs, sautéed spinach & red pepper hollandaise, Pine Restaurant, Hanover Inn Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire
The Hanover Inn Dartmouth offers Heroes in the Service —retired and active men and women in the service, law enforcement and firefighter — 50% off their Best Available rate.
On Wednesdays June through October a Farmers Market is held on the Dartmouth Green. Those seeking outdoor adventures can hike the Appalachian Trail, jus footsteps away, or rent canoes or kayaks at the Ledyard Canoe Club for fun on the on the Connecticut River.
There are classes and baking demonstrations, a popular bakery and café with breakfast, sandwiches, and sweet treats at King Arthur Flour and Baking School in nearby Norwich, Vermont.