Five Best Off-Campus Adventures
Over sophomore summer, the beautiful New Hampshire weather makes it more enticing than ever to break out of the Dartmouth bubble and take in the Granite State’s most exciting locales. While some students may prefer the comforts of Hanover to a brave new world of Upper Valley hikes, New Hampshire history and some of the world’s best ice cream, we’ve worked hard to find five of the best off-campus adventures around. Sure, it may be true that there’s no uncharted wilderness left in the world, but getting out to see the sights still beats sitting in the stacks on a Tuesday afternoon!
5. Great View Roller Skating Rink, Enfield, NH
A classic sophomore summer and year-round go-to, flair is actually not required for entry despite what you may have seen on your friend’s Facebook walls. This classic roller rink, a throwback to the traditions of the 1970’s and 80’s, is located less than 25 minutes from campus by car and charges admission prices so low over the summer it’s almost as if nothing has changed since the rink opened. Don’t be fooled by the shabby exterior — this rink is one you can’t miss this summer!
Sunrise, sunset, midday — it’s almost always a good time to take in a view of the Upper Valley from the top of the fire tower located on Gile Mountain. While the turnoff to the trailhead can be tricky to find if you’ve never made the drive before (it might be helpful to consult with friends or the Dartmouth Outing Club before heading out on this trip) the hike itself is not particularly challenging and the views from the top are astounding. Feel the need for a new, I’m-so-in-touch-with-nature profile picture? Look no further!
Note: Like many of the activities listed here, the Gile Fire Tower Hike is best done with a car that you can take to the trailhead. Many walking hikes — such as the Mink Brook trails — can be done without a car but are left off this list as they are extremely close to campus.
3. Norwich Walking Tour, Norwich, VT
Nothing says “romance” like a stroll past the historic buildings on Norwich’s quaint main street. Supported by the Norwich Historical Society and Community Center, these tours — self-guided with the use of an informative brochure — will help situate you in the colonial history of New England and might potentially be fun to bring up at a dinner party someday. Highlights include the Joseph Hatch House, which may date to 1773.
2. Fairlee Motel & Drive-in Theatre, Fairlee, VT
A local mainstay that has found itself struggling financially in recent years as it navigates the shift from 35mm film to digital, this drive-in movie theatre offers an evening of entertainment you won’t want to miss. Check their website for the latest films. Most recently, the drive-in has been offering a double showing of “Transformers 4” (2014) and “22 Jump Street” (2014).
1. Ben and Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, VT
Despite the long drive required to reach the Ben and Jerry’s Factory, a tour of the facilities is an experience that will live long in the memory — I still remember my childhood trip. Highlights include the flavor graveyard behind the factory where retired flavors are honored and the in-house store which boasts a number of unusual items (Ben & Jerry’s lip balm, anyone?) Call ahead to make sure the factory is offering tours on the day you hope to visit — as of June 29, tours will be offered from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the last tour leaving at 9. Tickets cost only $4.