Jack Tarlin
02-20-2008, 20:03
As most of you know, the 2008 Trail guidebooks have all recently come out. Each contains information that is not found in any other book. And each contains errors and ommissions. Those of you planning to visit or hike thru Hanover NH this year may wish to be aware of the following:
*Several businesses have closed their doors. This includes Woof and Hoof, a
designer pet store that had specialty dog foods and accessories
*The Subway on Lebanon Street (next to Ben and Jerry's) has closed but may
be opened under new owners by summertime
*The Foodstop store is now called "Irving" and is no longer open 24 hours. In
fact, it closes at midnight.
*The CVS Pharmacy is now open 24 hours, and has added to its food
selections.
*Stinson's on Allen St, still has the best beer and tobacco selection on the
Trail; also makes great sandwiches.
*The burrito store on Main St., formerly "The Wrap", is now called "Boloco"
and serves great food.
*Eastman Pharmacy on Main Street may be closed by summertime.
*Murphy's on the Green Restaurant on Main St., is up for sale, and may or
may not be open in summertime. If it closes, another restaurant will surely
occupy the same space.
*The Camera Shop of Hanover on Main St. has closed.
*There's a new bakery/cafe called Umpleby's, on East South St. by the
hardware store. It's friendly, but sort of pricy. best baked goods in town
and best coffee on the Trail is still at the Dirt Cowboy Cafe on Main St.
The bagel basement on Allen St. has recently changed owners and has
expanded its menu.
*Five Olde Nugget Alley Restaurant has been sold, but is still very welcoming
to hikers.
*Tigger's Tree House hostel, outside of town, will be open and is looking
forward to seeing lots of hikers.
*Hikers in need of footwear, outerwear, and small accessories can check out
Omer and Bob's Sporting Goods on Allen to next to EBA's. It's not mentioned
in all the guidebooks, but is a well run and very friendly little shop, and may
save you a visit to the "real" outfitters in West Lebanon.
*Your main Re-Supply option is still the Food Co-op at the North end of
town. It is still hellishly overpriced and extremely crowded between four
and six. Prudent shoppers will try and shop in West Lebanon if they can;
of the major supermarkets there, Price Chopper is probably better than
Shaw's, and in addition, is in the same mall as Wal-Mart, Borders Books, and
a Dollar Store. Both markets are on the bus line; remember that the bus
runs weekdays only.
Odds and ends: There were recurrent problems on the Dartmouth campus this year with hikers. Word to the wise: Do NOT crash out, or attempt to do laundry in any Dartmouth building unless specifically invited. Do NOT sleep in the DOC building; it is now patrolled and you may well get arrested. Do not drink either in the DOC building, on the Dartmouth Green, or anywhere on campus or in public.
Likewise, don't camp on the campus anywhere, or in the nearby cemetery.
One of the publishers of a 2008 Guidebook recently told me that they were informed of hikers having problems while staying at the "soccer field" campsite at the North end of town. I haven't heard of any problems there, and I know of dozens of folks who overnighted there this summer. As recently as yesterday, a Hanover police officer told me that the Department has no problem with folks camping there, provided they stay quiet (as there are houses nearby); they pack out their trash; and that local and state laws regarding drugs and alcohol are obeyed. Also, don't camp ON the soccer field itself unless you want a citation. There are good sites in the woods just to the left of the Trail, IMMEDIATELY after you enter the treeline past the soccer field.
Bits and Pieces: Ramunto's on East South St. still plans on giving out free slices to thru-hikers. Make sure you sign their register. The best time to hit town is Monday or Thursday; EBA's has an AYCE Pizza/salad bar deal on Mondays and an AYCE fajita bar on Thursday's. Also, their Sunday Brunch is pretty amazing.
That's all I can think of, will add more later.
*Several businesses have closed their doors. This includes Woof and Hoof, a
designer pet store that had specialty dog foods and accessories
*The Subway on Lebanon Street (next to Ben and Jerry's) has closed but may
be opened under new owners by summertime
*The Foodstop store is now called "Irving" and is no longer open 24 hours. In
fact, it closes at midnight.
*The CVS Pharmacy is now open 24 hours, and has added to its food
selections.
*Stinson's on Allen St, still has the best beer and tobacco selection on the
Trail; also makes great sandwiches.
*The burrito store on Main St., formerly "The Wrap", is now called "Boloco"
and serves great food.
*Eastman Pharmacy on Main Street may be closed by summertime.
*Murphy's on the Green Restaurant on Main St., is up for sale, and may or
may not be open in summertime. If it closes, another restaurant will surely
occupy the same space.
*The Camera Shop of Hanover on Main St. has closed.
*There's a new bakery/cafe called Umpleby's, on East South St. by the
hardware store. It's friendly, but sort of pricy. best baked goods in town
and best coffee on the Trail is still at the Dirt Cowboy Cafe on Main St.
The bagel basement on Allen St. has recently changed owners and has
expanded its menu.
*Five Olde Nugget Alley Restaurant has been sold, but is still very welcoming
to hikers.
*Tigger's Tree House hostel, outside of town, will be open and is looking
forward to seeing lots of hikers.
*Hikers in need of footwear, outerwear, and small accessories can check out
Omer and Bob's Sporting Goods on Allen to next to EBA's. It's not mentioned
in all the guidebooks, but is a well run and very friendly little shop, and may
save you a visit to the "real" outfitters in West Lebanon.
*Your main Re-Supply option is still the Food Co-op at the North end of
town. It is still hellishly overpriced and extremely crowded between four
and six. Prudent shoppers will try and shop in West Lebanon if they can;
of the major supermarkets there, Price Chopper is probably better than
Shaw's, and in addition, is in the same mall as Wal-Mart, Borders Books, and
a Dollar Store. Both markets are on the bus line; remember that the bus
runs weekdays only.
Odds and ends: There were recurrent problems on the Dartmouth campus this year with hikers. Word to the wise: Do NOT crash out, or attempt to do laundry in any Dartmouth building unless specifically invited. Do NOT sleep in the DOC building; it is now patrolled and you may well get arrested. Do not drink either in the DOC building, on the Dartmouth Green, or anywhere on campus or in public.
Likewise, don't camp on the campus anywhere, or in the nearby cemetery.
One of the publishers of a 2008 Guidebook recently told me that they were informed of hikers having problems while staying at the "soccer field" campsite at the North end of town. I haven't heard of any problems there, and I know of dozens of folks who overnighted there this summer. As recently as yesterday, a Hanover police officer told me that the Department has no problem with folks camping there, provided they stay quiet (as there are houses nearby); they pack out their trash; and that local and state laws regarding drugs and alcohol are obeyed. Also, don't camp ON the soccer field itself unless you want a citation. There are good sites in the woods just to the left of the Trail, IMMEDIATELY after you enter the treeline past the soccer field.
Bits and Pieces: Ramunto's on East South St. still plans on giving out free slices to thru-hikers. Make sure you sign their register. The best time to hit town is Monday or Thursday; EBA's has an AYCE Pizza/salad bar deal on Mondays and an AYCE fajita bar on Thursday's. Also, their Sunday Brunch is pretty amazing.
That's all I can think of, will add more later.