Art Lovers Will Enjoy This Underrated East Coast Destination
Art museums have a certain grandeur to them. Seeing art from throughout the centuries and composed of a variety of mediums is inspiring and intriguing, so it's no wonder people can spend hours upon hours in their halls, captivated by the art on the walls. Most probably think of planning a trip to renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, or the Louvre in Paris, but smaller towns also have beautiful and fascinating art museums. These places don't draw in nearly as many crowds as the famous museums in larger cities, but that doesn't mean that they're not worth visiting.
Hanover, New Hampshire is one such town. The charming East Coast town is home to a couple of art galleries and Dartmouth College's Hood Museum of Art. These places have thousands of pieces of art amongst them that'll keep you mesmerized throughout your entire stay. If you're an art lover looking for an adventure, consider Hanover, New Hampshire for wonderful art and New England charm.
Where to go for art
The Hood Museum of Art has art that dates as far back as 900 BC. The 400,000-square-foot building harbors over 65,000 pieces within its walls. In addition to perusing, you can also partake in different museum events that range from walking tours to art making. One great perk about the museum is that it's free for everyone. "[It's] a wonderful, small museum with excellent gallery space and architecture," a reviewer on TripAdvisor wrote. "The exhibitions were innovative and very well curated. I've been in dozens of great museums all over the world and I have to put Hood in my top ten!"
Another local gallery worth checking is the highly-rated AVA Gallery and Art Center, which highlights New England artists by showcasing their work in exhibits and events. If you're more interested in performing arts than stationary art, then you'll want to catch a show at the Hopkins Center for Performing Arts. They have live events ranging from jazz ensembles to plays, as well as film viewings for those into cinematography.
Where to stay
Hanover, New Hampshire and its museums and galleries make for a great day or weekend trip. You can drive to the town from Boston, Massachusetts in about 2 hours, so if you're already in the city you can add an extra day to venture out to New Hampshire. If you want to take your time and spend an extra day or two, you can stay in town. The Six South St. Hotel has a 9 out of 10 rating on Kayak and allows pets. The Hanover Inn Dartmouth is another great option. It has a 9.6 rating out of 10 on Hotels.com. Each of these boutique hotels offers a cozy feel for your travels.
Hanover, New Hampshire is the perfect New England destination for art lovers looking to escape the bustle of the city without giving up the sophistication of museums. Plan your visit and learn something new as you explore the exhibits at hand.