Lebanon, NH

 

Lebanon is the smallest city in New Hampshire, with a rich history and culture that reflects its heritage as one of the first settlements in New Hampshire and is home to the esteemed Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. Along the Connecticut River in the heart of the pristine New Hampshire Valley, Lebanon is also known as "the heart of New England." It borders Vermont halfway between Burlington and Boston.

 

When it comes to Lebanon, NH real estate, several neighborhoods can offer different styles of homes ranging from Victorian to ranch style. However, most of the architecture here is Colonial-inspired, with many homes dating back to the late 1800s. Lebanon has a substantial dining and arts infrastructure for a town its size. It is also a commercial and retail hub and a popular shopping destination, drawing residents from bordering Vermont.

 

Lebanon is very laid back and relaxed, and its history and geography influence the town's culture. Those who live here typically value higher education and enjoy outdoor recreation such as hiking, biking, or skiing. With its rivers and forests steeped in natural beauty, Lebanon also has plenty of amenities, including restaurants and shops, galleries, and performance venues that contribute to its residents' high quality of life.

 

The dining scene in Lebanon is growing and changing with the times. The town center has seen an influx of tantalizing new restaurants, making it a great place to dine and shop. Snax is a restaurant dedicated to healthy, small plates and appetizers in a fun atmosphere. They have a great selection of salads, bowls, wraps, and platters. Three Tomatoes Trattoria is a mainstay in town, known for its authentic Italian cuisine. Salt Hill Pub is a delightful, cozy classic Irish pub serving traditional fares such as Beef and Guinness Stew, delicious craft beers on tap, and live music a few nights of the week. For something a little different, neighbors enjoy Pim’s Thai Orchid for its unique Thai cuisine, but nothing beats a significant slice of pizza from Lebanon Village Pizza or Cantore’s after a hard day on the trails!

 

Lebanon is a popular shopping spot for nearby Vermont residents due to there not being a sales tax in New Hampshire. L.L.Bean in West Lebanon is a classic New England must-have for all one’s outdoor clothing needs, and locally, that means a lot! All of the typical big box stores are also located in West Lebanon, including Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS). A  great place to shop for outdoor gear like hiking boots, backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags. EMS sells locally made outdoor clothing and footwear too! Downtown Lebanon hosts local independent shops such as Gilded Edge, an award-winning custom frame shop, and Dutille’s, a third-generation owned jewelry store. Omer & Bob’s Bicycles offers bicycles of all styles, cycling clothing, accessories, and rentals to explore the surrounding countryside They also offer guided rides led by local experts on some of the best trails and routes.

 

The Lebanon arts community is growing and thriving. There are many opportunities for local artists, performers, and musicians to showcase their work and participate in various events from which the whole community benefits. The AVA Gallery & Art Center is a nonprofit contemporary art center in Lebanon's historic district. AVA hosts rotating exhibitions by regional artists and classes and workshops for children and adults in a variety of mediums. Lebanon has many performance venues, including the Lebanon Opera House, which hosts a wide variety of live theater, concerts, recitals, and a summer music and arts festival. And yes, it also hosts Opera North, a renowned opera company known for the high quality of its annual productions. The importance of the arts to this community is epitomized by the fact that the Upper Valley Arts Alliance is located right in Lebanon. Its mission is to foster and promote the arts as a part of an interconnected, thriving creative economy across New Hampshire and Vermont.

 

Lebanon hosts many fantastic local events that bring the whole community together. The annual Food Truck Festival takes place on Main Street each year and attracts dozens of food trucks serving everything from pizza to lobster rolls. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family while enjoying delicious food and live music. The Nexus Music and Arts Festival is a free summer event for folks of all ages hosted by the Lebanon Opera House. It has an eclectic lineup of musical guests playing rock, bluegrass, reggae, and more, along with exhibitions curated by arts partners and public art installations. 

 

And besides these annual special events, you will find something happening almost every day or evening of the week in Colburn Park, especially during the warmer months. From weekly farmers’ markets to lunchtime events, the Front Porch Concert Series, Monday Night Concerts, and Fourth of July fireworks, there is always something happening in the park to bring neighbors together for fun, music, and food in the spirit of a shared community.

 

Lebanon might be best known for the variety of outdoor activities its residents enjoy including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, and swimming. The Connecticut River runs adjacent to the town, providing excellent rafting, boating, fishing, and kayaking opportunities in the spring and summer months. Cyclists flock to the Northern Rail Trail to ride its nearly 60 miles of easy to moderate bike path. Storr's Hill Ski Area, a town gem, features downhill skiing and snow tubing, Alpine ski racing, ski jumping, telemarking, and backcountry skiing. Boston Lot Lake is a hidden gem ringed by ridges of lush forest that glow in the fall, where residents of all levels enjoy mountain biking and hiking along its miles of trails and streams.

 

The Lebanon School District serves Lebanon.