Hanover, NH

Michael, the girls, and I went up to Hanover on Saturday, June 18th, for my 10-year college reunion. (Technically, it was my 11-year reunion, but Dartmouth groups three classes together for a "10-year" reunion.) It was great having a picnic lunch on the green, spending time with a couple of my close college friends, and walking around campus and along Pine Park.

After the walk we wanted something refreshing for snack, so we decided to try out the new gelato shop on Main Street. I was so excited that they had two flavors that were dairy-free, egg-free, and corn-free, so we could all enjoy the gelato together. The flavor of the strawberry gelato was especially nice. And the texture was more like soft-serve ice cream, not as icy or cold as regular ice cream or sorbet. Even Naomi, who refuses to eat ice cream or anything too cold, liked it!


Finally, before heading home we went to dinner at the Jewel of India, an Indian restaurant that Michael and I frequented while dating. The food tasted great, but unfortunately the restaurant puts cream or yogurt in almost everything. The next time we visit Hanover, I might want to try going to Mai Thai, another restaurant on Main Street that Michael and I used to go to. Lui Lui in West Lebanon now has a gluten-free menu, so we could also go there.

Going to the Upper Valley reminded me of the many excellent restaurants that Michael took me to on dates when we lived there. Unfortunately, not very many of them are suitable for children. (I.e., if we're going to spend that much money on dinner, we don't want to take our children, as wonderful as they are.) If we ever go back just the two of us, at the top of my list would be to go to Zins, Simon Pearce, or the Parker House Inn. In the mean time, I'll think with fond memories of our picnic on the green and the lovely strawberry gelato.