If the food critics from Zagat ever found time to visit the Upper Valley, they would likely be pretty appalled at our limited dining options. But just as restaurants are a staple in metropolitan communities, swimming really is a staple in any good sophomore Summer diet, and if you're avoiding the river, then you're doing it wrong. Here is a brief (but by no means comprehensive) list of the bounty of swim spots the Upper Valley has to offer us.Ledyard Docks 4 out of 5 stars
The docks by Ledyard Canoe Club are the bread and butter of Hanover swimming it's the most accessible location, there's a raft and lately it's been quite a scene. This spot is also the ideal location to attempt the Ledyard Challenge, which recently became a graduation requirement, according to the Office of the Registrar.
New docks ? out of 5 stars
Much like the construction of new FoCo, the new docks beg the question: Couldn't our tuition money be going to more worthwhile causes? The old docks were fine. However, given that these new docks aren't officially open until tomorrow, I can't really comment on their quality. I'd love to try it out now, but one of my 11X goals was to avoid being mauled by construction workers. I think I'll just wait.
Mink Brook 3.5 out of 5 stars
If Mink Brook were an actual Hanover restaurant, it would be Molly's. I can't decide whether this is a good or a bad thing, but I can say that they're both slightly overrated, and at least one of the two can get very muddy. Found just at the end of Maple Street, Mink Brook is an open expanse, replete with a beautiful view of the Connecticut River and all of the lush vegetation the Upper Valley can provide. The swim spot itself is ideal: you'll rarely be sharing the space with others and the water is always at the perfect temperature.
River Ranch 5 out of 5 stars
The River Ranch is both delicious and adventurous, two things that, like a French Chardonnay and a mild Brie de Nangis (thanks, Google!), marry quite well. For those not in the know, the River Ranch is an off-campus house overlooking the Connecticut River just on the other side of the bridge in Vermont. It's also a hotbed for trespassing interlopers you have to climb the roof of the house in order to access the river, which is a tremendously high plunge into the water. Highly recommended, but kind of terrifying.
Ledges 2.5 out of 5 stars
The atmosphere of the Ledges is probably what attracts crowds of Dartmouth students every day. It's secluded, tranquil and far-removed from Hanover. But what do the Ledges really have to offer us? I spied some pretty awkward pools of stagnant water, too many small children and many treacherous, sharp rocks. While the ambiance of the Ledges may be enough for some, atmosphere doesn't really make the meal for me. I need something a little heartier, like maybe some topographical diversity and deeper water.Storrs Pond 1 out of 5 stars
Last summer, College administrators tried throwing us this bone to satisfy our appetites after they took away the river docks. It proved to be a pretty poor substitute, but maybe that's just because pond water is horrible and lukewarm I'm generally pretty skeptical of water that doesn't have a running current. It also isn't very convenient to access, isn't very attractive and is often overrun by townies. Going to Storrs Pond is like choosing Outback Steakhouse: everyone has heard of it, but that doesn't mean anyone should actually go.
White Falls 1 out of 5 stars
I haven't found time to sink my teeth into this spot yet this summer, but hearsay seems to recommend that I avoid it. "Black flies in the mountains can be vicious sometimes," Jean Mason '11, who was recently attacked during a visit to the falls, said. Besides, if this were an actual dining establishment, black flies would likely violate health codes. To be fair though, that didn't stop India Queen a few years back.
Sphinx Pool ? out of 5 stars
I might call this the Dorsia of Hanover swim spots due to its exclusivity, secrecy and questionable existence. I'm still convinced that it's imaginary, but if you manage to prove me wrong, you win sophomore Summer. But it's still just a pool, and it's summer what are you doing inside?
