With sophomore Summer in full swing, the thought of leaving the Hanover bubble is probably far from most students' minds. There's a river to swim, gelato to eat, a Green on which to sunbathe and in theory homework to do.
Still, as blasphemous as it may sound to some, a number of students with a free weekend and access to a car may appreciate the chance to get away for a bit. Thankfully, there are other towns in Upper New England, full of quirky tourist spots for the visiting student.
If you like seeing movies but aren't so big on movie theaters, the Fairlee Drive-in in Fairlee, Vt., just a few miles up the river, is showing double features every weekend through Labor Day. This weekend "Rio" (2011) and "X-Men: First Class" (2011) are playing and of course the drive-in will be part of next week's big Harry Potter premiere. The cost is $8 a person, and all you have to bring is your own car and a functioning car radio. www.fairleedrivein.com
A bit further afield, Burlington, Vt., hosts a bunch of concerts every summer, in venues large and small, ranging from Dropkick Murphys at the Champlain Valley Expo Center July 29, to Wiz Khalifa at the same venue the following night. Just Google "Burlington Concerts" to peruse the full selection.
Cheese lovers may want to venture over to the Cabot Quechee Store, in Quechee Village, Vt., and stock up on hand-crafted knick-knacks, local specialty foods and of course Cabot cheese. The store is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. And yes, they have free samples. www.cabotcheese.coop
While we're on the subject of free samples, the Ben and Jerry's factory in Waterbury, Vt., is a great way to fill the void that showed up after they closed their store here in Hanover. It's a bit of a drive, but tours are only $3 a head and the factory is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. www.benjerry.com
If you're looking for something on the wilder side and aren't a member of PETA, venture up to Lincoln, N.H., for the Clark's Trading Post Bear Show, whose trained black bears "dazzle and delight with their impressive tricks and antics," according to the Trading Post's website. Shows are held three times a day. Admission to the Trading Post is $18, and also includes a train ride, acrobatic show and various other attractions. www.clarkstradingpost.com
Closer to home, the Shaker Museum in Enfield is open from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day. The museum chronicles the history of the now-defunct Shaker community, founded in 1793. The Shakers, who believed in celibacy, pacifism and communal living, constructed more than 200 buildings and farmed more than 3,000 acres. Admission is only $6 for students with I.D. www.shakermuseum.org
