DOVER DELIVERS

Looking for the perfect meal? Dover's restaurants have you covered. Whether you're a casual diner or looking for something more formal, Dover offers choices of fine cuisine that include American, Italian, French, Thai, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, and plenty of options in-between. Dover's nightlife is alive with local music and entertainment.

 

There's plenty to do for the whole family in Dover. Start at the Children's Museum of New Hampshire, right in downtown Dover at Henry Law Park. The Children's Museum is two floors of custom-created interactive exhibits for children of all ages, from toddlers to middle school-aged children. At the Children's Museum, kids can excavate dinosaur fossils, play music, take the controls of the Space Shuttle or navigate a submarine. Special events are held throughout the year, including a New Year's Eve celebration for children and families, a Mardi Gras event and the annual Museum Birthday Party.

 

Several family-friendly events are held in Dover throughout the year, including Apple Harvest Day in October, the Cochecho Arts Festival throughout the summer, a children's concert series throughout the summer, an Irish festival, Pet-A-Palooza, and the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

 

Also in and near Dover's downtown is an ice arena, two public pools, several public parks, including a skate park, playing fields and basketball courts, and the Rotary Arts Pavilion, which features live, outdoor entertainment. Dover's numerous trails and outdoor excursions will keep you close to nature and Dover's rural heritage. Follow the Riverwalk from the downtown for an up-close view of the mighty Cocheco River, once the lifeblood of the community. Climb Garrison Hill Tower and be treated to a bird's-eye view of the City and not-too distant mountains. The rivers that surround the city are well suited for canoeing or kayaking, as is scenic Willand Pond at the city's north end, and Little Bay, at the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean.

 

Dover's downtown is gateway to a host of family activities, history, entertainment and cultural appreciation. It boasts a bustling business community where you'll find the perfect gift or one-of-a-kind treasure.

 

If you're looking for something a little more eclectic, visit the Woodman Institute Museum, right around the corner. The Woodman Institute Museum complex is home to a singular collection of artifacts and curiosities, with exhibits on natural science, history, art and culture. The museum's famous greeter, a 10-foot tall polar bear, opens the way to a fascinating collection that includes Indian artifacts, one of Napoleon Cannon's, the saddle used by Abraham Lincoln to review troops shortly before his assassination, swords and armor, a two-headed snake, the last cougar killed in the state of New Hampshire, historic firefighting equipment, a 1771 tax bill from King George to the citizens of Dover, the largest collection of minerals north of Boston, and several exhibits of fossils and animal. Also on the grounds of the museum is the William Damm Garrison House, built in 1675 and full of period artifacts that spell out what life was like in Colonial times.

 

Speaking of history, if you're looking for a destination with class and history, Dover fits the bill. Settled in 1623, Dover is the oldest permanent settlement in New Hampshire. As such, its history is evident everywhere. Take a walking tour along the streets that ring the downtown and you'll see some of the city's oldest homes and many examples of architecture spanning several eras and styles. The city's historic mills still stand proud, now renovated and home to 21st-century businesses and many talented artists.

 

Despite so much to do in Dover, you're never far from attractions throughout the region. Dover is an hour from Boston, Portland, the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesauke. From Dover, you can depart for adventure throughout the year, whether on a foliage tour to the north in the fall or maple sugaring in the winter. The University of New Hampshire is minutes away.

 

What's best is how easy it is to visit and stay in Dover. Of course, it's easy to drive to Dover, but that's just the beginning. The Amtrak Downeaster stops in Dover allowing for train travel to the city from Boston and Portland, or back and forth. C&J bus service links up Dover with frequent daily round-trip service to Logan Airport, Boston and New York City. In the summer, small boat traffic makes its way up the Cocheco River directly to the city's waterfront and downtown. Dover won't break the bank, either. Several hotels and smaller lodging options can be found throughout the city, including one downtown hotel and three large hotels at Week's Crossing on the city's north end.

 

(via www.dover.nh.gov)