Shopping in Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee: Independent Shops and Makers

The Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region stretches across west-central New Hampshire, from the shores of Lake Sunapee to the college town of Hanover on the Connecticut River. It takes in all of Sullivan County, and Interstate 89 ties it together. The largest towns are Lebanon, Hanover and Claremont, but much of the region's charm is in its smaller villages. For anyone looking into shopping in the Lake Sunapee NH area, the reward is a mix of independent stores, each with its own personality.

Spring is a natural time for a shopping day here. Garden centers are stocked with annuals and perennials, and a loop through the lake towns and the Upper Valley makes an easy day out. This guide groups a handful of independent shops by town so you can build a loop that suits you.

Why Shop Here

There is a practical reason to shop in New Hampshire: the state has no sales tax. You will notice some shops, including Amidon Jewelers in West Lebanon, call out tax-free shopping directly.

The bigger draw, though, is variety. Within a short distance you can go from a working garden center to a glass and pottery showroom to a used bookshop, all run as independent businesses.

Around Lake Sunapee

Lake Sunapee is the fifth-largest lake located entirely within New Hampshire, sitting in Sullivan and Merrimack counties. The towns around it make a pleasant start to a shopping day. The lake is indented by peninsulas and fingers that give it a shoreline of about 70 miles, and the drive around it is about 25 miles, so it is easy to combine shopping with a scenic loop. Three lighthouses on the lake are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lake's outlet at Sunapee Harbor feeds the Sugar River, which flows west through Newport and Claremont to the Connecticut River, a handy way to picture how the lake towns connect to the rest of the region.

The name has a story too. The lake was called Soo-Nipi, or "Wild Goose Waters," for the geese that passed over during migration.

Kathan Gardens, Newport

Kathan Gardens is a garden center and gift shop in Newport, and it is a good first stop on a May morning. It sells annuals, perennials, herbs, shrubs and trees, along with garden fertilizers, mulch and tools. Its hanging baskets and annual combinations are grown on the property using its own soil mix. Inside, the gift shop carries what it calls heartfelt and unique gifts, and Henry's Cafe on site means you can grab a coffee while you browse.

If you are starting or reworking a garden, Kathan also offers garden consultations with its head grower, as well as custom planter and window box design. It is the kind of place where you can ask questions and get real answers.

Unleashed, New London

New London, home to Colby-Sawyer College and about 4,400 residents as of 2020, is a convenient stop between the lake and the interstate. Unleashed, on Newport Road, is a locally owned pet supply shop focused on all-natural food and supplies for dogs, cats and small animals. Beyond food, it offers professional grooming, baked treats for dogs, nutritional counseling and local delivery.

If you are traveling with a dog, or just want to bring something home for one, it is an easy stop on the way to or from the lake.

Hanover and the Upper Valley

Hanover, with 11,870 residents at the 2020 census, is home to Dartmouth College, and several independent shops sit within a few blocks of each other.

Simon Pearce

Simon Pearce's Hanover store is steps from Baker Tower on the Dartmouth green. The shop carries the company's signature handcrafted glass and pottery tableware and decor, along with lighting and home accents. It also offers a collection of engraved mementos for Dartmouth students and alumni, which makes it an obvious place to look for graduation and reunion gifts.

Glassware from Simon Pearce makes a lasting wedding or housewarming present, and browsing the store is a pleasure even if you are not buying.

Left Bank Books

Left Bank Books is located upstairs at 9 South Main Street, above the Dirt Cowboy Cafe. The store's own directions tell visitors to look up to find it, and a coffee downstairs makes a natural pairing. If you have books to pass on, the store has published donation guidelines on its website, so check them before you bring a box.

37 Central Clothiers

37 Central Clothiers is a women's boutique in downtown Hanover, located in the alleyway next to Molly's Restaurant. It carries clothing along with jewelry and accessories, and it also has a store in Woodstock, Vermont. It is a good stop for a gift or a new outfit while you are walking around town.

Amidon Jewelers, West Lebanon

A short drive from Hanover, Amidon Jewelers in West Lebanon specializes in designer diamond engagement rings, wedding bands and fine jewelry. Beyond sales, it offers custom design and jewelry repair, which can be useful if you have a family piece that needs attention. If an engagement is on your mind, the store's website also has guides to diamonds and gemstones.

Planning a Shopping Day

Here is a simple loop to try:

• Morning: Start at Kathan Gardens in Newport for plants and gifts, with a coffee at Henry's Cafe.
• Late morning: Drive to New London for Unleashed.
• Afternoon: Head up I-89 to the Upper Valley for Amidon Jewelers in West Lebanon, then into Hanover for Simon Pearce, Left Bank Books and 37 Central Clothiers.

Some shops keep seasonal or limited hours, so check each store's website before you set out.

Explore the Listings

• Kathan Gardens
• Unleashed
• Simon Pearce
• Left Bank Books
• 37 Central Clothiers
• Amidon Jewelers

FAQ

Is there sales tax when shopping in New Hampshire?

No. New Hampshire has no sales tax, so the price on the tag is what you pay at the register.

What towns are in the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region?

The region includes all of Sullivan County, and its largest towns are Lebanon, Hanover and Claremont. Lake towns such as New London and Newport are also part of it.

Where can I find unique gifts near Dartmouth?

Simon Pearce, steps from the Dartmouth green, carries handcrafted glass and pottery and engraved Dartmouth mementos. Left Bank Books and 37 Central Clothiers are both in downtown Hanover.

Is there a good garden center near Lake Sunapee?

Kathan Gardens in Newport sells annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees grown on site, and it offers garden consultations.

Sources

• Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee Region, Wikipedia (all of Sullivan County; I-89; Lebanon, Hanover and Claremont largest): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dartmouth%E2%80%93Lake_Sunapee_Region
• Lake Sunapee, Wikipedia (fifth-largest lake entirely in NH; Sullivan and Merrimack counties; about 70 miles of shoreline; 25-mile drive around; three National Register lighthouses; Sugar River outlet; Soo-Nipi name): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Sunapee
• New London, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (2020 population 4,400; Colby-Sawyer College): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_London,_New_Hampshire
• Hanover, New Hampshire, Wikipedia (Dartmouth College; 2020 population 11,870): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanover,_New_Hampshire
• New Hampshire, Wikipedia (no sales tax): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire
• Kathan Gardens: https://kathangardens.com/
• Unleashed: https://unleashednh.com
• Simon Pearce, Hanover store: https://www.simonpearce.com/our-stores/hanover/
• Left Bank Books: https://www.leftbankbookshanover.com
• 37 Central Clothiers, Hanover: https://37central.com/pages/hanover
• Amidon Jewelers: https://www.amidonjewelers.com/