Discovering the Upper Valley’s hidden gems, inspiring adventures, and local favorites with the LOH family.
As LOH’s Facilities Manager and Technical Director, Joel’s job is to make every artist feel right at home at LOH. Joel moved to the Upper Valley from Bennington, VT, following his then-girlfriend and now wife when she took a job at Dartmouth in Hanover, NH. As you might expect for a man who loves living here because of “the outrageous number of outdoor activities available year-round,” Joel’s recommendations follow a decidedly outdoorsy path.
Best place to meet up with friends
Wolf Tree — it’s a cocktail bar in White River Junction, VT. The only food they serve is charcuterie, but it’s a fantastic cocktail bar. I like somewhere with a sophistication with the drinks, the mixology, and then it’s all about the atmosphere. Everybody is really laid-back, really friendly.
My outdoor happy place
Groton State Forest in Vermont. It’s huge, and there are several parks within it. When my sons were younger, I used to take them canoe camping at Kettle Pond. The campsites are hike-in or paddle-in only. Seyon Lodge at Noyes Pond is also there. You can rent the lodge, and the innkeeper is fantastic. Noyes Pond is fly fishing only. There’s only truly native brook trout in it. They’ve traced the genetics back to the last ice age.
Favorite hidden gem
Fly fishing on the White River. A great way to try fly fishing is to go to L.L.Bean and take classes. The White River is great, or even the Mascoma River up toward Enfield, NH, and the dam. There’s a fly-fishing-only section there.
What’s playing on repeat
Old ’80s post-punk psychobilly. If you have Apple Music, there’s a playlist called Psychobilly Essentials, which will get your feet wet. I’ve always been a big fan of rockabilly music, and that’s where it comes from.
Unique request from a performer
It’s only happened once. Get the Led Out, a Led Zeppelin tribute band, asked if there was a skate park around. It’s across town on the Mascoma River in West Leb just before L.L.Bean. I sent ’em there and they had a great time.
The return of The Wood Brothers
I turned them on to Lalo’s Taqueria and Oliver really liked them and spent time there. But Lalo’s closed and turned into Black Magic Mexican, so I’m hoping they take to it. Oliver also likes older Guild electric guitars and I actually have a newer Guild electric that I love. I mentioned it to him and he asked if I had an older Guild and, if so, how much? I had to disappoint him because if I had a 1960s Guild, it would be my children’s inheritance…
Best takeout
I don’t dine out a lot, especially for dinner, because I’m usually here at LOH working a show or whatever, so I get a lot of takeout. Three Tomatoes in downtown Lebanon is always nice. They’re right here. Any of the Thai places that are around will also hit the spot. Phnom Penh Sandwich Station is excellent. Love ’em.
Share your recommendations on what makes the Upper Valley great!
LOH launched the Art & Soul Ambassadors campaign as an effort to shine a spotlight on the people, places, and things that make life in this community interesting, unique, and rewarding. Now, we’re looking for more people to join in.
The campaign will appear in LOH’s social media channels, emails, and other outlets regularly throughout the year.
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