Discovering the Upper Valley’s hidden gems, inspiring adventures, and local favorites with the LOH family.

Kristen doesn’t just volunteer at LOH. She and her husband are also our neighbors. It’s not unusual to see her and her dog, Norman, strolling about town. “Living in a walkable city, I feel actively connected with our community — there are so many hamlets of beauty and creativity that contribute to Lebanon’s vibe,” she said.

Essential dog walking spot
Goodwin Park, next to the Storrs Hill. My dog thinks it’s his backyard. It’s this beautiful place with a gorgeous canopy of trees. I’m so connected to it that I know where all the trillium and trout lily and maidenhair are going to pop up each season. It’s like I’m welcoming my friends back each spring.

Favorite place to eat
Black Magic Mexican is really unique. They’re vegan. They used to sell from a food truck and have moved to a space on the Lebanon Mall. I eat mostly a plant-based diet, and it’s wonderful to have a big honkin’ vegan burrito that tastes amazing and feeds my soul.

Favorite hidden gem
Lebanon’s Anonymous Coffeehouse. I love it. It’s a free, live acoustic music venue. Each show has three acts performed in a listening room environment. The founder, Adam, was influenced by coffeehouse performance spaces; they focus on bluegrass, jazzy, rootsy music.

What’s playing on repeat
Joe Clifford goes to these Folk Alliance events and I subscribe to their Spotify channel. I also love the sound of old spirituals from matriarchs like Mahalia Jackson. I appreciate all the divas from the 1930s, like Ella Fitzgerald.

The podcast in my ears
It’s called What It’s Like to Be… with Dan Heath. He interviews people who love their jobs and shares what it’s like to do them. He’s interviewed a CIA agent, an Irish barman, a hospice nurse, and a professional Santa Claus. It makes you appreciate what people do for a living.

Favorite new discovery
It’s rePlay Arts in White River Junction, VT. They collect gently used art and craft supplies for reuse. They redistribute them through arts experiences, education programs, and low or no-cost sales. I love their mission for our community and the environment.

Supporting the Upper Valley community
I support LOH because it brings a world-class stage right to the heart of our community. Instead of battling traffic into Boston or paying for expensive parking, we get to stroll downtown, enjoy dinner at one of our favorite local spots, and spend the evening surrounded by neighbors and friends. LOH creates something truly special — extraordinary musicality, breathtaking performances, and meaningful opportunities for students, families, and people of all abilities to experience the arts together. It gives our small city the energy and culture of a much larger destination while keeping the warmth, charm, and connection that make this community home.

Experiences I love at LOH
I especially love the experiences that feel fresh, inspiring, and deeply connected to community. We’re drawn to up-and-coming performers whose passion and talent light up the stage, as well as community-centered events like Nexus that bring people together in meaningful and creative ways. I also value performances that celebrate diversity — artists from different backgrounds who bring unique perspectives, vibrant style, and rich cultural expression to the theater. And above all, I love soulful sounds and performances that move people emotionally, creating the kind of energy and connection you carry with you long after the curtain closes.

Favorite LOH moments

  • Savion Glover
  • Lyle Lovett and John Hyatt
  • Percussion Discussion Africa


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.

Ready to share? Just fill out this form.