8 Best Things to Do in Dover, NH

© Woodman Institute Museum

The Woodman It was opened in 1916 under the name of Woodman Institute. The museum's campus includes three Federal style brick houses. One of them is the former home of Senator John P. Hale, noted abolitionist. The museum features exhibits of local history, natural history, art and antiques. One of the most notable item is the saddle in which President Abraham Lincoln rode to see the troops not long before his assassination. There are also examples of Dover's textile products, relics from the wars in which the United States has fought, a 10-foot stuffed polar bear from the Arctic, an old 13 star American flag, an old piano with genuine ivory keys, and a collection of stuffed animals. .

182 Central Ave, Dover, NH 03820, Phone: 603-742-1038

© St. Thomas' Episcopal Church

St. Thomas Episcopal Church, located in Dover, New Hampshire, was founded in 1839. Its building was designed by English architect Henry Vaughan in Carpenter Gothic style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The church was demolished in 1891. The new church was built in 1890 in the Gothic Revival style, also called English Perpendicular. It has rectangular footprint, with a square tower at the northwest corner, and projecting transepts. The tower has an outside round turret with a spiral staircase. The church has a gabled roof supported by heavy wooden trusses. The interior retained original woodwork and plaster. The first service was held in 1891 and the church was consecrated in 1916. St. Thomas Episcopal Church is still an active parish of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire.

5 Hale St, Dover, NH 03820, Phone: 603-742-3155

© Tall Ship Distillery

Tall Ship Distillery opened for business in 2014 with White Island Rum as the first and flagship product. The centerpiece and workhorse of Tall Ship is their 11 1/2 feet tall hand-made 250 gallon all copper still and condenser tank, built by the owner. Very quickly this small Garrison City distillery has become a leader in distilling spirits in New Hampshire. Besides their flagship White Island Rum, today they produce Pirate’s Cove Coconut Rum, Cedar Island Spiced Rum with lemon extract, orange zest, cinnamon sticks, and cloves, Appledore Rum with fresh apples and maple and Malaga Island Golden Barrel Aged Rum. Tall Ship is one of ten distilleries in New Hampshire.

32 Crosby Rd #5, Dover, NH 03820, Phone: 603-842-0098

© Salmon Falls Stoneware

Salmon Falls Stoneware is a pottery studio in Dover, New Hampshire, where artist Andy Cochran makes and sells his beautiful, unique hand-crafted, salt-glazed pottery, including baking items, kitchenware, serving items, crocks, vases and more. The pottery occupies the old Boston & Maine Engine House since1983. The artist and his staff produce a line of first-class salt-glaze pottery that is recognized across the country for its exceptional quality. The artist also offers pottery classes in his studio, teaching the basics of making artistic objects out of clay. The classes are great way to spend some time with friends or family working together.

75 Oak St, Dover, NH 03820, Phone: 603-749-1467

© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

The Raymond & Simone Savage Wildlife Preserve is a 26-acre park on the Salmon Falls River in South Berwick, near the town of Dover, New Hampshire. The preserve is bordering Shorey's Brook and contains a mix of forests and fields and tidal and fresh waterfront. It is great diverse habitat for much wildlife such as bald eagles, sea and bay ducks, shorebirds and upland birds, deer and small mammals. The preserve is open to the public. It is managed by the Great Works Regional Land Trust, which considers the preserve one of our most important state properties, for its ecological importance and its value for public recreation.

15 Dover Rd, South Berwick, ME 03908, Phone: 207-646-3604

© Patty B's

Patty B’s is an authentic Italian restaurant in Dover, New Hampshire, a popular spot where locals go when they want to celebrate a special event, or when they crave a delicious Italian dish made from scratch. The dining room is spacious and cozy, beautifully decorated and welcoming. There are tables on the porch for al fresco dining. Patty B makes Italian food the way her family used to do it for generations–with the freshest ingredients, made from scratch and prepared using the old family recipes. Their signature marinara sauce takes eight hours to make and you can taste the difference. The menu is extensive and includes many classic Italian dishes. Their large wine list has great wines from all over the world. They have beautiful private room for special occasions that can fit 100 guests.

34 Dover Point Rd, Dover, NH 03820, Phone: 603-749-4181

© Downtown Dogs

Downtown Dog Grooming is the full service dog grooming salon located in a beautifully renovated historical retail space in the heart of downtown Dover, New Hampshire. The salon was specially designed and decorated to achieve a safe, calming atmosphere for dogs and their owners. Downtown Dogs treats well-behaved dogs with a kennel-free experience while in the grooming area. The services include Bath and Brush, Full Groom and Touch Up Groom, as well as Introductory Puppy Bath and Puppy Groom. All services include nails trim and ear cleaning. Additional services include Toothbrushing, Nail Grinding, Anal Gland expression, Medicated Shampoo, Hypoallergenic Shampoo, Moisturizing Conditioner, Flea & Tick Shampoo, Whitening/Brightening Shampoo, De-Skunk Shampoo and more.

10 Third St, Dover, NH 03820, Phone: 603-834-9904

© The Cardamoms Café (former Portable Pantry)

Located on the lower level of McConnell Center in Dover, New Hampshire, Cardamoms Café offers original sandwiches on homemade bread, freshly made soups from scratch, desserts, designer cakes, creative cookies, homemade bread, pies and delicious bakery items made daily. Their menu is always changing and everything is always made from scratch. Their coffee comes from Carpe Diem in North Berwick, Maine. Most of their bread is made in store and the rest comes from Jessica's in North Andover, Massachusetts. They are well known caterers and do office catering deliveries and event catering of all sizes.

61 Locust St, Dover, NH 03820, Phone: 603-516-5554