The Lebanon area is vital, with healthy employers in the areas of medicine, technology and education. Dartmouth College in nearby Hanover, and the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center are prominent employers in the area. Additionally, independent healthcare and high-tech industries not affiliated with Dartmouth contribute to the economy.

Lebanon completes the "metropolitan triad" that includes Hanover, NH and White River Junction, Vermont. The area sits on the Connecticut River, and is near the intersections of I-91 and I-89. The area has recovered well after the economy suffered losses in the textile, tannery and railroad industries in the 1950s and 1960s. Devastating fires have resulted in rebuilding and restructuring of the town several times.

In the 19th Century the community was known as the 'City of Fountains' when there were seven water features around the city. The city is still fond of fountains, and several are scattered throughout the city.

Old-timers will make a definite distinction between Lebanon and West Lebanon. A series of locomotive collisions, due to the confusion of engineers resulted in strong distinctions in signage and signal codes. West Lebanon is the location of a strong shopping area with national chains and "big box" retailers.

Contrary to common thought, Lebanon is not named after the country in the Middle East, but rather for the town of Lebanon, Connecticut. The Upper Valley area was sparsely populated, and founders thought they might lure people to New Hampshire from existing New England cities.

Dining in Lebanon includes Three Tomatoes Trattoria, 1 Court Street, offers organic Italian cuisine. The Salt Hill Pub, 2 West Park Street is a great place to enjoy the game and with pub food.

For inexpensive casual decadence, our favorite is The Fort, 151 Heater Road, 2 minutes away from I-89, (Exit 18 - head east). Hidden away at a truck stop, it offers diner style food, great baked goods/pastries and a varied menu 24-hours a day. If chain restaurants please your palate better, they can be found in West Lebanon in the shopping area, on Plainfield Road (Route 12A).

The city has many recreation advantages: it's home to the primary northern access of the Northern Rail Trail, a 23 mile walking/biking trail, the Carter Community Building Association, the Lebanon Opera House, and Games and Champion (Ice Skating) Rink and Great View Roller Skating Rink nearby. Next door Dartmouth College also offers a splendid diversity of the arts, including the Dartmouth Symphony Orchestra, the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir and the Handel Society and the various additional offerings of Dartmouth's lively Hopkins Center For the Arts.

Hotels include the larger chains, such as Marriott, and Days Inn -- available off Route 120 and I-89. Independent lodging includes a large number of bed and breakfasts and small motels, such as Shaker Farm Bed and Breakfast, 597 New Hampshire Route 4A, Enfield, NH (about six miles).

Camping is available at Mascoma Lake Campground, which overlooks the lake.