Four Corners, Hanover

Four Corners is a small, old Hanover neighborhood with antique shops, a bakery, a coffee shop and more. Photo by Gary Higgins

Whether you want to browse, shop, eat or just relax, there’s a lot you can do with an hour at Four Corners.

Cost: $5.25 for a cupcake and a caramel chocolate brownie at Giuseppe’s Cakes

Time: 60 minutes

WALK AROUND

Four Corners in Hanover, the junction of Washington Street and Broadway, is commonly known for its four-way intersection and for the always-busy Marylou’s Coffee, across from the central parking lot.

Next time you stop by for a cup of coffee, take a walk around the square and visit the row of shops along Broadway.

Lorraine’s Cake Decorations and Supplies is a good place to find what you need for baking, especially if you are planning a party and making the dessert.

A few doors away is Joan Talbot’s Fine Antiques. The shop offers high-end furniture, clocks and paintings. The shop is open only from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday unless you’ve made an appointment.

Diane DeMaio of Giuseppe’s Cakes with fresh muffins. Photo by Gary Higgins

CHECK IT OUT

You can visit Times Past Antiques, which is across from Marylou’s. The shop has a large collection of antique bottles, vases and china. Be sure to spend some time checking out the antique books and the collection of old photographs, maps, travel booklets and newspaper clippings. The stacks include early 20th-century travel guides to Oregon, San Francisco and the Chicago World’s Fair.

QUICK BITES

Why eat a sandwich for lunch when you can treat yourself to a cupcake? Giuseppe’s Cakes offers a selection of pastries, including cupcakes, muffins and cookies. The friendly staff will offer you a free cup of coffee with any purchase.

STRETCH OUT

While you enjoy your coffee or cupcake, stroll around to look at the neighborhood’s historic buildings. The 177-year-old St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and carriage house is around the corner on Church Street, and the Phoenix Masonic Lodge is adjacent to Marylou’s on Broadway.