An Insider’s Guide to New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, New Hampshire
New Hampshire
The Atlantic shore isn’t the only body of water that draws people in.
New Hampshire is right next to the Atlantic Ocean, but the state’s shore isn’t the only thing that draws people to the water. There are 273 lakes and ponds in the Lakes Region, which is about 180 kilometers north of Boston, Massachusetts. Lake Winnipesaukee has more land than the coast of any Northeastern state.
The Lakes Region is a popular summer vacation spot for people from New England because of this, but there are enough things to do there all year long for tourists.
Things to Do in the Fall
A lot of people know New England for how beautiful its trees look in the fall. From the end of September to the beginning of November, hillsides were covered in fiery reds, rich oranges, and blindingly bright yellows for a few weeks. People who come to the area are called “leaf peepers” because they are mostly there to see the leaves at their peak. An old farm in Moultonborough called Castle in the Clouds is a great place to enjoy the beautiful views, hike, and ride horses.
People in New England love to pick apples in the fall, especially on cool, sunny days. People can pick their own fruit at a few farms in the Lakes Region, such as Surowiec Farm in Sanbornton. In New England, the McIntosh is one of the most common types.
Because of the nice weather, fall is a great time to be outside. To put it another way, the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness is a mix of a zoo and a nature center. As well as hiking paths, the attraction has a forest trail that leads to exhibits with bobcats, mountain lions, bald eagles, and black bears.
Apple picking is popular in the Lakes Region during fall.
Things to Do in the Winter
Gunstock Mountain Resort is located between Lake Winnipesaukee and Winnisquam Lake. It has 92 hectares of slopes with a 430-meter drop for skiers and riders. “The Oldest Summer Resort in America” is what Wolfeboro calls itself, but the village also has a Winter Carnival every year, complete with sleigh rides, fireworks, and a dinner served along a cross-country ski track. There is also a winter triathlon, ice fishing classes, and downhill ski and snowboard events during the week-long carnival. In the winter, people in the area also go pond ice skating, to hockey events, ice fishing, and even to car races on the ice.
Winter sports are popular in the Lakes Region, including snowboarding and skiing.
Things to Do in the Summer
While it’s above 27 degrees Celsius most of the time in July and August, you have to get out on the water. The M/S Mount Washington, which leaves from Laconia, takes people on a relaxing cruise of Lake Winnipesaukee. People who don’t want to do speedboats or water sports can enjoy the view of the lake’s islands and fancy holiday homes. After, both kids and adults can skip across the street to Weirs Beach or play video games and get an ice cream cone.
Going to Rumney’s Polar Caves Park is one way to cool off without getting wet. The granite caves were made by moving glaciers 50,000 years ago. The name of the caves comes from the cold breeze that was felt when they were first found. Even though it’s only about 13 degrees Celsius inside the caves, most people get hot as they move around in the dark, small spaces.
During summer the lakes are popular places for water sports, or just to cool off.
Places to Stay in the Lakes Area
Along the lake and in the towns nearby, there are a mix of private rentals, fancy hotels, and places to hide off the road. The Church Landing at Mill Falls in Meredith is on a small bay of Lake Winnipesaukee and has views of the water, fancy rooms, and its own spa and yoga studio. A lot of people who want to get married by the water choose this land. For a cozy bed and breakfast experience, the Squam Lake Inn in Holderness is a great choice. The Inn on Newfound Lake in Bristol has cute rooms, well-kept grounds, and a beautiful setting.