Best area and nice hotels around lake

[TomBrady]

Hi,

Greetings from Northern Ireland :)

My family of four (me, wife, 2kids, 13 & 15) are touring New England in July and we plan to spend 3 nights around the Lake. We intend relaxing, sightseeing, perhaps some shopping over in North Conway & maybe some 'light' watersports and biking etc around the lake area. We've been in NH a few years ago and stayed at North Conway where we covered the 'mountains'.

We like to stay near villages with a bit of character, where we can wander at night and take in the local atmosphere. I have looked at Meredith and Wolfeboro areas which appear to match our criteria. Would this be correct? Any other suggestions?

With regards to accomodation, we are looking for 'something special' and perhaps a bit of self-indulgent luxury, as this part of our trip will be the last leg before heading home and we would like to end on a high note :) I'd welcome ideas and suggestions as to where to stay, even if not in the areas mentioned. I have researched quite a bit and have various options on hand but there's nothing like asking the locals for their opinion! ;)

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[Resident 2B]

Look at the Church Landing Inn in Meredith. It is right on the water and you can walk around the town easily. There are many places to eat in the local area. You can also take the train down to the Weirs or drive the 4 miles or so, if you choose. A cruise on the Mount Washington is also a must.

Have a safe journey and enjoy the lake.

[KPW]

The Wolfeboro Inn is most likely the nicest hotel in Wolfeboro. (I could be wrong) There is not much night life in Wolfeboro.

Meredith has more of a selection of Inns and Hotels. I enjoyed the Inn at Church Landing. It is adirondak style (sp?)

You want to make reservations soon. They may already be full.

[Lakegeezer]

Make sure you take a trip on the MV Mount Washington. Its a 100+ foot boat that tours the lake, complete with stories about what you are seeing. You can splurge and rent a jet ski for a few hours, and take a high-speed self-tour of the lake. If you have a car, drive an hour or so north to the real Mount Washington, and take the cog railway to the top, or drive the auto-road. Pick a nice day for that, and see the world from over 6000 ft of altitude. How's that for a high note?

[TomBrady]

Thanks for feedback. :)

Church Landing Inn and Wolfeboro Inn are two of the options I've been looking into, but Wolfeboro Inn can only offer standard rooms, not lake front. We reckon if we're gonna stay on the lake, we may as well be able to see it! :)

We drove to top of Mount Washington last time - exhilarating and scary on way down!

We do have a car and intend travelling around a bit.

Any other areas around the lake (other than Meredith and Wolfeboro) that we should be looking at?

[phoenix]

Mill's Falls in Meredith is our favorite

[itchin for fishin]

We had a meeting at the Church Landing this year. Whoa!! What a great place. You will pay a bit more, but the Ole' saying goes, you get what you pay for. See you next year Church!! (The Mill was also good but we were reported a mattress with springs poking through as a issue).

[fatlazyless]

Meredith is blessed w/ four beautifull hotels, all owned by the same company, and have a few very good restaurants. Inn at Bay Point, Inn at Church Point, Inn at Mill Falls, and Chase House or something. www.millfalls.com All are close to one another and the first two are right on the water and the other two have water views from across busy Route 3. Wednesdays boast an all-you-can-eat fish n' chips plus one dollar ice cream cones at the nearby Town Docks restaurant on the waterfront boardwalk that connects everything.

Another good hotel about 45 minutes north (if you drive fast) of Lake Winnipesaukee in Waterville Valley on the southern edge of the White Mountan Nat'l Forest is www.snowyowlinn.com. And then it's one for the road!

[jkjoshuatree]

I like Meredith (but I'm biased-that's where my place is). It does have a better night life than Wolfeboro but I'm sure you're not really looking for that with kids. Its pretty central too.

But my suggestion is that no matter where you stay, take a scenic ride around the lake in your car. That way you can see all the towns for yourself. I do it every couple of years and never tire of it. I like to start in Meredith and go clockwise (if you're looking at a map) through Centre Harbor, Moultonborough, etc. Its an easy driving route so don't worry about getting lost.

You can stop for lunch in any of the towns along the way, but Wolfeboro is especially nice. Great little "main st." and restaurants.

I highly recommend the hike up Mt. Major on Rt. 11B between Alton and Gilford. Its amazing once you get to the top. You can see the entire lake on a clear day. Breathtaking!!

You could stop at Weirs beach (arcades, board walk, ice cream shoppes, waterslides).

I'd set aside a half day for this (longer if you stop in every town and do the hike). Its a great way to get your feel for the lake and the surrounding areas in case you ever want to come back. And I'm sure you will. It happens all the time.

If you have more specific questions (i.e. what restaurants to eat at, what lake activities to do, what to do at night, just ask away-the people on this site are unbelievabley helpful and extremely knowledgable.

They're the nicest bunch of people I've never met, but they sure know what they're talking about.

Good luck!!

[CEP]

Sent you a private message. Hope you get it ok!
CEP

[camp guy]

I support the Wolfeboro Inn. Don't worry about not having a waterfront room, they really aren't on the water anyway. Plus, downtown is only a few steps away, and that is on the water. There are several restaurants in town, all good, offering a wide range of food and prices. Night time activity is somewhat limited, however, on Wednesday and Saturday there is free music at the town bandstand at lakeside. This is usually excellent. Other suggestions posters have made are all valuable, especially the MV Mount Washington trip on the Lake and climbing Mt Major. A drive around the Lake will give you a feel for the area, and a chance to buy ice cream cones in any of many many places. Welcome to the Lakes Region, enjoy your stay.

[KBoater]

Although not all rooms at the Wolfeboro Inn do not have a water view the Inn has its own small beach on the lake.

[GWC...]

Things to do and visit in Meredith and a short distance from Meredith…

http://www.cruisenh.com/

https://annaleegiftshop.com/map.asp

http://www.annalee.com/main/research/faqs/compfaq.htm

http://www.lakesregionsummertheatre.com/schedule.html

http://www.innongoldenpond.com/Lakes_Region_Outdoor_Activities.htm

http://www.squamlakeinn.com/holderness-nh-attractions.html

http://web.nhnature.org:8082/kirkwood_gardens.html

http://www.squamlaketours.com/

http://www.nhnature.org/

http://www.loon.org/

http://wolfeborotrolley.com/

http://wolfeborotrolley.com/proof/tickets.html

http://www.keepsakequilting.com/

[ApS]

Hi,

Greetings from Northern Ireland :) ...With regards to accomodation, we are looking for 'something special' and perhaps a bit of self-indulgent luxury, as this part of our trip will be the last leg before heading home and we would like to end on a high note :)

When we toured Ireland in '85, we stayed at Bed & Breakfasts -- and had a really nice time.***

There may be an Internet directory for New Hampshire B&Bs around Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains.

***The host at one prearranged B&B stay was the president of the Morris Minor Club of Ireland, so we had that common automobile interest. (And started the whole B&B thing for us).

[TomBrady]

Thanks to all for great feedback - much appreciated. :)

Got accomodation sorted out by managing to get booked into Church Landing Inn in Meredith. :cool:

Now to plan what to do! :D

TB

[Resident 2B]

The name Tom Brady will open many doors around this part of the world. Are you aware of your namesake here in the US?

[TomBrady]

The name Tom Brady will open many doors around this part of the world. Are you aware of your namesake here in the US?

Tom Brady is only a name I sometimes use online, same way yours is 'Resident 2B'. Its not my real name. I don't mean to be decptive but publishing personal details online isn't such a good idea. :)

I'm wasn't aware of your "Tom Brady" - a quick search and I assume you mean the Patriots QB? Complete coincidence! :)

[Resident 2B]

Small world!

Have fun on your holiday at the lake.

[SIKSUKR]

Spot on Tom Brady.He is the MVP quarterback for the 3 times in 4 years and defending superbowl champion New England Patriopts.Welcome to one of the greatest places in the "states". SS

[TomBrady]

Spot on Tom Brady.He is the MVP quarterback for the 3 times in 4 years and defending superbowl champion New England Patriopts.Welcome to one of the greatest places in the "states". SS

Ta :)

I watched the Superbowl with my son at home and we were rooting for the Patriots. Not being patronising but we've been to NE few years ago and never been to Philadelphia, so we had to support our 'local' team. :)

We've seen several major league baseball games during vacations to USA over the years but never seen a football game. Maybe someday we'll come skiing and fit one in :)

TB

[Resident 2B]

"Tom"

I do not know the exact dates of your holiday, but mid-August through early-September is the NFL pre-season. The New England Patriots play two home games during this period of time. Both are on Thursday evenings at 8:00. The dates are 18 Aug and 1 Sep. Gillette Statium is about 2.5 hours from the lake. Last I knew, tickets were available. The ticket office phone number is 800-543-1776 here in the states. Ticketmaster also has tickets on-line.

FYI: It is almost impossible for those without season tickets or connections to big companies to get into regular season games. So pre-season games are the games us regular folks attend and are well attended.

[TomBrady]

"Tom"

I do not know the exact dates of your holiday, but mid-August through early-September is the NFL pre-season. The New England Patriots play two home games during this period of time. Both are on Thursday evenings at 8:00. The dates are 18 Aug and 1 Sep. Gillette Statium is about 2.5 hours from the lake. Last I knew, tickets were available. The ticket office phone number is 800-543-1776 here in the states. Ticketmaster also has tickets on-line.

FYI: It is almost impossible for those without season tickets or connections to big companies to get into regular season games. So pre-season games are the games us regular folks attend and are well attended.

Thanks for that. Unfortunately I'll be gone before end of July :(

[Resident 2B]

When planning your activities, this site has a great Event Calender listing very interesting activities that are going on in the area. It is listed by day to make it easier to plan. The calender is on the light blue banner at the top of the web pages. Some of the best activities available during the summer run for a day or a few days and are all posted on this calender.

[TomBrady]

When planning your activities, this site has a great Event Calender listing very interesting activities that are going on in the area. It is listed by day to make it easier to plan. The calender is on the light blue banner at the top of the web pages. Some of the best activities available during the summer run for a day or a few days and are all posted on this calender.

Excellent - hadn't noticed that! :D