Island life is different, and not for everyone. We looked and bought on an island because we got a great view, lots of waterfrontage for almost 1/3 of what something similar would have cost on the mainland. We wouldn't trade it now for anything.
The island is an escape. It is more effort to run out to do x/y or z so we don't always do it. We make do without. We relax and enjoy our family. We have projects that we work on together.
We have certainly altered plans due to the weather - we bought a boat with a camper top so we will boat in the rain, but obviously not during storms, etc. So we leave earlier, or later.
We rent a slip at Shep Browns and have parking with it. Guests can park in the lot, or at Cattle Landing. Frankly, we are in the middle of the lake so we can boat to wherever they park - downtown Meredith near the old Aubuchon is a great lot, and we live on a Gilford Island so there is parking at Glendale as well. If we are planning a party, I tend to try for weekdays - when parking is a non-issue.
I do have friends with mainland homes who go up in the winter - while you could go to the island in winter, we have not as yet as it is an unheated camp that draws water from the lake. If you want year-round access mainland is obviously easier. Others have mentioned getting workmen to come out can be challenging, but there are at least 2 companies that will do repairs, bring people out for you, etc.
I love sitting out watching the Sophie C go by, kayaking the islands around us in the morning when the water is like glass, chatting with our neighbors. We get on the boat and everyone's stress levels drop. Our island is definitely my happy place!
