Weekend Away - Guys

Horseradish · 06-08-2017, 02:41 PM

Hi -

I am coming up to the region in late June for a guys' away weekend. None of us have been to the area, so I am looking for recommendations for things to do. We've considered getting a boat (or two), but none of us are experienced drivers and getting a temporary license seems like a potentially stressful and costly task.

We are all in our early 30s, few guys in 20s.

We're looking for day and night recommendations - good places to golf, driving range, skeet shooting, or any other activity that would be appealing to a bunch of guys (this includes good places to go for a swim, etc.) In the night, good place to go out with a large group, places that stay open late, etc.

If there is a place or an activity that's worth checking out and I have not thought of, please let me know.

Thanks!

thinkxingu · 06-08-2017, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseradish

Hi -

I am coming up to the region in late June for a guys' away weekend. None of us have been to the area, so I am looking for recommendations for things to do. We've considered getting a boat (or two), but none of us are experienced drivers and getting a temporary license seems like a potentially stressful and costly task.

We are all in our early 30s, few guys in 20s.

We're looking for day and night recommendations - good places to golf, driving range, skeet shooting, or any other activity that would be appealing to a bunch of guys (this includes good places to go for a swim, etc.) In the night, good place to go out with a large group, places that stay open late, etc.

If there is a place or an activity that's worth checking out and I have not thought of, please let me know.

Thanks!

Where are you staying? A weekend's not much time, so it would help to save travel time.

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Meredith AK · 06-08-2017, 03:16 PM

One recommendation I can suggest is you visit EKAL in Meredith on a nice calm weekday. They rent stand-up paddle boards, bikes, kayak's etc. Link: http://www.ekalactivitycenter.com/

For golf, try Waukewan golf course in Meredith. 18-holes, reasonable pricing and usually not too packed to get a last minute tee time of your choice.

Good evening pub / bar would be the Broken Spoke Saloon or Patrick's. Typical pub fare, live music and they are open later than most.

For some bikini watching, try the NASWA beach bar near the Weirs beach area.

Good luck and have fun.

thinkxingu · 06-08-2017, 03:19 PM

Welcome to the forum, by the way!

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Phantom · 06-08-2017, 03:20 PM

Let me know if you guys rent a boat so I can be sure to head to Alton that Day

.

Rattletrap · 06-08-2017, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phantom

Let me know if you guys rent a boat so I can be sure to head to Alton that Day

.

Rattletrap Likes this !

Rattletrap · 06-08-2017, 03:32 PM

Renting a boat would be a BAD idea if you've never navigated this lake before.....There is plenty of other things to do.

Descant · 06-08-2017, 05:24 PM

Lots of hiking all over. Mount Major on Rt 11 Alton/Gilford line is very popular. Zip lies and wood trail Segways at Gunstock Resort/ski area. Hiking, camping there too.
I think you can rent a pontoon boat at Winnisquam Marine with 25hp and you don't need a boating certificate for low HP.

Don't know where you're staying.
There is a huge paintball facility (largest in NE?) in Center Barnstead. Google "Paintball NH" for several locations.

Most Mt Washington evening cruises have bands, bar and dinner.

HomeWood · 06-08-2017, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Descant

I think you can rent a pontoon boat at Winnisquam Marine with 25hp and you don't need a boating certificate for low HP.

I second this and it's an easy lake to navigate. I rented there twice last year and had a blast.

hd333 · 06-08-2017, 06:01 PM

I second Waukewan for golf, best public course in the area in my opinion.

Your not going to find much of a nightlife in the Lakes Region.
Gunstock does have some fun summer stuff, you can hike it and they have a cool zipline.

Don't bother renting a boat on Winni, a bunch of young guys, I assume drinking, on the lake is asking for trouble.
NASWA wound be a good place to hang out and people watch.

Tell us where you are staying and you should get some more specific suggestions.

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LoveLakeLife · 06-08-2017, 08:27 PM

If you want to go for a boat ride and do some tubing and swimming let me know.

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Mr. V · 06-09-2017, 02:50 AM

Since there are no longer any strip clubs in the lakes region that I am aware of, the next best all guy's activity would be going to Belmont Firearms, renting some guns and using their range.

see: http://www.belmontfirearms.com/

Not much wild nightlife to be had, at least compared to cities; if you want to try and get lucky you can try the charity casino in Belmont, if it's still open, but I'd not recommend it: horrible odds.

Doobs41378 · 06-09-2017, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

If you want to go for a boat ride and do some tubing and swimming let me know.

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Well that is very nice of you.

webmaster · 06-09-2017, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hd333

Don't bother renting a boat on Winni, a bunch of young guys, I assume drinking, on the lake is asking for trouble.

Some boat rentals companies will provide a driver for a reasonable hourly rate.

winniplayhouse · 06-09-2017, 07:14 AM

Dare I recommend some theatre?! A bunch of guys in their 20s and 30s... totally our demographic over at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse!

Though seriously, depending on what weekend you're coming we do have The Rocky Horror Show playing until June 24th...

LoveLakeLife · 06-09-2017, 08:08 AM

If you want to do it just let me know your number so I can text you. Where will you be staying?

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burgerunh · 06-09-2017, 08:16 AM

If you are anything like me when I was in my late 20s early 30s you should find a way to get to Braun Bay on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Horseradish · 06-09-2017, 08:23 AM

Thank you for all your suggestions - all great ones. We are staying in Alton Bay area.

Thanks for the offer LoveLakeLife but boating was one of those hotly debated activities amongst the group, so now that it is finally off the table I'd rather not bring it back up and walk everyone through how much, wheres, and hows.

LoveLakeLife · 06-09-2017, 08:30 AM

Well it wouldn't cost you anything and it's close to Alton Bay but if it's off the table then just get in touch if you change your collective minds. I'm on the lake every weekend. Have a great visit and don't go nuts. Lol

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Pricestavern · 06-09-2017, 09:03 AM

If Zipline is of interest to you guys, then Gunstock Mountain is an option.

http://www.gunstock.com/summer/premium-adventure/

thinkxingu · 06-09-2017, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horseradish

We are staying in Alton Bay area.

OK, in that area: Mt. Major, Paintball, Weirs, Pop's, a show at Bank of NH Pavilion (Bryan Adams/Sam Hunt/Steve Miller, Peter Frampton/John Mellencamp are all late June), time at a beach, time around a campfire, two nice dinners. Enjoy!

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AC2717 · 06-09-2017, 09:20 AM

let's see:
Golf: Pheasant Ridge in Gilford, Owl's Nest in Campton about 25 minutes up 93
Drinks: Naswa, Aqua Marine laconia, The Mug Center Harbor, Frog Rock Tavern in Meredith, Margate tiki Bar Laconia, Bar on top of hotel at Church Landing

Breakfast: Sunshine and Pa's Meredith, Union Diner Laconia

Food: Crazy Gringos laconia, Largo Meredith, Frog Rock Tavern Meredith, Gussipee's Pizza Meredith,

Boat activities if you can
Fishing charter

Other activities: Monkey Trunks Laconia, Laconia Paint Ball - Laconia near fun Spot,
Rent a Harley and got lost in the north country

MikeF-NH · 06-09-2017, 12:01 PM

Gunstock has put a LOT into providing year round adventure. the zip line was already mentioned but they also have "off road" Segway tours and confidence courses etc. I think a package has you choose 3 of the 5 items on their menu for around $100. I bet that crew would love that for a day.

I would avoid a boat rental...especially because I'm guessing drinking will be involved. Consider hiring a local salmon fishing guide. usually no more than 3-4 persons per boat but there are several guides so you can probably all get out. Note that salmon guides like to get out early to catch that bite so late nights partying my impact that. fishlakewinni.com has a guide listing

Night time activities would include Patricks/Broken Spoke and The Mount cruises - all mentioned. Not sure if Bank of NH pavillion (aka Meadowbrook) is running shows but its a great concert venue. There are good eatery/pubs sprinkled all around the lake in the larger towns: Merideth, Gilford/Weirs, Alton, Wolfboro, Center Harbor. It would take all summer to explore everything....but what a summer that would be.

For golf, Pheasant Ridge is reasonable and you can always get on. Lochmere is beautiful but very challenging. Ridgewood is a good course. Never been to the others.

Check with Green Mountain Shooting preserve in Ossipee for shooting. They have a sporting clays course that I believe is open to public. They may even still offer "preserve hunting" opportunity for pheasant, huns, chukars but most preserves suspend hunting during the hot months because its too much on the dogs and the birds....you can always ask.

If your group has motorcycle licenses you can rent bikes from the Harley Davidson dealership in Merideth (on my list).

06-08-2017, 02:41 PM	#1
Horseradish Junior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Weekend Away - Guys Hi - I am coming up to the region in late June for a guys' away weekend. None of us have been to the area, so I am looking for recommendations for things to do. We've considered getting a boat (or two), but none of us are experienced drivers and getting a temporary license seems like a potentially stressful and costly task. We are all in our early 30s, few guys in 20s. We're looking for day and night recommendations - good places to golf, driving range, skeet shooting, or any other activity that would be appealing to a bunch of guys (this includes good places to go for a swim, etc.) In the night, good place to go out with a large group, places that stay open late, etc. If there is a place or an activity that's worth checking out and I have not thought of, please let me know. Thanks!

06-08-2017, 03:16 PM	#3
Meredith AK Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Beautiful Town of Meredith Posts: 108 Thanks: 38 Thanked 44 Times in 32 Posts	Guy stuff to do One recommendation I can suggest is you visit EKAL in Meredith on a nice calm weekday. They rent stand-up paddle boards, bikes, kayak's etc. Link: http://www.ekalactivitycenter.com/ For golf, try Waukewan golf course in Meredith. 18-holes, reasonable pricing and usually not too packed to get a last minute tee time of your choice. Good evening pub / bar would be the Broken Spoke Saloon or Patrick's. Typical pub fare, live music and they are open later than most. For some bikini watching, try the NASWA beach bar near the Weirs beach area. Good luck and have fun.

06-08-2017, 03:20 PM	#5
Phantom Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Berlin, Ma / Gilford Posts: 1,934 Thanks: 450 Thanked 605 Times in 341 Posts	Let me know if you guys rent a boat so I can be sure to head to Alton that Day . __________________ *A bad day on the Big Lake (although I've never had one) - Still beats a day at the office!!*

06-08-2017, 03:32 PM	#7
Rattletrap Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Sandown/Gilford Posts: 189 Thanks: 80 Thanked 67 Times in 26 Posts	Renting a boat would be a BAD idea if you've never navigated this lake before.....There is plenty of other things to do. __________________ Captain of the "Day Tripper II" .......There are a lot better people a lot worse off!!

06-09-2017, 09:03 AM	#20
Pricestavern Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Valencia, Spain (formerly Rattlesnake Isle) Posts: 388 Thanks: 135 Thanked 142 Times in 82 Posts	Gunstock Mountain If Zipline is of interest to you guys, then Gunstock Mountain is an option. http://www.gunstock.com/summer/premium-adventure/

06-08-2017, 03:19 PM	#4
thinkxingu Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 6,211 Thanks: 1,167 Thanked 2,048 Times in 1,271 Posts	Welcome to the forum, by the way! Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

06-08-2017, 05:24 PM	#8
Descant Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Merrimack and Welch Island Posts: 4,337 Thanks: 1,339 Thanked 1,620 Times in 1,052 Posts	Lots of hiking all over. Mount Major on Rt 11 Alton/Gilford line is very popular. Zip lies and wood trail Segways at Gunstock Resort/ski area. Hiking, camping there too. I think you can rent a pontoon boat at Winnisquam Marine with 25hp and you don't need a boating certificate for low HP. Don't know where you're staying. There is a huge paintball facility (largest in NE?) in Center Barnstead. Google "Paintball NH" for several locations. Most Mt Washington evening cruises have bands, bar and dinner.

06-08-2017, 06:01 PM	#10
hd333 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 143 Thanks: 16 Thanked 48 Times in 29 Posts	I second Waukewan for golf, best public course in the area in my opinion. Your not going to find much of a nightlife in the Lakes Region. Gunstock does have some fun summer stuff, you can hike it and they have a cool zipline. Don't bother renting a boat on Winni, a bunch of young guys, I assume drinking, on the lake is asking for trouble. NASWA wound be a good place to hang out and people watch. Tell us where you are staying and you should get some more specific suggestions. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

06-08-2017, 08:27 PM	#11
LoveLakeLife Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 608 Thanks: 92 Thanked 218 Times in 146 Posts	If you want to go for a boat ride and do some tubing and swimming let me know. Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-09-2017, 02:50 AM	#12
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,388 Thanks: 63 Thanked 253 Times in 172 Posts	Since there are no longer any strip clubs in the lakes region that I am aware of, the next best all guy's activity would be going to Belmont Firearms, renting some guns and using their range. see: http://www.belmontfirearms.com/ Not much wild nightlife to be had, at least compared to cities; if you want to try and get lucky you can try the charity casino in Belmont, if it's still open, but I'd not recommend it: horrible odds.

06-09-2017, 07:14 AM	#15
winniplayhouse Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 205 Thanks: 32 Thanked 58 Times in 41 Posts	Dare I recommend some theatre?! A bunch of guys in their 20s and 30s... totally our demographic over at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse! Though seriously, depending on what weekend you're coming we do have The Rocky Horror Show playing until June 24th...

06-09-2017, 08:08 AM	#16
LoveLakeLife Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 608 Thanks: 92 Thanked 218 Times in 146 Posts	If you want to do it just let me know your number so I can text you. Where will you be staying? Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-09-2017, 08:16 AM	#17
burgerunh Senior Member Join Date: May 2016 Posts: 100 Thanks: 7 Thanked 32 Times in 22 Posts	If you are anything like me when I was in my late 20s early 30s you should find a way to get to Braun Bay on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

06-09-2017, 08:23 AM	#18
Horseradish Junior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank you for all your suggestions - all great ones. We are staying in Alton Bay area. Thanks for the offer LoveLakeLife but boating was one of those hotly debated activities amongst the group, so now that it is finally off the table I'd rather not bring it back up and walk everyone through how much, wheres, and hows.

06-09-2017, 08:30 AM	#19
LoveLakeLife Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Posts: 608 Thanks: 92 Thanked 218 Times in 146 Posts	Well it wouldn't cost you anything and it's close to Alton Bay but if it's off the table then just get in touch if you change your collective minds. I'm on the lake every weekend. Have a great visit and don't go nuts. Lol Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

06-09-2017, 09:20 AM	#22
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,573 Thanks: 753 Thanked 354 Times in 266 Posts	let's see: Golf: Pheasant Ridge in Gilford, Owl's Nest in Campton about 25 minutes up 93 Drinks: Naswa, Aqua Marine laconia, The Mug Center Harbor, Frog Rock Tavern in Meredith, Margate tiki Bar Laconia, Bar on top of hotel at Church Landing Breakfast: Sunshine and Pa's Meredith, Union Diner Laconia Food: Crazy Gringos laconia, Largo Meredith, Frog Rock Tavern Meredith, Gussipee's Pizza Meredith, Boat activities if you can Fishing charter Other activities: Monkey Trunks Laconia, Laconia Paint Ball - Laconia near fun Spot, Rent a Harley and got lost in the north country __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

06-09-2017, 12:01 PM	#23
MikeF-NH Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 318 Thanks: 2 Thanked 120 Times in 80 Posts	Gunstock has put a LOT into providing year round adventure. the zip line was already mentioned but they also have "off road" Segway tours and confidence courses etc. I think a package has you choose 3 of the 5 items on their menu for around $100. I bet that crew would love that for a day. I would avoid a boat rental...especially because I'm guessing drinking will be involved. Consider hiring a local salmon fishing guide. usually no more than 3-4 persons per boat but there are several guides so you can probably all get out. Note that salmon guides like to get out early to catch that bite so late nights partying my impact that. fishlakewinni.com has a guide listing Night time activities would include Patricks/Broken Spoke and The Mount cruises - all mentioned. Not sure if Bank of NH pavillion (aka Meadowbrook) is running shows but its a great concert venue. There are good eatery/pubs sprinkled all around the lake in the larger towns: Merideth, Gilford/Weirs, Alton, Wolfboro, Center Harbor. It would take all summer to explore everything....but what a summer that would be. For golf, Pheasant Ridge is reasonable and you can always get on. Lochmere is beautiful but very challenging. Ridgewood is a good course. Never been to the others. Check with Green Mountain Shooting preserve in Ossipee for shooting. They have a sporting clays course that I believe is open to public. They may even still offer "preserve hunting" opportunity for pheasant, huns, chukars but most preserves suspend hunting during the hot months because its too much on the dogs and the birds....you can always ask. If your group has motorcycle licenses you can rent bikes from the Harley Davidson dealership in Merideth (on my list).