Memorial Day Weekend '25

[thinkxingu]

Really slow Memorial Day weekend. Our drive up from Southern NH Friday only took a few minutes longer than usual, there was very little traffic Saturday or Sunday in Center Harbor, driving from Alton through Wolfeboro to Moultonborough midday yesterday was faster than ever and, most telling, we were able to get Saturday night restaurant reservations only an hour before (hasn't happened in years) and yesterday's lunch was a ghost town.

I'm sure it's mostly weather related but am wondering if we'll be seeing a slowdown in travel this summer.

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[Biggd]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Really slow Memorial Day weekend. Our drive up from Southern NH Friday only took a few minutes longer than usual, there was very little traffic Saturday or Sunday in Center Harbor, driving from Alton through Wolfeboro to Moultonborough midday yesterday was faster than ever and, most telling, we were able to get Saturday night restaurant reservations only an hour before (hasn't happened in years) and yesterday's lunch was a ghost town.

I'm sure it's mostly weather related but am wondering if we'll be seeing a slowdown in travel this summer.

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We were able to walk into the three restaurants for dinner, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights without waiting.

[Swimmer215]

Yeah, this is shaping up to be yet another cold, rainy, disappointing summer. If it is, we are throwing in the towel and putting our Wolfeboro place on the market. 🤬🤬

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Swimmer215

Yeah, this is shaping up to be yet another cold, rainy, disappointing summer. If it is, we are throwing in the towel and putting our Wolfeboro place on the market. ����

Memorial day weekend is always a crap shoot but last summer was very dry!

[Swimmer215]

Well, we usually can be there only on the weekends, and it seems to me that for the last two summers, it was rainy and/or breezy and cool at least three weekends a month. The nice, warm, dry days were all during the workweek! Exactly as it's been for these last few weeks. Swimming and Jetskiing are why we bought our place, and we haven't been able to do much of either. I bet the lake is going to stay cold for quite some time.

[upthesaukee]

Town of Alton parade starts at 10am. Leaves from town hall area to the cemetery and then returns to town hall. Expect delays.

Dave

[map]

Originally Posted by Swimmer215

Well, we usually can be there only on the weekends, and it seems to me that for the last two summers, it was rainy and/or breezy and cool at least three weekends a month. The nice, warm, dry days were all during the workweek! Exactly as it's been for these last few weeks. Swimming and Jetskiing are why we bought our place, and we haven't been able to do much of either. I bet the lake is going to stay cold for quite some time.

If you want guaranteed perfect weather on weekends only, buying a second home solely for that reason is not a good idea in this region.

[erk]

Perhaps the predictions were right and our neighbors to the North are staying home 🤷🏼*♀️

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Swimmer215

Well, we usually can be there only on the weekends, and it seems to me that for the last two summers, it was rainy and/or breezy and cool at least three weekends a month. The nice, warm, dry days were all during the workweek! Exactly as it's been for these last few weeks. Swimming and Jetskiing are why we bought our place, and we haven't been able to do much of either. I bet the lake is going to stay cold for quite some time.

Hey Debbie Downer--I bet it's going to be an awesome summer!

Seriously, the water will be warm enough to swim by Father's Day, it always is

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by erk

Perhaps the predictions were right and our neighbors to the North are staying home 🤷🏼*♀️

I agree that the tariffs are going to put a real crimp on the economy, and summer will be slower than normal. But for those of us lucky enough to have homes here already (pretty much everybody on this thread?), fewer crowds is a plus

[erk]

I agree less crowds are more amenable to waterfront owners and locals but crashing the local economy because of tariffs and recent happenings in Washington probably isn’t the best thing

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by erk

Perhaps the predictions were right and our neighbors to the North are staying home 🤷🏼*♀️

I never really noticed that many Canadian visitors to the Lakes Region.
Anyway, traffic from the south was light this past weekend. My wife came up Friday night and hit no traffic. We all left at various times Monday afternoon and none of us hit traffic going back to Ma. Was it weather related, IDK?

[erk]

The New Hampshire Lakes Region is a popular tourist destination that attracts many Canadian visitors, particularly during the summer months. However, there have been some reports of a decline in Canadian tourism due to political tensions and economic factors, as reported by New Hampshire Public Radio. Despite this, the region continues to market itself to Canadian travelers and hopes that the political situation will improve, allowing for a return to normal tourism levels

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I never really noticed that many Canadian visitors to the Lakes Region.
Anyway, traffic from the south was light this past weekend. My wife came up Friday night and hit no traffic. We all left at various times Monday afternoon and none of us hit traffic going back to Ma. Was it weather related, IDK?

We will see during bike week- the Quebec crowd rides some nice custom bikes and are usually out in force.

[MeredithMan]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Really slow Memorial Day weekend. Our drive up from Southern NH Friday only took a few minutes longer than usual, there was very little traffic Saturday or Sunday in Center Harbor, driving from Alton through Wolfeboro to Moultonborough midday yesterday was faster than ever and, most telling, we were able to get Saturday night restaurant reservations only an hour before (hasn't happened in years) and yesterday's lunch was a ghost town.

I'm sure it's mostly weather related but am wondering if we'll be seeing a slowdown in travel this summer.

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We went to breakfast at Union Diner Saturday AM around 9:30. It was mostly full, but we didn't have to wait and when we left, there was only one large party of 6 or so waiting. It is not un-common to see the line out the door there on a weekend during the summer. However, crowd at the Meredith Craft Fair on Sunday was decent size...busier than previous years. There was a crazy line at the Kettle Corn vendor, (have never been a Kettle Corn fan...smells awful and tastes worse...)

Another fun fact...in speaking with Kory at Paugus Bay Marina this weekend, he mentioned new boat sales are way down this year, but used boat sales are decent. Could be the combo of higher interest rates, overall economic uncertainty, and the folks who bought a Covid Boat are now several years into a 10 year boat loan and are saying, "what did I do...??"

[TheProfessor]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Town of Alton parade starts at 10am. Leaves from town hall area to the cemetery and then returns to town hall.

Glad to read that at least one person mentioned the real reason that the United States has a Memorial Day.

May those who served this country be honored and may they rest in peace.

sent from my x400 alpha cell phone.

[TomC]

It always bugs me to hear people wish others a "happy" Memorial Day. Sure its the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend, but I'm with you: people need to take 30 seconds to acknowledge the purpose of the holiday. I heard a commercial on the radio where the business wished the its customers and listeners a 'meaningful" Memorial Day. That was a little better and respects, at least a little bit, whatever meaning people wish to ascribe to the day...

[Mr. V]

I don't know how it is in NH, but out west veterans worry their groups will die out if younger generations don’t step up.

American Legion posts, 40 ET 8 and other groups that work with veterans and host ceremonies say membership is dropping.

[thinkxingu]

Here's an article addressing the decline in Canadian travel to America: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/n...urism-retreat/

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[John Mercier]

The State is aware and reaching out.
Problem is hardened positions.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by erk

The New Hampshire Lakes Region is a popular tourist destination that attracts many Canadian visitors, particularly during the summer months. However, there have been some reports of a decline in Canadian tourism due to political tensions and economic factors, as reported by New Hampshire Public Radio. Despite this, the region continues to market itself to Canadian travelers and hopes that the political situation will improve, allowing for a return to normal tourism levels

NPR-the unbiased all knowing fountain of truth!

In any case, it was quiet around the lakes region last weekend. I suspect weather kept people home. That’s ok with us. The last few years springtime has been wet, seems to be a pattern. Last summer was awesome! Looking forward to same this year. Boat is in, swim raft is in, come on sunshine and warm water!

[John Mercier]

Quiet is what the problem is.

Lower tourism effects both the Meals & Rental (Room & Meals) and Business Tax revenues.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

Quiet is what the problem is.

Oh, really?

It depends what dog you've got in the fight.

If you own rentals then yes, you need tourists and all they bring with them.

But if you purchased and then tore down a cabin colony to build your lakeside mansion, your monument to yourself, then you want as little intrusion in your peace and quiet as possible.

[John Mercier]

If the State doesn't receive revenue, it cuts budgets.
Guess what the next level of taxation is in NH after the State...

[BillTex]

Tough crowd. One grey, dreary holiday weekend and the sky is falling. Geez.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by BillTex

Tough crowd. One grey, dreary holiday weekend and the sky is falling. Geez.

1. Just a convo, no sky is falling.
2. ONE weekend? Have you been in the area these last, what, two months?!

That being said, today's a great day to work on my porch floor...INSIDE!

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[Biggd]

The sun will be shining brightly this week, everyone cheer up!

[John Mercier]

I'm cheery.
All the rain has been great for the clover.

[BillTex]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

1. Just a convo, no sky is falling.
2. ONE weekend? Have you been in the area these last, what, two months?!

That being said, today's a great day to work on my porch floor...INSIDE!

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I said one HOLIDAY weekend.
We have had some precipitation for 6 weekends in a row so far this year. (Last spring IIRC it was 13 weekends in a row.)

All this talk about the economy crashing, etc, etc sure seems dismal.

Next week (bike week) will be the opposite: TOO MANY PEOPLE, YADA, YADA
In any case we enjoyed last weekend, and anytime it is quiet. That’s one of the reasons we are in NH.

[John Mercier]

I moved off from Lake Winnisquam about three decades ago because it was getting noisy.
Too much of a draw.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by BillTex

I said one HOLIDAY weekend.
We have had some precipitation for 6 weekends in a row so far this year. (Last spring IIRC it was 13 weekends in a row.)

All this talk about the economy crashing, etc, etc sure seems dismal.

Next week (bike week) will be the opposite: TOO MANY PEOPLE, YADA, YADA
In any case we enjoyed last weekend, and anytime it is quiet. That’s one of the reasons we are in NH.

I enjoyed the quieter weekend also, got into a restaurant every night without a wait, no traffic up and no traffic home. I'm ready for a quieter summer!

[LoveLakeLife]

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Oh, really?

It depends what dog you've got in the fight.

If you own rentals then yes, you need tourists and all they bring with them.

But if you purchased and then tore down a cabin colony to build your lakeside mansion, your monument to yourself, then you want as little intrusion in your peace and quiet as possible.

Maybe some people just want to build nice houses on the lake to live in without any “monumental” thoughts going into their decisions. Sometimes envy can be disguised as virtue.


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[Outdoorsman]

Originally Posted by John Mercier

I moved off from Lake Winnisquam about three decades ago because it was getting noisy.
Too much of a draw.

You personally did not own property on Winn 30 years ago

[Descant]

I recall before the weekend hearing AAA predictions of record setting traffic, especially cars, due to lower gas prices and confidence in the economy. Seems like the same level of accuracy as most polls. Two stars, not four or five. After the results are in, nobody says "we were wrong". We stayed home for two reasons: It was raining, and the marina whined that they were way behind getting boats launched and serviced due to rain. One star for them, so far this year.

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

Maybe some people just want to build nice houses on the lake to live in without any “monumental” thoughts going into their decisions. Sometimes envy can be disguised as virtue.

Maybe, but I doubt that the folks who tear down existing properties in order to build huge homes do so out of a sense of modesty: the former Bahre property comes to mind.

As for your implication that I am envious: no, that dog won't hunt: you know nothing of my financial circumstances.

I suppose it just seems silly to me to build huge estates with many rooms which are rarely if ever used: what is the point?

[tis]

We were supposed to get our boat May 14th and still don't have it.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Despite the weather, we all had a terrific time. We knew the weather was going to be a challenge, so we did indoor stuff while it was pouring rain and grilled chicken, steak tips, burgers and dogs on three different occasions between storms, and the grands took the boat out Saturday, Sunday, and Monday…
cloudy, but no raindrops. Nobody complained….the entire time we enjoyed being together! BTW, cards and board games are great to have on hand as fillers!
Have a great summer, everyone!
Sue

[jogator1]

I agree that Memorial Day is not a “happy” holiday but an observance of those who gave everything so we can enjoy this beautiful lakes region. My friend and Marine Corps Veteran lets everyone know not to wish him a Happy Memorial Day. Those who do get an education.

As far as Canadian tourists, it’s interesting how some would love to make this political statement against their very own president. I have family in Canada who were scheduled to visit Meredith in August. They all had to cancel. Unfortunately my brother had shoulder surgery and will be going to rehab. My sister is building a house and is having great difficulty with permitting so she needs to stand by. They were both excited to visit as they do each summer. My brother said, “Great time to visit Canada, come visit me” as he explained the exchange rate is currently .65 to our dollar. He told me how devalued the Canadian dollar is currently making it a great time to visit Canada.

It’s interesting how we all put our political agenda at the forefront of our “opinions”. For those who want to constantly complain about Trump, who literally took office a little more than 4 months ago and of course just one an election by the majority of Americans, wouldn’t your life be much happier by just being positive. Why suffer and complain for a whole 4 years? Any chance some Canadians are being more discrete with their travel do to their own economy and devalued dollar?

[dickiej]

My observation is that people are wary about spending money on things they deem unnecessary, like going out to eat. I sell advertising and most of my restaurants are slow and cutting back.
As far as weather goes, we moved to Oregon and the PNW seems to almost have a rainy season and a dry season. Summers are gorgeous out here, day after day of warm or hot days with no humidity and cool nights. Lakes are crystal clear and warm and uncrowned. If you make plans from July through October, you are pretty much guaranteed good weather.
The down side: tinder dry, droughts, and forest fires.

[John Mercier]

Wary to purchase maybe in tourism.

But we see it differently in the other aspects.
Age, Lifestyle, and residency seem to be effecting the behaviors.

Costs are always a problem, but even what we do to lower product/service costs gets eaten up by customer inefficiency in the service sector.