Lake Winni Best Kept Secrets??

[bigmouthbass]

Ok, maybe not a secret, but how about a hidden gem? My family and I are spending a week on the lake in August and I am looking for new and different things to do. We are in Moultonborough and have a boat and car. I'm more interested in places you can go by boat, but car is good too.

We've been to all the obvious places like Meredith, CH, Weirs, Naswa, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay. I'm curious if there are any other places we have overlooked? Even if it's a country store, or a place to get ice cream. We like trying new stuff. Anything in the Winter Harbor area? Or closer to Gilford? Any help would be very much appreciated!!

[jkjoshuatree]

Sandwich Creamery for ice cream.

Five Finger Trail for a hike...very cool surprise at the end...just be respectful and park where you are supposed to.

Bear Camp for another hike and small water fall...very easy hike for kids.

Bailey's Bubble in Wolfeboro (I'm sure you've tried it but I practically live there so I thought I'd pass it on).

Castle in the Clouds for lunch over looking the lake.

I'll be out and about exploring today and I'm sure I'll be able to think of few others. Or just wait...the Winni peeps will come through.

Have you jumped off the rocks on Blanchard Island in Moultonborough? I think that's the name. I'll double check and get back to you.

Whatever you find for "Best Kept Secrets", make sure you fill us in after your trip!!

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by bigmouthbass

Or closer to Gilford? Any help would be very much appreciated!!

Gilford town dock/Marine Patrol in Glendale. Lyons Den restaurant.

[NoRegrets]

Stonedam Island: Take a careful cruise through Sally's Gut and go to the Stonedam Wildlife dock and hike the island.

[witchboat]

A Hike up Mt Major has the best views of the lake I have ever seen

[bigmouthbass]

All awesome suggestions. I knew this forum wouldn't disappoint.

Keep 'em coming if you have more. I'll post some after we get back too.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

I've been meaning to update this post, but just haven't had time. Most of the links and information is still good. Have fun and enjoy your vacation!

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Theater & Music:



The Barnstormers Theater - Tamworth


The Streetcar Company – Laconia


The Summer Theatre in Meredith Village


Winnipesaukee Playhouse – Weirs Beach


Great Waters Music Festival
Offering various events in Wolfeboro throughout the summer.



Heifetz International Music Institute
Various concerts in Wolfeboro


Meadowbrook has many concerts and events to choose from.


Middle NH Arts and Entertainment Center – Franklin

Wolfeboro Folk Concert Series


Two Fiddles Traditional New England Barn Dances

Many surrounding towns have weekly concerts.
(Please check the calendar - they will be added as I find them.)

Attractions:


Drop in to see Artist, photographer, Sandy Martin's studio overlooking the public docks in Wolfeboro.


Visit Surroundings Art Gallery, nestled between Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake and the base of the White Mountains.


The Old Print Barn in Meredith offers a complete art experience.


Winnipesaukee Pier at Weirs Beach


Play in the arcade.


Stuff your own collectible animal at Animaland at Winni's Woods - Weirs Beach


Visit the Annalee Doll Museum.

Take in a movie at the Weirs Beach Drive-In Theater


Head to The Boat Museum for a visit or go on their boathouse tour in August. Take in a boat show or bid in their auction in July. You and or your family could even build a boat!


Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society


The Libby Museum is worth a visit.

Go on an adventure with Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire.


Visit the historic Belknap Mill.


Learn about the Shakers at Canterbury Shaker Village


From the Sunset Bob Collection

Castle in the Clouds where you can take a walk, attend an antique or car show, catch some jazz and join a Pow-Wow!


Tour Pepi Herrmann Crystal


Take a trip back in time and honor our heroes at The Wright Museum.


Funspot hosts many events throughout the summer. Including bingo! Bowling and mini golf too! New this year Monkey Trunks at Funspot!


Photo of Lakeside Living Expo
Gunstock offers many fun things to do – Shave your hair for charity, fishing derbies, Lakeside Living Expo, Mud Hog Trail Race and Timberfest, camping.. the list goes on and on. New this year Gunstock Mountain Adventure Park!



Heritage Farm has fun family events. A pancake house too! Their bacon is scrumptious!


Discover the Ox-K Farm in picturesque Gilford Village. Afterward take a hike on their mountain trails.


Take a Stone Gate Vineyard tour!


Photo from the Rattlesnake Gal Collection

Take a cruise on the newly renovated M/S Mount Washington or the M/V Sophie C or M/V Doris E.


Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association can teach you how to sail. They race on Thursday evenings throughout the summer in The Broads.


Take a trip to The Loon Center



New England Chapter Antique & Classic Boat Society has many shows and events during the summer season.


Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers lake cruises and other fun stuff.

Like cars? Go to a car show at Pure Adrenaline Motorsports.



Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm for good old fashioned fun.


Have tea and take a stroll through the garden at The Topiary at Owls Rest Farm.


English Cream Tea at Tarbin Gardens, with ponds, tropical house and animals.


Learn to dive with Fathom Divers.


Take a dive class with Central NH Divers, located at Production Trailer and Dock in Meredith.


Take a hike!


Play golf!


Take a train ride with the Hobo Railroad..


Rent something fun at Parafunalia!

Photo from the Rattlesnake Gal Collection

Poke around The Old Country Store and Museum.


Browse through Yikes Gallery in Center Harbor.


Stroll through Blacks in Wolfeboro.


Take a free guided tour at Hampshire Pewter in Wolfeboro.


Jay's Mini Golf and Arcade in Alton Bay looks like fun.

Don’t have a boat or a boating certificate?


Take a private cruise with Latitude 43° Private Cruises on Lake Winnipesaukee.


Enjoy the old world luxury feel of a classic mahogany cruiser with The Smile of the Great Spirt. Visit their website for more videos!


Take a private cruise and get married or renew your vows with JP Boating! (Our very own Coastal Laker)


Learn fun water sports with Ekal Excursions. They also offer relaxing alternatives out on the lake.


Have fun at the Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track across from Funspot.


Try the bumper boats. bungee jumper or go-karts at Logs of Fun and Daytona Fun Park!


Photo from the gallery of JG1222
Mill Falls in Meredith.





Take an antique boat ride aboard the Millie B or a trolley tour on Molly the Trolley in Wolfeboro.


Rent a kayak at River Run Kayak Rentals


Take a Pemi-Baker River Adventure.


Rent a boat or Jet Ski with Lake Side Boat Rentals.



Visit The Christmas Loft to pick out an ornament to remember your Lake Winnipesaukee trip by.


Shopping at Tanger Outlets in Tilton.



New Hampshire Motor Speedway is not just NASCAR!


Visit one of Meredith's many parks and beaches.


Enjoy one of the parks in Wolfeboro.


From the Webmaster Photo Gallery
Explore Center Harbor!


Relax in Alton Bay at a park or a beach.


Enjoy the day at Ellacoya State Park in Gilford.


Explore the vicinity of Moultonboro.


Take a walk on the new WOW Trail in Laconia.


Visit Monkey Trunks at the edge of the Lakes Region for some high adventure!


Visit the Polar Caves and see what the glaciers left behind.


Ruggles Mine for the geologist in you. Be sure to bring safety glasses and a hammer!


From the McDude Gallery
Stop in for goodies at The Yum Yum Shop.


Photo from the Rattlesnake Gal Collection

Get your candy fix or have an ice cream at the historic Kellerhaus


Sawyer's Dairy Bar is a safe bet for delicious ice cream and other tasty delights.


Photo from the Rattlesnake Gal Collection

Bailey's Bubble is a must do for homemade ice cream when you're over Wolfeboro way.

Horseback Riding:


High Meadow Farms - Wolfeboro


Cobble Mountain Stables – Gilford


Black Mountain Stables - Jackson


Rent a steel horse at Laconia Harley-Davidson

Once you've exhausted the Lakes Region attractions, check out Northern New Hampshire Attractions

[jkjoshuatree]

I go and post a few amazingly cool and groovy hidden gems and you take my thunder away by offering every imaginable activity in the Lakes Region (and all in one handy location to boot!).

Thanks!!

Just kidding.

Rattlesnake is another short (kind of steep) but amazing hike. Breathtaking views of Squam and Winni in the distance.

[jkjoshuatree]

...but I just thought of a few more by boat (much nicer, in my humble opinion).

Braun Bay (hope this doesn't cause an argument).

Blueberry Island. You can anchor off the north side of it and swim in to the beach. It's blueberry season too, so bring your buckets. I also heard a rumor that there are nesting Bald Eagles on it but I haven't had a chance to confirm it.

I second Sally's Gut...very cool. Kids will (should?) get a kick out of it.

Town Docks in Meredith for ice cream by boat or the Red Hill Dari in Center Harbor or Bailey's in Wolfeboro. Think I like ice cream?

That's all...for now!

[bigmouthbass]

speechless....except to say thanks!