10 Things To Do in the Lakes Region

Thinking about spending some time in the Lakes Region? This central portion of the state is known for its many lakes and the quaint lakeside towns that surround them. With the population increasing so much during the summer months, this area is chock full of major seasonal attractions. Slip off the beaten path though, and discover the "other" great things that the region has to offer. We've picked out Ten Things to Do in the Lakes Region to get you started.

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1. Stand Beneath the Arch
   Tilton's Arch, also known as the Memorial Arch, sits atop a hillside in Northfield. The arch, a replica of a Roman Arch, was built in the late 1800s as a memorial to the ancestors of Charles E. Tilton — who, as the town's wealthiest citizen, also donated several other statues throughout town. The arch, which is made of Concord Granite, stands 50 feet tall, and 40 feet wide. Take in the surrounding views from the arch, and marvel at its size.
   


2. Ride the Rails
   From spring through fall, the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad takes visitors on excursions around Lake Winnipesaukee, leaving from Meredith Bay to Weirs Beach and onto Paugus Bay before making a return trip to Weirs and back to Meredith. The train offers one and two hour trips, carrying passengers on a 7-mile waterfront journey. In the fall, foliage trains offer visitors different routes, including a four-hour trip from Meredith to Livermore Falls and an all-day excursion to Lincoln. Jump on board for an exciting ride 'round the lake or all the way into the White Mountains.
   


3. Feed Your Sweet Tooth
   Kellerhaus is the oldest candy shop in New Hampshire. Stop by and choose from their vast collection of chocolates, traditional candy shoppe favorites, fudge, nuts and maple products. Kellerhaus also makes ribbon candy by hand, one of the few places in the world to still make it that way. During the summer months, the shop is well-known for their ice cream sundae buffet. Pile on the toppings and enjoy this one-of-a-kind treat.
   


4. Chocorua's Beauty
   The 3,480-foot Mount Chocorua in Albany appears as you round a bend on Route 16. The picturesque mountain is steeped in legend, and happens to be one of the most heavily hiked mountains in the region. From the bare summit, you'll spot the Presidential Range and the majestic Mount Washington to the north, and the Sandwich Range to the west. The views are simply breathtaking all around.
   


5. Big Boulder
   If huge rocks leftover from the ice age impress you, take a trek to Madison Boulder Natural Area. The site is where the largest known erratic in New England rests. The granite boulder stands at 23' high, 83' long and 37' wide, and it weighs in at 5,000 tons. So, it's safe to say that it is among the largest rocks in the world. Yeah, it's just a rock; but we guarantee you'll be impressed by this natural landmark that was moved here during the last ice age, geologists believe, from a location anywhere from 4 to 12 miles away. Now that's impressive, wouldn't you say?
   


6. Newfound, Long Lost Lake
   Newfound Lake has a hidden beauty all its own. Located in the town of Bristol, the lake is the more peaceful of its cousin to the east. Newfound has some distinctive features too, including a lighthouse that can be viewed from the roadway, adjacent to Paradise Lodge on Route 3A. During the summer, take a ride over to Profile Falls in Bristol, and enjoy a dip in the pool and a waterfall shower.
   


7. Belknap Mill
   Take a tour of Laconia's Belknap Mill, the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the nation. Built in 1823, the mill represents the height of the Industrial Revolution. It sits on the National Registor of Historic Places today and has been designated the "Official Meetinghouse of New Hampshire." A historically themed gift shop offers items like old-fashioned toys, folk art, jams and jellies, coffees and textile products. Many events and educational programs are offered at the mill throughout the year. The mill is part of Laconia's historic district, where a walking tour known as the Riverwalk, a one-mile stretch along the Winnipesaukee River that takes you past other historic sites like the Busiel Mill, the Laconia Public Library, the Masonic Temple and the Laconia Passenger Station.
   


8. Castles!
   Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough sits high in the Ossipee Mountain Range and offers dramatic panoramic views from "the clouds." Built in 1914, the Arts and Crafts style mansion is a stunning architectural specimen, but the castle also offers 45 miles of hiking trails on 5,000 acres to explore. A short walk leads to a cascading waterfall. An interpretive trail features an interactive exploration of the ecology, history and geology of this special place. Another castle in the region, Kimball's Castle in Gilford, is not yet open to the public, but there are plans for an inn and restaurant to be built on the premises of this land, which sits on a 24-acre tract known as Locke Hill. At the top there is a 300 degree vista of the lakes region and White Mountains on the horizon. Thankfully, there are plans to restore this unique landmark so that visitors will be able to appreciate the incredible panorama of the region.
   


9. Weirs Beach
   Yes, it's the site of the annual Motorcycle Week rally, but Weirs Beach has a long history as a summer tourist destination. It offers prime views of Lake Winnipesaukee, a small beach and an old-fashioned boardwalk complete with arcades and ice cream, shops and pizza places. Try a round of mini golf, slip down a waterslide or take in a movie at the local drive-in theatre, one of the last of its kind in the country. Another highlight: A beautiful cruise around the spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee on "The Mount", part of Mount Washington Cruises. The boat makes its home there during summer months. Weirs Beach has it all!
   


10. Go to Gunstock
    Where else can you go camping, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, tubing, miniature golfing, snowboarding and skiing, all in once place? Gunstock, located in Gilford, has it all. Their campground has 300 sites, many with full-hookups. And you can rent paddleboats or tubes, saddle up at Gunstock's Cobble Mountain Stables or watch the boarders at the new skate park. Their many hiking trails will take you through the Belknap Range and lead to you stunning views of the surrounding Presidential and Sandwich Ranges, Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountain Range. You definitely can't squeeze it all into one day, so plan to spend some time on the mountain.