The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm on Cleveland Hill Road in Tamworth is a wonderful place for adults and youngsters to see up close the daily lives and chores of the agricultural way of life in New Hampshire from 1790 to the present. Naturally, raising and preparing food – from hatching chicks to stoking the woodstove – is a large part of the story. Workshops are offered through the year in homestead cookery and other crafts of the 18th to the 20th century like soap- and candle making, wool spinning and felting. Special events include the ice harvest festivalin January, maple sugaring in March, and historic hearthside dinners, which are ongoing. Phone: 603-323-7591 or 800-686- 6117.

Accessories From the Art of the Forge

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Earthly Treasures on Lake Street in Bristol began as a place to sell hand-forged metal art by Vic and Elaine McAdams. Later, they added items such as candles, pottery, and glass and the store began to grow, expanding in 2000 to a 10,000-square-foot building in Bristol. Today the store features the works of more than 350 American artisans, mostly using designs inspired by nature. Almost everything is functional, ranging from fun and funky to inspiring and elegant. There are home and garden furnishings, accessories, lots of unique gifts, lovely jewelry, soaps, candles, New Hampshire and Newfound Lake memorabilia, inspirational items and lots more. Many artisans are from New Hampshire, a state where fine craft has a long tradition. Many more are from New England, every corner of the United States, and from Canada. Open daily. Phone: 800-480-0380.

Bluegrass & Gospel Jam Session, Live and Alive

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A jam session of local musicians playing old-time country, gospel and bluegrass music is held at the historic Old White Church on Route 109A in Center Tuftonboro from 6 to 9:30 p.m., every Tuesday night in June, July, and August, and Wednesday nights from September through May. This is a real, unprocessed, uncensored, old-time jam session in a historic church building. Musicians in these sessions range in ability from old-time country musicians that have played many grange hall dances to new country and bluegrass enthusiasts. Musicians and singers and listeners are all welcome. These jam sessions are open to the public and there is no admission charge, even though donations are appreciated. Phone: 603-569-3861.

Byway, Not the Highway

So, what’s so great about traveling by foot? To take in great sweeps of Lakes region scenery, get in your vehicle and tap into the Lakes region scenic byway tour, a designation of the National Scenic Byways Program. This 97-mile tour travels through the lovely villages of Alton, Gilford, Weirs Beach, Meredith, Holderness, Center Harbor, and Moultonborough.

Craftsmen Among the Lakes

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Founded in 1932, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen is one of the oldest craft organizations in the country. The League was formed during the Depression to help New Hampshire craftspeople make a living through difficult financial times, by building an audience and market for fine handmade craft. The League operates seven retail galleries throughout New Hampshire. The galleries present the work of juried craftspeople, along with demonstrations, exhibits and educational programs.
Galleries in the Lakes region are the Center Sandwich Retail Gallery, 32 Main Street, Center Sandwich, 603-284-6831 (open May-October); Meredith Retail Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920; and Wolfeboro Retail Gallery, 15 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, 603-569-3309.

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Try the Bloody Mary Mix First

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In the early days of The Common Man restaurant, an old jelly cabinet at the front desk offered an assortment of coffee mugs, comfy C apparel, white chocolate, and home-made foods. Customers always enjoyed taking home a taste of the Common Man, so The Common Man Company Store was opened at 59 Main Street near the flagship restaurant in Ashland. The store carries New England-made products, unique toys and gifts, and a 20-foot penny candy counter. You'll also find Common Man goodies such as wines, fudge, Bloody Mary mix, clothing, mugs and more. Open daily, hours vary. Phone: 603-968-3559.

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Into the Sunset

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Enjoy New Hampshire's beautiful Lakes Region on horseback. Travel throughout Gunstock's 2,400-acre resort aboard a well-mannered equines. All rides are accompanied by experienced guides and riders of all abilities are welcome. Enjoy the natural splendor the New Hampshire has to offer atop a horse whose rhythmic walking will lull you into unparalleled relaxation. The Cobble Mountain Stables of Gilford is the location of the daily horseback trails. Located on Route 11A, the stables and its surrounding trails and countryside offer miles of natural beauty and unbelievable vistas. Phone: 603-293-4341.

Look Out, Red Baron

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Visitors to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire now have a chance to fly over this beautiful landscape in an open cockpit biplane . Pilot Phil DiVirgilio, invites guests to take a ride with him in his WACO Classic YMF-5 Super, based at Emerson Aviation at the Laconia Airport. Soar with the wind in your hair and bask in the sunshine while taking in the spectacular 360-degree panoramic views. DiVirgilio will customize your experience for your comfort level. Enjoy a smooth ride with nice gentle turns so you can see all the landscape or add some adventure with rolls in and out of steep turns and some aggressive maneuvers that are sure to provide that adrenaline rush. Phone 603-250-6184.

Penny Candy By the Yard

The Old Country Store and Museum On Whittier Highway in Moultonborough has been in business since 1781, and has been the site at various times of town meetings, the town library, the post office and a stage coach stop. Still a working general store, it is stocked to the rafters with everything from gumdrops to hardware. Start with the penny candy counter and see how far you get. Phone: 603-476-5750.

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Dinner by the Hearth

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The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm Cleveland Hill Road in Tamworth is a fun and illuminating look into 19th-century farm life in New Hampshire. It also can be a lips-smacking experience for guests at the monthly hearthside dinners , where costumed interpreters cook dinner at the hearth with guests in attendance. Menus sound ravishing, and include homemade biscuits, breads, and cobblers, roast pork and chicken, farm-grown vegetables and preserves of all kinds, apple ciders, and old-fashioned desserts and drinks. For adults, this is a restful and fascinating dining experience. Phone: 603-323-7591.

Greatest Generation on Display

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The Wright Museum of WWII History at 77 Center Street in Wolfeboro is devoted to preserving the stories of World War II, on the battlefront and the home front. The Wright Museum consists of three sections: a home front gallery and theater, a Visitor's Center, and a wing, which houses exhibits devoted to all branches of the armed services. Among the highlights of the military exhibition is a collection of vehicles, including a 42-ton Pershing tank--the only known surviving example from the 1945 crossing at Remagen Bridge. Hours: Open daily May 1-October 3. Open Sundays February-April. Phone: 603-569-1212.

Handmade Pottery and Chocolate in One Neat Stop

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The handiwork of Winnipesaukee Chocolates and SkySong Pottery is on display and for sale at Winnipesaukee Chocolates at 53A North Main Street in Wolfeboro. Toffees, caramels, and hand-rolled, fresh cream truffles by Jonathan Walpole and unique, nature-inspired pottery from Sally Cornwell ideal gifts for yourself for friends back home. Open Tuesday through Saturday in July and August, and more limited hours during the rest of the year. 603-569-4831.