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.

Biking Alongside Winnipesaukee History

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Winnipesaukee River Trail is just right for people interested in taking a walk or bike ride on a scenic historic trail -- yet with the feel of wilderness -- close to the downtowns of Franklin and Northfield. This three-mile trail parallels the Winnipesauke River and passes the Sulphite upside-down covered bridge. Walkers on the trail can view mill ruins and remnants of dams that tell the history of the five mills that operated in the mid-19th century. In Northfield you can see the collection of antique rail cars and cabooses that operate on the local scenic railway. Phone: 603-934-5236.

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.

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.

History Along a River Trail

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New Hampshire Heritage Trail is a 230-mile, walking trail that stretches across New Hampshire from Massachusetts to Canada. Following the main stems of the Merrimack, Pemigewasset, and Connecticut Rivers, the trail showcases the historic and scenic communities along their banks. Plymouth’s portion of the Heritage Trail, a 5.6-milewalking loop with 16 points of interest, begins at the Railroad Depot, constructed in 1909. Other highlights are the former Draper-Maynard Co. building, built in 1911 to manufacture sporting goods; a cottage where Robert Frost lived while teaching at Plymouth Normal School; Silver Cultural Arts Center, once a stop on the underground railroad; and more. Phone: 603-536-1001.

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.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

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Cobble Mountain Stables at Gunstock, on Cherry Valley Road in Gilford is now offered horse-drawn sleigh rides for adults and children. The one-horse sleigh comfortably seats 4 regular sized adults for a 25-minute rides through sparkling, snow-covered mountains. Private romantic sleigh rides are offered fir couples. Sleigh rides are hosted every day except Monday. Phone: 603-630-9066.

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.