Find fun and interesting Great Things to Do in Lakes Region

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Skis? Snowshoes? Take Your Pick

For the beautiful sights and rugged workout of skiing without the high-speed downhill terrors, cross-country skiing is ideal. The Lakes Regions offers plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing, along with its plodding cousin sport of showshoeing. To get started, check out these ski areas and resources: King Pine Ski Area on Route 153 in East Madison; with 20 kilometers of groomed trails; Gunstock Cross Country and Snowshoe Center in Gilford with 50 kilometers of groomed trails; or Nordic Skier Wolfeboro XC in Wolfeboro, on the east side of Lake Winnipesaukee, with 30 kilometers of groomed trails.

Try the Bloody Mary Mix First

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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A Farm with Two Centuries of Stories to Tell

A Farm with Two Centuries of Stories to Tell

At the Prescott Farm and Environmental Education Center in Laconia, New Hampshire, guests can not only learn about the ways of a working farm, they can also learn a thing or two about New England’s rich agricultural history. The farm was established by Colonel Dudley Prescott, who served in the Revolutionary War when he was just 19 years old. Over the years the farm has evolved into what it is today: an educational center serving all ages, with summer camps, public programs, field trips, and long-term partnerships with local elementary schools. The farm is designated as an official New Hampshire Wildlife Viewing Area and offers hiking on more than three miles of woodland, pond, and field trails.  Visitors can also explore the three-story historic barn, beautiful heritage flower and vegetable gardens, and an old-fashioned maple sugar operation during the month of March. 

A General Store With Granola
Worth the Trip, Year-Round

The Holderness General Store at 863 US Route 3 in Holderness is Is a market and deli, specializing in gourmet sandwiches, pantry provisions, unique gifts and homemade fudge. The store is becoming a local celebrity for its Nutty Granola. Wonderful in summer for the lake-loving crowds and equally comforting in winter, when the crowds die down and everyone needs a hearty sandwich to bulk up against the cold. Open year-round, daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Phone: 603-968-3446.

Artistic Gifts for Every Taste

With the motto “Not your ordinary gift shop,” Earthly Treasures , at 150 Lake Street in Bristol, is a showplace for the work of more than 450 fine artisans, including many from New Hampshire. Over the past 10 years, Earthly Treasures has evolved from a place selling hand-forged iron work, known as Iron Horse Metal Works, to an American craft gift shop. There is a large section of garden furniture, wrought iron, and metal sculpture, along with gift items of jewelry, pottery, glass, and wood. Lots of unusual home accessories that would make wonderful gifts. Open year-round, daily. Phone: 800-480-0380.

Candy? Step This Way!

The Penny Candy Shop at 15 North Main Street in Wolfeboro is the sweetest incarnation of a long history of fine candy shops at Durgin Stables. Open year round, Penny Candy Shop features the finest chocolates available, handcrafted in New Hampshire. In addition to locally made fudges, chocolate covered pretzels, maple products, peanut butter cups, and other confections, Penny Candy Shop is true to its name, offering an extensive array of old fashioned penny candies. There is even an antique gumball machine that still dispenses gumballs for just a penny. Open daily during the summer. Hours change in the off-season, so call ahead for hours from Christmas to April. Phone: 603-569-9800.

Civil War-era Barn Houses
Thousands of Prints, Old and New

As you approach the grounds on the Winona Road from Route 104, in the distance across a field you will see a large 1790 farm with many buildings under the trees of nicely landscaped grounds. You are at The Old Print Barn, 343 Winona Road in Meredith, a Civil War period barn that has been scrubbed and redecorated to serve as a 21st century art gallery. Inside, you will find more than 2,000 original works of art on display, in all forms of printmaking from etchings to mezzotints, photography, watercolors, and oil paintings. In addition to having an extremely large stock of original art, The Old Print Barn offers all the services that art galleries should including authentication, evaluation, framing, and restoration. Open year-round, daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Phone: 603-279-6479.

Craftsmen Among the Lakes

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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Dinner by the Hearth

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. In 2011, the final dinner is Eat, Drink & Be Merry on December 17. Phone: 603-323-7591.

Do Your Tubing With Help From the King

King Pine Ski Area at 1251 Eaton Road, Route 153 Route 153 in East Madison offers snow tubing at its Pine Meadows Snow Tubing Park on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and daily during school vacation weeks, for only $15 per person. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and affordability, Purity Spring and King Pine Ski Area have been a tradition for families throughout New England for decades. Phone: 800-373-3754.

Flying Monkey Movie House
Brings the Classics to Main Street

A vintage, 1920s movie house at 39 Main Street in Plymouth has been purchased and restored by the Common Man family of restaurants with the goal of bringing movies back to Main Street and providing a performing arts venue for the region. Playing independent, classic and first-run movies and hosting area theatrical groups for live performances. Recent artists to appear at the Flying Monkey Movie House include Dueling Pianos, Gallagher, Comedian Bob Marley and Greg Browne. The Monkey also serves a full food and beverage menu courtesy of The Common Man restaurants. Phone: 603-536-2551.

Flying Monkey Movie House
Brings the Classics to Main Street

A vintage, 1920s movie house at 39 Main Street in Plymouth has been purchased and restored by the Common Man family of restaurants with the goal of bringing movies back to Main Street and providing a performing arts venue for the region. Playing independent, classic and first-run movies and hosting area theatrical groups for live performances. Recent artists to appear at the Flying Monkey Movie House include Dueling Pianos, Gallagher, Comedian Bob Marley and Greg Browne. The Monkey also serves a full food and beverage menu courtesy of The Common Man restaurants. Phone: 603-536-2551.
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Mount Washington Cruises

211 Lakeside Avenue Weirs Beach, NH 03246 Phone: 603-366-5531 Toll-Free: 1-888-THE MOUNT

Cruise Lake Winnipesaukee Aboard The M/S Mount Washington!

If you're looking for a truly great thing to do and a memorable experience, a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee aboard the Mount Washington is for you.

The M/S Mount Washington offers one of New England’s most unique and dramatic venues for your family getaway, a romantic weekend or group event. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and all its surroundings during the day, or enjoy a romantic sunset dinner & dancing cruise. Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruises from Weirs Beach and Alton Bay are also a regular event, and popular with couples.

The M/S Mount Washington has plenty of banquet & ballroom space, providing the perfect fit for your wedding party, family reunion or company outing. Late May - Late October.

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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