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New Hampshire > Lakes > Things to Do and See > Great Things to Do in NH

Great Things To Do - Lakes NH Region

The Lakes region of New Hampshire is swimming in family fun all year round from beaches with action packed water sports to scenic driving tours. There’s majestic fall foliage, celebrated winter sports activities, and tax-free shopping. Outdoor and indoor attractions are abundant. Hike and bike through rustic villages and towns or take a lake cruise. Stroll antique shops, art galleries and English gardens. Discover great chocolate and pottery and every kind of natural setting your soul could wish for.

Sweet Sunset - Lakes Region Association - New Hampshire
Lakes Region Tourism Association

61 Laconia Road Tilton, NH, 03276 Phone: 603-286-8008 Toll-Free: 800-605-2537

Bustling Lakes Region is a playground for every type of vacationer, every season of the. Year

Why settle for one type of vacation when you can have every type of getaway in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. You want outdoor sports? There’s skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, zip lining, golf, tennis, biking and kayaking — just for starters. You’d rather have a quiet, relaxing time? Book a cottage (with a porch) by a private beach, go on a lake sail or boat tour, have dinner aboard a train as it winds its way through the woods. There are concerts and plays, farms to visit, museums that celebrate everything from arcades to American history. There are attractions like Clark’s Bears and Santa’s Village and parks, trails and sanctuaries that bring you close to nature. The region really is a playground for all seasons.
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NH Great Things to Do
Castle in The Clouds

455 Old Mountain Road Moultonborough, NH, 03254 Phone: 603-476-5900

Variety of indoor and outdoor activities make this estate well worth a visit

One of the best parts of visiting Castle in the Clouds, part of the National Historic Landmark Lucknow Estate, is the variety of fun, interesting things to do. It starts as soon as you get out of your car with a trolley ride up to the 1913-1914 Lucknow Mansion. It is there that you will explore our premier historical museum, including everything from the original furnishings and vintage clothing to the basement, where you will get a glimpse into servants’ lives. Step outside into the gardens or head to the Carriage House Exhibit Gallery. There are hiking trails, more than 200 programs and events, and a meadow available to rent for events and weddings.
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Great Things to do
Naswa Resort

1086 Weirs Boulevard Laconia, NH, 03246 Phone: 603-366-4341 Toll-Free: 888-556-2792

Your Lakeside Playground in New Hampshire

The NASWA Resort on Lake Winnipesaukee offers endless lakefront adventure – it’s no wonder they’re celebrating over 90 years! Guests can soak up the sun on the resort's private sandy beach – the largest on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH – enjoy complimentary paddleboards, kayaks, or take a cruise on the resort’s beautiful 34’ boat across the shimmering lake. The NazBar & Grill serves up waterfront dining with live music, while the Blue Bistro offers casual resort dining with lake views. Guests enjoy complimentary dock space, Campfire’n S’mores Mondays and Wednesdays, Tie Dye Tuesdays and Thursdays, discounts to area attractions like boat charters and mini golf, and so much more. With comfortable one and two-bedroom accommodations, stunning lake views, and endless summer activities, The NASWA Resort promises a getaway packed with memorable moments.
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Lakeside Fun - Granite State Rail Bikes - Laconia, NH
Laconia Rail Bikes

15 Veterans Square Laconia, NH, 03246 Phone: 904-870-4273

Enjoy a memorable scenic adventure the whole family will love along the historic rails of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region.

At Laconia Rail Bikes, families, couples, and friends can pedal custom-built, four-seat rail bikes along the beautiful shores of Lake Winnisquam. Guided by friendly, experienced tour leaders, your journey begins at the historic 1892 Laconia Railroad Station and winds through Belmont Woods, across the trestle bridge over the Winnipesaukee River and Durkee Brook, before reaching the peaceful western shore of Winnisquam. Along this historic rail line dating back to 1848, you’ll enjoy fresh air, lake views, and quality time together. Bring a snack for a relaxing lakeside stop while guides turn the rail bikes for the return trip. With mostly flat terrain and a comfortable pace, it’s a fun, easy outdoor adventure for all ages.
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Great Glen Trails - Guided Kayaking in the White Mountains - Which is Your Adventure? Click Here for More Info!
2-Hour Guided Tours from Mt. Washington Auto Road - Learn about the unique history, flora and fauna of Mt. Washington - Click here to book your trip now!
Weirs Beach Station - Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad - Meredith, NH
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

154 Main Street Meredith, NH, 03253 Phone: 603-279-5253

Travel by train along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee three seasons of the year

There are many ways to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee in the spring, summer and fall, but one of the most unusual is to see it by train. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers one- and two-hour round trips along the lake’s shore: From one side of the train, you’ll see impressive panoramic lake vistas; from the other side, you’ll see the gorgeous homes along its shores. The two-hour trip leaves from Meredith, NH; the one-hour excursion departs from the historic boardwalk at Weirs Beach, NH. Bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy on board. In the fall, the train offers four-hour foliage trains that stop in Plymouth, NH for a buffet lunch and in Ashland, NH for a tour of the restored train station. And there’s a Turkey Dinner Train with a complete catered turkey dinner.
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kellerhaus chocolage in weirs beach nh
Candy, Candles, Collectibles

Wintry weather, family holidays, and candy. These three go together like two horses and a carriage. Since 1906, Kellerhaus on Endicott Street North in Weirs Beach has been delighting customers year-round with homemade candies, unique gifts, and awesome views, not to mention the candle and collectible showrooms. Visitors can watch the candy being made by hand in the candy shop. Bring your appetite to the ice cream sundae and waffle buffets. Your taste buds will thank you.
Old Country Store in Moultonborough, NH
The Old Country Store; Old History Stage

You can buy treats and trinkets of all kinds at the Old Country Store on Whittier Hwy. in Moultonborough. And if you have all your senses tuned up, you might feel the stories of long ago in this place, built in 1781 on land given to Jonathan Moulton for his service during the Revolutionary War. The place also has served as a library and a post office and has hosted town meetings. Today, go there for candles, toys, shoes, local products, kitchenware, and penny candy, with a pickle barrel, maple syrup, and a good dose of John Deere merchandise. Kids will love it. 603-476-5750
byway not the highway around NH lakes
Byway, Not the Highway, By the Lakes

So, what’s so great about traveling by car? To take in great sweeps of Lakes region scenery, get in your vehicle and tap into the Lakes region scenic driving tours. Several self-guided driving and walking tours are described by the people who know the area best -- the Lakes region tourism association. Scenic drives take you along Lake Winnipesaukee and around the general region, presenting grand views, lakeside villages and fun places to eat and shop. [ photo: NH Dept.of Resources and Economic Development ]
Winnipesaukee river trail
Biking Alongside Winnipesaukee History

The 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 five -mile trail connects Tilton, Northfield and Franklin along the Winnipesaukee River and passes the historic Sulphite upside-down covered bridge. Walkers on the trail can view mill ruins and remaining portions of dams that tell the history of the five mills that operated on this river in the mid-19th century. Access points: Central Street in Franklin (under the railroad trestle); Cross Mill Road in Northfield; Old Surrette Battery property off from Park Street in Northfield (across the street from the library); 142 East Main Street off Route 3 in Tilton; Route 140 at Railroad right-of-way just past McDonalds. Email: innirivertrail@gmail.com. Trail brochure and map.