Itinerary 2: Concord to the Lakes Region

This itinerary gives you an overview of some of New Hampshire charming towns and villages, beginning in the State Capitol and ending on the banks of Lake Winnipesaukee.

 

With 36,000 residents, Concord maintains a small-town charm, despite its political prominence. Start your day with a self-guided tour of the gold-domed State House. When you are finished, move on to the Museum of New Hampshire History, which has great exhibits highlighting the state’s history. Catch a high-tech astronomy show at the Christa McAulliffe Planetarium, the state’s memorial to their favored teacher who lost her life in the Challenger Explosion in 1986. Grab some lunch at Fodee’s Pizza before you head out of town.

 

About 20 minutes north of Concord is the Canterbury Shaker Village. Of the old Shaker communities that used to thrive in New England, this one is preserved the best. There is an informative and interesting museum and a couple of dozen buildings located on almost 700 acres.

 

Continue to make your way north on I-93 until you arrive at Lake Winnipesaukee. At this point, you have a couple of choices. If you are traveling with kids, head immediately to Weirs Beach. Do not pass go; do not collect $200. They will love you forever.

 

Weirs Beach is full of kid-friendly activities such as the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, (offering scenic views of the area), Surf Coaster USA (a massive water park), and the Funspot (video games and more).

 

For a more decidedly upscale experience, head to the village of Wolfeboro, located on the opposite side of the lake from Weirs Beach. It boasts beautiful 19^th century architecture and charming shops in the downtown area. Several fun boat tours leave from the docks behind Wolfeboro’s Main Street.

 

For dinner, kids will love Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant in the northern village of Meredith. Fans of game prepared with a chic twist might try the prix-fixe menu at Crystal Quail (there are other things on the menu, if you aren’t a fan of quail and pheasant).

 

For lodging in the area, there are several wonderful resorts and inns. Meredith offers The Inn at Mill Falls, with rooms spanning four buildings. Nine miles north is Manor on Golden Pond in a gorgeous mansion built between 1903 and 1907. In Wolfeboro you will find the Topsides Bed and Breakfast and the Wolfeboro Inn. The Weirs Beach area has several family-friendly motels.