Jimmie

We just spent a nice week on Ossipee Lake in NH, except I'll admit that we found the part of the lake that we were on to be super busy. Lots of jet skis running circles right off shore, lots of water skiing and other motor boat traffic. Not quite the serenity that we were looking for.

We'll probably rent another lake house next summer. We'd like to be within a 90 minute drive to Storyland. Does anyone have a recommendation for a peaceful lake? We'd also like a sandy entrance to the water, if possible, for our little kids.

Thanks in advance.

rizzo0904

Lonesome Lake. You need to hike in (not hard, my 2 year old did most of it). There is an AMC hut you can stay in. It's beautiful and serene. There is a small sandy/rocky area but it's not a true beach. This is located near Franconia. After a night or two in the hut, you could get drive across the Kanc and get a hotel near Storyland for a few nights.

virginia

not in nh but well under 90 min drive is kezar lake near lovell, maine. this lake has been listed by nat'l geo as one of 10 prettiest in US. it is a very peaceful with some very nice rental houses.
this is just one example in an area called westways which is an old community of summer homes on the lake:
http://www.kezarlakehouse.com/
there are quite a few other houses in westways as well as other locations on the lake.
look at homeaway, vrbo, http://kezar-lake-rentals.com/photos.html , etc.

not my photo but typical view http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeshlabotnik/1110327405/
you can find lots more pics on flick

hope this helps