Does anyone have suggestions on where to stay around Lake Winnipesaukee on the July 4th weekend? I have seen a town map of Wolfeboro and it looks like a quaint New England town. Would you recommend staying there and if so any suggestions on accomodations.
What about other locations around the lake? Laconia, Weir's Beach, Alton? Thanks for your ideas.

Wolfeboro is quaint . . . the north end of the Lake tends to be quieter (in a good way) . . . Laconia is a mixed bag. It is a small city-town, trying to find some cultural identity but still more a town than city . . . if you're looking for quaint, stay north of the lake . . also, near Ashland is Squaum Lake (where "On Golden Pond" was filmed) -- still has most of its pristine beauty . . . and Newfound Lake near Bristol is a very clear glacial lake . . . Winni is big . . . you can get lost on it . . .
Meredith has some nice places to visit . . . and while you're in the area, if you like to shop, you might want to stop at the Tilton Mall, just off the Laconia exit on I-93. If you have other questions, you can email me. I live in the lakes region.

You might want to book soon. Some places are booked for July 4 months in advance . . .

My own preference would be to skip Winnipesaukee and spend the time at Newfound Lake, just a bit farther to the northwest. We were there about 4 years ago and found to our delight that though it has its share of condo development, the lake has managed to maintain a pretty low keyed pace of development. At that time it was even hard to get a decent postcard of the lake! The state park outside of Bristol is beautiful, lots of shade, nice beach. The area is quiet, very pretty, and not too touristy. Nowhere near the hoards you'll find on Winnipesauke.

I tend to agree with Polly. Wolfeboro is a terror during the summer time. The town is so packed with traffic that it can take forever to go from south main to north main. Parking is totally out of the question unless you park at Kingswood High School and ride the trolley into town. Two things on the lake you might enjoy would be a ride on the Mt Washington and/or the gray ghost mail boat. The Mt makes a complete loop of the lake and is a beautiful ride on a warm summer day. The mail boat goes to many off the beaten track islands delivering US mail. Both call at the Wolfeboro town dock. Also, at the risk of raising some ire, many natives of Wolfeboro tend to have an "attitude" toward outsiders. I always found it to be very upsetting. The rest of the lake towns are not like that. If you can, you should plan a trip through the Conways and up into the White Mountains. You are not that far away. Time permitting, drive up the Mt Washington auto highway or it you really have time and money, ride the cog railroad. It is a beautiful area that you will not soon forget. North Conway is a traffic filled outlet and resturant town. Hope you have a great trip.

We always go to Wolfeboro. The shopping and dining are fabulous and from here you can take a ride on the terrific MV Mount Washington which cruises all over the lake. There is a bit of traffic, just because it's summertime, but it takes only a few extra minutes go get from one end of town to the other on Main Street. We have never once noticed any "attitude" in Wolfeboro and have always been able to find a parking space (take a right just before the gift shop on the right on Main Street with the yellow awnings - there's a huge parking area down that street - even if it's full when you arrive, someone will vacate a space in a few minutes.) It's a bit late to book for July 4th weekend, so call the Chamber of Commerce (603-569-2200). They'll be able to tell you places that have openings. Try for something with lake views. Be sure not to miss the band concerts (lakeside gazebo). A tour of Castle in the Clouds (in nearby Moultonboro) is not to be missed. This is a mountaintop mansion with glorious panoramic views and an interesting story. The trolley tour of Wolfeboro is great fun. Be sure to reserve for dinner or Sunday brunch at Love's Quay. Incredible food in a beautiful restaurant. Usually, there's a huge crafts fair at Gunstock that weekend which is well worth a visit.