Where to stay in Lake Winnipesaukee, July?

Old Jan 23rd, 2010, 07:23 AM
  #21  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Carriegee,

The ocean water north of Boston is chilly, but plenty of people swim in it anyway (just have to overcome the initial shock of getting in!) You should expect the water to be around 16 degrees (C).

I would advise heading up along the North Shore of Massachusetts -- I especially like Route 1A which brings you through Ipswich and Newburyport (take a walk around Market Square). You might also consider a trip to Rockport, which looks like some of the fishing villages you see in Maine as well.

You can continue along 1A in New Hampshire, which takes you through Hampton Beach. It's not the most attractive town by any means ... perhaps a little "gritty" but if you want to go swimming it should suffice. As 1A heads north you have a lovely view of the ocean on one side and rows of multimillion dollar beach houses on the other.

Ultimately 1A will take you to Portsmouth, which is definitely worth an overnight visit I think. Perhaps plan your route so that you end up here the night after you leave Boston, unless you want to spent a lot of time on the North Shore in Massachusetts. Portsmouth is incredibly charming and has some great food, shopping, and history (see the Strawberry Banke Museum).

From Portsmouth it's a fairly straight shot to Alton, but if you want to spend more than one night in the area you could make trips across the border into Maine to see Cape Neddick (lighthouse), York Beach, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport, or even Portland.

The White Mountains *are* lovely and it would be a shame if you missed them. You could easily make a day trip out of it from your base in Alton. If you follow I-93 north it will take you to Franconia Notch State Park, which offers some spectacular vistas. You don't even have to leave your car if you don't want to, but there are plenty of easy walking trails (the Flume Gorge is particularly nice). Follow Route 3 North to 302 East into Crawford Notch State Park, pass the Mt. Washington Hotel and enjoy more stunning scenery.

Route 302 will ultimately take you to North Conway, which is known for its outlet shopping. If you're feeling adventurous, you can follow Route 16 North to the Mt. Washington Auto Road (on a clear day) for the most incredible mountain views east of the Rockies. Otherwise, enjoy what North Conway has to offer -- including Echo Lake and Cathedral Ledge.

From North Conway, follow Route 112 West (the Kancamagus Highway) for more beautiful scenery. There are pull-outs on the road every now and then if you just want to stop and take it all in. Eventually Route 112 will take you back to I-93, so you can just hop on the highway and return to Alton.
TerrMys is offline  
Old Jan 23rd, 2010, 07:35 AM
  #22  
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Spent summer weeks in/near Mirror Lake and Wolfeboro is still the summer town of my memory -- I loved it and my rich brother bought 3 places in the area, where he still goes (although his ex got much of the property in the settlement).

I'm not as familiar with Meredith but I wanted to balance out the comments with a vote for Wolfeboro - a lovely town (and nice boarding place for the lake boat tour). It may seem a little silly, but consider that Wolfeboro and that area gets the sunsets over the lake (Meredith is to the north).
Cyanna is offline  
Old Jan 23rd, 2010, 07:36 AM
  #23  
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,365
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Woops, just saw that you already figured out that the Mirror Lake place wouldn't get sunsets. Oh well... for the benefit of those who later search on "Winnepesaukee"....
Cyanna is offline  
Old Jan 25th, 2010, 10:20 AM
  #24  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank TerrMys and Cyanna for your recent posts. I just couldn't find a suitable place to rent in Wolfeboro so have gone for a fab sounding place in Alton - but will definitely pay a visit or two!

I will also look into all the places you've recommended. Mountains sound spectacular but think kids may get a touch bored!
Carriegee is offline  
Old Jan 25th, 2010, 07:02 PM
  #25  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here are some places in the mountains that I'm sure would keep the kids entertained:

http://www.polarcaves.com/index/
http://www.clarkstradingpost.com/
http://www.visitnh.gov/flume/index.html
http://www.hoborr.com/
http://www.findlostriver.com/
TerrMys is offline  
Old Jan 26th, 2010, 02:49 AM
  #26  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 30,952
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
good list, TerrMys. Here's a link to possible rainy day activities http://www.gunstock.com/lakes_region/getaways/
Gunstock is near Alton and there are frequent weekend events. I can't imagine any kid getting bored in the Lake W unless they prefer city life/subways/art museums.
dfrostnh is offline  
Old Feb 2nd, 2010, 11:27 AM
  #27  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Fab - many thanks to you both!
Carriegee is offline  
Old Feb 2nd, 2010, 12:02 PM
  #28  
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,528
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Consider staying at the Wentworth by the Sea in New Castle NH. You'll get the best of the NH Seacoast. Near Portsmouth for dining and outdoor theater products.

Swimming can be done comfortably at Wallis Sands Beach - a sweet little cove on the Atlantic - RT1A - with a snack bar and rest rooms.
bennnie is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nermeen
United States
4
May 12th, 2016 10:54 PM
Toby44
United States
15
Jun 14th, 2014 06:59 AM
5gsmom
United States
6
Apr 30th, 2012 05:35 AM
JCee
United States
2
Feb 22nd, 2005 11:25 AM
D40
United States
5
Mar 10th, 2003 06:30 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -