Winnipesaukee Forum - Blogs - moneill https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?u=26666 Dedicated to Lake Winnipesaukee and the Lakes Region of New Hampshire en Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:16:24 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Winnipesaukee Forum - Blogs - moneill https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?u=26666 Smile of the Great Spirit https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=433 Wed, 03 Feb 2016 16:02:24 GMT On the northern shore of the big lake, dwelt the chieftain of the woodlands, Ahanton. He was renowned for his courage, but even more so for the beauty of his daughter, Ellacoya. Many warriors pursued her. Yet all were rejected until one day, Kona, a young chief from a rival tribe to the south,... On the northern shore of the big lake, dwelt the chieftain of the woodlands, Ahanton. He was renowned for his courage, but even more so for the beauty of his daughter, Ellacoya. Many warriors pursued her. Yet all were rejected until one day, Kona, a young chief from a rival tribe to the south, appeared in the village. In response to the legend of Ellacoya’s beauty, he had traveled across the lake in his canoe to win her hand.

Leading an expedition to expel invaders, Chief Ahanton was away when Kona walked into the village arrayed in an eagle-feathered headdress denoting him as chief of the enemy tribe. His fearlessness immediately gained the respect and affection of Ellacoya. It was not long before the entire village was won over by the bravery of the young chief. Before many days passed, Ellacoya and Kona were deeply in love. But their courtship was interrupted by the sudden arrival of Ahanton, back from his expedition. He recognized his enemy and was infuriated that Kona had taken advantage of his absence to pursue Ellacoya. Ahanton rushed at Kona with his tomahawk. Ellacoya leaped in front of her father to plead for the life of her beloved.

Now stand on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, look over the Broads, and hear the end of the story. An assembly of bark canoes made its way across the lake from the north. The canoes reached the middle of the lake. One canoe broke from the cluster. It continued crossing while the others stopped. The lone canoe carried the bride Ellacoya and her husband Chief Kona. Ellacoya had successfully pleaded for his life. Chief Ahantan, impressed by Kona’s bravery, had consented to their marriage. As the couple journeyed to Kona’s tribal territory, Ahantan and his tribe had escorted them to the mid-point of the Broads. Hundreds of eyes watched as threatening storm clouds gathered. Suddenly, the dark clouds parted and a single ray of sunlight shot across the sky illuminating the newlywed’s canoe. “This is a good omen,” shouted Chief Ahantan. “From this time on, these waters will be called Winnipesaukee for the great spirit has smiled upon my daughter’s marriage.”

Who wouldn’t want to live in such a romantic place as the Lakes Region? Part of its beauty is the richness of its history going back hundreds of years. In other places, gray skyscrapers and dark pavement obscure the past. But here, the sites of legends are still discernible.

The heritage of the Native American presence in this area is strongly reflected in the names. Even the legendary figures of our story are immortalized. Ellacoya Beach in Gilford stretches over 600 feet and looks out towards the Sandwich and Ossipee Mountains. In Moultonborough, what is now part of the national award winning community of Windward Harbor was previously a portion of the land that Herbert Dumaresq bought in the early 1900s. Dumaresq named his estate Kona Farm after the hero from the romantic story. The Ossipee Mountains stretching along the northern shore of Winnipesaukee derived their name from the Abenaki language. The Pemigewasset River which runs through many Lakes Region towns including Holderness, Ashland, New Hampton, Bristol, and Sanbornton, got its name from the Abenaki “Pemijijoasek,” which translates to “where side entering current is.” Squam Lake was originally known as Keeseenunknipee, meaning "the goose lake in the highlands.” It was later called another Abenaki name, Asquam, before being shortened to its present version. Lake Winona was named after a Native American princess who could understand the voices of birds. Lake Winnisquam, Opechee, Waukewan, Kanasatka, and Wicwas all derive their names from the Abenaki.

The Weirs is of particular historic interest. It was a gathering site for many New Hampshire tribes. The Abenaki called the spot Aquedoctan, which means “place of good fishing.” Every year tribes would arrive to capture the shad that migrated through the Weirs Channel. This passageway between Winnipesaukee and Paugus Bay provided a shallow natural sluiceway to net fish in baskets called “weirs.” Other major villages in the Lakes Region included Plymouth, Moultonborough (called K’chi-Nayok), and Ossipee. Smaller campsites were known to have existed at Meredith Neck; Bald Peak Colony Club in Melvin Village; Tuftonboro Neck; Clay Point in Alton; and Quannippi (Alton Bay).

A 1956 map entitled “Indian Trails by Chester B. Price” prepared by the State Planning and Development Commission shows many of our main roads were once major trails whose beautiful names have been replaced by the utilitarian. For instance, Route 3 from Lakeport to Northfield and continuing south was once called the Namaskik Trail. Route 11 and 11B from Alton Bay to Weirs Beach was the Winnebisagua Trail. The Co-Joss (Coos) Trail was a major route from southeast NH that passed through what is now Lakeport, along the west side of Paugus Bay through South Down Shores to the Weirs, continued along the west side of Meredith Bay through Grouse Point to Meredith, and north along what is now Route 25. In Center Harbor, the trail diverged due north and continued to Littleton. Route 109 from Wolfeboro to Moultonborough was part of another major trail from the seacoast called the Abenaki Trail. Route 132 from Ashland to Concord was once the Pemigewasset Trail.

When you drive around the Lakes Region, remember the story of Ellacoya and Kona hidden in time. These are the same waters, the same shores, the same trails where the events took place. Scientists say we live in a time-space continuum; that the events in the past are still taking place but we cannot see them as they now exist in another dimension; that time is like a train ride - you only see the scenery you are passing and not what you passed earlier or that which is to come. History calls Ellacoya and Kona’s story a legend. But somehow as you look out over the Broads of Winnipesaukee, you know it is true. Someday you may be able to breach the time-space continuum. The clouds concealing the past will part. A single ray of the sun will illuminate the lake and you will hear the gruff voice of Chief Ahantan shout in his unknown tongue, “Winnipesaukee!” – the smile of the great spirit.

The story of Ellacoya and Kona was recorded in a 1932 book by the New Hampshire Federation of Women’s Clubs entitled New Hampshire Folk Tales. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market. Mary O'Neill is a sales associate at Roche Realty Group in Meredith & Laconia, NH and can be reached at (603) 366-6306. rocherealty.com
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]]> moneill https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=433 Lakes Region, NH vs. Cape Cod, MA https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=430 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:06:22 GMT The decision to buy in the Lakes Region or on the Cape is a question that repeatedly surfaces when working with buyers looking for a second home in this area. The answer to the question is easy for someone who has lived on the lakes all his or her life. But let us at least try to look at the... The decision to buy in the Lakes Region or on the Cape is a question that repeatedly surfaces when working with buyers looking for a second home in this area. The answer to the question is easy for someone who has lived on the lakes all his or her life. But let us at least try to look at the question objectively.

The Lakes Region versus Cape Cod debate is not an age-old question in the same category as what the universe if made of or the biological basis of consciousness, but it is an old question. Both the Lakes Region and Cape Cod have long histories as resort areas. Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee claims to be the nation’s oldest resort town. According to many accounts, Colonial Governor John Wentworth built the first summer country estate in the town in 1771. On the other hand, the English settled Cape Cod in the mid 1600’s primarily as small farms, fishing villages, and whaling centers. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that the Cape had its beginning as a summer destination for city dwellers. If longevity as a resort was to be the deciding factor in our great debate, it would appear the Lakes Region would win by over a hundred years. But second homers and semi-retirees are not normally swayed by history.

If the rich and famous are good barometers of desirability, each area has attracted a host of celebrities through the years. Cape Cod is best known for the Kennedy family compound, but the list of famous homeowners and visitors is lengthy including actress Meg Ryan, film director James Cameron, TV host Phil Donahue, model Christie Brinkley, and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. The Lakes Region has had it share of the rich and famous as well: French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Madame Chiang Kai-shek, politician Mitt Romney, actress Drew Barrymore, and hotel magnate J. Willard Marriott, to name a few. A personal favorite, comedian Bill Murray, visited the Lakes Region during the filming of the movie What About Bob? And of course, the movie On Golden Pond brought Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda, and Katherine Hepburn to Squam Lake and Winnipesaukee. Compiling a list of celebrities at Cape Cod and the Lakes Region would most likely end in a draw.

Here are a few practical factors to consider in the debate. The Lakes Region is a four-season destination. This is a definite advantage for second homers. When summer boating and swimming ends, fall fairs, foliage tours, hiking, and biking kick into high gear. The White Mountains with its forty-eight 4000-footers are an easy drive north. Even beautiful ocean beaches on NH and Maine’s coastline are just over an hour away. The fall and winter seasons overlap with early skiing and skating. When winter finally settles in, it is dynamic, filled with numerous sports including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and sled dog racing. NH has many fine four-season recreation areas including Gunstock, Loon, Ragged, Waterville Valley, Cannon, Bretton Woods, Sunapee, Attitash, and Wildcat, all an easy drive from the centrally located Lakes Region. The winter months lead into spring skiing, hiking, biking, and early season boating before the transition into fun-filled summer months.

The Cape has a summer tourist season that begins on Memorial Day and runs to Labor Day. In recent years, businesses have expanded their operations to extend the season by 2 or 3 months with “off season” rates for those visitors without school-aged children and for the retired. But most of the businesses and activities are geared towards three months and the summer vacation experience. The point here is clear. Homeowners in the Lakes Region can maximize a second home for their own use (or as a rental) into the fall, winter, and spring months long after Cape Cod owners have closed their homes for the winter.

When comparing fresh and salt water, arguably swimming in a lake is more*enjoyable. Lakes are generally safer, the water is warmer, there are no strong waves or currents, and there is no tide. An important factor for some people is that a swim in the ocean leaves you feeling salty and sticky, whereas a dip in the lake is cleansing and refreshing. Saltwater is more corrosive than freshwater. A boat and its engine used in saltwater will have a shorter life expectancy than one used in freshwater. Additional, boating regulation and navigation are much more complicated on the ocean.

Both the Lakes Region and Cape Cod appear to be convenient to Boston. But looks can be deceiving. The deception can be described in two words – Sagamore Bridge. The Lakes Region has had its share of traffic backups on one of more of the major commuting highways after a holiday weekend. But nothing can compare to the nightmare of driving off the Cape towards the Sagamore Bridge at the end of a summer weekend. Cape Cod is technically an island. Many agencies including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) treat the Cape as such for purposes of disaster preparedness and other issues. The Cape Cod Canal dug over a hundred years ago runs across the base of the peninsula and cuts the Cape off from the mainland. Only two bridges allow commuter traffic on and off the island. The bridges over the canal close when winds reach 75 mph, as they did with Hurricane Bob. These events are infrequent but one thing that has become a regular saga is the mega-traffic jam to get off the Cape during the summer. After experiencing one of the super-jams that reportedly lasted two days with traffic backed up 25 miles from the bridge, Rabb, a 58-year-old woman who often traveled to the Cape told the Boston Globe, “I will not do that again.” Another traveler’s comment in the same Globe article goes to the heart of the matter. “It was a perfect trip in every way until the end.” Even the most beautiful destination can be ruined by a grueling commute home. If you retire and can live permanently on the Cape, that’s one matter. However, if your wish is to become a “weekend warrior” second home owner, you might take this into consideration.

Now comes a big consideration. What can your money buy? Let’s do a little market comparison. Take for example, Meredith, NH. For 2015 to date, the average home price was $393,284 and the median price was $283,509. In Gilford, NH the average price was $248,593 and the median was $227,083. Compare this to Osterville, MA, where in 2015 the average selling price was $527,181 and the median $390,619, and Chatham, MA where the average was $779,934 and the median $612,500. Not to mention the more expensive areas on the Cape such as Nantucket, where the average price is $1,326,015 and the median is $1,088,017.

The significance of owning your shore frontage and docking system cannot be underestimated. There is nothing better than walking across your backyard to your boat for a day of watersports, dinner at one of the many lake-accessible restaurants, or a tour of a quaint New England village. This is a beautiful reality for many homes and condominiums in the Lakes Region, at many different price points. Only a limited number of homes on the ocean can have docks adjacent to the house because of the tides and other issues. These homes come with a high price tag. For most homeowners on the Cape, boating requires the additional expense of a slip at a marina and the inconvenience of having to travel to get to your boat. Another consideration when purchasing an oceanfront home is whether or not there will be sunbathers enjoying the beach in front of your beach home. Compare this to the lake where you own your shorefront exclusively.

In this obviously one-sided analysis, the decision of Lakes Region or Cape Cod may appear clear. But the reality is there will never be a winner declared in this age-old debate. For the buyer, it comes down to one simple question. Which has the greater appeal: ocean or lake? For someone like me, who cringes when the movie Jaws is mentioned, the answer to that question is easy.
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]]> moneill https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=430 Wolfeboro, NH Through Different Eyes https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=429 Thu, 31 Dec 2015 16:59:53 GMT Many famous people have owned beautiful homes and estates in Wolfeboro over the years. One of the most interesting was Chiang Kai-shek. He was a Chinese political leader and a major figure in Chinese history from 1927 to 1948. His wife, Soong Mei-ling,*often called Madame Chiang Kai-shek, was also... Many famous people have owned beautiful homes and estates in Wolfeboro over the years. One of the most interesting was Chiang Kai-shek. He was a Chinese political leader and a major figure in Chinese history from 1927 to 1948. His wife, Soong Mei-ling,*often called Madame Chiang Kai-shek, was also prominent in the world scene. Time Magazine named the couple “Man and Woman of the Year” in 1938. In his “New Hampshire Commentary” blog, Dean Dexter says the couple “were what Tracy and Hepburn were to the movies of that era, or what Franklin and Eleanor were to a nation working itself out of the Great Depression.”

According to Nick Liptak’s article in The New Yorker, Madame Kai-shek maintained an estate in Wolfeboro until her death in 2003. When she visited she frequented the antique shops flanked by Chinese bodyguards. She was known to often play hostess to movie star Debra Paget and NH Senator Styles Bridges. Why is this so interesting? For one simple reason – here you have well-known figures from the other side of the world who chose to buy an estate in, of all places, Wolfeboro, NH.

Over the years, other famous people have owned houses in Wolfeboro – people who had the means to choose properties anywhere, such as Mitt Romney. In fact, Wolfeboro has become known for the celebrities it draws, from world and political leaders such as former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Monaco's Prince Rainier and Princess Grace; to author Kurt Vonnegut; to a myriad of movie stars including Paul Newman, Farah Fawcett, Jack Lemmon, Sophia Loren, Jane and Henry Fonda, Drew Barrymore, Kirk Douglas, Jimmy Fallon, Dustin Hoffman, and many more. Maybe these people saw the same things the Kai-sheks saw. Maybe they saw the same things I see when I drive through Wolfeboro with my clients.

I recently sold a home to a couple moving to NH from the South. They visited Wolfeboro and three weeks later bought a house. As I took them through the main street, they instantly fell in love with the town. The best way to see a place you are familiar with is through the eyes of an outsider. When we show someone else the best parts of where we live, we truly begin to appreciate them ourselves. We can only speculate as to the thoughts the town of Wolfeboro has invoked in outsiders. But at the same time, pointing to the beauty of the unspoiled surroundings and the Dickens-like town would be a safe guess. Wolfeboro looks every bit as charming as Malton in North Yorkshire, the town which inspired Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. When I drove through downtown with my Southern clients, they were greeted by the enormous Christmas tree in front of Black’s Paper & Gifts. Classic wreaths and swags, ribbons and bows, adorned the storefronts. Behind multi-pane store windows sparkled lively and colorful holiday displays. All the houses in downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods were decked with traditional Christmas garlands, festoons, and lights.

Wolfeboro traces its history back to 1759 and many are familiar with its claim to be “the oldest summer resort in America.” It is a classic New England town. The meticulous grounds of Brewster Academy greet you as you drive in from the east. Apart from being a well-respected preparatory school with students from over 20 countries, Brewster is the site for numerous Gordon Research Conferences, which are prestigious international meetings for scientists.

Wolfeboro has no big box stores, franchises, or tacky florescent signs. The main street is dotted with bookstores, art galleries, cafés, pubs, bistros, and restaurants. There are unique shops, some with NH products, including Kalled Gallery, Wolfeboro Casuals, Hampshire Pewter, Back Bay Clothing, The Art Place, and many more.

The backdrop for main street is Lake Winnipesaukee. Picturesque town docks allow boating visitors from all points on the lake to enjoy downtown. On any day in the summer you will see all types of boats lined up. Getting an ice cream at Bailey’s Bubble on the docks is a long-standing tradition. The Wolfeboro Community Bandstand, located in Cate Park on the shores of the lake, provides music under the stars on Saturday evenings in the summer. At the Kingswood Arts Center, the non-profit Great Waters Music Festival, founded in 1995 by Dr. Gerald Mack, brings together professional and amateur musicians and offers a varied program of musical styles. The award-winning Klickety-Klack Railroad is a model railroad and hobby shop. It has been featured in Yankee Magazine and WMUR-TV and has more than 70 trains that visitors can operate themselves. The Wright Museum of World War II received 5 star ratings and the 2015 Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor®. For over 20 years, this museum has impressed and moved visitors with its display of tanks, model aircraft carriers, exhibits about life in the military, and WWII paraphernalia. Wolfeboro Inn is an enchanting stay overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, and it delights its guests with a quintessential lodging experience. It also houses Wolfe’s Tavern, which is one of the only authentic New England pubs in the Lakes Region.

For a small town in central NH, Wolfeboro has much to offer residents and visitors alike. Though Wolfeboro properties can certainly draw big numbers, particularly for the choicest waterfront locations, in reality the town is a place everyone can enjoy. In 2015, the average selling price for a home in Wolfeboro was $259,781. The former Kai-shek estate was situated on a stretch of shore that was redeveloped under the name Embassy Estates, which today is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Wolfeboro. Current homes for sale in this neighborhood range from $459,000 to nearly 5 million. As a point of interest, the estate President Sarkozy stayed in sold last year for $8,979,000. This 17,000 square foot manor included a 3-bay boat house, 7 acres, and 645 feet of shorefront.

As a realtor, I am constantly traveling along the same roads throughout the entire Lakes Region. A common phenomenon could occur if I let it: an indifference to the beauty surrounding me as I drift down the road. I could miss the expansive views of lakes and mountains, ever-changing foliage, quaint New England towns and homes, and glimpses of wildlife. The next time you travel along accustomed routes, remember to take the time to see the passing scenes through the eyes of an outsider – the Kai-sheks, Romneys, and the rest. You may have a change in your perspective of those familiar places.
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]]> moneill https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=429 Newfound Lake: The Secret is Out https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=420 Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:42:02 GMT Newfound Lake draws a captive audience year after year. Its mystique is nothing new. Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, mentioned to me that when he was doing a high school project on Newfound Lake in the 1960’s, it was called one of the cleanest lakes in the country by National... Newfound Lake draws a captive audience year after year. Its mystique is nothing new. Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, mentioned to me that when he was doing a high school project on Newfound Lake in the 1960’s, it was called one of the cleanest lakes in the country by National Geographic. Today, it is still considered to be one of the cleanest in the world.

Newfound is the 5th largest lake in New Hampshire. It encompasses 4,106 acres with 22 miles of shoreline and is fed by eight springs. It is about 7 miles long, 2 ½ miles wide, and is one of New Hampshire’s deepest lakes, dropping to depths of 183 feet deep. The lake is surrounded by the towns of Hebron, Bridgewater, Bristol, and Alexandria.

Newfound beaches are renowned for their soft white natural sand. The lake is framed by the White Mountains to the North and enveloped by stately forest. There is a quiet, country atmosphere about it. This old New Hampshire character is due to the small amount of commercial development along the shoreline. The homes on Newfound Lake are an eclectic mix of cabin colonies, upscale homes, condominiums, and cottages. In the summer, both motor boats and kayaks find a place on the lake. In the winter, the activities continue with snowmobiling, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing. Newfound and the connecting rivers are popular with fisherman for a catch of the perfect trout or salmon. The region is very accessible to travelers from Massachusetts and the rest of New England. Popular ski and recreation areas including Loon, Cannon, Waterville, Ragged, and Tenney are an easy drive. Many quaint eateries surround the lake. The Pasquaney Restaurant & Wild Hare Tavern offers a beautiful dining experience as you overlook the lake and enjoy the sunset. The Big Catch, Kathleen’s Cottage, Gilly’s Breakfast and Lunch, The Mill Fudge Factory, and Pat’s Seafood and Pizzeria are just a few of others in the Newfound Lake area.

Newfound’s reputation as one of the cleanest lakes is not just a matter of opinion. Its repute is backed by hard evidence. The NH Department of Environmental Services monitors New Hampshire lakes to ensure their water quality. One important parameter of quality utilizes a method of assigning water bodies a numerical value according to a designation of “Color”. The scale runs from “0” (clear) to “75” (tea colored). Newfound Lake is one of five in the state with a “0” designation, the others being Squam Lake, Merrymeeting Lake, Pleasant Lake, and parts of Lake Winnipesaukee. The DES also gives each lake a “Trophic Class.” This designation labels the lake according to water clarity, rooted plant growth, algae production, and bottom dissolved oxygen levels. Newfound Lake is designated “OLIGO,” which means there is minimal support for algal blooms and rooted plant growth. This is one of the contributing factors to the lake being milfoil free.

It’s no surprise that people have taken notice of Newfound Lake’s special attributes. This is another lake that draws the highest accolades from those who experience it. Yankee Magazine calls it the “most beautiful lake in New Hampshire.” On Tripadvisor® the reviews range from delighted to speechless. “The pictures didn’t do it justice,” said one commenter. One reviewer called it “the secret big lake in New Hampshire.” Another reviewer said, “Newfound lake is gorgeous, surrounded by mountain views…we kayaked into the sunset, it was awesome!” Almost every reviewer echoes the remark of a commenter from Bristol: “The water is so clean and clear you can not believe it” and another adds you “can still see the bottom in 8+ feet of water.” A couple who bought a home on the lake had this to say: “We bought our home up here after researching lakes in NH. Newfound, while not the largest, is so very clean and pristine. Living in the town of Hebron allows us to use the town beach which is only for taxpayers (and they do check). Great beach, small yet never a problem parking or finding a picnic table.” Chris H. from Boston wrote: “It’s the best place on earth…I almost lied and gave a bad review so no one else finds this amazing area.”

There are many ways to experience Newfound Lake. Wellington State Park in Bristol offers the largest freshwater swimming beach in New Hampshire’s State Park system. This pristine beach is surrounded by hiking trails and picnic areas. There are volleyball and horseshoe courts. The park’s peninsula nature trail has designated fishing areas, plant identification markers, and unbelievable views. Trails from the park give hikers access to the Sugarloafs, Goose Pond, Bear Mountain, Welton Falls, and Mt. Cardigan. The N.H. Fish & Game maintains a boat launch, which provides boaters free year-round access to Newfound Lake. The park was given to the State of New Hampshire for one dollar back in 1931. A summer visitor from New York City, Elizabeth R. Wellington, deeded the land to the state in memory of her father, Aaron, with the intent "to be forever kept as a public forest reservation, to be used for the development of a bird sanctuary, for public recreation…and for any purpose tending to the promotion of forestry." Other parcels were later granted or purchased and added to the original reserve. The beach, picnic areas and original buildings at Wellington were created in the 1930’s by President Roosevelt’s post-war Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC).
The Newfound Audubon Center, located on the lake’s northern shore, is comprised of three wildlife sanctuaries: Paradise Point Nature Center, Ash Cottage at Hebron Marsh Sanctuary, and the Bear Mountain Sanctuary. Their trails are open year-round to hikers, bird watchers, Nordic skiers, and snowshoers. In the summer, the Nature Center offers interactive exhibits, canoe and kayak rentals, and programs for all ages.

During the first weekend in October, Newfound Lake plays host to the New Hampshire Marathon. This world class running event, which is a sanctioned qualifier for the Boston Marathon, offers events for all ages and abilities. The course takes in the amazing views around the lake during the peak of the fall foliage season. Other activities on and around the lake include the Granite Ledges Triathlon, Hebron Fair, Pemi Valley Bluegrass Festival, foliage tours, auto racing on the ice during the winter months, and “Snodeo” (snowmobile races).

The pristine beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide an ideal setting for youth summer camps. These camps are considered special members of the Newfound Lake community since they are committed to protecting thousands of feet of shore frontage and hundreds of acres.

When visitors speak of the Lakes Region, the big lake, Winnipesaukee, usually comes to mind even though there are about 273 lakes, ponds, and rivers in the Lakes Region. But Newfound Lake will not be left behind. It has earned a reputation for its natural splendor and unspoiled waters. It has kept this reputation thanks to the efforts of local conservation groups, residents, and devoted visitors. Compared to old Winni, Newfound may be smaller in size. Still there is no question, there are those who love it. The secret may be out about the beauty of Newfound Lake, but its future is in good hands.
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]]> moneill https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=420 Mary O’Neill Joins Roche Realty Group https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=416 Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:47:34 GMT MEREDITH – Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc., with offices in Meredith and Laconia, has announced that Mary O’Neill recently joined the Meredith office at 97 Daniel Webster Highway. Mary was born and raised in Laconia. She grew up on Old North Main Street on Lake Opechee.... MEREDITH – Frank Roche, President of Roche Realty Group, Inc., with offices in Meredith and Laconia, has announced that Mary O’Neill recently joined the Meredith office at 97 Daniel Webster Highway.

Mary was born and raised in Laconia. She grew up on Old North Main Street on Lake Opechee. After being homeschooled through high school, she commuted from home to the University of New Hampshire in Durham for four years. She was a Presidential Merit Scholar and graduated third in her class, Summa Cum Laude, with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Life Sciences.

Roche indicated that Mary comes from a well-known and respected family with long-time Lakes Region roots. Her grandfather, Attorney James D. O’Neill, was county attorney and practiced law in the Laconia area for over forty years. All three of his children, including her mother, went into the practice of law in the Lakes Region. Her father, Thomas Selling, has been a practicing civil and environmental engineer in the Laconia area for thirty years.

“I am very pleased to have Mary affiliated with our real estate organization. She had a good understanding of all the towns, communities, and topography which comprise the Lakes Region. She has a passion for photography and has excellent technology skills, which are critical in today’s real estate industry. Having been surrounded her entire life by a family of lawyers and engineers, you couldn’t have better roots for adapting to the real estate industry. Architecture and interior design have always been one of Mary’s passions in life, and her people skills, personality, and integrity are her strong assets in addition to her very strong work ethic. She loves people and is looking forward to providing the best possible service and professionalism to all of her real estate clients.”

Mary will be indoctrinated into the Lakes Region, State of New Hampshire, and National Association of Realtors. Her outside interests include downhill skiing, hiking the numerous 4- and 5-thousand footers, swimming, waterskiing, skating, and rollerblading. She has been a lifelong equestrian and recently earned a bronze medal from the United States Dressage Federation. She is a parishioner of St. Andre Bessette Parish and has been a member of the Folk Group at St. Joseph Church for many years.
Mary can be reached at the Meredith office at (603)279-7046 or on her cell phone at (603)366-6306.
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]]> moneill https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=416 <![CDATA[Lake Winnipesaukee: NH's Natural Spa and Gift From Heaven]]> https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=415 Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:36:49 GMT Where can you wake up to the smell of pines and the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore? Where can you swim out into the water without having to worry about snakes, alligators, and sharks? Where can you find a haven away from the chaos of the world and yet be close to fine restaurants and... Where can you wake up to the smell of pines and the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore? Where can you swim out into the water without having to worry about snakes, alligators, and sharks? Where can you find a haven away from the chaos of the world and yet be close to fine restaurants and top-level entertainment?

Where can you be immersed to your neck and still see your feet through clear sparkling water? Where can you drive down a road with a beautiful expanse of water only a few feet away and majestic mountains in the distance?

There is only one answer to these questions – Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Winnipesaukee is New Hampshire’s largest lake with a shoreline of 240 miles and 274 islands, the largest being Long Island at 1,186 acres. Six islands are connected to the mainland by bridges. Another eight islands are served by the M/V Sophie C. The lake is 22.9 miles long and 7.5 miles wide with a maximum depth of 213 feet. Winnipesaukee is a glacial lake that covers 71 square miles. It is the 3rd largest lake in New England after Lake Champlain and Moosehead Lake. The driving distance around the lake is 63 miles. It is reported that it contains 625 billion gallons of water – that’s a lot of H2O. Lake Winnipesaukee has been a popular tourist destination for more than a century. There are eight communities that surround the lake, including Wolfeboro, which is the oldest summer resort town in the U.S. The Mount Washington boat provides scenic cruises. The lake freezes over during the winter months providing numerous winter activities – bob houses dot the lake and snowmobiles skim by.

Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, was rated the #1 retirement place in the country under the category “leisure living for recreational and cultural opportunities” (rated by MacMillian Travel – fifth edition of Retirement Places Rated.)

Many people have already discovered New Hampshire’s natural spa as evidenced by the ratings on Tripadvisor® where they give Lake Winnipesaukee the highest reviews and attest to the matchless attraction of the lake. One reviewer from Texas writes that “paradise begins here…a little bit of heaven here on earth.” A reviewer from Maine says Lake Winnipesaukee is “not your ordinary lake…the is the dreamiest lake I have ever been to.” Lake Winnipesaukee is labeled as a “must see” with water “perfect for swimming and boating.”

One reviewer calls the lake “amazing every day.” Lori G. says, “Wherever we went, whatever road we drove on, the view was absolutely stunning.” One Massachusetts reviewer describes the Lakes Region as the perfect place to “swim, fish, boat, shop, eat fabulous food, and catch local farmers markets, fairs, and parades…animal lovers will watch bald eagles fly and loons swim by.” Sharon D. from Los Angeles names her time at the lake as “the high point of my year where I can float on my back and stare up at the pine trees against the blue sky.” A visitor from India found Lake Winnipesaukee “one of the cleanest and most pristine lakeshores…with crystal clear fresh water, making short waves on the beach.” The sentiment in all the reviews is summed up by a reviewer from Massachusetts: “Lake Winnipesaukee has it all – fishing, boating, hunting, motorcycle rallies, wildlife, shopping, history, arcades, night life, and a life time of memories.”

Yankee Magazine writes, “The cool thing about Winni is that everyone can find his or her place”. New York Travel mentions Lake Winnipesaukee as a “boaters paradise.” The lake is described in Boston Magazine as the “sapphire-blue giant of New Hampshire’s famed Lakes Region.”

It’s time for you to discover Lake Winnipesaukee as well. Come join the adventure.
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