Where to Stay
 

I am rather new (last summer was the first time) to Lake Winnipesaukee BUT one time was enough to get me hooked. I live permenately in CT but I plan on spending at least a couple weeks up there over the summer in a rented cottage and was wondering if there were any suggestions on good locations on, or very close to, the lake (in any of the towns). Last year I stayed in Laconia but I am just trying to get a feel for all the towns in the area. I can't wait for all this ice to melt away and get back up there! Any suggestions would be extremely helpful and appreciated. Great site by the way!

If you want a quieter stay look on the other side of the lake in Moultonboro or Tuftonboro. It's like a different world over there.

Well you certainly picked [Winnipesaukee] a great place. . . that is for sure!

Bayside inn in Alton. http://www.bayside-inn.com/King Birch Motor Lodge Alton. http://www.kingbirchmotorlodge.com/


And there are lots and lots of other listings available at on this website. On the home page, just select the "lake links" and go to lodging. Enjoy your stay in the lakes region!!!!!

Welcome
 

1.Weirs Beach/Laconia: A little less expensive and not as pretty as other parts of the lake but a ton of activity. Beaches, arcades, drive-in movies, a huge assortment of night life and restaurants.

2.Meredith: A little high-priced but very pretty. A lot of shopping and restaurants. Boat rentals. Four hotels all associated with each other and all nice. Only swimming is at the Church Landing Hotel though.

3.Centre Harbor: Tiny town but pretty. They rent cottages but I'm not sure if they're on the lake. The main hotel has become very run-down over the last five years. A lot of college-aged kids hang out there. Great backroads for exploring.

4.Moultonborough/Wolfeboro: Definintely the "quiet side" of the lake. Totally undeveloped compared to the rest and just beautiful. Still a lot to do though. Moultonborough has Castle In The Clouds, great hiking, and very cool hidden streams spread all throughout the area. Wolfeboro is very New Englandy (is that a word?). Has more of a town than Moultonborough but still quiet (especially at night).

5.Alton Bay: Moderately-priced. Great feel to it. Everyone is super friendly. There is a hike on Rt. 11 by the scenic lookouts that has the most amazing view of the lake I've ever seen. Can't remember the name but if you ask someone they'll know the one I'm talking about.

6.Gilford: Actually the hike I just talked about is somewhere in between Alton and Gilford. Gilford is very pretty. Great views of the lake if you can find the right place to stay. I know they rent cottages/condos right on the water. Centrally located to a lot of activity which is nice.

Hope that helped. If you want more specifics, try the Community Page on this site. It gives more detail about each town. Also try the Classified section and click rentals. There are a ton. Don't wait too long though. Most places will be booked by April 1st.

century 21 in center harbor has a group that specializes in rentals. Primarily in Moutonboro and Center harbor. great place to stay

Thanks
 

Thanks for all the great info! I appreciate it and will look into those areas that were mentioned.

Winniman:

The Moultonborough/Center Harbor side of the lake is another nice side of the lake. We have been coming here for 20+ years in a private rental and now I live here full-time.

There is also another rental office in Moultonborough by the name of Preferred Vacation Rentals. They have a wide variety of rentals. Their telephone number is 603 253-7811 and their e-mail address is www.nhpreferredrentals.com. There's also a multi-level motel in Center Harbor facing the water - this was just done over and the name escapes me for the moment so will find out next time I go to town.

There are lots of different restaurants in Sandwich (inland), Moultonborough, Center Harbor, and Meredith and plenty to do. The proximity of Weirs Beach,
Sandwich, Holderness (where parts of On Golden Pond were filmed and there's an absolutely wonderful boat tour which takes you to various spots in the movie - see our On Golden Pond thread) have neat little stores in all towns for both adults and kids. There is a public beach in Center Harbor and one down the Moultonborough Neck Road. The one on the Neck Road near Trexler's Marina requires a parking permit but you can get one easily at the Moultonborough Town Hall for $10 which lasts for 2 years. There's also a public boat launching nearby (don't know if you have a boat).

You're also near Tuftonborough and Wolfeboro (the latter also with neat stores). If you're up for a little (hour and a half) drive, you can head to the coast to see Portsmouth, NH or the seacoast in Maine (Wells, York, Kennbunkport, Ogunquit). North of Moultonborough is Conway and the White Mountains. South of Moultonborough on Exit #20 off Route #93 are outlet stores in Tilton. Lake links on this website also show attractions and event calendars.

jkjoshuatree: The name of the trail on Route #11 by one of the scenic views is the Mount Major Trail. See many hikers there on my way to Alton and Rochester.

Anyway, WinniMAN, should you decide to come here, you'll have a wonderful time and you'll become even more fond of our "treasure" - Lake Winni!

Thanks JL Girl
 

Mount Major is the name of the trail. I remember it now. Its a bit of a hike, probably 3 miles or so and its a little steep at times but if you're it decent shape it would be no problem. Anyone reading this thread has to check it out. Its mindblowing! I've been coming to the lake for over 30 years and I finally decided to take the hike only about four years ago. Its amazing. You'll thank me for it. I promise. Thanks again JL Girl.

jkjoshuatree and WinniMAN and others: There's also a hiking trail up in Holderness on the way to Squam Lake and Holderness Center - forget where it exactly is, but it's on the right - there is a parking lot to leave your car on the left side of the road and then you cross the road to begin the trail. You climb (it seems like forever) but when you get to the top, the view is incredible of the lake and the islands. Worth hauling a camera along with you. It's kind of a rough climb because at points you are crawling over tree roots and as my aunt said on the way back down when we met hikers coming up the trail "It's a great view if you live long enough to get there!"

Also, WinniMAN: there are little trolley tours here and there during the summer (Meredith has one and so does Wolfeboro), outstanding summer theater (in Meredith at the Lakes Region Playhouse) and at the Weirs Beach at the old Dexter Shoe complex (on the left after you cross the bridge), etc.

Better go watch a copy of "On Golden Pond" and get nostalgic for Winni.

Squam Lake Hiking
 

JL Girl,

The hike you are referring to is off 113 and takes you to the top of Rattlesnake overlooking Squam Lake in Holderness. It is a medium difficulty if that but the view is great. I made the trip twice as a novice hiker. The best part was eating lunch at the top of the hill. What a view with the meal.

What a view is right GH!
 

winniMAN: The name of the motel in Center Harbor is the Center Harbor Inn. Looked today when I went to town. Don't know anything about it and if this is the one that jkjoshuatree was referring to.

Thanks for the message from ghfromalton bay and the picture by mcdude.

Wolfeboro
 

Nice quaint area. Ynakke Pedlar Realty has a nice assortmant of summer rentals in the Wolfeboro / Tuftonboro area. Give them a call or check them out here: http://www.yankeepedlarrealtors.com/content/articles/Wolfeboro's_Largest_Selection_of_Vacation_Rentals/1176/

Where To Stay
 

The Ledgewood Cottages are on Smith Point Road, off Rt. 11 behind the William Tell Restaurant, in West Alton. Very clean, rustic summer cottages on the water with a beautiful view.
E-mail address: rcdltd@comcast.net

I think they advertise on one of the Lake Winnipesaukee sites as well.