Where is everyone?

onthebay · 07-10-2010, 11:53 PM

Is it me or is there just not many people up here this week? I haven't seen the Weirs this quiet on a 4th of July week since we bought up here over 15 years ago. Over the 4th and this past week pretty much all the motels on this side of the lake still had vacancys. Even this saturday at 8 pm there wasn't a no vacancy sign to be seen.
Last year we could blame it on the weather. This year was it too hot? Too dry? What?
Went to dinner tonight at T Bones at 7:30 pm. No waiting and lots of tables open. Prior to that drove down the Weirs and you could have your choice of parking spaces on the street.
Is the economy that bad where familys are foregoing a trip to the lake?
Has the Weirs finally become the place of last resort?

karen47 · 07-11-2010, 05:18 AM

I own a business up here and we are off by at least 35 to 40 percent this year, my family lives down in Bourne, Mass. and they live right by the bourne bridge and they said that trying to cross the bourne bridge has been a nightmare, and my brother was telling me he saw an item on the news that the capes business this year is up by 30 percent over last year, so I think a lot of people that are from Mass. are choosing to stay close to home.

sea_n_ski · 07-11-2010, 05:29 AM

I was amazed last night to see such a beautiful sunset and no boats on the lake. It looked more like a weekday. Lets hope it was just the weather scaring people away. The local businesses need help.

TomC · 07-11-2010, 05:46 AM

lots of traffic. sidewalks, shops, restaurants seemed to be crowded...

On friday afternoon the Wolfeboro docks were full and there were lots of people around..

Lakepilot · 07-11-2010, 06:44 AM

Wolfeboro is very crowded and I see lots of bags on the street. Lots of folks in the stores.

AC2717 · 07-11-2010, 07:00 AM

I will not be up again until the 41st but staying for the week and bringing 8 people with me, should help a little boost. Choosing to work a couple more weeks on the back side job this year to secure some funds prior to dipping into what I should not be spending

TomC · 07-11-2010, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2717

I will not be up again until the 41st...

always looking to spend more time at the lake - how do you get those extra days? pretty sure my boss doesn't expect me in on the 41st!

Lakesrider · 07-11-2010, 08:51 AM

Funny our weekend neighbor across the street form us in Suissevale just said last night that she hadn't expected the road to be as quiet as it was this week.
Gas prices are not horrific this year either. But people are still very weary of this economy and playing it close to home. Even my wife and I are watching our pennies. Heck I didn't even go get my Prime rid last night at the VK, which is just not normal for me.

I hate not supporting the local businesses, but you have to do what you have to do. I wonder if the heat last week and this played a part in everything. You just get so exhausted doing nothing when it is close to a hundred degrees outside.

WinnDixie · 07-11-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomC

always looking to spend more time at the lake - how do you get those extra days? pretty sure my boss doesn't expect me in on the 41st!

So if you get there on the 41st ,can you stay until the 12th of Never?

Oh these darn keyboards..stuff's just too close sometimes, right AC2717?

AC2717 · 07-11-2010, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WinnDixie

So if you get there on the 41st ,can you stay until the 12th of Never?

Oh these darn keyboards..stuff's just too close sometimes, right AC2717?

yup, i was just getting excited that I was going to be there for a very long time LOL

BroadHopper · 07-11-2010, 06:14 PM

NH Hospitality Association have mention members are seen at least a 40% drop in business so far this year. Worst than last year. I bet it will stay that way for the rest of the season. The Cape area may have better business this year and that is because it is so close to the Boston market.

Bike Week was off this year and the race track was still selling tickets at the last minute. The local economy have seen better days.

VtSteve · 07-11-2010, 08:03 PM

It's very regional again this year. Champlain has more boats on it this summer than I've ever seen. Very large crowds compared to practically none. But we get lots of Canadiens from time to time, usually in August, not July. Boat sales not too bad, huge compared with last year's practically nothing. Marinas are filled, transient docks and the beach is filled with overnighters. Good overall here, not so great inland.

Marketing works, as does good weather. Combine the two and you have as much success as you can.

jrc · 07-11-2010, 08:23 PM

I think we have suceeded in convincing everyone that Lake Winnipesuakee is a scary and dangerous place. And no I not talking just about "that" law.

But I had the opportunity to walk down the new Weirs boardwalk today. This is the front door to our lake, this is what the new tourist see first.

Go there some busy weekend day and look out on the lake, it looks crazy. A mess of boats going in every direction, all half on plane, jet skis going between them, and a washing machine of waves and wakes. There are always a few brave souls in small boats, and they looks like they're attempting suicide. Just wake around and listen to the people talk. Any seasoned vistor (me) knows that the Weirs is a just a small part of the lake. But it's what people see first.

I work closer to the cape than the lake, friends ask why I prefer the lake, they have either seen the Weirs or heard how crazy and wreckless it is. I tell them that I kayak in the lake on nice weekend days and they think I'm nuts.

It's time for a Meredith sized wake zone in Weirs bay. I had doubts about Meredith and still get annoyed when the place is empty. But it is time. I think draw a line between Light #1 and the Pier, anyplace south is no wake.

VtSteve · 07-11-2010, 10:09 PM

I donl;t know how long you've been coming to Winni JRC, but it's been that way as long as I know, and that's a loooooong time. What's changed? Frame of mind, age of mind, different people? Who knows.

My dad was scared of the entire lake all summer long on weekends, and we were there all week, all weekend long. Not a worry, no troubles, no trouble making. We used to drive back by boat from the Weirs every weekend from the fireworks, plus the day before. The horrors.

I think what's changed the most, is that there are many people at the lake that simply shouldn't be there. And my family was like Ozzie and Harriet, so we're not talking like the Ozborne family here. What we need is like a reverse Plymouth Rock happening.

dpg · 07-12-2010, 06:24 AM

In my opinion more people overall like the ocean/cape over the lakes. With a low-rain summer that's why their way up for visitors. I really do not believe it's the drive. If you live roughly in central Mass the drive really isn't much different to be a large factor.

gtxrider · 07-12-2010, 07:28 AM

"It's too crowded no body goes there anymore".

41st, is it leap year?

woodynh · 07-12-2010, 08:05 AM

I was off this week and thought the same that it was dead for a the week of the 4th. I wasn't complaining about it though when on the boat. I was in Braun on Thursday and there was only maybe 15 -20 boats there. I will say there was a lot of traffic up here this weekend. Possibly more then the week of the 4th.

I travel for a living and I can tell you that a lot of New Englanders ask me about the recent law passed and it has made people wonder if Winni is where they should take their vacation with their boat.

So yes the law has had some effect on getting the lake less crowded as was the intention.

On the positive side I know one couple that is renting on Winisquam this year and another Squam that use to come to Winni so they are still in the lakes region. Their thoughts were they had no new law to deal with on the lakes there and they could still be in the same area and do what they usally do on vacation.

My thought is that they will come back to Winni after finding out how small those lakes are to use their boats on.

ApS · 07-14-2010, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onthebay

"...Is it me or is there just not many people up here this week...?"

Word is getting out that Rosie O'Donnell is here!

07-11-2010, 05:18 AM	#2
karen47 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 23 Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 6 Posts	wher is everybody I own a business up here and we are off by at least 35 to 40 percent this year, my family lives down in Bourne, Mass. and they live right by the bourne bridge and they said that trying to cross the bourne bridge has been a nightmare, and my brother was telling me he saw an item on the news that the capes business this year is up by 30 percent over last year, so I think a lot of people that are from Mass. are choosing to stay close to home.

07-11-2010, 05:29 AM	#3
sea_n_ski Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Atkinson & Meredith, NH Posts: 45 Thanks: 2 Thanked 7 Times in 3 Posts	Where is everyone I was amazed last night to see such a beautiful sunset and no boats on the lake. It looked more like a weekday. Lets hope it was just the weather scaring people away. The local businesses need help.

07-11-2010, 05:46 AM	#4
TomC Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Lakes Region Posts: 659 Thanks: 21 Thanked 83 Times in 55 Posts	north conway? lots of traffic. sidewalks, shops, restaurants seemed to be crowded... On friday afternoon the Wolfeboro docks were full and there were lots of people around..

07-11-2010, 07:00 AM	#6
AC2717 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Maynard, MA & Paugus Bay Posts: 2,568 Thanks: 753 Thanked 353 Times in 265 Posts	I will not be up again until the 41st but staying for the week and bringing 8 people with me, should help a little boost. Choosing to work a couple more weeks on the back side job this year to secure some funds prior to dipping into what I should not be spending __________________ Capt. of the "No Worries"

07-11-2010, 06:14 PM	#11
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,569 Thanks: 3,202 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Business is off. NH Hospitality Association have mention members are seen at least a 40% drop in business so far this year. Worst than last year. I bet it will stay that way for the rest of the season. The Cape area may have better business this year and that is because it is so close to the Boston market. Bike Week was off this year and the race track was still selling tickets at the last minute. The local economy have seen better days. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

07-10-2010, 11:53 PM	#1
onthebay Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 114 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	Where is everyone? Is it me or is there just not many people up here this week? I haven't seen the Weirs this quiet on a 4th of July week since we bought up here over 15 years ago. Over the 4th and this past week pretty much all the motels on this side of the lake still had vacancys. Even this saturday at 8 pm there wasn't a no vacancy sign to be seen. Last year we could blame it on the weather. This year was it too hot? Too dry? What? Went to dinner tonight at T Bones at 7:30 pm. No waiting and lots of tables open. Prior to that drove down the Weirs and you could have your choice of parking spaces on the street. Is the economy that bad where familys are foregoing a trip to the lake? Has the Weirs finally become the place of last resort?

07-11-2010, 06:44 AM	#5
Lakepilot Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 446 Thanks: 70 Thanked 57 Times in 40 Posts	Wolfeboro is very crowded and I see lots of bags on the street. Lots of folks in the stores.

07-11-2010, 08:51 AM	#8
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	Funny our weekend neighbor across the street form us in Suissevale just said last night that she hadn't expected the road to be as quiet as it was this week. Gas prices are not horrific this year either. But people are still very weary of this economy and playing it close to home. Even my wife and I are watching our pennies. Heck I didn't even go get my Prime rid last night at the VK, which is just not normal for me. I hate not supporting the local businesses, but you have to do what you have to do. I wonder if the heat last week and this played a part in everything. You just get so exhausted doing nothing when it is close to a hundred degrees outside.

07-11-2010, 08:03 PM	#12
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	It's very regional again this year. Champlain has more boats on it this summer than I've ever seen. Very large crowds compared to practically none. But we get lots of Canadiens from time to time, usually in August, not July. Boat sales not too bad, huge compared with last year's practically nothing. Marinas are filled, transient docks and the beach is filled with overnighters. Good overall here, not so great inland. Marketing works, as does good weather. Combine the two and you have as much success as you can.

07-11-2010, 08:23 PM	#13
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I think we have suceeded in convincing everyone that Lake Winnipesuakee is a scary and dangerous place. And no I not talking just about "that" law. But I had the opportunity to walk down the new Weirs boardwalk today. This is the front door to our lake, this is what the new tourist see first. Go there some busy weekend day and look out on the lake, it looks crazy. A mess of boats going in every direction, all half on plane, jet skis going between them, and a washing machine of waves and wakes. There are always a few brave souls in small boats, and they looks like they're attempting suicide. Just wake around and listen to the people talk. Any seasoned vistor (me) knows that the Weirs is a just a small part of the lake. But it's what people see first. I work closer to the cape than the lake, friends ask why I prefer the lake, they have either seen the Weirs or heard how crazy and wreckless it is. I tell them that I kayak in the lake on nice weekend days and they think I'm nuts. It's time for a Meredith sized wake zone in Weirs bay. I had doubts about Meredith and still get annoyed when the place is empty. But it is time. I think draw a line between Light #1 and the Pier, anyplace south is no wake.

07-11-2010, 10:09 PM	#14
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	I donl;t know how long you've been coming to Winni JRC, but it's been that way as long as I know, and that's a loooooong time. What's changed? Frame of mind, age of mind, different people? Who knows. My dad was scared of the entire lake all summer long on weekends, and we were there all week, all weekend long. Not a worry, no troubles, no trouble making. We used to drive back by boat from the Weirs every weekend from the fireworks, plus the day before. The horrors. I think what's changed the most, is that there are many people at the lake that simply shouldn't be there. And my family was like Ozzie and Harriet, so we're not talking like the Ozborne family here. What we need is like a reverse Plymouth Rock happening.

07-12-2010, 06:24 AM	#15
dpg Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 2,591 Thanks: 150 Thanked 229 Times in 166 Posts	In my opinion more people overall like the ocean/cape over the lakes. With a low-rain summer that's why their way up for visitors. I really do not believe it's the drive. If you live roughly in central Mass the drive really isn't much different to be a large factor.

07-12-2010, 07:28 AM	#16
gtxrider Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Piscataway, NJ Posts: 1,030 Thanks: 2 Thanked 46 Times in 24 Posts	Yogisum? "It's too crowded no body goes there anymore". 41st, is it leap year?

07-12-2010, 08:05 AM	#17
woodynh Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 45 Thanks: 3 Thanked 21 Times in 7 Posts	The new law has created some bad publicity I was off this week and thought the same that it was dead for a the week of the 4th. I wasn't complaining about it though when on the boat. I was in Braun on Thursday and there was only maybe 15 -20 boats there. I will say there was a lot of traffic up here this weekend. Possibly more then the week of the 4th. I travel for a living and I can tell you that a lot of New Englanders ask me about the recent law passed and it has made people wonder if Winni is where they should take their vacation with their boat. So yes the law has had some effect on getting the lake less crowded as was the intention. On the positive side I know one couple that is renting on Winisquam this year and another Squam that use to come to Winni so they are still in the lakes region. Their thoughts were they had no new law to deal with on the lakes there and they could still be in the same area and do what they usally do on vacation. My thought is that they will come back to Winni after finding out how small those lakes are to use their boats on.