Where are all the people?

[Captain Zipper]

Where are the crowds?

We just arrived Saturday but man, it seems like there's not many people up here.

I'm noticing many vacancies signs up, no long lines at restaurants, etc..

What's up?

CZ

[fatlazyless]

Don't know? Is everyone on board the Mount Washington using the twofer-one, promo coupons?

[mets3007]

I just came back from my 1st week at the Weirs and yes it was verrrrrry quiet. The Mount was empty on most days I was there and the boardwalk was a ghost town other than a few people who went on the train or boat. The hotels had vacancies other than Lazy E, Baytop, and Pinebrook. The restaurants were also empty other than people at Jtt's Bbq at the bar, Paugus Diner regulars and Ames was crowded other than that it was way empty than usual.

[SAMIAM]

Here on the north end of the lake the numbers seem about the same to me.In our business we are slightly ahead of last year.Meredith ,Moultonborough and Center Harbor have a lot more seasonal residents than the Weirs.Also....hate to say it but they have pretty much catered to the MC crowd over the years and families don't go there as much.The Weirs used to packed day and night,rain or shine seven days a week,but no more.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Here on the north end of the lake the numbers seem about the same to me.In our business we are slightly ahead of last year.Meredith ,Moultonborough and Center Harbor have a lot more seasonal residents than the Weirs.Also....hate to say it but they have pretty much catered to the MC crowd over the years and families don't go there as much.The Weirs used to packed day and night,rain or shine seven days a week,but no more.

I know for me I have not been up nearly as much as I would have liked to this season, a lot of family weekend commitments have come up this year, bridal showers, baby showers, weddings, birthday parties, and deaths. It has been a very very busy summer for my wife and I, but now we are in the clear, nothing on the calendar untilt eh 8th of September I will be on the lake every weekend and for a long week and a half the first part of August, now my summer really begins! YAY

[macshpman]

Spent the day on the lake yesterday with the family and and another couple that has a boat over at channel marine. I trailer and launched at meredith town docks around 8:30am. Only person there launching and the public parking lot was pretty empty. We pulled out around 7:30 pm and only ones using the ramp. Very quiet at the weirs also. Stopped in around 3:30 to grab something to eat and to let my daughter have some fun in the arcade. Only 10 boats at the docks including us.

[MaryS]

You've got to be kidding!!!! This past Friday afternoon and Sat....there were many, many boats, PWC's with "renters/vacationers" who do not know the navigation rules or the lake.....several were boating on the wrong side of the buoys and waving hi!!!! They don't even slow down in the narrow channels when passing.....OMG can't wait for Labor Day!!!! It is very dangerous.......defensive boating is needed.
Sunday afternoon, rainy and I couldn't believe all the traffic, so there are lots of folks....good thing I know the short cut around Meredith.

[Pineedles]

Or do you mean Wynona to Waukewan to 3 to 25B? I've never taken that way. If that's it, does it save time on a normal day or just on heavy traffic days? Curious if any others want to chime in here. Suppose I should ask the question in 'Getting Here" or there?

[nj2nh]

I check the Alton Bay webcam several times a day (need that lake fix). With the exception of the night of the fireworks for the 4th, the public docks seem emptier than usual.

We are going up in two weeks so, personnally, I hope it stays quiet. Not good for business for sure, but nice for me, my husband's family and all our kids.

Jersey Girl

[Newbiesaukee]

If you are going west from Moultonborough take 25B at Center Harbor, then L at College Avenue to 3. If then going to Meredith just go south on 3. If going to 104/I-93 then turn R on 3, quick L at Waukewan Golf Club. This dead ends at Winona. Make L on WInona and then R on Hatch Corner ( gravel) to 104 or make L on Winona to 104 which takes you to the stop light at 104 at White Mountain Orthopedics. It is very slightly longer than the regular 25 route to Meredith, but always a beautiful, pleasant ride. If even slight congestion in Meredith, it is faster. Don't tell anyone except for Forum members however, otherwise all the summer residents (such as myself) will screw it up.

[Gavia immer]

Originally Posted by MaryS

You've got to be kidding!!!! This past Friday afternoon and Sat....there were many, many boats, PWC's with "renters/vacationers" who do not know the navigation rules or the lake.....several were boating on the wrong side of the buoys and waving hi!!!! They don't even slow down in the narrow channels when passing.....OMG can't wait for Labor Day!!!! It is very dangerous.......defensive boating is needed.

Could you have run into the crowd at a sanctioned boating event on Saturday?

[mets3007]

Saturday was the Poker Run as I saw the Mix 94.1 morning team at the Weirs for like 10 minutes before they shot over to Naswa for the start, and the Citizen said they raised over 78,000 dollars for a good cause.

[dpg]

"Where are all the people?"


Stop by a gas station and check out their prices!!!

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by Newbiesaukee

If you are going west from Moultonborough take 25B at Center Harbor, then L at College Avenue to 3. If then going to Meredith just go south on 3. If going to 104/I-93 then turn R on 3, quick L at Waukewan Golf Club. This dead ends at Winona. Make L on WInona and then R on Hatch Corner ( gravel) to 104 or make L on Winona to 104 which takes you to the stop light at 104 at White Mountain Orthopedics. It is very slightly longer than the regular 25 route to Meredith, but always a beautiful, pleasant ride. If even slight congestion in Meredith, it is faster. Don't tell anyone except for Forum members however, otherwise all the summer residents (such as myself) will screw it up.

Thanks Newbiesaukee.

[jetskier]

Originally Posted by mets3007

Saturday was the Poker Run as I saw the Mix 94.1 morning team at the Weirs for like 10 minutes before they shot over to Naswa for the start, and the Citizen said they raised over 78,000 dollars for a good cause.

There was clearly more boat traffic due to the poker run. We did the run on the boat. Last year I did it on the PWC with my daughter...3 hours on a PWC is a little much.

I have noticed that it is much more crowded at the pool down in MA at our health club. I think that the economy is making folks downsize their vacation and travel plans.

No doubt that the lake is less crowded. We have had no issues getting into restaurants this year and the NASWA (good barometer) is much less crowded. I think that this is just the side effect of the economy...everything is more expensive and folks are not seeing a material increase in income.

I went into a local farm stand yesterday and corn was .60/ear. Everything is expensive.

Jetskier

[mets3007]

I agree it was much more quieter than usual on the boardwalk even for a Saturday it was not mobbed like it used to be in the 1990s. The new quiet era has begun and its not coming back to the crowded days of the Weirs and Lakes Region.

[rander7823]

Originally Posted by dpg

"Where are all the people?"


Stop by a gas station and check out their prices!!!

We came up to the Lake last week from CT. No traffic at the 290/495 interchange and nothing in Worcester and nothing at the toll booths. Same way on the trip back as well.
I can say it certainly isn't your gas prices....my wife thought I was nuts but I was all excited when I was able to pay 2.85/gal at the Mobile in Gilford. I told her the tank of gas was a souvenir for me. We are paying 3.25+ for reg in CT.
We were very surprised how queit the lake was during the week even when the weather got nice and warm. We could look out and see NO boats at all out off Samoset.
I wish I was back up there now.

[mets3007]

When we left on Sunday July 9th the roads were empty yes it was 530am lol but no traffic on the Mass Pike at the Charlton Plaza, wide open on 290, 495 was even empty and that is never wide open also the 3 Nh roads were empty Everett Tpke, 293 and 93. In NY the gas prices are about 3.19 and we payed 2.87 at Gilford Mobil so its not the gas prices. I think its the economy and taxes which makes people shorten vacations so they can work more hours to make enough money to go away.

[jrc]

Originally Posted by mets3007

...The new quiet era has begun and its not coming back to the crowded days of the Weirs and Lakes Region.

It seems like the Weirs is hit even worse than the general region. I see the pier at the Weirs is up for sale at $4.9 Million and I wonder how anyone could financially justify buying that to run as a business. It seems like the Wiers has run it's course, just like beach fronts of old. It may be time for condo-fication

[Kona Family]

Could be the weather for July has been the worst we've seen in years. Not much motivation for people to head north.

[fatlazyless]

Some businesses benefit from rainy, dreary weather. Spinelli's movie theatre in Meredith had that parkng lot loaded with parked cars, and no way they were all there for the only other business, Brooks.

Last year's summer of 2006 still seems like it had more rainy days what with its' three months of rain from May 15-Aug 15. So far....?

Hey, Bob's Shurfine in Ashland has terrific fresh corn at 3 ears/99 cents. Like, why go all the way to Wal-Mart to avoid Heath's and Jackson Star what with Bob's Shurfine in downtown Ashland. Also, Ashland is the home of an excellent hardware and paint store, the Ash Hardware, It carries all sorts of Amsoil oil products for the two-stroke and four-stroke sled-jetski-boat enthusiast at Ashland prices.

[Irish mist]

The Lakes Region is in transition to a more year round economy and retirement area. It will alway have summer tourists.......but if you check the U.S. census data you will see that the population of Belknap county has skyrocketed it the last six or seven years.

This is no longer your father's Lakes Region......with the baby-boomers retiring over the next 15 to 20 years expect the area to be flooded by retired folks. Which BTW I think is a good thing for the region.
________
Mitsubishi starion

[Captain Zipper]

I've had some store help tell me that the week following the 4th is usually always slow but from what I've been reading you've had a slow summer.

[Captain Zipper]

Well my week is winding down and soon it will be time to travel back to Ct.

At least with the minimal crowds we were able to walk right into any restaurant, park in any town slip, pick any seat in the movie theater, no waiting anywhere.

And the day I needed fuel in my boat the price dropped about 25 cents per gallon at Silver Sands. Before I bought it no less, what a stroke of luck!

Had fun all, thanks for the tips and making my stay enjoyable.

We just boated back from the fireworks at Weirs a short time ago. Of course you can't go to the fireworks until after you get ice cream (by boat) at "Lick-My-Hiney" (Likualanni - or whatever it's called).

My best,

Captain Zipper

[mets3007]

Captain Zipper you just named the best ice cream place in the Weirs, thats where I always go and I thought I was the only one who liked it there lol. Im glad someone gave that place some respect that it deserves and maybe more forum memembers will go there because it is worth the treat and the trip.

[Captain Zipper]

Thanks mets.

I love Liliuokalani's! They have great ice cream and it's fun to eat it from the deck and watch the boats go by.

It's not as much fun watching my own boat crashing against the dock. Their dock is not in the "no wake" zone.

[pmj]

. . . the Board of Selectment in Alton are once again considering the need for a new public beach - this time at Echo Point. What this would do to the homes and families that live there, well, it boggles the mind that they would even consider it, not to mention the fact that they will have to fill in marshland and pave it over just for the parking plus take away one if not two homes to widen the road.

I would like to hear more about this..I am not familiar with this area and although this location may not be good for some residents, I do feel that Alton needs a town beach that will be in safer place that the current spot.

[Alton Bay]

I find it hard to believe that anyone would consider the Echo Point location a good one for a town beach. The road is narrow and difficult for two cars to pass going in opposite directions. There is no parking space. No space period. In the winter, it is often difficult to navigate as the ice fisherman and snowmobilers park their trucks on the side of the road. If fire/emergency vehicles ever had to get through, they'd have a major problem.
This is a poorly thought out idea.

[Captain Zipper]

Maybe the Echo Point beach topic should get a thread of its own so that everyone browsing realizes it came up.

I think it may be a "hot" topic.

CZ

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Kona Family

Could be the weather for July has been the worst we've seen in years. Not much motivation for people to head north.

You're onto something—and it can't be the price of gas.

Viewed from my dock, the boating crowd certainly made up for the rest of July with yesterday's super weather. Silver Duck's chair got a good soaking!

[gwood]

Can someone give me more details on where the ice cream shop is? Sounds like it has its own docks?

Thanks.

[mets3007]

Its right past Naswa on Paugus Bay and it has it owns docks but its in a no wake zone though. I recommend it to anyone as its very good.

[jrc]

I think all the people were on RT93 South on Sunday. Bumper to bumper from Concord to the toll booth.

Speaking of toll booths, how hard is it to understand, Middle Lanes E-ZPass only, No Cash.

Trying to navigate the approach to the toll booth is as bad as trying to navigate Weirs Bay.

[Dave R]

Boat traffic was back to normal Summer weekend levels on Sunday, from my POV anyway. What a wonderful day to be out on the lake. Water temp was finally up to "stay in all day" temps and we had a fantastic time swimming and touring.

[Paugus Bay Resident]

I'd have to agree about this weekend. When we passed by the sandbar at Margate, I looked like boats were 3 to 4 deep.

[idigtractors]

Originally Posted by Jersey Girl

. . . the Board of Selectmen in Alton are once again considering the need for a new public beach - this time at Echo Point. What this would do to the homes and families that live there, well, it boggles the mind that they would even consider it, not to mention the fact that they will have to fill in marshland and pave it over just for the parking plus take away one if not two homes to widen the road.
Shameful. So, if there is no one at the lake, where's the need?
Jersey Girl

Is the above quote a fact?? If I were one of the people living beside or near this location, I believe I would also be upset, however if I did not do my leg work before purchasing and finding out that it was town owned property or it was open space for sale I think I'd be at fault that I was beside a possible beach area or even a cell tower location. By what I see in Alton and going by a beach that is in a heavily traveled boat channel they need a new beach away from such busy activity. After reading about other times this beach area thing came up at town meetings and it being turned down and the old beach being done pretty much on donations and a small amount of tax money. I don't believe we will see another beach in the very near future, but I do believe there will be one in the distant future.
Just my feelings.

[camp guy]

I think the weather has been the big factor, and this has directly affected the boating activity, and boating is the most visible activity in the region. We have had some spectacular days, but, by and large, these have been accidents, in that the weather forecasters have generally included some form of rain in the forecasts all summer. If you are watching the weather and you see "rain" (in some form) extending to the weekend, you may seriously reconsider coming to the Lake. If you do come, and you subsequently stay indoors, then you are not visible, and the whole area looks under-visited. Of course, when we have a spectacular day, and the Lake is active, and the local docks are active, then it looks like it used to. Somehow, we need to convince the weathermen to include "sunny and light breeze" in their forecasts on Thursdays, then people will come.

[idigtractors]

Originally Posted by camp guy

Somehow, we need to convince the weathermen to include "sunny and light breeze" in their forecasts on Thursdays, then people will come.

Just a question. Are they to say this if it is true or untrue or both????LOL
The weather forecast I heard this evening said that we received less rain this July than we did last July. I hope that doesn't carry through for us that also enjoy the winter months here and get less snow as we didn't get that much last year even though the Weirs forecast cam said we got more (Inches). Guess it was at the wrong times.

[nj2nh]

The idea of a town beach on Echo Point is on the agenda for the next meeting. The town apparently owns the boat launch at the end of the public portion of the road. I have no idea where the beach would go, frankly.

The idea that people should have thought about this before they purchased property doesn't hold water, so to speak. Almost all the owners on the public stretch of road have owned their properties for over 50 years, some more than 80.

Yes, Alton needs another town beach, but not on Echo Point. It just doesn't make any sense to put it there.

[codeman671]

I am hearing from some business owners that the crowds at the beaches in the seacoast area are way down. Beach traffic, nightclubs and charter boats are all unusually slow. Definitely not a lakes region only problem.