Ideal dates for July 4th vacation??? any advice?

Good N' You? · 04-23-2007, 08:01 PM

So Marty, Let me get this straight....You are going to take off Tuesday through Sunday? So are you really going to work on Monday? Good luck with that. Lol. Anyway, there are fireworks every Friday and usually on July 3rd at 12:00 AM. So I would stick with your plan. At least you'll see those 2 shows right at the Weirs.
Good luck and we'll be there too.

Good N' You?

Rose · 04-23-2007, 08:40 PM

I would go Sunday to Thursday. The boating in that time-frame is more sane.

The last time the fourth fell on a Wednesday, we went up just for the 4th and 5th. We went to the Wolfeboro fireworks by boat. My most fervent advice would be to stay put at the end of the fireworks if you go by boat...we left with the crowd and it was absolutely insane.

Dave R · 04-24-2007, 08:09 AM

I'd say the best time for a July 4th vacation is late August...

We don't like crowds much.

kchace · 04-24-2007, 09:48 AM

You'd better check right away to see if they have rooms available. This is pretty late to book rooms.

Ken

tricia1218 · 04-24-2007, 10:14 AM

I would agree Dave R on the best time for July 4th vacation is August. The
4th is VERY crowded. I would pick the week after, at least that week you can get around in boat and car.

LIforrelaxin · 04-24-2007, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tricia1218

I would agree Dave R on the best time for July 4th vacation is August. The
4th is VERY crowded. I would pick the week after, at least that week you can get around in boat and car.

I am going to 3rd this vote. I have a camp on the lake and for the last 3 or 4 years have not been at the lake. Rather I use that weekend to go visit friends in other less crowded areas. Sure there is a lot going on, but the traffic both on and of the water, makes the experience less worth it.

As for going to the fire works buy boat, I like most people have done this many times. My adivice is simple, where ever you go don't feel like you need a front row seat. Stay back away from the crowd, where you still have a good view of the show, but when it is time to leave you are in front of the crowd. (e.g. Center Harbor, don't go down into the harbor)

mg2107 · 04-24-2007, 12:18 PM

Labor Day !

Gatto Nero · 04-24-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

As for going to the fire works buy boat, I like most people have done this many times. My adivice is simple, where ever you go don't feel like you need a front row seat. Stay back away from the crowd, where you still have a good view of the show, but when it is time to leave you are in front of the crowd. (e.g. Center Harbor, don't go down into the harbor)

I couldn't disagree more. It sounds like the fireworks are Martin's primary motivation to come to the lake on the 4th and there is no better place to experience them then right up front. As long as you're not in a hurry to get home just hang out and wait for the masses to leave. You are on vacation after all, so make the most of it.

GTO · 04-24-2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gatto Nero

I couldn't disagree more. It sounds like the fireworks are Martin's primary motivation to come to the lake on the 4th and there is no better place to experience them then right up front. As long as you're not in a hurry to get home just hang out and wait for the masses to leave. You are on vacation after all, so make the most of it.

I agree with Gatto. We take the boat into Center Harbor every year and get front row seats. There is nothing better than to be that close during the finale. And afterwards, just be patient. In about 15-20 minutes the bay empties out and you can just cruise out without any traffic. It can be tricky getting out of Center Harbor at the beginning when you have 4-5 boats wide trying to get past those markers.

Merrymeeting · 04-24-2007, 02:23 PM

I don't see the fireworks listed on the events calendar yet. But given that seems to be your primary reason for coming, you might want to let the firework display schedules dicate when you arrive. Many many not be on the 4th.

As for those who would recommend you come some time other than 4th week, I disagree. Everyone should come during that week! Then the rest of the time remains relatively quiet. For those trying to get people to come at times other than this week.... SSSSHHHHHHH!!!!!!

ghfromaltonbay · 04-24-2007, 05:09 PM

I agree that August is better than the first week in July. First, the water gets warmer later in the summer and there are great fireworks all summer, so why hassle with the crowds on 7/4? It's easier to get a reservation for a gang later than the busiest week of the summer.

Alton Bay has great fireworks for their homecoming weekend (usually the 2nd full weekend in Aug.) and also on the Sunday of Labor day weekend. Funspot or the Weirs has fireworks all summer long. Why go when the masses are around?

mets3007 · 04-24-2007, 05:39 PM

I am going up to NH the week after the 4th aka Sunday the 8th-15th, we dont like big crowds and prefer to watch fireworks from home. I also go up 2 weeks in August as well as this is the best time as its usually quieter especially one week will be the day after Soulfest so they will be leaving and I will be coming.

wildwoodfam · 04-24-2007, 07:50 PM

I doubt that martin and five friends will find any accomodations on the fourth of july at this stage in the game....perhaps we should be encouraging him to look to Labor Day - and the fireworks at the end of the season - have you ever tried to book motels or cottages at the lake for the fourth - they start filling up in January!! We had family come visit one summer - could not fit everyone - some relatives ended up staying in CONWAY - which was OK because they were the shoppers in the family and didnt so much mind - but NO VACANCY signs pop up for that week EARLY!

Good luck - and if you do decided on 4th of July - you'll need to book SATURDAY through SATURDAY - thats the deal at the lake in SUMMER Season! Some of the BIG Hotels allow 3 nights - but those go in January or February!!

nj2nh · 04-25-2007, 11:11 AM

As a kid, we used to go up for two weeks including the Fourth. My brother still goes up the week of the Fourth, but we skip it now.

We go the minute the kids get out of school in June (well, not the literal minute, but that night or the next morning) and then again for a couple of weeks in August. The water is coooooooooold in June and only just cooold in August. Can't wait.

Jersey Girl

Excalibur · 04-25-2007, 11:45 AM

There will be additional people in the Lakes Region this weekend.

Martin6683 · 04-26-2007, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the input guys. I kinda like the crowds....meeting people at the hotel , and at the shallow spots on the lake doing bbq's. Anyways last week the naswa still had openings i better call right now! thanks again!

John A. Birdsall · 04-26-2007, 03:36 PM

Someone on this tread stated at 12:00AM, I think that is wrong. I believe you will fine 9:30PM on July 3rd the appropriate hour, and I think the weirs does their shows on Friday night at 10:00 PM./

By boat is tops, but be careful on leaving especially Alton Bay, seems that their are a lot of loose nuts out their.

Sunset Bob · 04-26-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John A. Birdsall

Someone on this tread stated at 12:00AM, I think that is wrong. I believe you will fine 9:30PM on July 3rd the appropriate hour, and I think the weirs does their shows on Friday night at 10:00 PM./

By boat is tops, but be careful on leaving especially Alton Bay, seems that their are a lot of loose nuts out their.

I think John is both right and wrong Alton Bay fireworks are at 9:30 on the July 3 Weirs fireworks are at (midnight) 12:00 AM on July 4. I always go to Weirs after Alton Bay.Friday night fireworks at the Weirs are at 10:00.

nj2nh · 04-26-2007, 07:30 PM

I think the Lake Patrol people do a pretty good job of keeping the boats in line (literally) on the night of the fireworks. We did get to see the July 4th spectacular two summers ago. They had the fireworks on the 2nd (a Saturday). We were leaving on the 3rd so we did watch. We took the boat about as far as Peggy's Cove - just south of Echo Point - and watched from there. The fireworks were pretty tiny, but the view was still good.

Going home was easy since most people were further up the bay. I love watching the slow line of boats behind the Lake Patrol boat as it moves out of the bay. Of course, there is always someone who tries to sneak around.

Jersey Girl

nj2nh · 04-26-2007, 07:33 PM

Sorry. One of these days, I will figure out how to make a picture fit the screen. Nothing I do works and I shrank it down pretty small.

Jersey Girl

mcdude · 04-29-2007, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jersey Girl

We go the minute the kids get out of school in June (well, not the literal minute, but that night or the next morning)
Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl: Your comments made me chuckle. My car will be packed and if I can't beat the school buses out of the parking lot I will be right behind them!

hazelnut · 04-29-2007, 12:59 PM

Funny I am reading these posts and I can see your points.

However, I for one love the week of the 4th. I love sitting on my dock and watching the endless stream of boats. I love all the crowds and people. I love that most if not all of my neighbors are at their houses. Most of them have a big crowd as do I. I love all the fireworks shot off by my neighbors and the people across the bay. The best shows are the "mini-wars" all of my neighbors have trying to outdo each others fireworks displays. I love the smell of campfires and grille's. To me it just screams summer. The whole week has this different feeling to it. The whole area is buzzing.

Don't get me wrong I also love the fact that it ends and things settle down to normal after that week. But it wouldn't be the same without the week around 4th of July. It gives you the opportunity to appreciate the quieter times.

Just my .02

NHKathy · 04-29-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hazelnut

Funny I am reading these posts and I can see your points.

However, I for one love the week of the 4th. I love sitting on my dock and watching the endless stream of boats. I love all the crowds and people. I love that most if not all of my neighbors are at their houses. Most of them have a big crowd as do I. I love all the fireworks shot off by my neighbors and the people across the bay. The best shows are the "mini-wars" all of my neighbors have trying to outdo each others fireworks displays. I love the smell of campfires and grille's. To me it just screams summer. The whole week has this different feeling to it. The whole area is buzzing.

Don't get me wrong I also love the fact that it ends and things settle down to normal after that week. But it wouldn't be the same without the week around 4th of July. It gives you the opportunity to appreciate the quieter times.

Just my .02

I also agree - it screams SUMMER!

I love it at the Lake around the 4th of July, It HAS to be one of our trips every year!

Weirs guy · 04-30-2007, 02:10 PM

NHskier, if you are at the Weirs for the fireworks by boat you really don't need to venture too far past the Pier if you stick to the shore along the Weirs. The boats are usually thin in this area and other then dodging our personal fireworks display you'll have a great front row seat close to the channel and shore. I've never been, but I'd bet Spindle points a good choice as well.

NHskier · 04-30-2007, 10:04 PM

Phantom & Weirs Guy - thanks for the tips. Maybe we'll consider giving it a try this year after all. It's not like we'd be navigating very far. But we still need more experience first, so maybe late in the summer. (Now there's a depressing thought - late summer.)

One of the earlier notes (from Jersey Girl) referenced Marine Patrol lining boats up. Does this end up being a big rafting session, or do you anchor, or just hold position?

NHskier

04-23-2007, 08:01 PM	#1
Good N' You? Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Franklin, MA & South Down Shores Posts: 25 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So Marty, Let me get this straight....You are going to take off Tuesday through Sunday? So are you really going to work on Monday? Good luck with that. Lol. Anyway, there are fireworks every Friday and usually on July 3rd at 12:00 AM. So I would stick with your plan. At least you'll see those 2 shows right at the Weirs. Good luck and we'll be there too. Good N' You? __________________ "Your supposed to tie one end of the anchor to the Boat!!!!"

04-23-2007, 08:40 PM	#2
Rose Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 498 Thanks: 62 Thanked 71 Times in 32 Posts	Sunday-Thursday I would go Sunday to Thursday. The boating in that time-frame is more sane. The last time the fourth fell on a Wednesday, we went up just for the 4th and 5th. We went to the Wolfeboro fireworks by boat. My most fervent advice would be to stay put at the end of the fireworks if you go by boat...we left with the crowd and it was absolutely insane.

04-24-2007, 09:48 AM	#4
kchace Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Brookline and Moultonborough NH Posts: 100 Thanks: 4 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Vacancy? You'd better check right away to see if they have rooms available. This is pretty late to book rooms. Ken

04-24-2007, 05:09 PM	#11
ghfromaltonbay Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Clifton, NJ, Alton Bay Posts: 833 Thanks: 257 Thanked 225 Times in 131 Posts	4th of July week I agree that August is better than the first week in July. First, the water gets warmer later in the summer and there are great fireworks all summer, so why hassle with the crowds on 7/4? It's easier to get a reservation for a gang later than the busiest week of the summer. Alton Bay has great fireworks for their homecoming weekend (usually the 2nd full weekend in Aug.) and also on the Sunday of Labor day weekend. Funspot or the Weirs has fireworks all summer long. Why go when the masses are around?

04-24-2007, 07:50 PM	#13
wildwoodfam Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: North Andover, MA & summers up at the BIG lake Posts: 285 Thanks: 5 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	This seems like a MOOT POINTS folks.... I doubt that martin and five friends will find any accomodations on the fourth of july at this stage in the game....perhaps we should be encouraging him to look to Labor Day - and the fireworks at the end of the season - have you ever tried to book motels or cottages at the lake for the fourth - they start filling up in January!! We had family come visit one summer - could not fit everyone - some relatives ended up staying in CONWAY - which was OK because they were the shoppers in the family and didnt so much mind - but NO VACANCY signs pop up for that week EARLY! Good luck - and if you do decided on 4th of July - you'll need to book SATURDAY through SATURDAY - thats the deal at the lake in SUMMER Season! Some of the BIG Hotels allow 3 nights - but those go in January or February!!

04-24-2007, 08:09 AM	#3
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	I'd say the best time for a July 4th vacation is late August... We don't like crowds much.

04-24-2007, 10:14 AM	#5
tricia1218 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: MA/Paugus Bay Posts: 155 Thanks: 31 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	I would agree Dave R on the best time for July 4th vacation is August. The 4th is VERY crowded. I would pick the week after, at least that week you can get around in boat and car.

04-24-2007, 12:18 PM	#7
mg2107 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 169 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Labor Day !

04-24-2007, 02:23 PM	#10
Merrymeeting Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Merrymeeting Lake, New Durham Posts: 2,226 Thanks: 304 Thanked 800 Times in 368 Posts	I don't see the fireworks listed on the events calendar yet. But given that seems to be your primary reason for coming, you might want to let the firework display schedules dicate when you arrive. Many many not be on the 4th. As for those who would recommend you come some time other than 4th week, I disagree. Everyone should come during that week! Then the rest of the time remains relatively quiet. For those trying to get people to come at times other than this week.... SSSSHHHHHHH!!!!!!

04-24-2007, 05:39 PM	#12
mets3007 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 170 Thanks: 3 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I am going up to NH the week after the 4th aka Sunday the 8th-15th, we dont like big crowds and prefer to watch fireworks from home. I also go up 2 weeks in August as well as this is the best time as its usually quieter especially one week will be the day after Soulfest so they will be leaving and I will be coming.

04-25-2007, 11:11 AM	#14
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 533 Thanks: 81 Thanked 47 Times in 27 Posts	June and August As a kid, we used to go up for two weeks including the Fourth. My brother still goes up the week of the Fourth, but we skip it now. We go the minute the kids get out of school in June (well, not the literal minute, but that night or the next morning) and then again for a couple of weeks in August. The water is coooooooooold in June and only just cooold in August. Can't wait. Jersey Girl __________________

04-25-2007, 11:45 AM	#15
Excalibur Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Gilford,NH is where I would like to be and Southborough, MA is where I have to be Posts: 90 Thanks: 15 Thanked 11 Times in 4 Posts	NASCAR Race at Loudon July 1st There will be additional people in the Lakes Region this weekend.

04-26-2007, 03:23 PM	#16
Martin6683 Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Thanks for the input guys. I kinda like the crowds....meeting people at the hotel , and at the shallow spots on the lake doing bbq's. Anyways last week the naswa still had openings i better call right now! thanks again!

04-26-2007, 03:36 PM	#17
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	fireworks time Someone on this tread stated at 12:00AM, I think that is wrong. I believe you will fine 9:30PM on July 3rd the appropriate hour, and I think the weirs does their shows on Friday night at 10:00 PM./ By boat is tops, but be careful on leaving especially Alton Bay, seems that their are a lot of loose nuts out their.

04-26-2007, 07:30 PM	#19
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 533 Thanks: 81 Thanked 47 Times in 27 Posts	Alton Fireworks I think the Lake Patrol people do a pretty good job of keeping the boats in line (literally) on the night of the fireworks. We did get to see the July 4th spectacular two summers ago. They had the fireworks on the 2nd (a Saturday). We were leaving on the 3rd so we did watch. We took the boat about as far as Peggy's Cove - just south of Echo Point - and watched from there. The fireworks were pretty tiny, but the view was still good. Going home was easy since most people were further up the bay. I love watching the slow line of boats behind the Lake Patrol boat as it moves out of the bay. Of course, there is always someone who tries to sneak around. Jersey Girl Attached Images __________________

04-26-2007, 07:33 PM	#20
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 533 Thanks: 81 Thanked 47 Times in 27 Posts	Ugh. Picture Size Sorry. One of these days, I will figure out how to make a picture fit the screen. Nothing I do works and I shrank it down pretty small. Jersey Girl __________________

04-29-2007, 12:59 PM	#22
hazelnut Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 1,348 Blog Entries: 3 Thanks: 508 Thanked 462 Times in 162 Posts	It's all personal prefference. Funny I am reading these posts and I can see your points. However, I for one love the week of the 4th. I love sitting on my dock and watching the endless stream of boats. I love all the crowds and people. I love that most if not all of my neighbors are at their houses. Most of them have a big crowd as do I. I love all the fireworks shot off by my neighbors and the people across the bay. The best shows are the "mini-wars" all of my neighbors have trying to outdo each others fireworks displays. I love the smell of campfires and grille's. To me it just screams summer. The whole week has this different feeling to it. The whole area is buzzing. Don't get me wrong I also love the fact that it ends and things settle down to normal after that week. But it wouldn't be the same without the week around 4th of July. It gives you the opportunity to appreciate the quieter times. Just my .02

04-30-2007, 02:10 PM	#24
Weirs guy Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Weirs Beach, NH Posts: 1,067 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	NHskier, if you are at the Weirs for the fireworks by boat you really don't need to venture too far past the Pier if you stick to the shore along the Weirs. The boats are usually thin in this area and other then dodging our personal fireworks display you'll have a great front row seat close to the channel and shore. I've never been, but I'd bet Spindle points a good choice as well. __________________ Is it bikeweek yet? Now?

04-30-2007, 10:04 PM	#25
NHskier Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 293 Thanks: 45 Thanked 37 Times in 34 Posts	Maybe ... Phantom & Weirs Guy - thanks for the tips. Maybe we'll consider giving it a try this year after all. It's not like we'd be navigating very far. But we still need more experience first, so maybe late in the summer. (Now there's a depressing thought - late summer.) One of the earlier notes (from Jersey Girl) referenced Marine Patrol lining boats up. Does this end up being a big rafting session, or do you anchor, or just hold position? NHskier