Picture vast blue water framed by pine-covered mountain peaks rising in the distance. Welcome to central New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, formed originally from glacial activity and built around Lake Winnipesaukee with over 270 smaller lakes and ponds. Don’t miss the picturesque charming towns like Meredith, Wolfeboro, and Laconia lining the shores, each with its own character and pace.
People visit the Lakes Region year-round and for good reason. Summertime means swimming, sailing, and waterside dining, while fall offers some of New England's finest foliage. Winter transforms the hills into vast ski trails, offering ski enthusiasts a chance to hit the slopes at nearby Gunstock Mountain Resort. Each spring, locals eagerly await the annual ice melt on Lake Winnipesaukee, clearing the water once again for boating and cruises.
History buffs will be enthralled with the Lakes Region area. Well before the first settlements in the area around the 1700s, and arrival of the railroad in the mid-1800s, several Native American tribes used the area for seasonal camps and rich fishing grounds. The name of Weirs Beach in Laconia comes from the weirs that served as stone-and-branch fish traps built by native Penacook and Abenaki tribes. Moving through history, Wolfeboro claims the title of America's oldest summer resort, welcoming vacationers for generations since the 1760s.
A number of annual events keep the calendar full around the Lakes Region. From bikers to boaters, festival goers to music lovers, there’s something for everyone in this region just south of the White Mountains. Known as the world’s oldest motorcycle rally, Laconia Motorcycle Week rolls through the streets here each June. Boaters gather for Winnipesaukee cruises aboard the historic M/S Mount Washington, and towns host farmers' markets, craft fairs, and holiday celebrations through every season.
Whether you crave an active weekend or a quiet retreat by the water, the Lakes Region delivers. Pack your bags, pick your shoreline, and see why people fall in love with this corner of New Hampshire.
