5 Things You Must Do in the NH Lakes Region Before Summer Ends
The calendar may be inching toward fall, but summer in the Lakes Region isn’t over yet. Here are five ways to make the most of every last day.
We wait all year for summer in the Lakes Region - and somehow, it always goes by too fast. Before you start thinking about foliage, football weekends and pumpkin everything, there’s still time to squeeze a little more out of the season.
From getting out on the lake to dinner with a view, consider this your Lakes Region summer bucket list. Here are five things you need to do before we officially say goodbye to summer.
1. Get Out on the Water
You can’t fully experience a Lakes Region summer without getting out on the lake.
Whether you own a boat, rent one for the day, grab a kayak or paddleboard, book a cruise or head out for a fishing trip, make time for one more day on the water.
Lake Winnipesaukee may get top billing, but Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Lake Winnisquam and the region's smaller lakes and ponds offer plenty of ways to enjoy the water.
No boat? No problem. Book a cruise on the M/S Mount Washington, rent a boat at Meredith Marina or Melvin Village, rent a jetski, kayak or paddleboard in Wolfeboro, or simply find a quiet spot to take a swim.
Everything Local Tip: Go later in the afternoon and stay out for sunset. A late-summer evening on the lake is hard to beat.
2. Have One More Lake Day
Pack the cooler, grab the chairs and spend a few uninterrupted hours by the water.
Head to one of the region’s public beaches, find a favorite swimming spot or make a day of exploring somewhere new. From Weirs Beach and Ellacoya State Park to Wellington State Park on Newfound Lake, there are plenty of options for squeezing in another classic New Hampshire lake day.
And don't overlook September. Some of the best lake days happen after the summer crowds begin to thin but the days are still warm.
3. Eat Outside - with a View
There’s something about eating outside overlooking the lake that instantly makes it feel like vacation.
Before patio and dockside dining season winds down, grab lunch, dinner or drinks at one of the Lakes Region’s waterfront restaurants. Meredith, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, Laconia, Center Harbor and the surrounding lake towns offer plenty of opportunities to dine with a view.
Order the lobster roll, seafood, burger or whatever says summer at the lake to you, and linger a little longer than usual.
Bonus points: Skip the chain and try someplace locally owned that you haven’t visited before. Stay tuned for our Top 5 Lakes Region picks for outdoor dining.
4. Play Tourist in Your Own Backyard
People travel from all over New England—and beyond—to vacation in the Lakes Region. Take advantage of having it right here.
Spend an afternoon exploring Meredith, stroll the shops and waterfront in Wolfeboro, visit Castle in the Clouds, take a scenic chairlift ride or zipline at Gunstock, hike to a view, play a round of golf, visit a local farm or orchard, or finally stop at that roadside spot you've driven past all summer.
Make a day of it: coffee somewhere local, an activity, a little shopping and dinner by the water before heading home.
Sometimes the best summer getaway is right in your own backyard.
5. Chase One More Lakes Region Sunset
This one costs absolutely nothing.
Grab an ice cream, bring a chair or blanket and find your favorite spot overlooking the water. Head to the dock, beach, marina or scenic overlook and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains.
Summer in the Lakes Region can be packed with boating, visitors, activities and places to go. Sometimes one of the best ways to finish the season is simply to slow down and appreciate exactly where you are.
Take the obligatory sunset photo—and then put the phone away.
Summer Isn't Over Yet
Labor Day may be approaching, but don't rush the season.
Take the boat out. Jump in the lake. Order the ice cream. Eat outside on a Tuesday night. Explore another lake town. Stay on the dock until the sun goes down.
We have plenty of time for the foliage season. For now, there’s still some Lakes Region summer left to enjoy.
What’s the one thing you have to do before summer ends? Share your Lakes Region summer must-do with Everything Local Lakes - and tag us while you’re out making the most of the final weeks of the season.