Trip Planner: Editors’ Picks for Lake Winnipesaukee
Yankee Magazine Editors’ favorite places to eat, places to stay, and attractions to visit near Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.
TRIP PLANNER | LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE
PLACES TO EAT
CAMP, Meredith: With its fieldstone fireplace and peeled-wood trim, this casual eatery channels the vibe of a classic lakeside camp as it serves up pot roast, mac and cheese, and other comfort food staples. 603-279-3003; thecman.com
GARWOODS, Wolfeboro: Our two favorite things among many at this restaurant set on Wolfeboro Bay: a lobster bisque that rivals anything on the Seacoast, and the spectacular lakeside views. 603-569-7788; garwoodsrestaurant.com
LOCAL EATERY, Laconia: The freshest seafood, meats, and other ingredients from area providers inspire a changing menu of entrées, complemented with beautiful salads and inventive appetizers. 603-527-8007; laconialocaleatery.com
MISE EN PLACE, Wolfeboro: Chef-owner Terry Adrignola seasons her lineup of gourmet American dishes (seared filet mignon, roasted rack of lamb) with a French flair that proved good enough for President Sarkozy himself. 603-569-5788; miseenplacenh.com
TAVERN 27, Laconia: This 1781 farmhouse turned restaurant and bar is known for delivering big flavor in small packages—namely, tapas and pinchos (tasty morsels presented on skewers). Reservations strongly recommended. 603-528-3057; tavern27.com
PLACES TO STAY
AMES FARM INN, Gilford: The Ames family has tended this 135-acre property—which includes 17 cabins and a quarter mile of beachfront—since 1890. Perks include a porch lined with rocking chairs that looks out on a sprawling lakeside lawn. 603-293-4321; amesfarminn.com
THE BALLARD HOUSE INN, Meredith: A beautifully restored 1784 boardinghouse. Outstanding lake and mountain views from the back porch swing. Delicious homemade country breakfasts. Need we say more? 603-279-3434; ballardhouseinn.com
CHURCH LANDING/THE INN AT MILL FALLS, Meredith: While you can’t go wrong with any of the four hotels at the Mill Falls at the Lake resort, these two are extra appealing for four-legged guests, who can enjoy dog walking trails, pet beds, and a treat bag upon check-in. 844-745-2931; millfalls.com
NASWA RESORT, Laconia: Bright pastel buildings—efficiency motel units, rental cottages, a restaurant, and a gift shop—belie the down-home interiors and sensibility that keep this waterside getaway humming. 603-366-4341; naswa.com
THE WOLFEBORO INN, Wolfeboro:A short stroll from town center, this historic lakefront resort (c. 1812) boasts a private beach, a top-notch pub with an extensive beer list, and 44 rooms, including suites with lake views. 603-569-3016; wolfeboroinn.com
THINGS TO DO
CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS, Moultonborough:This former country estate beckons with sweeping vistas of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Ossipee Mountains, not to mention 28 miles of hiking trails and its own art gallery. 603-476-5900; castleintheclouds.org
LOON CENTER AND MARKUS WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, Moultonborough:The speckled and spectacular diving lake denizen gets its due with an interpretive center and a 200-acre-plus sanctuary. Easy walking trails by the water offer ample opportunity to see and hear local loons. 603-476-5666; loon.org
MOUNT WASHINGTON CRUISES, Laconia: Whether on the 230-foot Mount Washington or the smaller cruiser Doris E. and the mail boat Sophie C., get an up-close look at the state’s largest lake with this venerable tour outfit. Scenic, sunset, and island cruises available. 603-366-5531; cruisenh.com
THE WINNIPESAUKEE PLAYHOUSE, Meredith: This 194-seat venue stages professional plays in the summer and high-quality community theater in off months. And you can’t beat the price: $20–$34 (less for community theater offerings). 603-279-0333; winniplayhouse.com
WRIGHT MUSEUM OF WORLD WAR II, Wolfeboro: Founded in 1994 by collector and veteran David Wright, this under-the-radar gem educates and inspires with its array of World War II artifacts, memorabilia, and fully operational military vehicles, including tanks. 603-569-1212; wrightmuseum.org
PLACES TO SHOP
HOME COMFORT MARKET SHOP, Center Harbor: For relaxed style befitting a lakeside camp or North Woods cabin, stop in at this purveyor of hand-carved loons, needlepoint pillows, bentwood furniture, and much more. 603-253-6660; homecomfortnh.com
THE KALLED GALLERY, Wolfeboro:Approximately 200 artisans are showcased here, but be sure to check out owner Jennifer Kalled’s bold jewelry creations, which incorporate otherworldly stones such as lace agate and boulder opals. 603-569-3994; kalledjewelrystudio.com
KEEPSAKE QUILTING, Center Harbor: Bolts of colorful fabric fill the shelves at this quilt shop, reputed to have the most extensive inventory in the U.S. Bonus: An adjoining sister store is fully stocked with supplies for knitting and other crafty pursuits. 603-253-4026; keepsakequilting.com
THE OLD COUNTRY STORE AND MUSEUM, Moultonborough: At one of the oldest continuously operating stores in the nation (c. 1781), you’ll find everything from vintage lunch boxes and coffee mugs to aged cheddar cheeses and penny candy galore. 603-476-5750; nhcountrystore.com
