The Lake Winnipesaukee Accommodation Guide

	Lake Winnipesaukee at Sunset 1

Spanning 69 sq mi (111 sq km), Lake Winnipesaukee is a premier summer-vacation destination for travelers from nearby metropolitan areas such as Boston and New York City. The lake caters to people seeking its unique combination of tranquil beauty and outdoor endeavors. Be it swimming or sailing in the cool summer water, or enjoying a leisurely stroll or hike through the New Hampshire countryside, visitors to this area have countless activities to enjoy and just as many accommodation options to choose from. The lake is home to eight towns and communities — Alton, Center Harbour, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonboro, Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro — all of which possess a number of outstanding bed and breakfasts, hotels and rental homes for visitors to lodge in.

This WorldWeb.com Accommodation Guide aims to assist potential visitors of Lake Winnipesaukee by highlighting some of the best lodging options that the popular vacation spots of Alton, Gilford, Laconia, and Wolfeboro, have to offer.

ORIENTATION

Located in southeastern New Hampshire, Lake Winnipesaukee is approximately 300 mi (482 km) north of New York, 90 mi (145 km) north of Boston and 250 mi (400 km) south of Montreal. Highways 3, 11, and 28, off Interstate 93, provide access to the various settlements on the lake. Regardless of which town visitors decide to stay in, activities and events in nearby areas are easily accessible by traveling the 62 mi (100 km) of road that follows the lake's perimeter.

TRANSPORTATION

Visitors to Lake Winnipesaukee have a number of transportation options to assist them in navigating the area. Major automobile rental houses such as Avis Rent A Car, Budget and Enterprise have outlets in Laconia and offer vacationers their large fleet of vehicles to rent and explore the lake with. The Winnipesaukee Transit System services the communities of Laconia, Belmont, Franklin, Tilton and Gilford, and features shuttle service that takes passengers directly from Franklin to Laconia. From May through October, guests wishing to take a leisurely trip through the lake can book passage on the cruise ship Mount Washington. This cruise possesses breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee as it travels to and from ports in Laconia, Meredith Bay, Center Harbor, Wolfeboro and Alton.

WHEN TO VISIT

Since it began hosting vacationers over 150 years ago, Lake Winnipesaukee has been known as a prime summer getaway. In fact, several accommodation choices only offer their services from May to October. However there are exceptions to the rule, as an increased interest in winter activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing has led to many resorts offering accommodation all year round. Nonetheless, the lake is still frequented the most during the summer months when temperatures peak in the mid to high 70s°F (20°C), and the calm waters allow for prime boating and aquatic fun.

FEATURED TOWNS

The City of Laconia 2

Laconia
The largest populated area on Lake Winnipesaukee, the city of Laconia features a wide range of recreational and cultural entertainment options for families to enjoy while on vacation. The city is only 5 mi (8 km) south of Weirs Beach and its popular boardwalk, which features fun activities such as arcades, drive-in theaters and playhouses, not to mention several vendors renting out aquamarine vehicles for use on the lake. Laconia is also home to one of Lake Winnipesaukee’s greatest historical tourist attractions, the Mount Washington.

Laconia Accommodation Directory

Popular Places to Stay in Laconia

The Margate
Featuring over 400 ft (122 m) of lakefront reserved for their guests’ personal use, this 141-room hotel is an upscale lodging option for visitors to Lake Winnipesaukee. Open year round, the hotel features modern amenities such as a heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Upon request, the Margate also works in conjunction with local masseuses and aestheticians to offer guests a number of spa services. For those wishing to explore the vastness of the lake, the hotel also maintains a fleet of kayaks and canoes available for rent.

The Naswa Resort
Catering to families and newlyweds alike, this resort is comprised of both hotel and motel accommodations and provides guests with several amenities that complement a stay on Lake Winnipesaukee. Visitors who stay here are treated to complimentary row boat and kayak use, live musical performances on a nightly basis and over 1000 ft (305 m) of private lakefront beach. The Naswa Resort also houses the Naz Shop, which sells a wide array of bathing suits and trunks, as well as recreational accessories such as beach towels and toys.

	A Neon Sign Welcoming Visitors to Weirs Beach 3

Alton
Surrounded by pristine rivers and trails perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, Alton is Lake Winnipesaukee’s most southern town. Hiking enthusiasts can trek up the peaks of Mount Major and Straightback Mountain, while fishermen can test their luck in the Merrymeeting River.

Alton Accommodation Directory

Popular Places to Stay in Alton

Sunny Slope Farm
Housed on over 282 acres (114 ha) of farmland, this rental property is an ideal getaway for large families or company retreats. The grounds contain 5 mi (8 km) of trails ideal for hiking in the spring and summer months, and snowmobiling in the winter. Furthermore, Sunny Slope Farm features unique amenities such as a stable for guests with horses, a library and games room, and a pond on the premises that is stocked with fish in the spring and can be skated on in winter.

Green Tops Campground
For vacationers looking to enjoy the New Hampshire wilderness in a rustic setting, this campground has over 40 sites to camp on. Facilities available at the Green Tops Campground include hot showers, RV hook-ups, and a general store where guests can purchase supplies and rent boats for use on the lake. This campground opens on Memorial Day Weekend and closes on Columbus Day Weekend.

Gilford
Home to two of Lake Winnipesaukee’s most popular tourist attractions--the Meadowbrook Amphitheatre and the Gunstock Mountain Ski Resort--Gilford is situated in between Laconia and Alton on the west shore of the lake.

Gilford Accommodation Directory

Popular Places to Stay in Gilford

The Inn at Smith Cove
Available for rent year round, this inn was originally constructed in 1894, and has been welcoming vacationers ever since. The Inn at Smith Cove contains nine rooms for rent, as well as a private suite and two guesthouses. Guests staying here are also given access to a private beach and dock for swimming and fishing, as well as modern amenities such as wireless Internet access and complimentary coffee and tea.

Misty Harbor Resort
Geared towards families wishing to spend a relaxing vacation on the lake, Misty Harbor provides guests with ample recreational options on-site and is open year round. Guests of Misty Harbor have access to facilities such as a tennis court, a basketball court, and a children’s playground, as well as views of the lake from its private beachfront. This lodging destination is only 4 mi (6 km) north of the Gunstock Ski Resort.

A Painting of the Original Mount Washington Cruise Ship 4

Wolfeboro
Dubbed "The Oldest Summer Resort in America," Wolfeboro has been the destination of choice for presidents, celebrities and royalty. This charming town is located on Lake Winnipesaukee’s east coast.

Wolfeboro Accommodation Directory

Popular Places to Stay in Wolfeboro

The Wolfeboro Inn
Built in 1812, and a private residence until the early 1900s, this inn has undergone numerous renovations and updates and is now one of Lake Winnipesaukee’s premier sites for weddings and other special events. The inn features 44 rooms containing modern amenities such as air conditioning and Internet access, as well as unique décor that reflects the building's historical significance. For those vacationing on a limitless budget, guests of the Wolfeboro Inn can rent the facility’s private 150-passenger paddleboat, the Winnipesaukee Belle.

Tuc Me Inn Bed and Breakfast
Originally built in 1850, Tuc Me Inn is one of the oldest bed and breakfasts in the Lake Winnipesaukee region. Guests of this establishment can stay in any one of the house’s seven bedrooms, all of which offer luxuries such as Egyptian cotton bedding, in-room coffee makers and unique décor. This bed and breakfast has been the featured on the television program “If Walls Could Talk."

1. John J. Henderson; Lake Winnipesaukee Sunset; NH, USA
2. Ken Gallager; Belknap Mills in Laconia; Laconia, NH, USA
3. Liam Murray; Weirs Beach Sign; Weirs Beach, NH, USA
4. Mount Washington Postcard Circa 1920; NH, USA