ENDLESS FUN AT YOUR DOORSTEP
Beyond the community’s gates, you’ll find an area rich in character, history, and natural beauty with activities and attractions you can enjoy throughout the year. Hiking or backpacking during the fall, hitting the nearby slopes in the winter, attending fun festivals in the spring, and fishing, swimming, boating, and more during the warm summer months. In the Lakes Region, every day is an opportunity for a new adventure. Here’s a short list of some of the many area attractions that Meredith Bay residents enjoy.
Sports & Recreation
Alpine Skiing
The surrounding area offers several excellent ski mountains within 30 miles of Meredith Bay, including Gunstock and Ragged Mountain. Other New Hampshire favorites such as Loon, Waterville Valley, Cannon, Mt. Sunapee, and Brenton Woods are just a short drive away.
Fishing
Fishing boats are available for rent at several marinas around the lake, such as Meredith Marina on Route 3, Meredith. Pick up your supplies at AJ’s Bait and Tackle at 8 Mill St. in Meredith. Fishing lessons are also available for newcomers to fly, bass, and ice fish.
Gyms
There is a nice variety of health clubs in which to work out and swim in the area, each with their own unique programs. Local favorites include Body Design By Joy and the Fitness Edge.
Hiking Trail
New Hampshire has some of the best hiking and backpacking in New England. Here are a few of the best-loved trails in the region:
- Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough
- Mount Major, Gilford
- Rattlesnake Mountain, Holderness
- Mount Washington – Presidential Range, Crawford
- Mount Israel, Sandwich
- Waukewan Highland Park, Meredith
- Hamlin Park, Meredith
- Red Hill, Moultonborough
Canoeing and Kayaking
Wild Meadow Canoe and Kayak on Lake Winnipesaukee is about 20 minutes away in Center Harbor. For information on sales, rentals, repairs, instruction, and guided tours, this is the place to go.
Horseback Riding
During the temperate seasons, Gunstock offers horseback riding for all levels of riders.
Golf
Here are 6 public-access golf courses within 30 miles of Meredith Bay:
- Waukewan Golf Club
- White Mountains Country Club
- Ragged Mountain Country Club
- Pheasant Ridge Country Club
- Owl’s Nest Golf Club
Nearby private courses include:
- Laconia Country Club
- Mystic Meadows Country Club
- Oak Hills Golf Course
Dining
O Steaks & Seafood
Fine dining and water views in an elegant steakhouse with a patio located at the Lake Opechee Inn.
Lago
A beautiful restaurant at the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, Lago offers complimentary cheese and crackers and delicious meal options. Dine in the restaurant or have a drink on the dramatic outdoor patio overlooking the lake.
Lakehouse Grille at Church Landing
The classic ambiance of Church Landing with its docks and gazebo is truly breathtaking. Choose between dining tables or the lounge with the oversized sofas and be sure to have one of the world’s best salads!
Guiseppe’s Ristorante
Guiseppe’s offers great food, a full bar, and live music. Located in the center of the action, it is an ideal spot to spice up a Friday night. Plus, there’s a Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream right next door, perfect for a warm day!
Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant and Gift Shop
Owned and operated by the Hart family since 1954, Hart’s is a renowned family-style restaurant. Their home-style cooking proves that every day can be Thanksgiving Day!
Arts
New Hampshire Music Festival
Music lovers flock to this much-loved annual music festival.
The Winnipesaukee Playhouse
This professional community theatre located in Weirs Beach offers excellent seasonal productions.
Bank of NH Pavilion
The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion is a 9,000-seat amphitheater on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. It is one of northern New England’s premier summer concert venues and was named one of USA Today‘s 10 Best Concert Venues Across the USA!
Lake Cruises & Other Attractions
Lake Cruises
The Mount Washington
Located less than a mile from Meredith Bay at Weirs Beach, The Mount Washington offers “The most beautiful daytime scenic cruise in New England.” Check out the Sunday Champagne Brunch or come for a relaxing afternoon. As the sun sets, the ‘Mount’ changes gears and offers great dining and live entertainment.
The Doris E.
The Doris E. is an ideal solution for a relaxing lake cruise. Leave from Weirs Beach and take a cruise of Meredith Bay and northern Lake Winnipesaukee.
The Sophie C. (US Mail Boat)
If you’re feeling adventurous and would like to enjoy an authentic Lake Winni experience, take a ride on The Sophie C. and visit the lake’s many islands as it makes its regular mailing delivery cruises.
Other Attractions
Canterbury Shaker Village
This mega-complex offers tours and demonstrations in the 23 Shaker buildings on 969 acres. See breathtaking views and relax at the restaurant and gift shop.
Castle in the Clouds
This is truly one of New Hampshire’s classic wonders. Built by millionaire Thomas Plante around 1900, this estate offers unforgettable views of the lakes and mountains and a series of hiking trails. Tour the castle, take a hike, or go for a horse ride.
Christa McAuliffe Planetarium
If you can’t decide where to take your next adventure, then go for an exciting expedition through space.
The Loon Preservation Center
Visit protected areas that are part of the Loon Nest Trail and be sure to check out the exhibits and gift shops.
New Hampshire Boat Museum
This is the place for classic powerboats, featuring an awesome collection of mahogany and antique boats.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
For a relaxing tour of the rolling landscape surrounding the lake, take a leisurely steam train ride along Lake Winnipesaukee’s shoreline.
Antiquing
PAWS Antiques
PAWS specializes in china, glassware, porcelain, and collectibles. Independent vendors stock the shelves with “top of the line” and hard-to-find items and a portion of the proceeds is donated to humane societies in the area.
Chi-Lin Arts and Antiques of Asia
This exquisite shop & gallery offers unique pieces that are hard to come by in the western hemisphere.
Children’s Activities
Funspot
The Guinness Book of World Records reports that Funspot is “The biggest arcade in the world.” This complex offers every imaginable indoor activity, from mini golf, a driving range, arcade, bowling, bumper cars, and much more.
Logs of Fun Arcade
For a well-rounded arcade experience, choose from an arcade, mini golf, and an indoor climbing wall. Logs of Fun Arcade is located in Weirs beach.
General
Shopping
- TJ Maxx (4.7 mi)
- Walmart Superstore (5.5 mi)
- HomeGoods (5.5 mi)
- Petco (5.5 mi)
Grocery Stores
- Shaw’s Grocery Store (4.7 mi)
- Hannaford Supermarket (4.7 mi)
Spirits
- NH Liquor and Wine Outlet (4.1 mi)
- Hermit Woods Winery & Deli (4.3 mi)
- Kettlehead Brewing Company (22 mi)
- Tamworth Distilling & Mercantile (25.9 mi)
Specialty Foods
- Kellerhaus- Chocolates and Gifts (0.9 mi)
- Picnic Rock Farm (2.2 mi)
- Wine’ing Butcher (4.9 mi)
- Local Provisions (8.6 mi)
- Laconia Village Bakery (8.6 mi)
Medical Needs
- CVS Pharmacy (4.8 mi)
- Rite Aid Pharmacy (4.8 mi)
- Lakes Region General Hospital (7.6 mi)
- Walgreens Pharmacy (8.8 mi)
Banks
- Northway Bank (4.1 mi)
- TD Bank (4.8 mi)
- Citizens Bank (4.8 mi)