The Lakes Region of New Hampshire Lives for Summer

(From www.lakesregion.org) -- There is nothing better than folding up your pant legs and wading knee deep into the lake okay, there is a lot better. If you're going to get wet - Dive In! We can do wet - boat, water ski, jet ski, swim, canoe, tube, sail you name the water sport and we have it. We can do dry too, when the finger prunes beckon you to play on land for a while, the Lakes Region won't run out of fun things to do.

Lake Play!
What better way to get wet than at Surf Coaster USA [Weirs Beach], an eleven acre waterpark, with a half mile of slides, a half million gallon wavepool, a 700 foot tube ride and Slidester racing daily. Feel the need for even more speed? Cruise, water ski, tube or swim with a boat rental from one of the Lakes Region's many Marinas. Fay's Boat Yard [Gilford] on Lake Winnipesaukee rents a selection of bowriders, pontoon and fishing boats, sailboats and kayaks. On Lake Winnisquam, enjoy a rowboat, shipboat or pontoon boat from Winnisquam Marine [Belmont].

Wild Meadow Canoes & Kayak [Center Harbor] is a paddler's destination. Open daily, their experienced staff will answer your questions and provide guided tours and instruction. Let Pemi-Baker River Adventure's [Plymouth] shuttle service, rental kayaks, canoes and tubes take you and your friends for an adventure down the Baker and Pemigewasset rivers. Go for a couple hours or spend the entire day.

There is no better way to see Lake Winnipesaukee than from the decks of the M/S Mount Washington. Scenic cruises depart daily from Weirs Beach and alternately from Center Harbor, Meredith and Wolfeboro. In the evenings enjoy a dinner dance cruise. Dance to live music, have a delicious buffet dinner, watch the sunset and cuddle under the stars. Friday is Family Fun Day on the M/S Mount Washington. Bring the entire family for a cruise on the Mount! While mom and dad are enjoying the sites or having lunch, the kids are entertained with a variety of supervised crafts, games, and activities.

Experienced and novice fishermen alike enhance their experience by taking advantage of the Lakes Region's fishing guide services. Planning a personalized trip with Curt Golder's Angling Adventures [Wolfeboro], Meredith Bay Guide Service [Meredith] or Tight Lines Fishing Services [Elkin] can make those fish tales you've been spinning for years actually come true.

When its time to dry off!
The Lakes Region is known for its selection of scenic golf courses for every level player. Sculpted around the natural topography of the White Mountains and the Pemigewasset River Valley is Owl's Nest Golf Club's [Campton] championship 18 hole course. In Gilford, the Pheasant Ridge Golf Club incorporates stunning lake and mountain views on its 18 holes. The White Mountain Country Club in Ashland is situated in a winding river valley. It's resort course design boasts wide manicured fairways and soft velvet bent grass greens. For Play & Stay vacation packages check the Lakes Region Association's web site, www.lakesregion.org.

Professional theater productions can be found in every corner of the Lakes Region. The Lakes Region Summer Theater, Franklin Opera House, Great Waters Music Festival, and The Winnipesaukee Playhouse bring world-class entertainment to the Lakes Region with productions such as: Hair; Disney's Beauty and the Beast; The King and I; High Range Bluegrass; Leipzig String Quartet; Irish Tenor, John McDermott; Legendary Jazz Trumpeter, Arturo Sandoval; The Del McCoury Band; Odds Bodkin and The Crucible.

For the kids or kid at heart visit Daytona Fun Park ­ Go Karts [Weirs Beach] for go-karts, mini golf, batting cages and outdoor climbing wall. Next door is Logs of Fun, more than just an arcade and indoor climbing wall. Tee up at their 18-hole adventure golf course or try your hand at Vegas-style slots, rollercoaster driver games and more.

Ride vintage railroad cars on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad [Meredith & Weirs Beach]. Hobo picnic lunches are available during the narrated tour along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. At Ruggles Mine [Grafton] explore and collect your own samples in the "open pit" mine atop Isinglass Mountain where more than $30 million in valuable minerals have been mined since 1803. Famous for its rich mica deposits, Ruggles Mine also offers 150 other minerals including Beryl, Garnet and Rose Quartz.

Take to the trails with horse-power on an All-Terrain-Vehicle or with real horse power in the saddle of a Pinto gelding at Heritage Farm in Sanbornton. Discover the beautiful backcountry of the Lakes Region then relax with a homemade ice-cream in the garden gazebo. At Gunstock [Gilford], when the ski season is over, the mountain takes on a new life with mountain biking, horseback riding, mini golf, skateboard park, paddling, fishing and hiking.

Hikers have enjoyed the spectacular views from the Lakes Region mountain ranges for more than a century. Perhaps the most popular is Mount Major in Alton Bay. This is a moderate hike with spectacular views of Alton Bay to the south, Wolfeboro to the north and Rattlesnake Island in Lake Winnipesaukees. Equally breathtaking views can easily be yours from Rattlesnake Mountain in Holderness/Sandwich. The Old Bridle Path follows a cart route to the rock-covered summit overlooking the Squam Lakes.

Easy and invigorating is the climb to the summit of Belknap Mountain [Gilford]. The Ossipee Mountain range rises from the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and on a clear day, Mount Washington, often snow-capped, can be spotted in the distance. For more of a challenge, Mount Cardigan in Alexandria has an elevation of 3,121 and is an outstanding peak with excellent views of the White Mountains, Newfound Lake and the Pemi-Baker River Valley.

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is abundant in historic attractions designed open your mind to our rich past. Ever wonder how the Shakers lived in old New England? Tour Canterbury Shaker Village's impressive community of buildings filled with original artifacts and discover for yourself the purposeful way of life practiced by the Shakers. Guided tours are given by true Shaker enthusiasts who will take you inside Shaker culture and legacy. The Castle in the Clouds Mansion in Moultonboro captures the natural splendor of New Hampshire's breathtaking Ossipee Mountains and the architectural vision of Thomas G. Plant in 1913. The mountaintop mansion is equipped with highly inventive amenities for the time and is a true architectural marvel.

The Belknap Mill [Laconia],is the oldest (1823) unaltered brick textile mill and the only industrial knitting museum in the United States. The Belknap Mill offers exhibits, concerts and other programs to 60,000 adults and children each year. The Wright Museum in Wolfeboro showcases the most enterprising years in America, 1939-1945. This impressive display of life on the Home Front and World War II includes an extensive historically accurate collection of memorabilia, vehicles, films and artifacts. Just up the road, wander through informative displays of antique boats and artifacts and celebrate the Golden Age of Summers at the New Hampshire Boat Museum.

Events & Happenings
Lakes Region Motorcycle Week/Race & Rally, always scheduled to end on Father's Day weekend in June. Headquartered in Weirs Beach, last years event brought over 400,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the region. The New Hampshire International Speedway [Loudon] plays host to most of the races. Also in June is The Laconia Vintage Weekend in Weirs Beach chock full of events such as the Annual Antique Boat Auction, Classic Car Cruise, fireworks, live music and antiques & collectibles marketplace. In July the New Hampshire International Speedway opens its NASCAR season with the New England 200 NASCAR Busch series and the Annual New England NASCAR Nextel Cup series, as well as World Karting, vintage and sports car events.

The Lakes Region is host to several fishing derbies including the Winni Fishing Derby [Center Harbor] held annually in May and boasts over $65,000 worth of prizes including four boats for daily and major catches of Salmon and Trout from Lake Winnipesaukee.

For the athlete, The Big Lake Half Marathon is a beautiful 13.1 mile scenic run along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and quaint Alton Bay. This half-marathon is the warm up to the Lakes Region's Mooseman, Timberman and Granite Ledges Triathlons held throughout the summer and fall months. Schedule dates for these and all other regional events can be found on the Lakes Region Association website, www.lakesregion.org.

What is taking you so long?
The Lakes Region of New Hampshire has the best selection of hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, country inns, cottages and vacation home rentals in the state. Let the sounds of the lake waves outside your window lull you to sleep or relax on the deck overlooking the evening lights on the lake below or settle into a wooded cottage. Contact the Lakes Region Association to help you plan the perfect summer getaway or log on to www.lakesregion.org for a vacation planning guide and great vacation package deals.

The Lakes Region Association is a non-profit organization established in 1936 to promote the region in-state, out-of-state and internationally to attract more visitors to the area. The Association publishes the "Where to Guide" and the Official Lakes Region Map & Guide" and maintains an award-winning web site www.lakesregion.org. To request a free vacation package, call 1-800-60-LAKES.