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Meredith, NH, is one of New
Hampshire's great lakeside towns, located on the western shores
of Lake Winnepeusakee
 Article and photo by Eric H.
Ask a young person about Meredith,
NH, and they'll tell you it's a really nice place (or if from
New England, a "wicked good place") in New Hampshire
on a lake. Ask an older person about Meredith and they'll tell
you about their experiences at Hart's Turkey Farm restaurant.
Whatever the age, Meredith has
great appeal being beautifully situated on the western shores
of Lake Winnepeusakee. Despite busy Route 3 dividing the lake
and the unpretentious and small business district, Meredith feels
like the epitome of a small town once you experience either side
of the highway. The lake has so many negative ions (that great
smell by a body of water or after a thunderstorm) that you'll
laugh yourself silly the next time one of those television ads
promotes air purifers with "mountain fresh air." The
smell of the water and air in Meredith have a true mountain feel,
which leaves you no choice but to relax.
Meredith is truly a place for
walking, boating, shopping and dining. The myriad paths along
the lake are so pleasant that it's easy
to forget about Route 3. The small-town scenery, the not-too-distant
mountains and wide body of water make boating a summertime joy
for many vacationers looking to find the perfect spot at well-known
Lake Winnepeusakee. Shopping begins across the street from the
lake at the Inn at Mills Falls (with the Inn and the Chase House
as well-known, highly rated places to lodge in Meredith). Here
you can find upscale and more down-to-earth shops alongside a
pretty waterfall, eventually leading an old-fashioned downtown
up on a hill -- a nice place to stroll, have a cup of coffee
or ice cream, and feel like you're back in the 1940s or 50s.
Lady of the Lake, located on the lower level of the beautiful
Chase House Inn is a wonderful place to find that special
gown and accessories for all the "special
moments in your life." Also across the lake is
the Historic Mill Falls Marketplace, an early linen mill which
was restored to house 14 unique specialty shops and galleries,
a favorite Italian restaurant , and a cafe by the waterfall. Adornments
Unique Jewelry and Apparel, has been there since l991 in an atmosphere
of original wood floors and walls and beams. Besides Adornments,
there is an art gallery, an American crafts gallery, more
clothing and jewelry shops, a candy store, some great gift shops,
a bookstore, an incredible rustic furniture gallery, and a store
that features sporting gifts for men. The Inn at
Mill Falls adjoins the Marketplace if you need a wonderful place
to rest after your day's shopping and dining.
At the "gateway" to
Meredith is Hart's Turkey Farm, a favorite amongst virtually
everyone, but with a special appeal to an older crowd. Hart's
has been around since 1954 and has never let its quality slip,
according to many New Englanders. To no one's surprise the specialty
of the house is turkey and it's very tasty. Hart's claims that
on a busy day they serve over one ton of turkey; 40 gallons of
gravy; 1,000 pounds of fresh potatoes; 4,000 dinner rolls and
over 100 pies. We might have filled the turkey and pie quota
all by ourselves the last time we ate at this legendary restaurant.
Meredith is ideal to visit any
time of the year. The summer is an obvious choice with its lakeside
opportunities. Falls brings about spectacular foliage scenery.
The winter is a fine time to visit, too, as it is close to the
White Mountain National Forest with its excellent skiing offerings,
particularly Waterville Valley. Spring is a bit muddy, but more
quiet than the summer and with a chance to walk the lake on warm
days.
Don't go to Meredith expecting
great things. Meredith doesn't ask a lot of its tourists and
those visitors shouldn't ask too much of a small town -- just
let those great things happen naturally once you arrive. It's
all part of the plan to relax and unwind in one of New Hampsire's
great lakeside towns.
*For more information on Meredith,
visit its Chamber of Commerce
Web Site.
*Meredith
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