HOME
» SPECIAL
FEATURES »
COMMUNITIES 
New
Hampshire's Lakes Region is made up of over forty towns, most of
which are of the friendly and very small variety. Rochester and
Laconia are the biggest cities, with populations of 16,130 and
27,800. When you visit the Lakes Region, be sure to visit as
many of these towns as you can. Their individual personalities and
histories are a big part of what makes this area so special.
This page will briefly describe ten towns that we have
selected. We will be adding more in the future.
Lakes
Region Towns
|
|
|
|
|
- Plymouth
- Rochester
- Rumney
- Sanborton
- Sandwich
- Tamworth
- Tilton
- Tuftonboro
- Wakefield
- Wolfeboro
|
Town
Descriptions
Laconia
is the largest city on Lake Winnipesaukee, over 17,000 people call
this city on the lakes home. Laconia is also probably the most
well known city, due to it's annual hosting of the motorcycle
rally which occurs each June. The city on the lakes boasts a
rich and fascinating history. From it's first Indian ancestors
nearly 10,000 years ago, to it's early exploration by the
Massachusetts Bay Colony, to it's explosion as a textile and
manufacturing hotspot, to it's final development as a popular
vacation destination. Part of Laconia is Weirs Beach, which
is located in the northern corner of the city on the lakes. All
though it's not a separate town, it looks, acts, and sure feels
like one. At Weirs Beach, you'll be treated to stunning views
across the clear blue waters of Lake Winnipesaukee to the Ossipee
mountains in the distance, Weirs Beach is the center of activity
on the Lake and the entire Lakes Region. From cruises to fireworks
and many special events, this place has it all. There is something
for everyone here; come once, and the atmosphere will lure you
back.
Back To
Top
Wolfeboro
is located on the northeastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, and
it is the exact opposite of Laconia and Weirs beach. Wolfeboro is
the spot for peace and quiet, relaxing, and enjoying that quaint
small town atmosphere. The fast paced hustle and bustle of other
parts of the lake seldom infiltrate Wolfeboro, and that's the way
the locals like it. You've probably heard Wolfeboro referred
to as "The oldest summer resort in America," and this
claim to fame is true. People have been coming to Wolfeboro
for about 200 years. What possessed them? They were following the
actions of colonial governor John Wentworth, who built a summer
home on what is now Lake Wentworth. He came to his summer home
each summer, and was soon followed by others who enjoyed what
Wolfeboro had to offer.
Back To
Top
Alton Bay,
with a population of about 3,500 year round residents, sits at
the southernmost tip of Lake Winnipesaukee in the far eastern side
of the Lakes Region. The M/V Mount Washington makes several
cruises all the way down the bay, providing a convenient and
scenic way for visitors to pass from Alton Bay to Weirs Beach to
Meredith to Wolfeboro or all the way back up to Center
Harbor. Alton Bay's scenery and lengthy list of things for
visitors to do has made it a popular stop for those visiting the
Lakes Region, and we highly recommend it.
Back To
Top
Center
Harbor has a meager population of just slightly over 1000,
making it one of the smallest Lakes Region towns. Located at Lake
Winnipesaukee's northwestern tip, Center, or "Centre"
Harbor became an independent town in 1823. Prior to 1823, it had
been part of Moultonborough. Visitors to the present day Center
Harbor during the winter get a chance to see the M/V Mount
Washington cruise ship at it's winter docking spot. If you visit
during the summer, you can board the Mount Washington from Center
Harbor for a scenic cruise.
Back To
Top
Meredith
puts just about every other town in the state to shame in the
categories of landscaping and quaintness. Home to the Mill
Falls Marketplace, Meredith boasts numerous shops filled with both
gifts and foods and everything in between. For the
non-shopping money-saving type, a casual stroll along Meredith Bay
in Hesky Park is as relaxing as a deep massage and when you add in
the scenery, it just doesn't get much better. You'll find
some of the Lakes Regions most upscale lodging accommodations here
in Meredith, and many of the rooms feature a view of the lake.
Meredith is most definitely a place you must visit during your
visit to the Lakes Region
Back To
Top
Holderness is
best known for Squam Lake, but chances are, "Golden
Pond" is probably the name you are more familiar with. Squam
Lake is one of the Lakes Region's most beautiful and pristine
lakes, as such, real estate values for Squam lakefront properties
are clear off the charts. If you have less than a million to burn,
better look elsewhere. For those with money, there is
currently a three bedroom cottage on the market with a price tag
of $1,500,000. High real estate costs are not the only thing
Holderness is known for, there is the Squam Lake Natural Science
Center. If you've never had a chance to see a bear, bobcat,
deer, fox, otter, eagles and several others, this place is a must.
Back To
Top
Tilton
is the undisputed shopping capital of the Lakes Region. Once
just a town that people passed through to get someplace else,
Tilton has become a destination that attracts people from hundreds
of miles away. With well over fifty of the most popular department
stores, there is enough shopping in Tilton to keep you busy for
months.
Back To
Top
Gilford
is gaining nation-wide name recognition due to the explosive
growth of the Meadowbrook Farm Musical Arts Center.
While the Lakes Region may not seem like the most likely place
you'd expect to find music's biggest stars, Medowbrook Farm has
consistantly netted a summer concert series that is laced with big
names. Past performers have included Blues Traveler, 98
Degrees, N' SYNC, and even Bill Cosby.
Back To
Top
Belmont,
with a population of just over 6,000, sits in the southern half of
the Lakes Region and consists of about 32 square miles of land.
Once a part of Gilmanton, Belmont was separated and named as an
independent town in 1869. For the modern day visitor,
Belmont is home to several fine restaurants as well as the ever
popular Lakes Region Greyhound Park.
Back To
Top
Moultonborough,
with it's population of just over 3,000, is best known for
it's quiet and seldom acknowledged presence on the northwestern
corner of Lake Winnipesaukee. Moultonborough's biggest draw
is the extraordinary Lucknow estate, better known as Castle in the
Clouds & Castle Springs. A trip to Castle in the Clouds
will take you high into the Ossipee Mountains, where you can
explore the magnificent Castle and it's stunning views of Lake
Winnipesaukee. The castle is not the only thing to do on the
estate, you can feed the giant trout in Shannon Pond, grab some
food, take a tour of the Castle Springs bottling plant and spring,
do some horseback riding, and view Angel Falls.
Back To
Top
