Things To Do
Wakefield, New Hampshire is home to 7 lakes; Great East, Balch, Lovell, Belleau, Pine River Pond, Ivanhoe and Province Lake. Boating, fishing and swimming are just a few of the summertime activities available in Wakefield.Also within close proximity to the Inn is New Hampshire's largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee - an Indian name which means “smile of the great spirit.” At 72 square miles, Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and one of the deepest. Nestled along the “big lake” are quaint towns, welcoming coffee shops, fine restaurants, and zillions of things to do all year round!
Plenty of hiking trails, bike rides, relaxing beaches, scenic drives, as well as boating, canoeing, fishing, and more. Lake Winnipesaukee, and Winnisquam Lake, and its surrounding towns, can take you a month of Sundays to fully explore and appreciate. Towns like Weirs Beach, Meredith, and Center Harbor, Alton Bay, Wolfeboro, and Moultonboro – each different, but each warm and friendly.
This is an area to take your time exploring, and let the hours tick slowly by. Here are a few suggestions during your visit with us.
The Wakefield area is a great starting point for some of the best motorcycle rides in the State.
Some of the best hiking can be found in New Hampshire. You can choose to hike close by or take a scenic ride to reach our hike.
The Cotton Valley Rail-Trail is a hidden gem in the area. You can bike, run or walk this wonderful 12 mile trail.
Take a ride on the SS Mount Washington and see Lake Winnepesaukee from a whole different angle. Plan 3 hours for the trip or longer if you want to make a few stops at the ports of call.
Willowbrook Village Museum is home to the oldest carousel in the US, and it is still in operation! Spend the day immersed in the Victorian Era. This is a great place to take the kids.
Keepsake Quilting Shop and Patternworks are a must if you have a passion for quilting, knitting, needlework or just keeping you hands busy. Plan to spend at least an hour, then take a walk around Meredith and grab lunch at one of the great restaurants in the area.
Castle in the Clouds is a step back in time to the early 1900′s. The estate sits atop a mountain with amazing view of the lakes region, and there are over 5000 acres with walking and hiking trails all around. Call ahead and schedule a horseback ride….that would be fun!
White Mountain Region Fall Foliage and Scenic Drives Back to Top
603-823-5563
Franconia Notch offers some incredible natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing up Cannon Mountain and Mount Liberty, fishing, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities offered include cross-country ski trails, alpine skiing and snowmobile trails. Trails include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and lead to spectacular sites. The Old Man of the Mountain is a natural phenomenon created by a series of granite ledges jutting from a cliff face 1200 feet in the air. The Flume is a 800 foot gorge with high granite walls, which support a variety of mountain flora in the warmer months. The Basin is a glacial pothole over 20 feet wide, formed at the base of a waterfall by the onslaught of the rushing water. Sightseers will enjoy a ride on the park’s Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain, where the view is spectacular. A public campground is also available.
603-374-2272
This park is a fountain for it’s natural beauty: A mountain pass, the Presidential Mountain Range, and waterfalls. The falls are the Flume Cascades, the Silver Cascades, and the Arethusa Falls. There is a visitor’s center, hiking trails, a scenic drive, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The park is also the site the Willey House, an 18th century way-station for travelers through the mountains. A campground is available to the public.
603-466-3347
Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the Northeast U.S. and this park the opportunity to get to the summit and enjoy the incredibly scenic view. The summit building, along with the historic Tip Top House stand at the top of this 6,288 foot peak. This can be reached by hiking or climbing to the top, taking the scenic, winding road, or the Cog Railway. There are fees charged for both the railway and the drive.
Walking in the White Mountain National Forest Back to Top
Located 12.7 miles west on the Kancamagus from Conway. One mile further west is the Downes Brook / Mt. Hedgehod / Mt. Potash parking lot. Walking the cross-country ski trails make for a nice meander. If you enter at Oliverian and walk west to Downes Brook and back it’s about a 2 mile walk round trip. Add extra distance if you take the cross-country ski west loop intersecting at the UNH trail.
Located 6 miles west on Kancamagus Highway from Conway (through the Covered Bridge). There is no sign that labels the Deer Brook Road, but you can park at the parking lot right off the Kancamagus and walk through the covered bridge. The trail is on your left. Walk past the gate and enjoy! This path is a part of the Nanamocomuck cross country ski trail. The trail parallels the Swift River and you can go as far as you’d like; maybe walk the side loops if you wish. Keep a watchful eye or ear out for the many critters and plant like along the way. Arm yourself with binoculars, cameras and bug spray which may be needed.
Found by taking the Kancamagus Highway from Conway and going 9 miles to Bear Notch Road. Rob Brook Road is .08 miles on the left. A nice walk with views and boggy areas. You never know, you may see a meandering moose or berry-picking bear among the chattering squirrels and happy songbirds!