M/S Mount Washington Lake Winnipesaukee

Gunstock Mountain

Weirs Beach

The LAKES REGION is located in the geographical center of the state of New Hampshire, in an area dominated by lakes.  It is a combination of New England villages and resort areas offering activities, recreation and attractions.

The centerpiece of the Lakes Region is LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE, the largest lake in the state of New Hampshire and the sixth largest lake in the United States that lies within the boundaries of one state.  Lake Winnipesaukee covers 72 square miles, is 182 miles around, and has 253 islands.  The lake is surrounded by three mountain ranges, the Belknap Mountains, the Ossipee Mountains, and the Sandwich Range.  The lake plus the mountains result in some spectacular vistas.   
  
The Lakes Region is also at the foot of the WHITE MOUNTAINS, home of majestic Mt. Washington, the Northeast’s highest peak at 6,288’.  It is said to be the home of the world’s worst weather, with the highest recorded wind speed of 231 mph.  

LACONIA, the location of our office, is the largest city in the Lakes Region.  It is known as the “City of the Lakes”, fronting on Lakes Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam and Opechee.  The county seat, Laconia is home to Lakes Region General Hospital and Laconia Municipal Airport.

ACCESS is via Interstate Route 93.  Typical driving times are: 
     Portland 1 ¾ hours * Boston 2 hours * Providence 3 hours
     Hartford 3 ½ hours * Montreal 3 ½ hours * New York 4 hours

• • Boating, swimming and fishing in the area lakes; 
  • Hiking and mountain biking in the area mountains;
  • Camping;
  • Golfing at one of the many local golf courses;
  • Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing at Gunstock Recreation Area in Gilford;
  • Snowmobiling;
  • Viewing the spectacular fall foliage;
  • Visiting the quaint lakeside towns of Meredith or Wolfeboro;
  • Cruising aboard the M/S Mt. Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee or the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad along the shore of the lake;
  • Shopping at the Tanger Outlet Center in Tilton;
  • Visiting the Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, the Shaker Village in Canterbury, or the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness;
  • Entertainment at the Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center in Gilford, the Winnipesaukee Playhouse at Weirs Beach, the New Hampshire Music Festival in Center Harbor, or the arcades at Funspot at Weirs Beach;
  • NASCAR racing at the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon or dog racing at The Lodge Greyhound Park in Belmont;
  • Major events include the Great Rotary Fishing Derby in Meredith in February, the World Championship Sled Dog Derby in Laconia in February, the Motorcycle Race and Rally Week in Laconia and Loudon in June, the Timberman Triathalon and Soul Fest (the largest music festival in New England) in Gilford in August, and the Lake Winnipesaukee Relay Race at Weirs Beach in September.
  •