Looking for a fun way to spend your summer day? The Southern White Mountains region, bordering the Lakes Region, is the perfect place! This one-day itinerary for New Hampshire highlights the region with ways to cool off and loads of fun activities! 

Starting off the morning

Make sure to start off the morning with a good breakfast - you have a long day! There are great spots to be found in Meredith, Holderness and Tilton, so choose your local restaurant depending on where you start your day. If you are near Meredith, you could grab breakfast to-go and enjoy it down by the docks on the lake. 

Get outdoors

For the first part of the day, take a walk in the great outdoors. This region is home to many trails, all varying in difficulty. The Meredith Sculpture Walk will take you strolling along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee to tour local art. If you are looking for something in the shade, the Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest is home to some woodsy trails that will take you to the shores of Squam Lake in Center Harbor. 

Wildlife enthusiasts looking for a walk should consider the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness the perfect place to visit. You can safely view bears, bobcats and even bald eagles at this wonderful self-guided nature exhibit. 

For those looking for a scenic hike in the Lakes Region, you could visit West Rattlesnake for a small but gorgeous hike, or you could take on Mount Morgan and Mount Percival, two mountains on the NH's Terrifying 25 Hikes list (for more experienced hikers). 

Don't forget to pack the 10 Hiking Essentials and review the Tips for Hiking in the White Mountains prior to your adventure so that you can be as safe as possible. 

 

Lunch time

There are so many great spots to get lunch in the southern White Mountains, but a signature experience for locals and visitors alike is Town Docks in Meredith. There is no better way to get in the summer spirit than with a lobster roll and a fun drink right on the lake. Make sure to save room for some of their yummy ice cream afterwards.

Some other great lunch spots in the area include Lakehouse Grille, right on the lake in Meredith, or the Common Man Ashland, the original Common Man restaurant.

If you are looking for some lunch alongside adventure, consider a visit to Castle in the Clouds. You can explore the hiking trails and the castle and follow it all up with lunch at the Carriage House. This would be a half day commitment, so make sure to account for that when planning your day. 

Town Docks


Get out on (and in!) the water. 

Now that the day has warmed up, it's time to cool down. Luckily, there are numerous options to get out onto the lakes! If you are interested in paddling, you can rent water vessels such as paddle boards and kayaks at EKAL Activity Center at Mill Falls in Meredith. If you are looking for something a little more relaxing you could visit Weirs Beach, also on Lake Winnipesaukee, and soak up the sun from the sand.

There are so many ways to get out on both the Squam Lakes and Lake Winnipesaukee that it can be hard to choose! If you are looking for a private, customized adventure, Experience Squam Boating Excursions is a fantastic local Squam Lakes tour company.  They offer a range of tours, including sunset tours, history tours and fishing as well. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center also offers boat cruises with different specialties, such as loon and eagle tours alongside general information on the region's wildlife and history. But if you feel the big lake (Winnipesaukee) calling your name, Mount Washington Cruises is a classic. From narrated tours to sunset dinner cruises, there is an option for everyone. 

If you plan on partaking in a lake outing, make sure to reserve beforehand, as most of them require it. 

 

Dinner time

There are plenty of places to eat in the Southern White Mountains, so for dinner settle in to your favorite pick and refuel from the day. Looking for some delicious Thanksgiving comfort food this summer? Check out Hart's Turkey Farm for a legendary turkey dinner. 

 

Staying the night?

If you are staying the night, consider Mill Falls at the Lake for your place to stay. The Mills Falls properties are home to four different inns, many restaurants with delicious food and a cute shopping center, making it the perfect hub for your getaway to the southern White Mountains. 

If you are looking to spend the warm summer night outside, there are many campsites in the area. A fun one to visit is Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, NH. With summer long events and an adventure park, there is no doubt you will enjoy your time. 

 

Happy travels!