Akwa Marina offers a quiet refuge

Akwa Marina’s pool and hot tub are available for members, and its beach bar is open to the public. (Alana Persson/Laconia Daily Sun)

LACONIA — A stone's throw away from the bustling Weirs Boardwalk, boaters can dock at the tranquil Akwa Marina Beach Bar II, located on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Just through the gates of the Akwa Marina Yacht Club, visitors and locals can enjoy food and drinks under a handcrafted wooden gazebo that overlooks the water or sit at tables located directly on the shoreline. All beach bar dining areas open daily at noon and remain open until dusk or later.

The Beach Bar has entered its second year under the management of Hart's Turkey Farm of Meredith and the partnership has been mutually beneficial to both businesses, according to Richard Mailloux, owner of the Akwa Marina Yacht Club and Beach Bar.

“When there are rainy days during the summer, everyone goes to the Hart's Turkey Farm location in Meredith. But when there are sunny days, customers come here,” said Mailloux. “So we are able to help Hart’s Turkey Farm out during the summer months and they in turn provide us with great food.”

The partnership with Hart’s has allowed for the expansion of the Marina’s business plan, as now the Beach Bar is able to cater for weddings and large parties. The Akwa Marina hopes to increase the number of large functions they host, according to Mailloux. Presently, they are due to host their first wedding event on Saturday, July 22.

Although the pool, hot tub and beach area are only open to Akwa Marina Yacht Club members, the dining area is open to the public.

“The food here is great and keeps some people coming back for both lunch and dinner almost every day,” said Mailloux. He added that the calamari and lobster rolls are some of the more popular items at the Beach Bar.

Other foods on the menu include the Golden Fish-and-Chips, the Grilled 10-ounce Rib-Eye Steak, and the Ahi Tuna. These items, mixed with various vegetarian options and further surf and turf items, provide an expansive menu that can cater to anyone’s cravings, according to Mailloux.

The bar area is a unique part of the Beach Bar facility, as it is built on a 1903 sailboat that was purchased by the Mailloux family from Lake Erie. Guests can sit at the boat, The Anona, while enjoying one of a wide variety of fresh fruit drinks, such as the daily special Sangria.

A full listing of the items on the menu can be found at http://akwamarina.com/page/akwa-marina-beach-bar.

Those who wish to arrive by boat, but do not have a boat to arrive on, are encouraged to look into joining the American Boat Club, which is offered through the Akwa Marina Yacht Club. Through joining this club, guests are able to enjoy the Beach Bar, the pool and hot tub facilities, access to the beach, and any of the boats or watercraft that the Mailloux family has available. For more information on joining the American Boat Club call 603-782-4242.

Akwa Marina’s one-of-a-kind bar is built around a 1903 sailboat that once sailed on Lake Erie. (Alana Persson/Laconia Daily Sun)