A glimpse of what makes the Lakes Region an unforgettable place

I was listening to "Travels with Charley: In Search of America" by John Steinbeck on Audible when my broker, Frank Roche, called. The book follows Steinbeck’s 1960 road trip with his faithful companion, Charley, as he set out to rediscover the country he had spent so much of his life writing about. Early in the journey, he crosses New Hampshire through the North Country and the White Mountains on his way to Maine. Even though his path mostly stayed north of us, it offered a nostalgic and fascinating look at New Hampshire in the 1960s — a bit before my time.

I’m not a native, but I’ve called the Lakes Region home for the better part of 26 years. Frank asked me to write about the area and gather some of the comments and reviews left by visitors on travel sites. The timing felt ironic, ordained even. There I was reading about an outsider discovering New Hampshire with fresh eyes, while being asked — as a longtime local — to look at what those who have visited have said about the Lakes Region.

Maybe I’ve lived here too long, or maybe I just get busy and forget to notice, but all around us are majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and some of the most beautiful small towns in America. There are so many great activities, too. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter, there’s always something to enjoy. Reading through the eyes of those who’ve come to visit was a refreshing — and frankly humbling — reminder of how easy it is to take what we have for granted.

Each town around the lake has so much to offer and so many hidden gems. Some have been here a lifetime, and others have come along through the years. Some we look back on with fond memories, and others are just beginning their journey as a fixture in the community. So, here’s a look at some of the comments and reviews left on many different travel sites about our Lakes Region Community.

Alton/Alton Bay: Known for its harbor setting and as a longtime resort destination at the southern end of the lake.

Comments often highlight the scenic bay-front park, the views from Mount Major, and the overall waterfront atmosphere:

“Very scenic Bay front park … It was very nice and quiet.”

“Best place on earth. Very clean, wonderful views.”

Mount Major itself draws repeated praise for the outlook over the lake: “The view at the top was stunning, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a beautiful view.”

“Wonderful day here at Mount Major … The overlook up top made it all worth it. A must do!”

“The view is spectacular, not enough words.”

Gilford: Gilford is closely tied to the lake’s southern shore and the slopes of Gunstock.

Visitors speak of the area’s combination of beach, mountain, and open views: “Ellacoya State Park is clean, calm, and perfect for families or anyone looking to relax. The water was clear and refreshing, and the views of Lake Winnipesaukee are absolutely stunning.”

“Beautiful beach, nice playground, clean bathrooms … Even [when] we went on a long weekend, it wasn’t crowded.”

From Gunstock, the lake is a constant presence: “Once you are at the top, you can see the lake right in front of you … The trails are groomed well … We enjoyed it dearly.” “The view from above is breathtaking!”

I’ve heard with my own ears, the many artists who’ve come to play at Bank of NH Pavilion praise the Lakes Region and the overwhelming hospitality they received.

Laconia/Weirs Beach: Weirs Beach is widely regarded as the lively, classic “fun town” of the lake.

“We had a great day at the beach. The beach was clean, and the water was clear. The beach itself is quite large for a lake beach … plenty of room for kids to play.”

“Of all the beaches on Winnipesaukee, we found Weirs Beach as the best. Large swim area, deep beach area … fun to watch boats passing through the canal, and close to food and bathrooms.”

“Attractive Beach On Lake Winnipesaukee … nice sandy beach, beautiful clean water, and gorgeous backdrop of the White Mountains.”

“GREAT PLACE FOR A STROLL ALONG THE SCENIC LAKEFRONT … great views of the beach, the lake, and the mountains…”

“A great place to go during the middle of Summer. Has a nice beach area and boardwalk along the lake area.”

It is repeatedly described as energetic, family-friendly, and full of the traditional lakeside summer atmosphere.

Meredith: Visitors and writers have called it “one of those almost unbearably cute East Coast towns,” “one of the best small towns on the East Coast,” and a place that “transforms the notion of ‘small-town charm’ from a travel brochure cliché into a tangible experience.” Others note its walkable downtown, waterfront, and overall feeling of a classic New England lake village.

Moultonborough: Castle in the Clouds area: High above the lake, this area is defined by the views and the historic estate.

“Castle in the Clouds is a hidden GEM that MUST be seen & explored. Everyone that works here is SUPER lovely and SO informative. The basement tour has to be done while you're here!!”

“The view was very beautiful, and the gardens were very charming.”

“Fantastic views of the White Mountains and Lake Winnipesaukee, beautiful old estate…”

Tuftonboro: A quieter, more rural stretch along the northeastern shore. Comments tend to focus on its peaceful character, fields, back roads, and less commercial lakeside feel compared with busier towns.

Wolfeboro: Frequently called the classic lake town on the eastern shore and “America’s oldest summer resort.”

“Has everything you need: boat docks, scenery, places to eat, and the old New England vibe. The character of the town is authentic without all the chain stores.”

Visitors regularly describe it as a “quintessential town” with classic beauty and strong year-round appeal.

There were far too many comments to fit them all, but I hope this small sampling gave you a fresh perspective on just how marvelous the Lakes Region really is — and why millions of people visit every year, according to the NH Department of Business and Economic Affairs.

So, as you travel around, take a moment to appreciate where we live. From the lakes to the mountains and the small towns that make up our lakefront community, there are truly very few places that compare. And most of all, enjoy the rest of the summer.

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This article was written by Randy Miller, a Realtor at Roche Realty Group in Meredith. He can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.