Lakes Region end of summer bucket list

It's a peak summer weekend in the Lakes Region, and there are 18 precious days remaining until September rolls in. Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire's beautiful Lakes Region has known vacationers and second home owners to its shimmering shoreline for over 100 years. This grand lake with 72.5 miles of surface area, often referred to as the "Big Lake," is the most recognized of our multitude of lakes in the region. There are so many things to take in during this busy season. Here are a number of ideas to consider while you are in the Lakes Region:

• If you haven't been out on the lake, the most accessible viewpoint would be the MS Mount Washington boat or a cruise on the Sophie C Mailboat.

• Lake Winnipesaukee is all about boating. There are lots of marinas and places to rent a boat, pontoon boat, or jet ski.

• Visit Castle in The Clouds. This 1913 mountaintop mansion in Moultonborough sits on thousands of acres with hiking trails, fabulous views, and a wonderful restaurant overlooking the lake.

• Visit Gunstock Mountain Resort. The mountain has 2,124 4.6-star reviews. The summer campground, adventure park with huge zip lines, a mountain coaster, and aerial treetop adventure are awesome. Take a scenic lift ride to the top and see the lake unfold, and take a hike down.

• Take a hike up Mount Major, West Rattlesnake, The Belknap's, Chamberlain, Reynolds Forrest Nature Walk, Mount Morgan/Mount Percival, Red Hill, or try Welch Mountain/Dickey Mountain in Campton, one of my favorites.

• Bring the kids and discover Squam Lake and its wildlife at the Squam Lake Natural Science Center in Holderness or take a boat excursion out on the lake.

• Your children have to take in Funspot, the largest indoor arcade in the world.

• The Libby Museum is the oldest natural history museum in New Hampshire, in Wolfeboro.

• If you're looking for adrenaline, take your mountain bikes over to Highland Mountain Bike Park in Northfield.

• Take in a concert at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion Meadowbrook, try an event at the beautifully restored Colonial Theatre in Laconia, or the magical Lakeport Opera House. The Cake Theatre, Interlakes Summer Theater, and Winnipesaukee Playhouse are favorites to visit.

• A stroll down the nostalgic Weirs Beach Boardwalk and the Winnipesaukee Pier, or take a ride on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad and enjoy panoramic views of the lake from this old-fashioned train at Weirs Beach. It's interesting to watch all the boats go through the channel.

• Drop by the Meredith Town Docks, Sculpture Walk, shops, Hermit Woods Winery, and eateries at Mills Falls & downtown and grab an ice cream at the Town Docks.

• Visit historic Wolfeboro and enjoy the numerous shops, restaurants, art galleries, and pubs along the main street that leads down to the beautiful Town Docks. Grab an ice cream at Bailey's Bubble or the Yum Yum shop. While you're there, the Wright Museum is full of World War II memorabilia. The New Hampshire Boat Museum is another interesting attraction.

• The Loon Center at The Markus Wildlife Sanctuary has a 1.8-mile loop trail in Moultonborough, where you will gain insight into the lake's most famous bird.

• Beans and Greens in Gilford, Prescott Farm in Laconia, and Moulton Farm in Meredith are wonderful popular stops.

• Beede Falls in the Sandwich Notch has a nice waterfall that drops into a pool to cool off. Livermore falls on the Pemi River in Plymouth, a more aggressive, larger place to cool off, go swimming, or rafting down the Pemi River: a popular adventure.

• Elloycoya State Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and Wellington State Park Beach on Newfound Lake are two beautiful natural sandy beaches with panoramic views. Lake Wentworth State Park Beach in Wolfeboro is another popular beach.

• The Winnipesaukee River Trail, The WOW Trail, and the Cotton Valley Rail Trail offer great biking and walking trails with scenic views.

Before the summer season approaches the colorful fall season, there's a multitude of sights and activities to take in. That's why we're so fortunate to be living in such a beautiful part of New Hampshire with hundreds of lakes, rivers, ponds, and mountains to refresh the soul! The environment in the Lakes Region is a natural purifier that improves mood and well-being, relieves stress, and connects us to our community and nature. If you are looking for a new backyard or want additional insight into our invigorating region, feel free to contact any of our agents at Roche Realty Group in Meredith or Laconia.

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Frank Roche is the President of Roche Realty Group with two offices in Meredith 603-279-7046, and Laconia 603-528-0088. You can learn more about the company and research a wealth of real estate information at: www.rocherealty.com.