Last week, I visited my friends and her family at their summer house on Sawyer Lake in Gilmanton, NH, just 30 minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee. I was only in New Hampshire for four days but I did many fun things and went many places that I would love to experience again and recommend to others.
1. Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding
If you are somewhere near a lake or pond, kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding are a few fun and relaxing things to do. On some lakes and ponds, there are kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards to rent if you do not have your own. They are great ways to explore the lake and they could even serve as a bit of a light workout.
2. Jet Skiing and Boating
Like kayaking, canoeing, and paddle boarding, Jet Skiing and boating are fun ways to see other areas of the lake besides the shore. Jet Skis and boats could also be available to rent on some lakes.
3. Tubing and Water Skiing
Tubing and water skiing are my favorite things to do at the lake! When tubing, it’s difficult but so fun to try to stay on the tube; I don’t want to get thrown off but at the same time I do. Water skiing is much more peaceful. Once I’m able to get up and stay up, I love the feeling of gliding over the water and being able to gaze at the openness of the lake.
4. Sawyer Lake
Sawyer Lake is located in Gilmanton, NH. All of the above activities go on at Sawyer Lake but it’s also a small and quiet lake with six private beaches that are perfect to relax on. Other than having fun and relaxing, you can also go for a 2.1-mile walk or run around the lake which looks beautiful around sunset.
5. Hiking
Two mountains that are great to hike are Mount Major and Gunstock Mountain. Mount Major is specifically for hiking and is located in Alton, NH 30 minutes from Sawyer Lake. The Mount Major and Brook Trail Loop is about 3.8 miles and 1,785 feet to the summit with a gorgeous view of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Gunstock Mountain Resort is in Gilford, NH and is about 15 minutes from Mount Major and 25 minutes from Sawyer Lake. Gunstock has its own resort and numerous activities from skiing to zip lining and even has a mountain coaster. The Belknap Gunstock Loop Trail is 6 miles long and 2007 feet to the summit. At the top, there is also a view of Lake Winnipesaukee. Out of the two, Mount Major has a more beautiful, surrounding view and is a rockier and more challenging trail to climb.
6. Funspot: Largest Arcade in the World
If you are not really the outdoorsy type or it’s a rainy NH day, there is always the Funspot arcade in Laconia, NH about 25-30 minutes from Sawyer Lake. Funspot is the largest arcade in the world with two floors of every arcade game imaginable. There is also a bowling alley and mini golf course. For $20, you can get 125 coins to play any game you want and, of course, there are all sorts of prizes once you’ve collected all your tickets.
7. Kellerhaus
Kellerhaus is a candy shop right down the street from the Funspot arcade (they’re actually both on Endicott St!). They make their own candy and they even have an ice cream shop inside. I suggest trying the Cookie Monster ice cream; it’s blue ice cream and with cookies and crème!
8. Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant
Located in Meredith, NH about 30 minutes from Sawyer Lake, is Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant which serves thanksgiving dinner all year-round. When I went, I got a small turkey plate with light and dark turkey meat with stuffing and mashed potatoes all covered in brown gravy along with cranberry sauce and butternut squash. I highly recommend eating at Hart’s or even ordering take-out if you are in the area because it was delicious!
