Airstreams near Meredith with hot tubs

The resort town of Meredith puts you in the center of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. Lying on the western shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in the foothills of the White Mountains, the town is a gateway to such activities as boating, paddling, swimming, and fishing on the lake, as well as hiking and skiing in the surrounding mountains. A great way to see the area, especially in fall, is by traveling on the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, an old-fashioned train that rides along the western shore of Winnipesaukee from Meredith to Weirs Beach and Lakeport, just outside Laconia.

Lake Winnipesaukee

The state’s largest lake, Lake Winnipesaukee is the focal point of the Lakes Region. Activities on offer include boating and waterskiing in the summer and ice fishing and skating in the winter. Ellacoya State Park’s campground, on the lake’s southwest shore, is a good place to base yourself.

Castle in the Clouds

Just 25 minutes northeast of Meredith, in the Ossipee Mountains of Moultonborough, the sprawling conservation area known as Castle in the Clouds is packed full of trails, waterfalls, and viewpoints that take in Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. The “castle” that the area is named for is Lucknow, an early 20th-century mansion.

Gunstock Mountain

Heading 30 minutes south, Gunstock Mountain offers year-round activities, from cross-country skiing, tubing, and snowshoeing in winter to ziplining, hiking, biking, and tackling a treetop obstacle course in summer. 

Meredith is an all-season destination. Its lakeside opportunities and nearby Weirs Beach makes summer the most popular season. Fall, however, is very attractive as it brings spectacular foliage scenery. The winter is also great for snow sports enthusiasts who can go skiing on Gunstock Mountain and in the White Mountain National Forest. While spring can be wet, it is relatively crowd-free.