Welcome to New Hampshire's Lakes Region, where water and mountains meet with a harmonious splendor setting the perfect vacation destination. Located in the eastern central slice of the Granite State, this beautiful area is bounded by the towns of Rochester on the south, Plymouth on the northwest, and the Maine state line on the east. Visit the Lakes Region and you'll appreciate the source of its name, as this land is dotted with hundreds of lakes and ponds carrying such magical names as Winnisquam, Silver, Crystal, Winnipesaukee, Ossipee, Halfmoon, and Sunset. Here you'll see the "classic" New England; church steeples rising above majestic trees, boats zipping across crystal lakes, and endless mountain ranges stretching as far as the eye can see.

Additionally, the Lakes Region offers a variety of attractions that the entire family can enjoy, with such highlights as scenic roads, historic landmarks, covered bridges, thrilling amusement parks, sandy lakeside beaches, lush parks, romantic cruises, first-rate museums and theaters, fine restaurants, excellent lodging, and an endless variety of outdoor activities. With all its amazing richness and diversity, the Lakes Region is the perfect choice for your vacation any time of year.

When you select the Lakes Region as your destination site, not only will you be staying in an exciting, scenic region, but you'll also be strategically close to all of northern New England's other attractions. While you enjoy the rustic towns and glistening lakes of this unspoiled countryside, you'll know that the cosmopolitan metropolis of Boston lies a mere two hours to your south. The Atlantic seacoast and White Mountains Region of the New Hampshire are each only an hour away, as are the many attractions of southern Maine and eastern Vermont.

Lake Winnipesaukee

As the spiritual and physical hub of the Lakes Region, Lake Winnipesaukee has the distinction of being the largest of New Hampshire's 1300 lakes and ponds. Not only do Winnipesaukee's waters encompass hundreds of habitable islands, but her shores are home to many of the Lake Region's most important towns. The lively resort of Weirs Beach rests on western side of the lake, boasting a cavalcade of attractions, including water parks, arcades, train rides, a board walk, beaches, and a port that serves as a jumping off point for a variety of lakefaring cruises. Parents and kids alike relish vacations in Weirs Beach, which plays host to a variety of concerts, fireworks celebrations, and many special events throughout the summer. A quick drive up the road is Meredith, also on Winnipesaukee's western shore. This quaint New England town lures visitors with its colorful marketplace, millrace, and inns, along with lakefront parks, docks, museums, galleries, golf courses, campsites, and theaters.

Center Harbor & Moultonboro

To the north awaits the quiet country solitude of Center Harbor and Moultonboro. Charming inns, cottages, and motels dot the landscape in these towns, places where time seems to stand still. Spend some time on this side of the lake and perhaps you'll be able to take an exhilarating scenic airplane flight, or maybe browse through North America's largest quilt shop. Or visit Castle Springs, a spectacular 5200-acre estate and hilltop mansion overlooking Winnipesaukee.

Laconia

Laconia, to the south of Winnipesaukee, is the region's largest city and retail center. Here you can visit the Belknap Mill, the oldest unaltered brick textile in America. This historic structure has been restored and today is one of the Lakes Region's premiere cultural centers, offering concerts, exhibits, and performances throughout the year. Laconia is also home of a symphony orchestra, golf and recreation centers, and a variety of lodging. Other towns along the "big lake" worth seeing include Wolfeboro, Melvin Village, and Alton Bay, just to name a few.

If you're looking for your chance to go hiking, mountain biking, fishing, or skiing, you've found the right place. If your heart yearns to connect with the water, you can have your wish with a sailboat trip, a ride on a mail boat, or, for the romantically inclined, a dinner/dance cruise along the one of the region's gleaming lakes. Perhaps you'd like to take a glide across Squam Lake, the setting for the movie "On Golden Pond." Or explore your other options: tour a preserved Shaker community, experience the excitement of a greyhound racetrack or international speedway, roam through the beauty of a wildlife park, or get to know one of the area's many museums. See festivals, fairs, fireworks, and competitions with powerboats, motorcycles, and sports cars. Enjoy the symphony orchestra that plays each summer as part of the New Hampshire Music Festival. Visit an old mine, explore the Lost River, spend some time watching nature at the Science Center of New Hampshire, or find glacial formations at the Polar Caves. If you're into history, there are few places in America richer than New England.

With so much to see and do, it's obvious why thousands of people choose this part of the country to vacation in year after year. Stay in New Hampshire's Lakes Region and you'll fully appreciate the beautiful images Robert Frost painted of New England with his most famous words.

SoulFest 2007
August 1 - 4, 2007