One of the largest in New Hampshire, this sprawling state park boasts a vivid tapestry of bogs, marshes and drapes of charming, forested expanses. A wonderland for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, this 10,000-acre (4046-hectare) park is delightfully cleaved by winding, crisscrossing trails. Home to campgrounds (of which the Bear Brook Camp is part of the National Register of Historic Places) and spaces for archery, the park is traversed by a meandering stream called Bear Brook. The park also harbors a stunning museum ensemble which includes the New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum, Old Allenstown Meeting House, and the Richard Diehl Civilian Conservation Corps Museum. This expanse of wooded wilderness is the crown jewel of New Hampshire.
With a seating capacity of 200 plus, Winnipesaukee Playhouse is a cultural center that was founded in 2004 with an intention to encourage art and artists in the region. It is a wonderful space equipped with modern facilities - features fabulous summer stock performances and community theatre performances. Visitors can enjoy performances throughout the year at this well-laid-out theatre. The Playhouse also hosts workshops for artists and child artists in the production and acting.
Located in the town of Meredith, Hermit Woods is a small boutique winery that is dedicated to creating delicious and fine wines. Take a tour of the winery and receive a detailed explanation of their process and winery. If you do not have time to opt for a tour, simply taste a variety of their special barrel-aged wines in their tasting room and purchase a bottle or two to go. With owners who all share a passionate love for wine, a tour of this property is certain to be exciting and fun.
Housed in one of the oldest buildings in the village, the Main Street Museum is a local history museum that opened its doors in 1994. This local museum is also a research library for visitors and locals to learn about the historic details of the region. The museum contains a wide range of collectibles like antique objects and interesting memorabilia such as clothes and artifacts from wars. Visitors can tour the museum and learn insightful details of the local heritage past.
Welcoming guests since 1927, Capitol Theater was the area's finest movie theater and concert hall. After many a glory days , the theater fell into disrepair and was shut down.The city with its many benefactors took it upon themselves to recreate the magic of this theater and restored it to its former glory. They worked endlessly on the theater's noted Egyptian motif artwork. Reopened in 1995 as the Chubb Theater, this modern facility now forms the identity of the center. Seating upto 1,130 people and complete with state of the art sound and lighting fixtures, computerized ticketing, the theater is now better than ever. Its stage sees a number of performances of every genre and scale. From ballet to Broadway, it is the finest venue for performing arts and sees talents from all over the world. For more information about the theater and ticketing, call ahead or visit their website.
A visit to the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum comes most recommended for history aficionados. This informative museum has many permanent exhibits that give visitors a detailed account of the Native American culture and their way of life. Here, all of the tours as well as exhibitions are organized in such a way that visitors feel connected to the 20,000-year old traditions of the Native Americans. Not only do they display artifacts and every use items of the community but they also hold games and showcase cultural programs to give visitors a hands-on experience of the Native American life. In addition, they conduct several education programs to keep the Native American spirit alive among today's generation.
The Blossom Hill Cemetery was constructed as a municipal cemetery in the 19th Century. Along with the Calvary Cemetery, it is part of the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it is also visited by tourists who enjoy quiet rambles through the quaint graveyard.
Bordering the Wellington State Park and the Reed Lighthouse, the Newfound Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in New Hampshire. Spread over Bristol, Alexandria, Hebron, and Bridgewater, it is one of the ideal places to view a postcard sunrise and sunset, and its shores are a stopover for several migratory birds. It is one of the main spots for fish farming and research in the area and is home to many diverse marine species as well. The lake is a popular tourist attraction with boating and fishing facilities as well. It is owned and managed by The Newfound Lake Region Association and is known for being one of the most pristine water bodies in the state.