Labor Day Weekend Events in the Lakes Region

Music in the Mill Falls Marketplace

Relaxing in the Lakes Region of NH this holiday weekend? Besides the abundance of summertime activities that are still going strong, there are some fun special events happening to celebrate and cap off the season as we shift into fall…

Music in the Mill Falls Marketplace – Stroll through the shops of the Mill Falls Marketplace or just relax outdoors while enjoying a summer’s night serenade. The Craig Jaster Jazz Trio plays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm in the courtyard of this beautiful and historic market that was once an old linen mill. The Marketplace played a major part in revitalizing the village of Meredith, which is now a destination on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Labor Day Weekend Craft Fair at the Bay – The 23^rd Annual Labor Day Weekend “Craft Fair at the Bay” will be held at the Alton Bay Community House and along the waterfront of Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton this weekend. Over 100 Juried craftspeople from all over New England will display and sell their works, which include pottery, fine jewelry, primitive and folk art, photography, wood carvings, metal sculpture, blown glass, and so much more. Admission and parking are free, and Alton Bay is also accessible by boat! Read the rest of this entry »

Six NH Wineries to Participate in 2nd Annual Barrel Tasting Weekend

Get ready for two days of celebrating great NH wine! Six wineries in the Lakes Region have pulled together and are planning to open house for one weekend of touring and tasting in the tradition of many California vineyards. The Barrel Tasting Weekend will take place on September 29^th and 30^th and is the first-ever coordinated event of its type in New Hampshire and maybe all of New England. Participating wineries include Coffin Cellars, Stone Gate Vineyard, Gilmanton Winery, Sap House Meadery, Haunting Whisper Vineyards, and Hermit Woods Winery.

At each winery, guests will have the opportunity to taste young wines directly from the oak and stainless steel barrels that are used to ferment and age the varietals. Not only will it be a unique opportunity to taste wine in the early stages of its development, visitors will be able to meet the wine makers, tour the wine making facilities, and learn all about the wine making process. In addition, many of the wineries will be hosting other local vendors during the event, and offering special foods and wine-related items to guests. Read the rest of this entry »

Lakes Region Summer Theatre Still Going Strong

Dan Roach and Amy Prothro in “It Had to be You” at The Barnstormers Theatre.

Although it’s almost time for “back to school,” there’s still a lot of summer still left to enjoy. Summer theatre is a long-standing tradition in the area, and our local Lakes Region playhouses are ending the season in style with top-quality performances that are sure to keep you warm well into fall!

Founded in 1931 by Francis Cleveland, The Barnstormers in Tamworth is one of the longest-running professional summer theatres in the country. The Barnstormers is now one of three Equity theatres in New Hampshire and is the only theatre in the world that maintains the summer theatre tradition of eight plays in eight weeks. During July and August, the theatre features plays that are considered the “gems of American and British theatre.” This weekend, guests can catch the final performances of the madcap comedy, It Had To Be You, which runs until August 18. Next week is the last show of the season—Larry Shue’s The Foreigner, running August 21-25. “The Foreigner is an amazing play that incorporates comedy, drama, farce and a hint of darkness,” says Artistic Director Bob Shea. Read the rest of this entry »

Construction of Winni Playhouse’s New Campus Well Underway

Artist's rendering of the Winni Playhouse's new main stage theatre at the Meredith Campus.

After nearly two years of planning and fundraising, the new theatre at the Meredith Campus of the Winnipesaukee Playhouse is on its way to becoming a reality. Construction on the new building, which will house the main stage theatre, began in the spring and is moving along without any delays this summer, bringing the entire campus project well past its halfway point.

The “Winni” Playhouse was founded in 2004, becoming so successful that it soon outgrew its current location, an intimate Weirs Beach storefront that seats 84. With sights set on a bigger venue, the Playhouse assumed ownership of the former Annalee Doll Complex on Reservoir Road in Meredith in 2008, and put into action a three-phase plan to renovate the complex into a “Tanglewood type of setting” for their theatre and workshops. Read the rest of this entry »

Open Studio Days at The Arts Collaborative in Meredith

The new studio is waiting for you!

Many artists say the best way to approach creating art is to let go of expectations, be like a child, and play. Get ready to do just that at a new Lakes Region studio where the emphasis is on imagination and fun—and the possibilities are endless—during Open Studio Days this summer.

On Tuesdays in August, budding artists of all ages and experience are encouraged to visit The Arts Collaborative in Meredith, NH, a joint venture and creative collaboration between David Little of Winnipesaukee Forge and Steven Hayden of Hayden Arts. This gallery of fine furnishings and original artwork also has creative studio space, including the new downstairs teaching studio of Eco Art a la Carte and ArtsEnlight. For Open Studio Days, the space and plenty of materials are available for folks to come and “relax, play, explore, and create!” The vast array of art materials include traditional paints as well as natural and repurposed materials for collage and beyond! Experienced teaching artists Cynthia Robinson and Heidi Little will be on hand to lend some support if needed. Read the rest of this entry »

Satori Tea Garden a Peaceful Retreat for Lunch, Sweets, and Tea

One of the nicest things about summertime in New Hampshire is being able to relax outdoors in the warm weather and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Add delicious food to the mix and the experience borders on transcendent—it feeds the soul. In the quaint lakeside village of Meredith, visitors and locals can find a quiet little spot tucked in a beautiful Japanese garden to sample light French luncheon fare, elegant desserts, and fine teas. This haven is known as Satori, a tea garden.

Satori is located in the gardens of the lakes gallery at chi-lin, an Asian art and antique gallery and workshop center just up the hill from The Inns & Spa at Mill Falls. Satori opened for its 11^th season on Wednesday, July 25^th to mild weather and a steady stream of customers. Suzanne Lee, owner of the lakes gallery and Satori tea garden, offers light vegetarian cuisine and tea at satori Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 to 4:30. After school starts again in the fall, the tea garden will be open on Saturdays, with other days available by appointment, until the fall begins to turn chilly. Read the rest of this entry »

Castle in the Clouds Being Restored to its Original Grandeur

Visitors to the Lakes Region of NH have long enjoyed an amazing treasure: perched high atop the Ossipee Mountain Range overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, Castle in the Clouds beckons to those who love breathtaking views, stunning architecture, enchanting artwork, beautiful gardens, and unspoiled natural terrain. This important landmark has captivated visitors and locals alike for decades, and has been fully enjoyed as a place to attend concerts, gallery openings, and weddings, as well as a spot to relax over a leisurely patio luncheon or hike through a pristine wilderness setting. The “Lucknow” estate, as it was called by its original owners, seems to have it all, and a dedicated team, along with a caring local community, is working hard to keep Castle in the Clouds beautiful and in top condition so that it can be enjoyed for many years to come. Read the rest of this entry »

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad Brings Nostalgic Entertainment to Meredith Bay

Climb aboard the classic train at Meredith Station and take a trip back in time as the old locomotive chugs along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. While the breathtaking views of the lake and distant mountains are sure to evoke a sense of wonder and leisure reminiscent of turn-of-the-century travel to NH grand hotels and summer resorts, this ride also has old-fashioned entertainment to bring an even deeper experience of the “good old days.”

Every Monday through Friday this summer, “White Marriott the Hobo Balloonist” will be aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad to share his specialty balloons with passengers. Kids of all ages will love his balloon creations, especially the animals and flowers formed from simple balloons!

On Saturdays, accordionist David Smith will be aboard the train, greeting passengers as they board and then strolling through the train as he plays nostalgic tunes on his accordion for everyone to enjoy. These fun songs are sure to get everyone in the spirit for a relaxing lakeside adventure! Read the rest of this entry »

Don’t Miss the Mid-Summer Art Walk in Center Sandwich

Day Sailers Resting by Woolsey Conover at Surroundings Gallery

Another Lakes Region town can be counted among NH communities who offer popular art walks, where visitors can tour local galleries, enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres, and meet the artists whose work is on exhibit. Stroll the streets of Center Sandwich, see what’s new in the art world, and enjoy music and great food at the Corner House Inn afterward.

On Friday, July 13^th, Center Sandwich will be holding its second Gallery Walk of the season from 5 – 7 p.m. The Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery, The Sandwich Home Industries, and Surroundings Art Gallery will open their doors that evening to celebrate art, music, and conversation as they feature the work of New England artists and those who have a connection to the area. Guests who visit all three galleries will receive a discount on dinner at the Corner House Inn on Main Street. Read the rest of this entry »

New EKAL Activity Center Offers Fun Ways to Experience Lake Winnipesaukee

Scott Crowder stands outside the new EKAL Activity Center

Visitors to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire have always found a variety of ways to enjoy the water in the summertime. From swimming and waterskiing to sailing and speed boating, there is something for everyone here. One of the best ways to get on the water and explore is with a canoe or kayak, and now it’s even easier for guests and residents of Meredith to hop in and paddle, as a new activity center has opened on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.

The new EKAL Activity Center in Meredith is part retail shop and part learning center, providing visitors with rentals of kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards (SUP), and old-fashioned pedal boats, as well as lessons in how to best use the equipment. The center also offers guided tours of the lake on any of these watercrafts. Ekal opened last weekend to beautiful weather and people eager to begin a fun summer on the lake! Read the rest of this entry »