Columbus Day Weekend in the Lakes Region

Fall Foliage Special Train, Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad

This is the pinnacle of the season—the sun is warm, the air is crisp, and the colors throughout the Lakes Region are glorious—welcome to autumn in New England! For residents and visitors to New Hampshire, the high point of fall has long been Columbus Day Weekend, when peak colors often coincide with the three-day holiday. This year is no exception, with the foliage expected to be very colorful in the central part of the state over the next few days. Here are some fun ways to enjoy the scenery this weekend:

Fall Foliage Trains Aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad – This 2-hour train excursion along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee is an easy way to relax and enjoy the breathtaking view as it rolls gently by. The ride goes along Meredith Bay, through Weirs Beach, to Lakeport, and then reverses back to Meredith again. Food service is available onboard, and includes the famous Hobo Picnic Lunch, ice cream, snacks, and beverages. Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, the train departs from Meredith at 10:30, 12:30, and 2:30, and from Weirs Beach hourly from 11:00 – 3:00. For the schedule and tickets, call 603-279-5253 or 603-745-2135. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.hoborr.com.

Fall Foliage Special Train, Meredith to Plymouth, Aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad – The Fall Foliage Special Train departs from Meredith at 11:00 am and heads north towards the White Mountains for an approximately four-hour round trip. This route is only traveled during fall foliage season, passing Lake Waukewan and Lake Winona, and following along and over the Pemigewasset River from Ashland to Plymouth, NH. The train stops at stations along the way, and at the Common Man Inn in Plymouth for a hot buffet luncheon. At the Ashland Railroad Station, passengers can disembark for a tour of the historic landmark. These trains sell out early and are by reservation only. Tickets are available at 603-745-2135 or online at www.hoborr.com.

Apple Festival & Craft Fair – Bristol, NH will be bubbling over with the warm, homey scent of autumn on Saturday, October 6^th! Enjoy homemade apple pies and other baked goods, home-baked beans, and fresh bread at the Apple Festival & Craft Fair to benefit the Tapply-Thompson Community Center. Pies can be pre-ordered by calling the TTCC at 744-2713 by Friday, October 5^th. The gym will be full of crafters for early holiday shopping, as well. What could be better than eating fresh apple pie a la mode outdoors on a beautiful fall day?

The M/S Mount Washington on Lake Winnipesaukee

Fall Foliage Cruises Aboard the M/S Mount Washington – Cruising Lake Winnipesaukee offers the opportunity to enjoy some of New England’s best leaf peeping from the comfort of the famous and historic M/S Mount Washington. This 230-foot ship has several cruises to choose from, including Rock ‘n’ Roll Saturday Night, the Sunday Champagne Brunch Cruise, and the Fall Foliage Dinner Dance Cruise, where passengers can watch the sun set on New Hampshire’s largest lake at its most spectacular time of year! For information and tickets, call 603-366-5531 or visit the website at www.cruiseNH.com.

The Sandwich Fair – Visitors to the Lakes Region can also enjoy the Sandwich Fair while on their foliage excursion. This annual tradition, always on Columbus Day Weekend, has taken place for over a century and is one of the biggest fairs in New England. With dozens of 4-H exhibits, food contests, tractor shows, and even a poetry reading, Sandwich Fair truly has something for everyone.  All the fun is listed on the fair’s website here.

Wherever you decide to wander this weekend, you are sure to experience the quintessential, picture-perfect New England fall. Don’t forget to share your stories and photos with us!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team