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 »

Get Out on the Water in the Lakes Region this Summer!

Whether it’s kayaking, touring on a cruiser, or jet skiing, there are many different ways to enjoy boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, and visitors to Meredith, NH can easily find the right watercraft to fit every mood thanks to this Lakes Region hotel.

The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have partnered with some great local boating sources to offer guests an unforgettable lake experience.  With Wake Up and Ride, visitors can take advantage of a chartered Malibu Wakesetter, which seats 10 – 12 people comfortably for water skiing, wake- or knee-boarding, and sightseeing cruises.  According to the company’s website, “If you haven’t experienced wakeboarding, you have been sleeping.  We are here to get you to Wake UP and Ride!”

Also available through the Inns are group lake tours and private charter cruises on Latitude 43’s  “Down East Cruiser.”  This custom-built luxury boat is large enough for 10 guests, but small enough to explore many areas of Lake Winnipesaukee that are not accessible to larger vessels.  A private cruise is flexible, allowing for course changes and stops in various ports around the lake for shopping or dining.  Picnics are welcome onboard, too!  What a great way to spend the day with family and friends!  For either the scheduled group tours or the private charters, guest boarding is available at the Church Landing Docks.

Nearby Squam Lake is beautiful, too, and guests are encouraged to visit this charming place where On Golden Pond was filmed, just seven miles from Meredith.  Experience Squam offers private excursions aboard a 23′ Sea Ray Bow-Rider, and guests can customize their adventures with a variety of options, including swimming stops, movie site tours, and sunset and stargazing cruises.  Visitors can even stroll through a swamp along a boardwalk to see some wildlife or pick native blueberries when they are in season!

For those who like to take the helm themselves, boat and jet-ski rentals are available through Meredith Marina, right next door to Church Landing.  Meredith Marina has one of the largest boat rental fleets on Lake Winnipesaukee, with 19’ Stingray Bow-Riders, 19’ deck boats from Hurricane, pontoon boats, jet skis, and canoes.  Don’t forget the water toys—Meredith Marina has skis, tubes, and boards, too!  They rent for any time period that fits guests’ needs, including half-day, full-day, multi-day, or multi-week, with discounts for early reservations and longer-term rentals, as well as a Mill Falls guest discount!

Looking for something quieter?  The Inns at Mill Falls have kayaks available for rent daily from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.  There is no better way to feel at one with the lake and get up close to nature than in a solo kayak!  Relax and rejuvenate!

Whatever your preference in boating, the Inns and Spa at Mill Falls have you covered!  For most outings, reservations can be made at the front desk at Church Landing.  When booking your stay, don’t forget to reserve your boat or tour to make the most of your summer getaway!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of Meredith Marina

Enjoy Some Quiet Time in a Kayak

Even summer getaways can be busy.  There are so many fun things to do in NH, it’s difficult to fit it all in.  Vacationers often find themselves a little stressed, especially when doing lots of high-adrenaline activities, over-scheduling their days, or simply negotiating summer traffic.  Don’t forget an important part of your break—rest and relaxation.  Get away from all the hustle and bustle while taking in the natural beauty of this region with a gentle kayak cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Don’t have your own kayak?  No worries.  The Inns and Spa at Mill Falls offer kayak rentals in Meredith Bay all summer.  These personal crafts are available to be launched from the Church Landing waterfront daily from 7am – 3pm.  Paddle wherever your spirit guides you and take a deep breath.  You are now one with the lake.  You might even be able to get close to some loons…  This is the good life!

Find your calm center amid the whirl of summer by floating quietly on the water.  The power of the paddle is in your hands.

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: FreeWine at Flickr.com

Captain your own boat or jet ski

If you’re staying with us at one of our four inns or planning a visit to the Meredith area, nothing could do more to enhance your experience than getting out on Lake Winnipesaukee.  And an excellent way to do that is by renting a power boat or jet ski that will allow you to explore the hundreds of miles of shoreline and the many towns around our beautiful lake.  Located just a stone’s throw from Church Landing is Meredith Marina, a full service Marina offering boat and jet ski rentals for as low as $200.00 (half day rental).

About Meredith Marina

Located in Meredith, New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesaukee, we are a full service marina dedicated to your boating pleasure. Whether you’re looking for new boat, a used boat or a rental boat; a trailer, an anchor, or a fish finder; or simply a boat registration, we’ve got what it takes to put you on the water.

Our Service Department is staffed with experienced, Mercury, Mercruiser, and Volvo Penta certified technicians ready to tackle all your maintenance issues. From a simple boat wash and wax, to professional fiberglass repair or major engine work, we can get the job done quickly and at the best prices on the lake.

With boat slips scarce and at a premium on the lake, our valet service offers boaters a cost effective alternative to boating and storage. Simply call us an hour before you want to be on the water, and your boat will be waiting for you, fueled and ready to go. We also have a pump-out facility and a gas dock for visiting boaters.

We’re open 8:00am to 5:00pm 7 days a week during the summer.

Contact Information

www.meredithmarina.com

2 Bayshore Dr
Meredith, NH 03253
Phone: 603.279.7921
Fax: 603.279.5918