Family Fun Aboard the M/S Mount Washington

View from the M/S Mount Washington's web cam, 7/14/11, 7:55pm

Families visiting the Lakes Region of New Hampshire in the summer have many pastimes to choose from, and boating on Lake Winnipesaukee is among the favorite activities of locals and tourists alike.  From a quiet kayak ride to a dinner dance cruise, there is a water activity for everyone.  But for families, the M/S Mount Washington offers something extra special.

On Fridays in July and August, Mount Washington Cruises hosts Family Fun Day.  This activity-themed day cruise aboard the M/S Mount Washington offers parents and children a chance to explore Lake Winnipesaukee while enjoying entertainment geared for the young crowd.  The ship’s mascot, Monty the Mallard, will be on deck to meet the kids, along with a special guest, who may be a magician, a clown, a puppeteer, or storyteller.  On Friday, July 29^th, Captain Radical will take over the ship for a pirate party, complete with a treasure hunt, pirate stories, and games.  A special princess tea party will take place in August.  Adults can enjoy the cruise while the children have fun with the crew!

Another family-friendly event also takes place on the M/S Mount Washington on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer—Family Party Night!  At this festive evening of dining and dancing, there is always a special entertainer for the kids on the Main Deck, and dancing to live music for adults in the Flagship Lounge on the second deck.  Folks of all ages can enjoy a buffet dinner as the ship cruises for two and a half hours around the lake.  What an elegant way to spend time with loved ones!

Celebrate summer with a quintessential cruise on the big lake aboard the M/S Mount Washington, and create lasting memories for everyone in the family!  For more information on these or many other fine cruises, please visit the Mount Washington Cruises website or call 603-366-5531 or 888-THE-MOUNT (888-843-6686).

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

photo courtesy of Mount Washington Cruises

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

Celebrate the Season at the NH Boat Museum’s Spring Fling!

This coming Friday, April 30^th, The NH Boat Museum is hosting its annual Spring Fling in Wolfeboro at Club 59 at the Kingswood Golf Club.  The event marks the beginning of the museum’s 10^th season in Wolfeboro, and serves as a mini fundraiser for all the exhibits, programs, and activities the non-profit organization offers throughout the year.

The evening promises to be a real treat, with a cash bar and hors d’oeuvres at 6pm, followed by a full dinner at 7pm with your choice of entrée (indicated with your advance ticket).  A small live auction will be the highlight of the night, with many fun summer items generously donated by the community.  Some of the items up for grabs are a three-day get-away at a beachfront cottage at Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, Maine, a one-hour Lakes Region aerial tour, antique wooden boat rides, Jersey Skiff rides, gift certificates, and more!

According to their website, “The New Hampshire Boat Museum is an educational organization focusing on the boating heritage and life on the lakes and rivers of New Hampshire. We serve the local community and visitors by presenting exhibits and outreach programs, events, publications and hands-on activities.”  The museum is located just two miles from the center of Wolfeboro, “The Oldest Summer Resort In America,” and features many of the finest examples of vintage mahogany and antique boats.

There are still a few seats available for the Spring Fling, and ticket sales close at the end this Wednesday, the 28^th, so don’t miss this last chance to get on board!  For more information visit the NH Boat Museum’s events page, or call Bruce MacLellan at 603-253-9887 or Ann Sprague at 603-677-2196.

Image credit:  Let Ideas Compete at Flickr.com

1st Annual Great Northeast Boat Show coming to NH this Weekend!

Get ready to play on the lake!  The 1^st annual Great Northeast Boat Show is scheduled to take place this weekend, April 9 – 11, inside the Hampshire Dome in Milford, NH.  The event will be the biggest boat show ever held in NH and the largest spring boat show in New England.  According to the event website, the weekend promises to be a “celebration of the boating lifestyle featuring everything needed, wanted or desired by the boating enthusiast.”

The organizers are expecting representatives from over 50 companies that feature products for the boating lifestyle, from over 100 boats, to docks, accessories, and water toys.  The show is the only one endorsed by the New Hampshire Marine Trades Association.  “There is no other spring boating event in New England that offers boating enthusiasts the biggest, broadest and best selection of boats and boating accessories at the best deals,” said Suzette Anthony, show owner.  “The Great Northeast Boat Show will quickly gain a reputation as the best place and time to buy a boat, because you can buy it tax-free and enjoy it in the water right away.”

As part of the show, there will be seminars to educate and entertain both boating enthusiasts and families alike, such as a weekend-long boat-building demonstration of a wooden Adirondack guideboat.  On hand will also be veteran NH fishing guides Travis Williams, Sean Marzeraka and Glen Leathers, who will hold daily seminars teaching everything from safe boating tips to how to catch more fish.

If you’re in the market for a boat, or if you just want to see what’s new in the boating world, don’t miss this inaugural event!

Image credit:  red twolips at flickr.com

Ekal Excursions Offers Water sports and sunset cruises at Church Landing

Ekal is a new service being offered in the Meredith area for the first time in the 2009 boating season.  Scott Crowder of Bear Island, Meredith NH, is the founder and owner of the company.  Scott has over 15 years of boating experience on Lake Winnipesaukee and is a licensed commercial captain.  When asked where the name comes from, he informed me that Ekal is Lake spelled backwards.  “I was looking for something different to name my business,” says Scott.

Whether you’re looking for a tour of the lake or an action-packed day of water sports, including tubing, water skiing or wake boarding, Ekal will do it all.  Scott operates a world class performance ski boat, Tige RZ4, that is capable of seating 17 people, although Scott prefers to take groups no larger than 8 to 10 people at a time.

No matter what the activity is or how many people will be going along, the cost starts at $150.00 per hour and trips can be anywhere from one hour to several depending on your interests. The hourly cost goes down as the number of hours go up.  Often you can schedule your trip on the same day, but Scott recommends making your reservations in advance to ensure availability.  You can learn more about Ekal at their website: www.ekalexcursions.com or by calling 603-493-8517.
Take advantage of “Water Sports Wednesday” and get all that Ekal has to offer for a 15% discount, or take advantage of Scott’s unique Sunset and Fireworks Tours held whenever Weirs has a fireworks show.
“Ekal is passionate about one thing and one thing only – the Lake.  The individuals who live a lifestyle around lakes know what we’re talking about. Countless hours spent out on the water, livin’ and laughin’ with friends and family until the sun sets and the campfire is lit. We live a lifestyle that many only dream of and we understand this – which makes us appreciate it even more.  Join us and Live Our Lifestyle!”