TREKS & TRAVELS: Exploring Squam Lake

MEREDITH, N.H. - While beaches tend to be viewed as the kings of summer fun, a visit to the Lakes Region in New Hampshire just might change that perception.

The jewel of the area is Lake Winnipesaukee. With nearly 200 miles of shoreline covering over 44,000 acres and surrounded by eight communities, the area has something for everyone.

Meredith, New Hampshire, one of the eight communities, for has many opportunities for fun.

Pack a lunch and head to Leavitt Beach on Leavitt Park Road off of Route 25 for sun and relaxation. The quiet beach, known mostly to nearby residents, has restrooms, a small playground, a Little Free Library to borrow a book from and views looking out to tree-covered mountains in the distance and tree lined shores across Lake Winnipesaukee, it’s a fun alternative to the hustle and bustle of crammed beaches. There's also an area where you can put in a canoe or kayak.

After a day at the beach, stop at Moulton Farm and pick up many a New Englander’s favorite treat - cider doughnuts from Cider Bellies. While around Massachusetts these treats typically appear only in the fall, Cider Bellies sells them year round for $10 a dozen and uses locally sourced products in season.

If you crave more than the cinnamon-sugar variety, Cider Bellies also offers up flavors like maple drizzle with bacon or strawberry-lemonade drizzle. And if you aren’t particular about the looks of your doughnut, a bag of "belly flops," which are smaller, misshapen doughnuts, can be purchased for $1.25. Moulton Farm is also a wonderful spot to purchase something for dinner if you prefer to picnic on the lake as the farm has a farm market offering fresh soups, salads and entrees as well as a bakery.

If you're staying overnight, check in to any one of four inns in the heart of downtown Meredith. Bay Point and Church Landing are right on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, while the Mill Falls Inn and Chase House are across the street. Reservations are a must, particularly during the busy summer season.

There are many shops and boutiques to choose from, as well as restaurants for any palate. Grab a free map of the Meredith Sculpture Walk, an annual outdoor exhibit featuring sculptures spread throughout the small town and along the lake. In addition to the locations of the sculptures, the brochure will give you names and information about the 35 artists who produced the pieces.

If you want to enjoy more of the lake views in a casual dining atmosphere, have dinner at Town Docks, part of the popular New Hampshire Common Man restaurants. With outdoor seating so diners can watch the boats come and go on the lake, Town Docks offers many of the traditional foods you would expect from a New England restaurant, like lobster corn chowder, fried clams, and fisherman’s platters as well as hamburgers, hotdogs and a children’s menu.

Check out a Broadway-style show at the Interlakes Summer Theatre Company at the Interlakes Junior Senior High School. These productions are jam-packed with talent, energy and fun. This summer’s productions include "Show Boat," "La Cage Aux Folles" and "Newsies." Ticket prices are $25-$35. Visit the theater's website at www.interlakestheatre.com for dates and show times.

If you're into hiking, head out early to nearby Holderness and the Squam Lake region to Rattlesnake Mountain. Don’t let the name fool you. There are no snakes and while the trail to the top is pretty much up the whole way, it is not a mountain to be feared.

"It’s a 25 cent hike with a million dollar view,” says one gentleman who has taken many a visitor to the trail. And what a view it is.

Depending on how fast you hike, the trek to the top can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, but you will want to leave yourself a lot of time to just soak in the scenery. The trail is dog-friendly, so long as they are leashed, and also doable for most children.

The trailhead is just off Route 113 in Holderness. There are parking lots on both sides of the road, and the trail will take you to the top to overlook Squam Lake and more of the Lakes Region.

Also on Route 113 is the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center where you can walk around a ¾-mile live animal exhibit trail as well as take a cruise on Squam Lake. The animals, all native New Hampshire species, are mostly orphaned or otherwise unable to return to the wild. There is plenty of information along the path to learn about them and their habitats.

The center offers lake cruise options including a bald eagle cruise, cruise with a naturalist, family cruise, sunset cruise, loon cruise and a "Discover Squam" cruise. Check out the Center’s website at www.nhnature.org for information on days and times.

Entrance to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center costs $20 for adults and $15 for kids over 2. Cruises cost $27 for adults and $23 for children over 3, and there is a combo ticket that can be purchased for both that costs $41 for adults and $32 for kids.

Plans to explore more of the Lakes Region will have to wait for another day. You’re going to want to keep going back.

Paula Vogler is a freelance writer. Contact her at treksandtravels61@gmail.com.