LAKES

Any tour of the Lakes Region generally takes in a cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire with its dozens of islands, or Squam Lake, site of the movie "On Golden Pond." The start of your tour will depend on the length of the cruise and the number of activities you wish to include.

Starting at the northern end of Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonborough be sure to stop at the Old Country Store, one of the oldest continually operating general stores in the United States (1 hour). Take Rt. 109 to the Castle in the Clouds, a masterpiece built in the early 1900s, with scenic views of the lakes and mountains (1 - 1/12 hours).

Continue on Rt. 109 to the town of Wolfeboro, home to America's first summer resort. Options here include lunch at the Wolfeboro Inn with downtown shopping, a visit to the Wright Museum, a historically accurate collection of memorabilia, vehicles and costumes (1 hour). Or visit Hampshire Pewter, where the early American art of pewtering is still alive.

Get ready to board the m/s Mount Washington for an afternoon cruise across Lake Winnipesaukee to Weirs Beach(1 1/2 hours). Varying cruises including lunch or themed dinners are also available departing from the Weirs.

The bus will meet your tour at Weirs Beach where you will travel north on Rt. 3 to Meredith for a visit to the Annalee Doll Museum (1 hour).

Options can include the Winnipesaukee Scenic R.R. from Meredith to Laconia (1 hour); or a cruise on Squam Lake and a visit to the Science Center of New Hampshire (1 1/2 hours).