This summer, influencer Jessica Olm spent some time exploring New Hampshire. Follow along as she shares travel tips for things to see and do on your next getaway to the Lakes Region!
After a brief (but very welcome) break after ski season, I’m so happy to be back in full travel mode. Some of you are probably already aware, but I recently became bicoastal, and now split my time between New York (Brooklyn + the Adirondacks) and California (Mammoth Mountain!). I’ve absolutely loved getting more acquinted with my new backyard, but it also means that trips back East have become that much more special to me.
My first trip was EXTRA special, as it included a week in one of my favorite states in the Northeast: New Hampshire! For all my fellow leaf peepers out there, I’m sure you’re very familiar with the stunning backdrops found in the White Mountains. But did you also know that New Hampshire is home to both a Lakes Region AND Seacoast Region?!
The Lakes Region of New Hampshire alone boasts 273 bodies of water (1/16th of the state is covered by water!), the largest of which is Lake Winnipesaukee. If you’re brand new to the area, a visit here is a MUST. With over 200 miles of shoreline, the lake is home to several communities, all with their own unique feel. On my first visit to the region some years back, I stayed in Meredith, at Church Landing at Mill Falls. In the colder months, this is the PERFECT place to cozy up in one of their luxurious, rustic-chic rooms. In the summer, head to their EKAL Activity Center to rent all your adventure equipment - from paddle boards, canoes, and even bicycles (perfect for exploring the nearby village).
If waterfront activities are more your speed, there’s plenty of family-friendly hikes in the neighboring towns. A super easy, and rewarding one to check out is Abenaki Tower - which is technically more of a walk than a hike, it only takes five minutes to reach! From the top, you can enjoy views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range.
For a full day of family-friendly fun, with just a dash of Dirty Dancing camp vibes, head to Weirs Beach - not only do they have a great public beach and boardwalk, but you can also hop on a tour via the Scenic Railroad or M/S Mount Washington from here. For some classic nostalgia, check out the Penny Arcade, and round out the night with a double feature at the Weirs Beach Drive-In Theatre.
While there are PLENTY of luxury lodging options to choose from in the area, you’ll also find ample campsites throughout the Lakes Region. For this trip, I chose to stay a bit off the beaten path to have a true glamping experience at Getaway House.
Located in Epsom, NH, this Getaway Outpost (there are several Outposts throughout the country!) was the perfect place to return to after full days exploring the lakes. Each site can accommodate up to 4 guests, but note this is a “tiny house” situation, so you’ll be happy to spend the majority of your time sprawling out by the campfire! With a kitchen space, bathroom, and dining area, everything you need is just mere steps away (not to mention the full panel glass window makes you feel like you’re truly sleeping IN the trees. Book your stay here.
Other neighboring lakes to check out:
After a brief (but very welcome) break after ski season, I’m so happy to be back in full travel mode. Some of you are probably already aware, but I recently became bicoastal, and now split my time between New York (Brooklyn + the Adirondacks) and California (Mammoth Mountain!). I’ve absolutely loved getting more acquinted with my new backyard, but it also means that trips back East have become that much more special to me.
My first trip was EXTRA special, as it included a week in one of my favorite states in the Northeast: New Hampshire! For all my fellow leaf peepers out there, I’m sure you’re very familiar with the stunning backdrops found in the White Mountains. But did you also know that New Hampshire is home to both a Lakes Region AND Seacoast Region?!
The Lakes Region of New Hampshire alone boasts 273 bodies of water (1/16th of the state is covered by water!), the largest of which is Lake Winnipesaukee. If you’re brand new to the area, a visit here is a MUST. With over 200 miles of shoreline, the lake is home to several communities, all with their own unique feel. On my first visit to the region some years back, I stayed in Meredith, at Church Landing at Mill Falls. In the colder months, this is the PERFECT place to cozy up in one of their luxurious, rustic-chic rooms. In the summer, head to their EKAL Activity Center to rent all your adventure equipment - from paddle boards, canoes, and even bicycles (perfect for exploring the nearby village).
If waterfront activities are more your speed, there’s plenty of family-friendly hikes in the neighboring towns. A super easy, and rewarding one to check out is Abenaki Tower - which is technically more of a walk than a hike, it only takes five minutes to reach! From the top, you can enjoy views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Range.
For a full day of family-friendly fun, with just a dash of Dirty Dancing camp vibes, head to Weirs Beach - not only do they have a great public beach and boardwalk, but you can also hop on a tour via the Scenic Railroad or M/S Mount Washington from here. For some classic nostalgia, check out the Penny Arcade, and round out the night with a double feature at the Weirs Beach Drive-In Theatre.
While there are PLENTY of luxury lodging options to choose from in the area, you’ll also find ample campsites throughout the Lakes Region. For this trip, I chose to stay a bit off the beaten path to have a true glamping experience at Getaway House.
Located in Epsom, NH, this Getaway Outpost (there are several Outposts throughout the country!) was the perfect place to return to after full days exploring the lakes. Each site can accommodate up to 4 guests, but note this is a “tiny house” situation, so you’ll be happy to spend the majority of your time sprawling out by the campfire! With a kitchen space, bathroom, and dining area, everything you need is just mere steps away (not to mention the full panel glass window makes you feel like you’re truly sleeping IN the trees. Book your stay here.
Other neighboring lakes to check out:
- Newfound Lake - considered one the cleanest lakes in the world, is 4,106 acres and is one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire (168-feet deep at one point!).
- For a bit of peace + quiet, I’d recommend Squam Lakes - a beautiful spot for a canoe ride.
- If you’re interested in fishing, Ossipee Lake is a great place to check out.
- Or check out some classic New England charm with a visit to one of the covered bridges near Lake Sunapee.
