Summer Lake Life in Wolfeboro, NH

Since colonial times folks have been visiting Wolfeboro, NH, creating a family tradition of summers at the lake that has lasted centuries. We’ve partnered with Keryn Means of Walking On Travels to get

Seasons roll over the mountains and lakes of New Hampshire, but one sleepy town has been enjoying summers longer than any other summer haven in the nation. Wolfeboro, NH is the oldest summer resort town in America, but don’t let the title fool you. This town has no high-rise hotels, sprawling shopping districts or mega-food scene. What it does have is clean lake fun, great local bakeries, and a quiet, lazy summer vibe that has been welcoming families for generations.

Situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, Wolfeboro has a few scattered B&Bs, golf clubs, hotels and resorts, but most people own or rent homes when they come up for the summer. The town of Wolfeboro attracts visitors from at least five neighboring lakes that are within an easy drive of the shops, restaurants and watersports. Many summer residents live in New England, while others, like my family, come from up and down the East Coast to unplug and escape the summer heat that crashes on the lower half of the country each year. A few celebrities have even found a quiet retreat here, including Drew Barrymore, Jimmy Fallon and even Princess Grace of Monaco.

It’s a Generational Thing

This is not a one and done vacation spot. Families like mine have called this part of New Hampshire home for generations. Wolfeboro was formed in 1759, with the first summer country estate being built in 1771. It soon became a popular spot for colonials living in Boston and New Hampshire to cool down in the summer months. That hasn’t changed.

My mother grew up going to Wolfeboro with her parents and siblings while vacationing on Lake Winnipesauke. We now rent a cottage on a neighboring lake with my parents and sister’s family. Our story is not unique. Homes are passed down to future family members. The cabin we now rent is owned by a mother and daughter, who inherited it after their grandmother passed away. Traditions are made, and regular visitors look forward to catching up over lobster and local beer as the sun sets on the lake.

Get on the Water

Lake Winnipesauke and her surrounding lakes are filled with fresh water, fish and a few turtles. The prime vacation spots, like the little cabin we rent, have a dock and a sandy beach entry for younger kids to enjoy just steps away from their vacation home or resort room. Lakes aren’t really known for sandy beaches, so most people just jump off of their docks and right into the water. If you want to do a water sport, drive into Wolfeboro to one of the outfitters or shops. Paddle boarding is big here, as well as kayaking, jet skiing, water skiing and wakeboarding. You can buy or rent any of the gear you need, or even take a Stand Up Paddle Boarding Yoga class.

Take in the Sights

For anyone looking for a few history lessons while on vacation, there are a few notable sights, like old churches with country jam sessions on weeknights. History comes alive at the museums the Libby Museum, Clarke House Museum, New Hampshire Boat Museum and the Wright Museum of WWII. Each will take less than a day to visit, but can keep the family entertained on a rainy morning.

Bakeries Worth the Visit

No resort town is complete without a few sweet treats to fill you up. Wolfeboro is home to at least four incredible bakeries, including the Yum Yum Shop, which is a Wolfeboro institution that has been serving cookies and pastries for generations (the frosted gingerbread men are the best). The weekly farmers market behind the Clarke House Museum also boasts great baked goods, and if you are on the hunt for the best whoopie pie on earth, pop into Hunter’s IGA on the main street through town to pick up some locally made whoopie pies with chocolate chips baked right into the cake. Also, don’t dismiss Gatherings by Stellaloona as a pretty home décor shop. They make a killer blueberry crumble tart that stole the heart of every baked good loving soul within 10 miles when they opened.

Shops for Local Life

Small shops filled with specialty food, cookware, clothing and jewelry cater mostly to summer residents, but you will always find locals popping in to see what is new. Browse through custom jewelry created by local designers, high end casual wear, or new yoga-style fashions that look good, all while you feel like you are walking around in your pajamas. You can easily find typical beach wear, like Wolfeboro t-shirts, Lake Winnipesauke hats, wood carved loons (birds you often find on the lakes) and Christmas ornaments to commemorate your trip. Most of the shops are located on the main road through Wolfeboro and a few side streets. Take a morning or lazy afternoon to wander and find a little treasure to take home.

Wolfeboro may not have a nightclub or bars that are open all hours of the night (although they do have a growing craft brew scene), but it does have that laid-back beach vibe so many crave in the summer months. While the water off the coast of New England can be chilly in summer, inland you will find the lakes warm enough to jump into and cool enough to take away that lick of summer heat that even invades the northern states. Whether your family wants to start a new tradition, or you have been visiting since you were a kid, Wolfeboro is one of those places that is easy to love and keep coming back to year after year.

 

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