The incredibly charming lakeside hamlet of Meredith, New Hampshire is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, boaters and fans of historic towns. Just 6,000 people live here, but during the warm summer months the town’s population swells as vacationers come from all over the country to relax by the peerless Lake Winnipesaukee.
Everything in Meredith revolves around Lake Winnipesaukee, a massive crystal clear body of water surrounded by rolling green mountains and dotted with small settlements. Meredith lies at the heart of New Hampshire’s Lake Region, providing much of the infrastructure for visitors exploring this watery area. A handful of smaller villages are scattered along the lake’s shores, but Meredith has the most amenities.
You can easily walk the entire town in a few minutes as it’s laid out in a grid formation terminating at the lake’s shore. There are dozens of quaint bed and breakfasts, motels and restaurants ready to serve visitors as tourism is this town’s mainstay. Outdoor recreation is by far the big attraction around here, from the lakes to the mountains. In winter, ice and snow become the source of play, while in summer and fall it’s all about the sublime scenery, pleasant weather and friendly locals.
Highlights
Lake Winnipesaukee: the largest lake in New Hampshire contains around 250 small islands, making it one of the most fun and exciting lakes in the country to boat and explore.
The Hobo Railroad: one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to experience the backcountry around Meredith is to take a scenic train ride aboard this special railway line, which departs right from downtown Meredith.
Public Beaches: there are a number of public beaches located at the edge of town. While they can get crowded in the summer, Waukewan Town Beach, Weirs Beach and Leavitt Park are three of the most convenient and popular.
Gunstock Ski Area: Meredith makes a great base for skiing in the White Mountains if you are visiting during the long winter. This local ski hill has 45 trails and is open for night skiing.
Meredith Children’s Museum: if you brought your kids, they’ll want to check out this hands-on interactive museum, which is really more of a playhouse. Workshops and special performances are offered throughout the year, helping to keep the air fun around town.