Gunstock Getaway

Gilford's most beloved local pub — award-winning burgers, proper seafood chowder, and the kind of Irish warmth that keeps regulars coming back every week. The go-to spot for groups.

Set inside a beautifully restored 19th-century barn, Ellacoya delivers rustic New Hampshire charm with a menu that hits the basics perfectly. Burgers, seafood, pasta — done well in a great atmosphere.

A Gilford institution since 1952 — fresh fried seafood, lobster rolls, and house-made ice cream in 50+ flavors. They churn over 15,000 gallons of ice cream on-site every summer. A true New England classic.

Laconia's finest Italian — wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and a curated wine list in an intimate dining room. Dinner only, closed Mondays. The best sit-down Italian in the Lakes Region.

13 axe-throwing lanes plus a full pub restaurant and craft bar — this is where your group will spend way longer than planned. Located right next to Gilford Cinema 8. Book a lane, order food, throw axes.

Laconia's best small-batch roaster and coffee bar. Thoughtfully sourced and roasted — exceptional espresso and pour-overs in a cozy downtown setting. Local institution with two locations.

The closest coffee stop to the house — just 3 minutes down Lakeshore Drive. Espresso drinks, smoothies, and a warm local vibe. A great first stop before hitting the mountain or the lake.

A newer breakfast-and-lunch gem in Gilford with 5-star reviews and an inviting atmosphere. Excellent eggs, fresh sandwiches, and specialty coffee in a welcoming modern space.

The classic Laconia morning stop — fresh-baked goods, real espresso, and the kind of relaxed community atmosphere that makes you want to sit a while. Perfect for a slow morning before a big day out.

A cozy local favorite in the Lakes Region with great lattes, charming interior, and a loyal following among locals who appreciate good coffee and a laid-back atmosphere year-round.

Full-service supermarket just 3 minutes from the house — the easiest first stop on arrival day for groceries, fresh deli items, wine, beer, and anything else you forgot to pack.

Right next to Shaw's on Lakeshore Drive — Hannaford stays open until 10pm, making it the best option for late-arrival grocery runs. Full selection, great produce, and a reliable pharmacy.

Also on Lakeshore Drive and open 24 hours — groceries, household items, beach gear, outdoor equipment, and anything else the group needs. The everything-store for your stay.

New Hampshire's state-run liquor stores have no sales tax and excellent selection — one of the biggest perks of visiting NH. Laconia has a large outlet with thousands of bottles.

A local natural foods market with organic produce, local products, specialty health foods, and the kind of ingredients you won't find at the big chains. Worth a stop for a special meal.

Your backyard mountain — 10 minutes from the house. 227 skiable acres, 49 trails, and the first chairlift in the eastern US. Terrain for all levels with night skiing on 22 trails. Lessons start at age 4.

No skills required — sit in a tube and fly. Gunstock's tubing hill uses a conveyor lift so you're back at the top in seconds. Available day and night — perfect for families and non-skiers.

A 3,100-foot gravity-powered mountain coaster that you control — go as fast or slow as you want. The views of Lake Winnipesaukee from the top are reason alone to ride it. Open spring through fall.

Treetop challenge courses with zip lines, rope bridges, and aerial obstacles high in the trees above Gunstock. Multiple difficulty levels. One of the most fun summer activities in the region.

27km of groomed Nordic trails plus snowshoe rentals and guided tours. Skijoring with your dog available — one of the few resorts that welcomes it. A quieter, scenic alternative to the downhill slopes.

The quintessential New Hampshire summer destination — a 1,300-foot boardwalk on Lake Winnipesaukee with arcades, ice cream, shops, waterslides, and a gorgeous sandy beach. The whole group will find something to love.

A gorgeous 600-foot sandy beach right on Lake Winnipesaukee, 8 minutes from the house. Views across the lake to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. Swimming, picnicking, and pure summer bliss.

The iconic 230-foot cruise ship sailing Lake Winnipesaukee since 1872. Daily scenic cruises, sunset dinner dances, and specialty theme cruises from Weirs Beach. A bucket-list Lakes Region experience.

A beautiful public park on Lake Opechee — 5 minutes from the house. Sandy beach, kayak rentals, walking paths, and a relaxed atmosphere without the Weirs Beach crowds.

Vintage steam and diesel trains running along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee — one of the most scenic rail journeys in New England. 1 or 2-hour excursions departing from Weirs Beach.

Officially the world's largest arcade (Guinness World Record) — 600+ games including 300 classic arcade titles, 20-lane bowling, indoor mini-golf, cash bingo, and a full restaurant. A genuine rainy-day win.

A classic four-screen drive-in that's been showing movies since 1949. Double features, classic cars on weekend nights, and the most nostalgic summer evening in the region. Get there early for the best spots.

A major 7,000-seat outdoor amphitheater that draws big-name acts all summer. From country to rock to pop — if you time your visit right, a concert here under the summer stars is an unforgettable night.

The oldest motorcycle rally in America (held every June since 1916) transforms Laconia and Weirs Beach for a week of rides, shows, and events. Even if bikes aren't your thing, the energy is worth experiencing.

An extraordinary winter attraction built from 10,000+ icicles lit with LED lights — a massive, immersive ice castle you can explore, slide through, and photograph. Unforgettable for families and adults alike.

The best hike directly from Gilford — a 2.2-mile loop to a 2,382-foot summit with a working fire tower. Climb the 34-foot steel tower for a 360° panorama of Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains.

One of the most popular hikes in New Hampshire — a 3.2-mile out-and-back with enormous payoff views of Lake Winnipesaukee from a rocky open summit. Over 7,500 AllTrails reviews and near-perfect rating.

A moderately challenging 4-mile trail to a 2,029-foot summit with a fire tower and sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, and the White Mountains. Less crowded than Mount Major but equally spectacular.

A peaceful 148-acre lakefront state park in Laconia with easy walking trails, picnic areas, and direct access to Lake Winnipesaukee. Perfect for a casual morning walk or sunset stroll when you want something low-key.

A lesser-known access point right from Gilford — the East Gilford Trail winds through beautiful forested terrain and connects to the broader range of 18 peaks. Great for explorers who want more solitude.

Voted Best Brewery in the Lakes Region multiple years running — Twin Barns is the gold standard for NH craft beer. Beautiful taproom in Meredith, rotating tap list of exceptional IPAs, stouts, and seasonal brews plus a full food menu.

A Tilton taproom with serious craft credibility — locally sourced food menu, custom ales brewed on-site, and live music that fills the place on weekends. The kind of brewery that becomes a regular stop.

An artisan winery and eatery in downtown Meredith producing distinctive fruit and grape wines from locally sourced ingredients. Tasting room, charcuterie boards, and a proper eatery upstairs make this a full afternoon stop.

A boldly named, seriously good brewery in a historic Franklin brick building — New York style pizza plus handcrafted beers in an atmospheric setting. The name is irreverent, the beer is not. Worth the extra 10 minutes.

If the group wants a full craft beer day trip, Manchester/Portsmouth is 45–90 min south with several excellent breweries. Mast Landing's NH location is a standout, with rotating New England IPAs and a beautiful taproom.