Celebrating the Lakes Region!
‘Karen and Jay celebrate the scenic Lakes Region of New Hampshire – beautiful and historic'
There is no place better, no place more enjoyable for a summer getaway than the gorgeous Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Lake Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Squam, Weirs Beach – and so much more! It’s official: summertime is in full swing! So, why not take a ride up to our beautifu Lakes Region and have a wonderful time with family and friends!
Following the barbecues and fireworks of 4th of July, the spirit of summer truly feels like it has arrived. It’s incredible to see across the country, and right here in New Hampshire, that life is once again being lived with businesses open and people vacationing! One of the nation’s most highly regarded areas to enjoy some much-needed downtime is our own Lakes Region. Consisting of over 273 lakes and ponds, the Lakes Region is also home to over 100 communities and 430 businesses. The largest and most well-known of all the lakes is of course Lake Winnipesaukee, with over 200 miles of shoreline, 274 habitable islands and covering over 72 square miles. It’s also been home to or visited by some rather well-known people including multiple American presidents, gold medal winning Olympic athletes, and even French President Nicolas Sarkozy. And, in addition to its beautiful lakes, the Lakes Region is also home to hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, so whether you’re a landlubber or a water enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.
The marvelous towns in the Lakes Region include Wolfeboro whose claim to fame is being the ‘Oldest Summer Resort in America,’ Moultonborough, home to the Castle in the Clouds, and Meredith, one of the oldest towns in the region with great shops and restaurants right on Lake Winnipesaukee. The Lakes Region has for years been a favorite destination of my family and has provided us with so many cherished memories. So, if you’re looking for an incredible getaway with stunning natural landscapes and great local communities, take a trip up to the Lakes Region this summer, you won’t be disappointed.
New Hampshire’s Magic Mile
New Hampshire Motor Speedway is a true icon of the state. Opened in 1990 and located in Loudon, New Hampshire just North of Concord, this Speedway has hosted NASCAR, Indy Cup, and local races over a 30-year period drawing people from all over the world to enjoy some high-octane family fun just a stone’s throw from New Hampshire’s beautiful Lakes Region. Like all things in New Hampshire, the story of the Speedway is often larger than would appear at first glance. Perhaps the most striking example is in the Track’s actual design… or the lack thereof. When originally building the Track, the owners, who were first time track owners and builders did not even consult an engineer. In fact, they simply hired a surveyor whose job it was to put stake in the ground. And that was it. They constructed the entire facility around that stake. In other words, they built it, let's call it, the ‘old fashioned’ way. And, it has worked out magnificently.
Dubbed the ‘Magic Mile,’ the main oval attraction is actually 1.058 miles long with banking up to a 12 percent grade. The interior of the track is often used as a road course which hosts the longest running motorcycle race in North American. The race, which is called the Loudon Classic, predates the track and this year will celebrate its 98th annual running. The track has since featured NASCAR races and is the only NASCAR Cup Series track in New England. So many people have attended this race that at times it becomes the largest town in New Hampshire by population! An annual favorite joke is to watch the mostly southern cast of drivers pronounce the various towns and counties across New Hampshire (e.g. sorry Coös County!). This year will be no different as fans from across the globe will come to see who can tame the Magic Mile in our little corner of the world!
Weirs Boulevard
New Hampshire is home to so many great and amazing places to make long lasting family memories. One of our favorite family destinations is Weirs Boulevard located on Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia.
Built in 1925, this quarter mile Pier is home to restaurants, a penny arcade, and the main terminal port for the MS Mount Washington of the lake Winnipesaukee scenic railroad. Once a place that attracted some of the largest big band performers in the world, Weirs Boulevard has continued to blossom and today has now become a summer destination hotspot for tourists seeking fun and amusement. This popularity has led to the expansion of the Weirs Beach area which now includes great attractions such as The Weirs Beach Drive-in and local cottages and summer rentals for people to enjoy.
So, the next time you’re in the Lakes Region, look for the big iconic Weirs Beach, you won’t be disappointed! You might even catch our family in a game of ski ball!
Positive Profile of the Week: Cynthia Makris
This week we are delighted to highlight a wonderful friend and community leader, Cynthia Makris, owner and operator of the Naswa Resort located in Laconia.
For over 80 years the Makris family has owned and operated the Naswa, making it a go-to Lakes Region destination. Guests can come by car or boat to the resort, and Cynthia and her family have created some of the most amazing charitable events in New Hampshire. My favorite of the many events Cynthia organizes is the annual Easter Seals poker run. Participants have a chance to visit local businesses around the Lakes Region. The Easter Seals has to date raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for early intervention programs at adult daycare facilities thanks to the hard work of Cynthia and her dedicated team.
Cynthia’s commitment to the community and endless devotion to helping those in need is why she was recognized as the ‘2011 Innkeeper of Year’ by the NHRLA. She has served on the board of Easter Seals N.H. and has also served on the board of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce and as president of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association.
Whenever there is a successful community event in the Lakes Region, no doubt about it, you can bet that Cynthia is almost certainly involved – leading, helping and ensuring success. We are extremely blessed for all the amazing things Cynthia and the Makris family do. Thank you, Cynthia!
Quotes of the Week: Summer!
“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!” ― Kenny Chesney
“And so, with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” ― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
“Summer afternoon—summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” ― Henry James
“Ô, Sunlight! The most precious gold to be found on Earth.” ― Roman Payne
“What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.” ― John Steinbeck, Travels with Charley: In Search of America