Photo: NHDTTD_Photographer Ellen Edersheim- Newfound Lake, Bristol

By Ruta Fox

For a fall getaway that is sure to be memorable, make your way up to New Hampshire. Nestled at the bottom of the White Mountains is the scenic Lakes Region of New Hampshire, which features gorgeous Lake Winnipesaukee, as well as a bevy of surrounding New England towns oozing with East Coast charm such as Weirs Beach, Meredith and Center Harbor. Winnipesaukee is a Native American word meaning “Smile of the Great Spirit.”

The magnificent scenery is astounding. Lake Winnipesaukee, spreading out for 72 miles  with pristine blue water, is perfect for all sorts of sports including stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, fishing, swimming, scuba diving and of course sailing and boating.  In its glorious past, the lake featured the only floating post office in the United States, the patriotically named Uncle Sam.

View the glory of the lake three ways, by train, by boat or by air. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad goes from Weirs Beach, and runs along the shore of the lake serving fine dining or picnic lunches on board. (www.winnipesaukeescenicrr.com). Docked right on the boardwalk at Weirs Beach, you’ll find the sightseeing boat the Mount Washington, affectionately called The Mount — hop on for a stop at Wolfeboro, a great stop for shopping and eats.

Interested in flying over some of the most beautiful scenery in America? A biplane, which truly represents the Golden Age of Aviation, offers a 360 degree experience only possible in an open cockpit aircraft. (http://www.lakesbiplane.com). The Lake Winnipesaukee biplane adventure is something to write home about!

In Weirs Beach explore the Lake Winnipesaukee Museum.  The museum building is a historical landmark itself. (http://www.lwhs.us/museum.htm) Filled with antique memorabilia focused on the lake, go back in time with a look at photographs, trophies, and vintage old postcards from the 1870’s onward. Admission is free. Check out the rudder from the old-time steamboat The Lady of The Lake. Pick up a poster, prints or a souvenir plate to remind you of the natural beauty of the region.

In nearby Meredith, stop off for a bite at Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant (http://www.hartsturkeyfarm.com) which has been run by the same family for over 50 years. Every day is Thanksgiving at Hart’s, a huge restaurant that is a classic American experience. Be sure and leave room for a slice of home-baked pie or cake.  While in Meredith, visit the Mill Falls Marketplace, a collection of charming specialty stores and be sure to walk the quaint Main Street. Stroll in and out of a variety of shops with arts and crafts, antiques and unique restaurants.  Stop into the historic old linen mill building that houses The Country Carriage (www.countrycarriage.com) for a step back in time showcasing provisions in vintage display cases and fixtures — choose some homemade New England preserves.

Some great gourmet eats are offered in the region. Try Canoe Restaurant and Tavern  (http://magicfoodsrestaurantgroup.com/canoe-restaurant-and-tavern)

for rich Lobster Mac and Cheese, or Lavinia’s located in the historic Coe Mansion for casual pub fare or entrees like Crispy Salt and Pepper Calamari with chipotle sauce or a Grilled Veal Chop with a mushroom demi-glace (www.laviniasdining.com). They are both in Center Harbor town just a few miles from Meredith.  While in Center Harbor visit Keepsake Quilting which happens to be the largest quilt shop in North America. (www.keepsakequilting.com)

Feel like hanging out?  Gunstock Adventure Park (http://www.gunstock.com) is where you can experience the longest Zipline in the United States. Above the trees, you’ll swing with excitement as it stretches out about a mile and half. If you’d rather explore on land, try their Off-Road Segway tour, where you’ll sightsee your way around on a self-balanced personal transporter. Check out the beautiful cross country ski trails in fall – it’s the most fun to be had on two wheels.

Wrap up your trip to the Lakes Region at Town Docks restaurant on the water in Meredith where a cocktail with a view and some fried clams are the perfect way to top off your fall sojourn.

Check out these TownePlace Suites (www.TownePlaceSuites.com) hotels when you visit New Hampshire: TownePlace Suites Gilford.