The eastern half of New Hampshire is dotted with dozens of lovely lakes – Newfound, Squam, Wentworth, and Winnisquam, for example (with another notable one, Lake Sunapee, in the southwest), which make for a great road trip. But the largest and best known is Lake Winnipesaukee (pictured here), 34 kilometres (21 miles) long and 1.6 to 14.5 km (1 -9 mi.) wide, and speckled with 264 islands. Though a year-round draw, in summer it’s one of New England’s top holiday meccas, lined with charming historic villages like Meredith, Weirs Beach, and Wolfeboro, packed with beaches, attractions, nature reserves, and a slew of accommodations and eateries. It’s a water sports and boating paradise, and from late May through late October visitors can also take a scenic cruise tour on the 80-year-old M/S Mount Washington. Another favourite spot overlooking the lake is the early-20th-century mountaintop mansion and estate Castle in the Clouds.

Read more in my post New Hampshire Is Classic New England.

Marl Crawley