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Lake Winnipesaukee Boat Rentals near the NASWA Resort

Lake Winnipesaukee is one of the original destinations of the great American vacation. For over a century, friends and families have gathered along the shores of this illustrious waterbody to share laughs and create memories. Because of its large size, ideal location, and picturesque scenery, Lake Winnipesaukee is no stranger to those looking to make waves. Perfectly situated along the shores of New Hampshire’s largest lake, The NASWA Resort offers the perfect launchpad for any summer getaway. And even if you don’t have a boat—or would rather leave it at home—you’ll still be able to get in on the fun by checking out some of the reputable Lake Winnipesaukee boat rentals near The NASWA! We’ll provide a few options to get you along your way.

Laconia Summers | Top-Tier Lake Winnipesaukee Boat Rentals

Beach vacations are a summer staple and a sure way to have fun in the sun. At The NASWA Resort, you’ll have unfettered access to one of New Hampshire’s most beloved lakes while enjoying the company of loved ones. With beachfront vistas, on-site dining, and a wide range of activities, it’s not surprising that so many boating enthusiasts post up at NASWA as they explore Lake Winnipesaukee with friends and family. With all that shoreline and open water, you may want to start making waves as soon as you can! Thankfully, there are plenty of places to rent a boat on Lake Winnipesaukee that will have you out there in no time! Here are a pair of noteworthy watersports providers near The NASWA.

Anchor Marine

Located on Union Avenue in Laconia, Anchor Marine has a well-appointed collection of rental boats ranging from 21 to 23 feet. A fantastic place to rent a boat from during your time at The NASWA, one of Achor Marine’s most popular picks is the 23’ Berkshire Tri-Toon Pontoon Boat with a 115 HP motor. Otherwise, if you have a penchant for speed, you may want to consider the 21’ Sea Ray 200 Sundeck 260 HP for wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing. It’s worth mentioning that Anchor Marine also offers a pontoon charter service for anyone who would instead let someone else do the driving.

Winni Marine

With over 30 boats and boasting the largest rental fleet in New Hampshire, Winni Marine is one of Laconia’s most trusted boat rental agencies. Because of their popularity, they recommend that you make a reservation or call in advance to check availability. As one of Lake Winnipesaukee’s only operations offering brand new boats for rent, you know you’ll be cruising in style! Winni-Marine is also an authorized agent for issuing two-week boater certificates for anyone needing certification.

East Coast Flightcraft

Located on the Winnipesaukee Pier, East Coast Flightcraft is a family-owned and operated dealership that takes great pride in its service. With an in-water showroom, gas dock, surf shop, boat slips, and rentals, if it has to do with boating, they can handle it! In addition to their excellent boat selection, East Coast Flightcraft also rents out jet skis!

Lake Winnipesaukee Resorts and Cabins in Laconia

Spending time on the water is a cornerstone of any proper Lake Winnipesaukee vacation, so be sure to check out the local boat rentals during your retreat. If you are looking for somewhere that offers much more than just a place to stay on Lake Winnipesaukee, your search is over! The NASWA Resort remains one of the New Hampshire Lakes Region’s most beloved vacation destinations, and for a good reason. From exciting activities to unrivaled on-site amenities, The NASWA has it all! For more details or to make your reservation, please reach out to us online or call 888-55-NASWA today. Be sure to browse our events calendar and specials page to help plan the ultimate summer getaway!

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Let Your Adventure Roam Free at New Hampshire

State Parks

Summer is the perfect time to escape to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. When you stay at The NASWA Resort, you’ll be close to all the attractions and activities you need to have a memorable getaway. Be sure to leave plenty of time during your stay, or on your way in or out of town to explore the stunning scenery in nearby New Hampshire state parks. 

The Top New Hampshire Parks near Laconia

Immerse yourself in nature when you visit one of the state parks just a short drive away from our Lake Winnipesaukee resort. 

Ahern State Park

Spanning 128 acres and over 3,000 feet of Lake Winnisquam shoreline, there is no shortage of fun to be had at Ahern State Park. Go swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking, and more. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy before returning to The NASWA.

Ellacoya State Park

Located in neighboring Gilford, enjoy a relaxing day on Ellacoya State Park’s 600-foot long sandy beach. Bring your camera to capture the views of the Ossipee and Sandwich mountains. There is an admission fee to enter the park, and you will need to reserve a parking pass. 

Wellington State Park

Wellington State Park is the perfect place to cool off during a New Hampshire summer with the largest freshwater swimming beach in the state park system. Hike along the trail to Goose Pond, Bear Mountain, Mount Cardigan, Sugarloaf, and Welton Falls.

Cardigan Mountain State Park

If you’re looking for a day trip, venture to Cardigan Mountain State Park, known for fantastic hiking. There are trails on the west slope of the mountain and one to the summit. The work to reach the summit is worth it when you take in the views, which include Pleasant Mountain in Maine, Camel’s Hump in Vermont, and Mount Monadnock. 

White Lake State Park

White Lake State Park, resting on the shores of White Lake, is a picturesque forest escape on a glacial lake. See if you can spot loons or signs of beaver activity as you walk the footpath around the lake. Like Ellacoya State Park, you will need to make a reservation before visiting the beach. 

Enjoy a Summer of New Hampshire Fun

There’s nothing better than enjoying a summer getaway with friends or family. By booking your stay at The NASWA, you’ll have a cozy room to return to after exploring nearby New Hampshire state parks. When planning your Lakes Region getaway, don’t forget about the exciting upcoming events.

 We are the official hotel for the annual Laconia Motorcycle Week, which is celebrating its 98th anniversary this June. Bike week kicks off with the Peter Makris Memorial Run, which raises money for causes that were important to NASWA patriarch Peter Makris. This year also marks the 86th anniversary of The NASWA, so you know we have some fun planned to celebrate. Call us at 888-55-NASWA or visit us online to learn more about booking your stay or our Lake Region’s resort.

Top Three Haunted Places in NH

New Hampshire is notoriously known for its countless haunted places. The haunted places in NH are haunted by everything from a loving pirate to unruly children and unsettled spirits in cemeteries to past workers who burned in fires. Are you brave enough to explore these haunted spots “near me?” There’s only one way to find out. Be mindful of some properties’ current owners as some do not welcome uninvited guests.  

Kimball Castle, Gilford | 11-minute drive

Located in Gilford, the historic Kimball Castle has remained vacant for nearly 60 years. IT continues to overlook Lake Winnipesaukee, regardless of its deteriorating foundation. While Kimball Castle no longer welcomes visitors, the stories of its unexplainable, paranormal activities are still circulated from locals to tourists. The stories claim that antique clocks randomly start working after years of being out of service, and the lights flicker on and off. All past visitors agree that they felt uneasy being near the castle. The alleged spirit that calls Kimball Castle home is not friendly and prefers to be left alone. Although, Kimball Castle was recently purchased and will be turned into a wedding and event venue. 

Pine Hill Cemetery, Hollis | 1-hour and 25-minute drive

What is Halloween without visiting a haunted cemetery or two? Locals reference Pine Hill Cemetery as the Blood Cemetery because of its dark history. Pine Hill Cemetery is home to over 300 gravestones that date back to the 1700s. Visitors have allegedly heard unexplained tapping sounds and have seen floating orbs of light. There’s one specific spirit who is said to make regular appearances, Abel Blood. Abel was a faithful Christian man who was laid to rest with his wife, Betsy Blood, in 1867. The stories say that the Bloods were murdered, but no one has been able to confirm their cause of death. Although, the cemetery’s past visitors can confirm they believe Abel lingers the grave in a scary form. During the day, Abel’s headstone can be seen with an engraved hand that points the index finger up toward the sky. If you’re brave enough to visit Pine Hill Cemetery at night, keep a close eye on his grave marker. Stories claim that his grave marker changes colors and his headstone’s engraved hand flips to point the finger down. 

Ocean-Born Mary House, Henniker | 1-hour drive 

The Ocean-Born Mary House is a bit of a trip away, but paranormal activity enthusiasts will find the journey well worth the experience. The Henniker house is allegedly haunted by a woman named Mary, who was widowed at a young age. She was traumatized after finding her husband’s murdered body and decided to bury him under her kitchen’s stone. Visitors claim to see a ghostly woman with fiery red hair and green eyes appear in one of the upstairs windows. She’s also been seen on the house’s main staircase when visitors first arrive. While this sounds like a terrifying supernatural encounter, visitors believe she still lingers around to protect her home. 

 

Naswa Resort

Locals and visitors appreciate our surrounding natural beauty, but they also adore the haunted places in NH. Whether you believe in paranormal activity or not, haunted places hold so much history and tell you a lot about our culture. It’s fun to scare yourself every once in a while. Especially when you have a comfortable, ghost-free cabin is waiting for you at NASWA Resort after a long day of ghost hunting. Don’t be a scaredy-cat and book your New Hampshire vacation today! Learn more information on our website, or just give us a call at 888-556-2792. 

 

Explore Fall Foliage in New Hampshire

Explore Fall Foliage in New Hampshire

When the nights grow cool and the days are warm, Lake Winnipesaukee’s leaves morph into a festival of colors. People from all over the world flock to see the fall foliage in New Hampshire that never disappoints. To say the least, the amber Sugar Maples, cranberry Red Maples, golden yellow birches, and copper leafed oaks put on quite the show. Peak color season changes per location based on temperature and elevation; Usually, fall foliage appears in mid-September and lasts through late October. Naswa Resort is located by the best scenic spots in all of New Hampshire. We’ve narrowed down the choices to our top five places around Lake Winnipesaukee.

  1.  Guests visiting from out of town especially love to experience New Hampshire’s fall foliage by boat. Whether you find a boat rental or take a guided cruise on the M/S Mount Washington, you’ll see the same amount of fall foliage. There are many boat rental facilities around Lake Winnipesaukee, so you’ll have no problem finding the boat you need.
  2. Gunstock Mountain also has an impressive nature palette. You can travel to the mountain’s summit by hiking or riding a chairlift. The trek to the top of the hill is well worth the hassle; the beautiful leaves and picturesque views cannot be found anywhere else. Be sure to take pictures!
  3. Guests of all ages will love the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Hop on the train and ride along the coast of Lake Winnipesaukee. You’ll catch different views of the fall foliage than you would from a boat or a mountain. Opt for a quick afternoon ride or an all-day tour. The train even offers a dinner trip, which would be a great date night!
  4. For our more adventurous visitors, you’ll love to take a hike through Belknap Mountain. The easy walk is excellent for gaining an elevated view of the fall foliage. After reaching the summit, take a rest on the stone benches while taking in the scenery.
  5. Another popular hike for fall foliage is at Mount Major in Alton Bay. This hike is on the challenging side, so be sure to review the mountain’s terrain before attempting this journey. If you’re able to do the climb, the views of Lake Winnipesaukee are second to none.

Naswa Resort

Seeing the fall foliage in New Hampshire is an unforgettable experience. Especially because Lake Winnipesaukee’s region has one of the longest-lasting color displays around. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery during your stay with Naswa Resort. Our luxurious amenities will make you and your loved ones feel right at home. To learn more about booking your fall vacation, visit our website, or give us a call at  603-366-4341.

A Guide to Franconia Notch State Park

While there are many things to do at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire offers many other activities that are equally as enjoyable.  Located in the middle of White Mountain National Forest, Franconia Notch State Park is a unique parkway which extends to Flume Gorge at the south end of Echo Lake. Thankfully, this natural beauty is less than an hour away from The Naswa Resort. Whether you’re taking a spring, summer, fall, or winter vacation, planning a day trip to Franconia Notch State Park is always a great idea!


Flume Gorge

The Flume Gorge is a staple of Franconia Notch State Park. It was founded in 1808 when “Aunt” Jess accidentally came across it while fishing. Time after time, she tried to convince her family to see her discovery. And boy they were glad they agreed to see for themselves. This natural gorge stands 800 feet tall at the base of Mount Liberty. Whether you’re planning on hiking through the gorge or walking the two-mile loop, you’ll begin at the Flume Visitor’s Center. Prepare to walk up steep hills and climb many sets of stairs. The gorge’s boardwalk lets guests get an up-close look at the park’s flowers, ferns, and moss. Be sure to print out the Flume Gorge Scavenger Hunt before visiting!

Echo Lake

For a more relaxing day at the state park, enjoy basking in the sun at Echo Lake. The 39-acre lake offers excellent views of the point where the Franconia Range and Kinsman Range meet (the spot known as “the notch.”) The lake is home to the new Lakeside General Store which offers $20 boat rentals such as canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. The store also carries snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, sand toys, blow-up flotation devices, firewood, and more.

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway

The Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway is the first-ever passenger tramway to operate in North America. In 1938, roughly seven million passengers traveled to the top of the mountain by tram. The scenic ride to the top of the mountain lasts about eight minutes. Each tram car can carry 80 passengers up 2,180 feet. On a clear day, guests can catch views of the mountains in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Canada, and New York. During winter months, skiers flock to Cannon Mountain for its 97 trails and slopes ranging in difficulties.

Profile Lake

Profile Lake sits at the bottom of Cannon Mountain and is the starting point for Pemigewasset River. Similarly to Echo Lake, Profile Lake offers many activities for visitors to try. One of Profile Lake’s most popular activities is fly-fishing because the lake is loaded with trout. The 13-acre lake was built to be a fly-fishing only lake. Every which way you look, the views are amazing! So even if you don’t have a great day fishing, the pictures make your time worth it. Wanna know a secret? The area’s first fly-fishing shop just opened in the area. One up your friends’ fly-fishing skills and purchase some new gear from Mountain High Fly to catch a lunker.

Naswa Resort

After your long day exploring Franconia Notch State Park, head back to Naswa Resort and grab a quick bite to eat at the NazBar & Grill. You’ll love the view of Lake Winnipesaukee’s longest sandy beach while enjoying an ice-cold beer. To learn more about booking your Lake Winnipesaukee vacation today, visit our website, or talk to our friendly staff at 888-556-2792.

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