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Lake Winnipesaukee Fishing Offers Year-Round Joy

A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work, as many people say. As for our team at The Naswa Resort, we’d have to agree! Lake Winnipesaukee fishing is always a great idea. The 21-mile long lake boasts a wide variety of fish, including rainbow trout, salmon, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, yellow perch, and more. If you’re looking to reel in a good time, read the Naswa Resort staff’s guide on how to have a thrilling Lake Winnipesaukee fishing affair.

Lake Winnipesaukee Ice Out Season

Many Naswa guests find luck catching smallmouth bass during May and June since they typically spawn near the start of June. Start by trolling near the rocky hump or island, and your odds of catching a lunker will soar through the roof! The Naswa Resort suggests you use lures such as gold-tinted Long-A Bombers, deep-diving crankbaits, quarter-ounce Buddies, suspending Rogues, and perhaps jig-and-pigs. The smallmouth bass won’t be able to resist! However, we’ve also found great success in fishing the drop-off regions while using spider jigs, grubs, Carolina-rigged lizards, and six-inch Senko worms. The heavy tackle will make way down to the strike zone.

Winni Derby

After you’ve found the jackpot of fishing holes, sign up for the Winni Derby. This family-friendly event is recognized as the largest landlocked salmon and lake trout tournament in the northeast. Every year, thousands of guests vacation in Lake Winnipesaukee towns for a chance to win an assortment of prizes. Daily prizes along with best overall in categories such as Adult Salmon, Lake Trout, and Junior Salmon have a fair chance at winning an award! However, you must familiarize yourself with the rules to secure your seat in the tournament.

While The Naswa Resort can’t guarantee a winning fish, we can promise you a winning rate and a fun NASWA Fishing Pool Event. When traveling with a fellow fisher, consider renting our AquaVista Beachfront Beachfront room. For just $139 per night, you and one other adult can lodge just steps away from the beach. This way, you’ll never be too far away from the action! With a 3 night reservation, you also get to enter The NASWA Fishing Pool. A fun way to win some cool prizes. Awards are given not old for the biggest fish, but also for the prettiest, ugliest and more. Contact our front desk for further information on Winni Derby’s room rates.

Lake Winnipesaukee Ice Fishing

Ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee is a great way to take in the winter scenery while enjoying peace and quiet. Some years, Lake Winnipesaukee freezes as early as Christmas. While other years, it freezes well after New Year’s Eve. The ice conditions vary from year to year, so it’s crucial to check the Lake Winnipesaukee ice forecast before your fishing trip. During New Hampshire’s winter months, you’ll likely encounter Lake Winnipesaukee fish such as trout, pickerel, white/yellow perch, and black crappie. Visitors love ice fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee because it’s the best time to catch massive lake trout. Some nights you can even catch up cusk weighing over 10 pounds! Many visitors experience such successful Lake Winnipesaukee ice fishing that they return for the annual Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby.

Ice Fishing Derby

The famous ice fishing tournament attracts fishers from around the world for a chance to win big prizes. Yes, it is frigid this time of the year; however, many anglers find the cold and potential frostbite well worth the chance of their catch being hung on the wall of fame. This family-friendly event takes place at Meredith Bay, which nearly turns into a small town during the ice fishing tournament. Several vendors and ice shanties form a rainbow of colors around the tournament’s grounds. This annual affair is a must-see experience for fishing enthusiasts.

Bait and Tackle Shops Near Me

Swing by one of the many bait and tackle shops in Lake Winnipesaukee to purchase your ticket to the ice fishing derby. Traditionally, AJ’s Bait and Tackle, Winnisquam Trading Post, Alton Circle Grocery, and Skelly’s Market, all sell tickets for the event. But these shops are also here to satisfy your summertime Lake Winnipesaukee fishing needs. Stop by for lure recommendations, a refresher on NH fishing regulations, or to purchase your New Hampshire fishing license. Word of advice, AJ’s Bait and Tackle also sell NH fishing license online.

Now that you’re ready to have an unforgettable Lake Winnipesaukee fishing experience, it’s time to book your stay at Naswa Resort. Our team looks forward to meeting you during the Lake Winnipesaukee ice out season, so we can be the first to hear about your biggest fish yet! Call us today at 888-556-2792 to kick off your vacation planning.

The Annual New England Pond Hockey Classic

Photo of the Pond Hockey ClassicThe New England region is well-known for its love of hockey, especially pond hockey. It’s a tradition as old as time that has been continued through competitive hockey teams and friendly neighborhood games. You often hear of children learning how to skate before they even learn how to walk—hockey is just in the New Englanders’ blood! The passion and commitment to this sport are evident by the crowds that gather for the annual pond hockey classic year after year. This year’s pond hockey classic will be held on Naswa Resort’s backyard, Lake Winnipesaukee. 

Have You Heard About Lake Winnepehockey’s Cup?

Lake Winnipesaukee and surrounding towns love to tell the story of “Winnepehockey’s Cup.” While each lakes region of NH has their version of the Winnepehockey’s Cup story, here is our favorite. Once upon a time, Lake Winnipesaukee shared the same meaning as pond hockey. Our town was most alive in the cold, winter months because native tribes came from near and far for a chance to win the Winnepehockey’s Cup. Eventually, word got out about the great sought after cup and ended up in Europe. Naturally, European wanted to claim this cup as their own, so they traveled to our lakes region in NH. 

Our native tribes were not open to sharing the Winnepehockey’s cup, and a battle ensued. Everyone put up their best fight, but no one was destined victory: except for one warrior. He risked his life during a battle and captured back the trophy. This warrior nearly escaped until BOOM! He fell through the ice and lost his life along with the trophy. After this long-established rivalry ended, no one knew about the whereabouts of the Winnepehocky’s Cup. However, a group of archaeologists used their best technology to pinpoint the location of Winnepehockey’s Cup. Today, we’re happy to share that the old-time tradition of the pond hockey classic is here to stay!

Pond Hockey Classic’s Events

While the pond hockey classic’s events differ each year, the overall experience is relatively the same. 

Day 1

The event’s first day begins with a seamless check-in process, followed by a welcome party hosted at the Winnipesaukee Ballroom located at the Church Landing. There’s usually a fundraiser and raffle tickets available for guests’ entertainment. This night ends early compared to other nights because the pond hockey classic’s games begin bright and early the next day. 

Day 2 and Day 3

We urge visitors to take advantage of the shuttles that pick up guests from Laconia Harley Davidson, Hart’s Turkey Farm, Prescott Park, and Meredith Town Docks Downtown and bring them all to the tournament. Forget lugging around bags full of snacks; Common Man Concession will happily serve you a tasty treat. After the tournament games end for the day around 4:30 p.m., lace up your dancing shoes and head over to the Bank of NH Pavillion Stage for some live music.

Day 4

On the pond hockey classic’s last day, players will give the championship games their all. It’s one of the most thrilling games that you’ll ever see. It’s especially enjoyable when you’re so close to the ice that you can hear the players’ friendly exchanging on the ice—it’s a hockey enthusiast’s dream come true. However, as all good things do, the pond hockey classic must come to a close. The award ceremony is conducted nearly minutes after the final game. And when the Winnepehockey’s Cup holder steps foot onto the winners’ turf, the crowd goes wild. Few things can compare to the lakes region of NH and their excitement of pond hockey. It’s not just in their hearts. It’s in their blood.

Naswa Resort

If you think Lake Winnipesaukee sounds exciting during winter months, wait until summertime. Visitors and locals alike flock to Naswa Resort to enjoy our large private beach, lakefront bar, and countless water toy rentals. When staying at our resort, you’ll receive complimentary boat slips and kayak/paddleboard rentals. Our team is confident that no matter your family’s budget or interests, you’ll find several things to do at Lake Winnipesaukee. We urge our future guests to reserve their room today since summer is our busiest season, and availability fills up quickly! Lake Winnipesaukee hosts several events similar to the pond hockey classic during the summer months. Talk to our friendly staff today by calling 888-556-2792. We’d love to share our favorite summer affairs!

Deck the Halls with A Holiday Gift Certificate

No matter how much time you have to prepare, holiday gift shopping is always a chore. It’s rather challenging to come up with a unique and thoughtful gift for all of your loved ones. For this year’s holiday season, there’s no need to strain yourself with lush Christmas gifts. Our crew here at NASWA Resort boasts an impressive assortment of gifts to give your family. No matter who you’re shopping for this holiday season, you’ll find everything you need including gift certificates and more.

A Holiday Gift Certificate: The Perfect Gift for Everyone

While some people enjoy spending days on end in the mall, checking out every furry sweater, smelling every candle, and testing every shade of red lipstick, this process isn’t for everyone. Luckily, many people find a holiday gift certificate to be just as enjoyable. When you give your loved one a holiday gift certificate to NASWA Resort, they’re able to plan a vacation based on their availability! It serves the same excitement as a surprise vacation without the stress of adjusting their preexisting plans. With countless things to do on Lake Winnipesaukee, our holiday gift certificate is the perfect gift for your entire family! Our three-day special starts on November 30th through Dec 2nd offers a 15 percent bonus card with the purchase of a holiday gift certificate. The special continues through December 18th which provides a 10 percent bonus card.

Spread Some Christmas Cheer with the Gift of “NazGear”

If your loved one has already visited and fallen in love with Lake Winnipesaukee, check out our on-site NazShop! Our Resort’s store has a wide variety of merchandise, also known as NazGear, to give this holiday season. Some of our new items include festive baseball hats, vintage style t-shirts, tropic orange beach towels, large beverage tumblers, and festive magnets. Our NazGear pairs wonderfully with our special holiday gift certificates. You can tuck away the certificate inside our sorbet-lettered, navy blue baseball hat, and it will surprise your loved one with two gifts in one. Plus, our bright hats look great when dressed with your favorite vibrant bathing suits. Tag us in your photos next summer when you’re enjoying the lake on one of the area’s most enjoyable Lake Winnipesaukee boat rentals! You know what they say, “the best days are spent on a boat,” especially on Lake Winnipesaukee.

The Best of the Best Lake Winnipesaukee Resorts: The NASWA Resort

No matter how you picture taking a family vacation, Lake Winnipesaukee is so massive that there are countless activities to keep everyone happy all vacation long. Your family will be even more pleased when you’re staying at one of the best Lake Winnipesaukee resorts around, such as The NASWA Resort. Our weekly cottages include amenities such as 15 percent off dinner for houseguests, a complimentary mimosa with your purchased breakfast, and children 12-years-old and under eat free when accompanied by an adult in the Blue Bistro for breakfast and dinner.

This holiday gift certificate will give you a Christmas on the beach during our open season! It’s a dream come true. You’ll quickly learn that no matter what gift you were hoping to find, a vacation at Lake Winnipesaukee will satisfy your every need. Gifted vacations at Lake Winnipesaukee truly embrace the magic of Christmas. To learn more about Lake Winnipesaukee Christmas gift exchange ideas, talk to our friendly NASWA Resort crew at 603-366-4341.

 

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.

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