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.

Summer at Lake Winnipesaukee

Laconia is the ideal vacation spot for guests of all ages, and the Naswa is one of the best New Hampshire lake resorts. We have water activities, top restaurants and bars, private beaches and Winnipesaukee boat rentals all in walking distance. There’s no better time to visit Naswa Resort than Summer!

Lake Winnipesaukee Rentals

Lake Winnipesaukee is full of excitement in the Summer. Enjoy the view from one of our complimentary kayaks or paddle boats. (Don’t worry about getting lost at night since it’s hard to miss our colorful cottages and well-lit pier.) Naswa Resort’s guests can also book a complimentary ride in our 34’ Sea Ray Amberjack NASWA boat. The captain will take guests on a 45-minute boat trip around Lake Winnipesaukee. We highly recommend our guests make a reservation since spots are limited.

Happy Hour

Relish in paradise at our “World Famous” Nazbar & Grill. The longest beach on Lake Winnipesaukee will keep your children occupied for hours while you enjoy an ice-cold cocktail. Don’t miss ‘Wednesday Toes in The Sand’ live performances every week from 4 to 7 pm. Our entertainment schedule is continually updating, so check back often! For guests with a jam-packed day, visit our other onsite restaurant, Blue Bistro. Here, you can enjoy casual resort dining for breakfast and dinner. Visiting for brunch? Enjoy a complimentary mimosa with your meal.

At the end of your fun-filled day, head back to our New Hampshire Lake Resort. Whether you’re staying in a cottage, suite or room at our inn, you’ll enjoy a peaceful night in. Our relaxing Aquavista Beachfront room offers a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, mini-fridge and a private balcony. Be sure to watch the sunrise/sunset from the comfort of your private balcony before your vacation comes to an end. Whichever vacation you have in mind, Laconia is the vacation spot for you! Contact us to discuss booking your summer vacation today 888-556-2792.

96th Laconia Motorcycle Week

NASWA is welcoming all motorcyclists, riders and spectators alike, to stay in our beautiful lodging in Laconia NH for the best week of the year: Laconia Motorcycle Week! We have the perfect accommodations for your week in town, as well as some of the best restaurants and bars in Laconia NH. Whether you have one of our signature cocktails at the NazBar and Grill or seafood dinner at the Blue Bistro, you’ll enjoy some of the best food and entertainment in Laconia, NH.

Laconia Motorcycle Week

Laconia Motorcycle Week is an annual staple for motorcyclists who gather for the rally in Laconia, NH, every June. Don’t miss out on the best lodging in Laconia NH during Motorcycle Week! Because many bikers passed through Laconia for the Loudon Classic motorcycle and the Gypsy Tour, the town decided to start scheduling races, shows, and a motorcycle hill climb competition, to make Laconia Motorcycle Week the world-class rally it is today. Although its legacy as the world’s oldest motorcycle rally began in 1916, it continues because of Laconia’s unmatched scenic riding throughout the beautiful State of New Hampshire. Residents and businesses alike, welcome motorcyclists during the rally every year. With the 2nd largest demographic of motorcycle riders in the country and host to the oldest rally in the country, Laconia, NH, opens its doors to motorcycle enthusiasts all year long.

Lodging in Laconia NH

At NASWA we offer the best lodging in Laconia NH, from our Inn & Suite building to our colorful lakeside cottages, we have your home away from home for Laconia motorcycle week. All our rooms come fully equipped with a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge and a coffee pot, as well as air conditioning. Most rooms have a balcony and views of the lake. Some feature three bedrooms, others one-room with a king-sized bed, and some even have two additional rooms with queen beds or a sleeper sofa in the living area. NASWA is the official hotel for Laconia motorcycle week, so don’t delay book your stay in the best lodging in Laconia NH never to miss a beat!

Spring into the Lakes Region, New Hampshire

As the snow melts away, NASWA Resort opens it’s doors as the flowers break through the thawing ground, and the gushing waterfalls and trees come alive again. Spring in the Lakes Region is an excellent way for you to explore the great outdoors again. Whether you’re looking for a family lakeside vacation or a romantic excursion, we’ve got the perfect place for you to stay, right on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Laconia NH attractions

Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad is located in the heart of the Lakes Region. Take one of their excursions along the western shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, choose from one or two-hour tours in a restored vintage coach. Board the train at the central station in Meredith or leave from Weirs Beach Station as you take in the beautiful sight of Winnipesaukee scenic railroad. Weirs Beach beckons with its boardwalk, train rides, and family amusements. The Lakes Region is home to five different wineries, making for an ideal wine getaway. Visit Hermit Woods Winery in Sanbornton, for both tours and tastings, or the Gilmanton Winery, which has a delightful restaurant and Camelot Alpaca Farm, for the kids to have fun while you sip on a fruity blend. We also recommend spending at least one night on the shores of our Lake to see the breathtaking sunset over our NASWA Resort.

Spring to the Lakes Region

Photo by Yankee Magazine

The Lakes Region is a prestigious part of New Hampshire, where the only stressful decision to make is what’ll be the next lake activity. With hundreds of lakes, ponds, and beaches, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to rest and reconnect with your loved ones, as you break your routine. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the state. The mountain ranges and wooded shorelines that surround this lake make it an ideal romantic destination. For a unique experience, visit the iconic Castle in the Clouds. Perfect for a day with the whole family, whether you’re chasing summer thrills or a family fun getaway, NASWA Resort is the ideal spot for your next trip to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Book your stay with us today!

Shake the Winter Blues: Plan your NASWA Getaway!

Chances are you’ve recently woken up checked outside your window only to see another gray, snowy, winter day. At that point, you were ready to cancel all your plans and stay in bed. Winter is also a reality for us in Laconia New Hampshire, so here at the NASWA Resort, we understand. It’s diagnosed as a seasonal affective disorder, more commonly known as the winter blues. But don’t worry we’re here to help with a list of fun ways to battle the gray weather! If you’re desperately looking for a change of scenery, try our colorful website and start researching all the great things to do in the Lakes Region NH.

Try Something New

Take advantage of your time inside to learn something new! Try playing a new card game, or maybe cook up a tropical meal for dinner. If you don’t have to face the reality of the weather outside, don’t! Yes, we’re telling you to stay in your comfy and warm house to daydream of lazy lakeside days. You can pretend like it’s sunny and 70, in the middle of a snowy blizzard. Just look up the NASWA Resort, and dream on, but make sure to book your summer getaway to Laconia New Hampshire.

Bright Colors and Laconia New Hampshire Beach Getaway

Dark colors and dark clouds aren’t part of the winter blues battle gear. So, bring out those bright colored clothes and show this gray weather who’s boss. Although there’s no scientific correlation between feeling optimistic and wearing bright colors, we’re pretty it secretly tricks your brain into thinking its Spring. If you’re having a hard time check out our colorful website, and start planning your summer getaway to one of our bright and colorful cottages. Get the credit cards ready and start shopping for colorful summer attire for your quickly approaching Laconia New Hampshire getaway. Who knows you may even want to book a Lake Winnipesaukee cruise to take in the picturesque scenery surrounding our beautiful property. After sharing our winter blues battling rules, we’ll see you and the sun at the NASWA Resort very soon!

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