Wolfeboro, New Hampshire – The Quiet Side of Lake Winnipesaukee

The village of Wolfeboro sits on the quiet side of Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

The eastern shore of New Hampshire’s largest and deepest lake makes a perfect getaway destination.

It doesn’t receive the commercial attention the western shore towns get from tourism and visitors, and the residents probably appreciate it.

However, if daytime is not so busy, at night it is a magnet for people with boats. And if you own a boat and decide to visit the town of an evening for dinner or an ice cream then arrive early otherwise finding a place to dock on a warm summer’s night can be frustrating.

Lodging and Dining in Wolfeboro:

Hotels, Motels, Inn’s and bed and breakfast accommodation are available in the town. The Wolfeboro Inn has been a landmark place for staying and dinning for years, but I’ve also been reading good reviews about the Lake Motel recently. If B&B is your preference then top rated places to stay include: 123 North Main, 1810 House, Topsides, and Tuck Me Inn.

The town is full of shops and restaurants and includes Garwoods Restaurant, 51 Mill Street, and Mise En Place.

Places of Interest:

The town’s attraction is as a resort in a quiet community away from the hustle of Weirs Beach, Alton and the western shore towns, but if you’re prepared to wander around then check out the Clark House and the New Hampshire Boat Museum

The Clark House was built in 1778 and you can take a tour of this authentically furnished house maintained by the Wolfeboro Historical Society along with some other buildings in town. The New Hampshire Boat Museum is a celebration of the boating history of the New Hampshire Lakes and includes a selection of vintage mahogany antique boats and featured craft such as Garwood, Layman and Hacker, along with canoes and sail boats. The Museum is about 2-miles form the center of town.

M/S Mount Washington:

And talking of boating, if you get the chance take a cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee on the M/S Mount Washington. The boat makes stops at Meredith, Weirs Beach and Alton, and on Friday’s and Saturdays it includes stops at Wolfeboro. Weirs Beach is its home port and you should check schedules to make sure you can get back to Wolfeboro if that is your final destination.

Riding on the M/S Mount Washington offers a delightful way of seeing the Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains and high peaks to the north. The cruise ship often has lunch and dinner themes and a Sunday Brunch. Check out their web site at www.cruisenh.com/

The Castle in the Clouds:

The eastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee are overshadowed by the Ossipee Mountains - a range included in the foothills of the White Mountains. Hiking is a popular activity in the range but it is most famous for a house that clings to its slopes and known as the Castle in the Clouds.

Located near the town of Moultonborough and a short drive from Wolfeboro the property includes the castle itself, 45-miles of hiking, and beautiful gardens and waterfalls. The views from the castle as you look out over the mountains and lakes of the region perched high above are staggering in the summer and breathtaking in the fall foliage months.

The house was built in 1913-1914 by Tom Plant who made his money in the shoe industry during the late nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. Originally called “Lucknow” the property is privately owned but you can take tours of the castle and grounds and it includes a café and gift shop.

But make the trip for the views and the walks on the property – you’ll not be disappointed.

For more ideas and suggestions for things to see and do in the region check out my Lake Winnipesaukee vacation section here.


Cliff Calderwood
Executive Editor
New England Vacation Guide