May Weekend Trip

Hello! We need to go overnight to the Lake Winnepesaukee/White Mtns region (no further north than Lincoln, maybe as far north as North Conway) this weekend. We have 2 kids, ages almost-10 and almost-7. Lots of the summer attractions(Storyland, boat tour of the Lake, etc) seem to be closed. Hiking could be wet and miserable. There%26#39;s no snow, right?

Any ideas on things to do? The further south the better, as we are from outside of Providence, RI.

What%26#39;s open?

Thanks!

May Weekend Trip

You are in that tween time but many of the attractions should be starting to open on weekends at least. I haven%26#39;t checked the websites for that. Most of the snow is probably gone at the lower levels and it looks like it has had a significant melt on MW as well. Hopefully, DAV or Taz will update on that. Around Lincoln is the Flume Gorge and Lost River Gorge which are both worth seeing even if you do have to pay. Here is a website that includes 10 things to do in various regions of the state. www.newhampshire.com/explore-nh/index.aspx

Good luck!!

May Weekend Trip

Check out Funspot in Weirs Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee: http://www.funspotnh.com/ (arcade games, bowling, mini-golf, etc.)

I don%26#39;t think we%26#39;ve really had that much rain so far this spring, so most trails should be in good condition, although that might change with the rain we%26#39;re supposed to get this week...

At any rate, one of my favorite hikes is Rattlesnake Mtn. off Route 113 between Holderness and Sandwich. It takes about 30-45 minutes to hike up and shouldn%26#39;t be too hard for the kids (as long as they don%26#39;t mind some exercise!) The view of Squam Lake from the top is just amazing. To find the trailhead, look for the big parking lots in the woods on either side of 113 -- the Rattlesnake trail starts on the south side.

On the same road, near Holderness, is the Squam Lakes Science Center: http://www.nhnature.org/ Walk the trail and see lots of great wildlife!

The Flume Gorge in Franconia Notch State Park (just north of Lincoln) opens this Friday. I think kids would probably enjoy that a lot. Another option is the Polar Caves in Plymouth, which open on Saturday: http://www.polarcaves.com/index/

The Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough also opens on Saturday: http://www.castleintheclouds.org/index.html

Oh, and the snow is definitely gone. ;)

Thanks! Right now I%26#39;m thinking we%26#39;ll have late Saturday afternoon then Sunday morning free. I%26#39;m thinking we%26#39;ll try the Squam Lake Science Center on Saturday afternoon, and maybe try that Rattlesnake Mtn hike or Funspot on Sunday. Looking at our options, it might be better to stay close to the lakes instead of trying to get to the White Mtns, even the southern end.

Any diamond-in-the-rough places to stay? I%26#39;m looking at the White Oak Motel right now but I%26#39;m open to suggestions. Would also love a recommendation for a great breakfast place/diner. :)

Ww1614 -

As stated by Newlaw1 - You are tween seasons or what we refer to as Mud Season way up north. I was going to suggest the Polar Caves %26amp; Science center , but I was beaten to the punch - Ha! Other one, and I am not sure of hours or openning dates either is Ruggles Mine. The kids will enjoy, as mine did and we thought it could be boring for them.

Has everyone in the family seen a moose? Drive the Canc at dawn or dusk until everyone has (Be REAL Careful)the kids will be thrilled once they do! Keep in mind they are shedding right now, so they look much better in the summer! Bull antlers are from 2';-4'; or larger already.

Mt. Wash has lost a signifacant amount of snow and with a few more days like the past few it ';could'; I repeat could be done for the season. They have received snow in June, so that is an if!

I have suggested this in the past as well, the Big Adventure Center www.bigadventure.com in Bethel, ME not far from No Conway area that has both in/outdoor activities.

Other thoughts:

The Loon Center in Moultonborough - www.loon.com

Black Mtn Stables in Jackson - www.blackmt.com

Anyone know if the Cog is running?

Who does zip lining down that way - Are they open yet? Zip lining is way cool and very safe!

See, everything is tween seasons! No skiing and no summer stuff yet. Not sure you want to go this far is the Fairbanks Museum in St J., VT Really cool polar bear - www.banksmuseum.org

I know this is a NH forum and all, but I always think a bit beyond Geo/Polical borders for guests, even my leaf peepers get the outlying places/things to do list.

Travel well!

Tazman