Must-Visit Weekend Getaway Near MA: Lake Winnipesaukee!
Summer has officially arrived on the East Coast—don’t let this perfect weather go to waste! Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake, is just a 2-hour drive from Massachusetts and makes for an ideal weekend escape. Activities Rundown: 🚣 Kayak Rentals: Plenty of rental spots along the shore! We went to Wild Meadow in Center Harbor—excellent service, with 2-person kayaks at $75/day. Paddle around Halfmile Island and Mile Island, or go all the way to another harbor (takes ~3.5 hours round trip). The lake is calm and expansive, and we even spotted a mama duck with her babies and a majestic common loon! 🚶 Lakeside Stroll: After lunch, head to the Meredith Sculpture Walk. The scenic lakeside path has benches for relaxing—perfect for a leisurely walk with gorgeous views. 🍦 Gift Shop & Ice Cream: Stop by Kellerhaus on your way back! Their homemade ice cream is rich, creamy, and not overly sweet—plus, their "1 scoop" is HUGE! 🥾 Hiking: If you’ve got energy left, tackle Mount Major Trail. We took the shortest route: Major Main Trail up, Boulder Trail down (~1.5 hours total). The summit view of the entire lake is breathtaking, but the trail is steep and rocky—prepare for a workout! Pro Tips: ☀️ For kayaking: Wear long sleeves/pants—even with sunscreen, you WILL burn on the water! 💧 For hiking: Bring EXTRA water—the rocky, steep trail demands hydration! Don’t take these rare sunny, rain-free weekends for granted—get out there and explore! #LakeLife #WeekendGetaway #NewHampshire #LakeWinnipesaukee #Massachusetts #TravelNewEngland #BostonLife #BostonDayTrips #SummerAdventures #Kayaking #Hiking