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Did I ever mention how much I love the New England states? Okay maybe once or twice … but I really feel like they have everything you could possibly want in a group of states.
There are stunning mountain ranges for the hikers, lots of outdoor activities for campers and adventure seekers, there are beaches for the beach lovers, lots of wineries and breweries and everywhere you turn there is seafood!
In case you aren’t familiar, the six New England states include Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
We are slowly checking off the New England states on our ‘list of states visited’. Now we are only missing Vermont — but stay tuned, because I have some plans for that this winter!!
A couple weeks ago we decided we wanted to take our boat somewhere new. We decided to head back to New England for an impromptu mid week getaway. Our destination of choice this time was one of the best resorts on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire – Mill Falls at the Lake.
About Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the state of New Hampshire with the southernmost foot of the White Mountains – the Ossipee Mountain Range – serving as its backdrop. It is a 2.5 hour drive from Boston, 7.5 hours from Philadelphia, about 2 hours from Portland, ME and just over 6 hours from NYC (as well as our home in NEPA).
There are 8 towns on Lake Winnipesaukee and each offer something a little bit different:
There is Alton – the largest of the 8 towns and home to Mount Major; a great hike for all ages with stunning views of the lake and the Ossipee Mountain Range.
Center Harbor is great if you are looking for that small town vibe.
Gilford is the prime ski spot in the winter.
Laconia is probably the most popular town as it is home to Weirs Beach. There are lots of family friendly activities in Laconia/Weirs Beach. If you want to take a cruise out onto the lake there are many that leave from Laconia. Also, it is where you would board the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad.
Moultonborough is where the Castle in the Clouds is located; a gorgeous, huge mansion that is perched right on the side of the Ossipee Mountains. I would love to tour the grounds on our next visit.
Tuftonboro is a small town rural area perfect for a leisurely drive down some back roads. The views of the Ossipee Mountain Range are said to be spectacular from here.
Wolfeboro is another great spot to find beaches, but they will be much quieter here than they would be in Laconia.
The last, but certainly not least, is Meredith – where we spent our mini-vacay at one of the best resorts on Lake Winnipesaukee.
How Big is Lake Winnipesaukee?
To give you an idea of just how big this lake is, we drove our boat from Meredith (western side) to Wolfeboro (eastern side) and it took us around 40 minutes … and we weren’t going slow. If you wanted to drive the whole lake by car, it would take you a few hours at least (depending on how many stops you wanted to make).
The lake is approximately 71 square miles and it’s deepest point is around 212 feet.
You don’t have to own a boat to enjoy the lake though!! There are plenty of watersport options, swimming, beaches and even boat rentals/charters that you can rent and take out for the day. You really should get out on the water somehow during your stay in my opinion. It’s just too beautiful of a view to miss, and unless you’re out on the water, the shore views don’t do the lake justice.
Resorts on Lake Winnipesaukee – Mill Falls at the Lake
Probably top of the tourist list in Meredith is Mill Falls at the Lake. Right smack in the middle of town you will find this one stop, all season resort for dining, lodging and fun!
On property there are 5 restaurants to choose from, 10 unique shops, a full service spa, an activity center and 4 different inns to stay at all with gorgeous lake front views.
There are public docks and a public boat launch located right on the main street in town. So if you are traveling by boat, you can easily access anything Mill Falls at the Lake has to offer.
Staying at Mill Falls at the Lake
There are 4 inns to choose from, as well as some cottages, depending on what type of stay you are looking for. All four have gorgeous lakefront views.
Church Landing is the most luxurious of the inns on property; each with a private balcony facing Lake Winnipesaukee. Discover the ultimate relaxation at Cascade Spa and Salon located inside Church Landing. They also have two indoor/outdoor pools.
Bay Point is a more contemporary inn with a nautical theme. This also has stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee as well as Weirs Beach.
The Chase House is built for comfort and coziness. They have a prime view of the lake and the busy town docks.
We stayed at the Inn at Mill Falls. Here you will find an old time, comfortable atmosphere. This inn is actually an old linen mill that was refurbished into an inviting and cozy place to stay. This is a great spot for families: it is located right next to the shopping area, restaurants, town docks and a really cool 40 foot waterfall. They also have an indoor pool. The room was small, but it was cozy and clean. Perfect for what we needed, since we spent most of our time on our boat out on the lake!
They also have private cottages that you can rent if you have a larger group.
Be prepared though, that this is not a cheap place to stay by any means. You are looking at a minimum of $400 per night. However, its prime location, gorgeous views and amenities makes it well worth it! Check them out here!
Dining at Mill Falls at the Lake
There are 5 restaurants on property each offering a different atmosphere.
Lakehouse Grille is located in Church Landing with stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also private docking for Inn guests if you are arriving by boat. They have an extensive menu from seafood and steaks to burgers and sandwiches. We were only there during the week, but on Sundays they serve a breakfast buffet that is supposed to be one of a kind.
Camp is a really cool restaurant that plays on your childhood days at summer camp – in a little bit more of an upscale setting though! Have some of your homestyle favorites like meatloaf, fried chicken or pot roast … and of course S’MORES for dessert.
The Waterfall Café is a laid back dining experience sitting atop of the 40 foot waterfall in Mill Falls Marketplace. It reminds me of having lunch on my grandma’s porch when I was a kid. They have a small menu for breakfast and lunch.
We had our first meal at Lago, located in Bay Point. They serve Italian favorites in a warm, comfortable dining atmosphere. It was the perfect way to relax after our long drive. We had a nice glass of wine in the waterfront dining room with some charcuterie followed by pasta for our main entrée. It was a great end to our day.
Giuseppe’s Pizzeria is the last of the 5 restaurants on the property. I can’t believe it, but we didn’t eat here … yep, we passed up pizza .. who even are we?!?! We definitely would have, but we just ran out of time. I do know that they have a more upbeat, lively atmosphere and they feature live music almost every night. This is a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.
As another perk for staying with this resort on Lake Winnipesaukee, you will be given a Preferred Seating Card that you can use at the Lakehouse Grille, Camp and Lago. Make sure you use it when you book reservations for a table!
Other Dining Options
Although not located as part of Mill Falls at the Lake, there are some other great dining options nearby:
Town Docks Restaurant is the place to be for a casual, fun dining experience for the family. You can sit under an umbrella, or at a picnic table and put your toes in the sand while having some yummy cocktails and looking out at views of Lake Winnipesaukee. They have a huge menu so there’s surely something for everyone.
George’s Diner is a small restaurant located just past Mill Falls Marketplace. We stopped in for a fresh home cooked breakfast. It did not disappoint.
Things to do at Mill Falls at the Lake
Get your shopping on at one of the 10 unique shops in Mill Falls Marketplace, located on property. They have a bookstore, crafts, rustic décor and furniture, a candy shop, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and more!!
There are many on site activities to choose from to keep you plenty busy during your stay at this resort on Lake Winnipesaukee.
For around $250 per hour you can charter a private pontoon boat for your crew. Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic ride on Lake Winnipesaukee.
You can rent bicycles (free for resort guests), paddleboards, kayaks or canoes to get a good workout in while enjoying sweeping lake views.
Relax on a Saturday evening (pending weather) at one of the lakeside fire pits and roast some s’mores for some good quality family time. Be sure to make reservations early, availability is limited.
After your afternoon of shopping or watersports, head to Cascade Spa and relax!! Get a massage, a pedicure, facial or a fresh blowout! They do it all.
Is it Worth Staying at Mill Falls at the Lake Resort on Lake Winnipesaukee?
Our whole family really enjoyed our mid-week getaway at Lake Winnipesaukee and Mill Falls at the Lake. We already can’t wait to take the boat back! I highly recommend this destination for those who love the calmness and serenity of lake life!
I hope you enjoyed this mini-review of Mill Falls at the Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee. Have you ever visited? Did you explore any of the other towns around the lake? Let me know in the comments!
