Come and Discover the Sunapee Region
New London/Elkins
The postcard-pretty town of New London serves as the market town
for the Mount Sunapee / Mt. Kearsarge area. Featuring a variety of
fine lodging and dining options, there is an excellent mix of
shops, services and entertainment as well.
The first-time visitor might do well to stroll or drive through
the town's pleasant Main Street, lined with charming shops, casual
eateries, farm stand, attractive homes and interesting historic
buildings. The Village Green is just across the street, a lovely
place to sit and take in the view of the classic New London Inn,
Old Colby Academy building, charming gazebo, and traditional Town
Hall. Sitting serenely on the opposite corner, across Seamans Road,
is the quintessential New England-style First Baptist Church, pure
white and topped with a graceful steeple. Colby-Sawyer College and
its classic, maple-lined campus lie just beyond, at the end of the
business district.
Visitors will find plenty of activity in New London with always
something fun going on, especially in summer, band concerts on the
Green, popular musicals at the Barn Playhouse, festivals, fairs,
and parades.
Andover and Potter Place
A town with a pleasantly relaxed ambience, Andover is home to
Proctor Academy, a coed, four-year, residential, college
preparatory school. The Academy's attractive grounds and buildings
form the town's centerpiece. Andover is snuggled between Ragged
Mountain and Mt. Kearsarge, and dotted with many small lakes and
ponds. Its scenic location makes it a favorite spot for
photographers and boasts two covered bridges and a picturesque
train station (at Potter Place) that serves as the Andover
Historical Society's museum. Andover is just a short drive from New
London, the Lakes Region attractions. Several bed & breakfasts
provide comfortable and attractive lodging options.
Bradford
Situated between mountains and lakes, Bradford is located at the
intersection of Route 103 and scenic Route 114. Its many lakeside
beaches and proximity to three state parks and ski areas make
Bradford a year-round vacation community. Several inns and bed
& breakfast establishments accommodate visitors in true country
style.
Bradford's history and charm combine to offer guests a warm and
entertaining visit. In the Historic Bradford Center, visitors can
stop by the town's Historic Society for background information to
enrich their stay. Historic preservation is a hallmark of this
picturesque town.
Walk, bike or drive through Bement Covered Bridge, spanning the
west branch of the Warner River, to experience a disappearing piece
of New England history.
Newbury and Mount Sunapee
Wrapped around the Western and Southern shores of Lake Sunapee,
the adjoining towns of Newbury and Mount Sunapee claim some of the
area's most outstanding attractions and scenic beauty.
To begin with, there's the Lake itself. In addition to the
handsome pier, waterfront gazebo and picnic area in the center of
Newbury, Sunapee State Beach is just up the road, off the Mount
Sunapee traffic circle. The latter, the only public beach on Lake
Sunapee, features wide beaches, a refreshment stand, changing and
rest rooms, boat rentals, and a public boat launch. There is ample
parking and a lifeguard is on duty.
Mount Sunapee Resort, the premier alpine ski area of Southern
New Hampshire, is also off the Mount Sunapee traffic circle. In
August, Mount Sunapee Resort hosts the annual League of New
Hampshire Craftsmen's Fair, a nine-day juried event with at least a
dozen huge tents filled with extraordinary exhibits by hundreds of
the state's top craftsmen.
The John Hay National Wildlife Refuge is another jewel in
Newbury's crown. Spread along three miles of frontage on the
Western shore of Lake Sunapee, the property is famous for its
superb gardens, woodland hiking trails and beautiful vistas from
the old homestead.
Originally settled in the mid-1700's, Newbury was incorporated
in 1778. The growth of the town has been closely linked to Lake
Sunapee and the imposing Mount Sunapee range. In the 1830's, the
town meeting house was built in Newbury Harbor. It was joined over
time by other public buildings, still here today. South Newbury has
several historic buildings, including a 19th century town hall, a
church dating back to 1831, Sherman Hall, home of the Newbury
Historical Society, and the Sunapee Lake Grange, more than 100
years old.
Sunapee and Georges Mills
Founded in 1781, Sunapee is a quiet resort community that is a
favorite with many visitors and second-homeowners.
Sunapee Harbor and the Sugar River have played a major role in
the town's history and development. Although Sunapee's earliest
occupation was agriculture, manufacturing sprang up along the Sugar
River falls to harness the water's power. Today, the newly created
Riverwalk offers an interesting and scenic stroll. Beginning at the
Harbor, a natural path passes the old Town Hall, which dates back
to the 19th century, and follows the rushing falls downhill to
Coffin Park, next to the new Town Hall.
Sunapee Harbor is a pleasant place to be on a summer's day. Once
the site of a steamboat landing, it is now features a lively
collection of shops, a deli that serves bountiful breakfasts, and a
popular waterfront restaurant. Live music is regularly scheduled on
weekends. The MV Mount Sunapee docks to take on passengers for
delightful narrated cruises around the lake. There is also an
antique paddle wheeler, the MV Kearsarge, which offers nightly
dinner cruises. There is another public boat launch facility in the
village of Georges Mills, a part of Sunapee. For lodging, there are
numerous waterfront cottages, as well as some charming inns and bed
& breakfasts.
Sutton
Historic, rural Sutton provides a scenic, central location from
which to enjoy many of the area's outdoor amenities. The most
visible landmark is the 2,937-ft. peak of Mt Kearsarge. A scenic
auto road off Route 103 ascends the Southern slope of Mt. Kearsarge
to Rollins State Park. The park offers spectacular views, a picnic
area and parking. It is the departure point for the half-mile hike
to the mountain's bare granite summit. Wadleigh State Beach, on the
Southeast shore of Kezar Lake in North Sutton, is ideal for family
summer outings.
Warner
Warner is a pretty, mostly rural community. Main Street with its
distinctive buildings is the town's center and the hub of its
business and cultural activity. There are shops and some popular
restaurants interspersed with typical New England style homes. The
attractive Pillsbury Free Memorial Library is nearby, too.
One of the most interesting attractions in the region is located
in Warner-the Mt. Kearsarge Indian Museum. The cornucopia of Indian
lore and artifacts, primarily from the Abnaki tribe, will delight
children and adults alike. There is also a nature trail with guided
walks in the summer.
Wilmot
Wilmot is a small village, just a few minutes from New London.
It is pleasant to park your car and stroll through the streets to
the village center, admiring the attractive homes and historic
buildings. The village boasts some lovely inns and bed &
breakfasts. It is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close
to New London, but prefer the charm of a small, quiet place. For a
great picnic spot, visit the Gardener Memorial Wayside Area, on
Route 4A, 4 miles North of Wilmot Center. Enjoy the scenic brook
and stone foundations of an 1880's mill.
Newport
Newport, New Hampshire is a small, friendly, industrious town
nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains. Nick-named the
""Sunshine Town"" by vaudevillian Billy B. Van, it is located in
the scenic upper Connecticut River Valley.
Newport's citizens are employed in a variety of manufacturing,
professional, and commercial businesses within a 30-mile radius of
the town. Newport is conveniently located between interstates 89
and 91, making access easy.
Recreation opportunities are abundant. Newport is close to
several skiing areas with Mount Sunapee Resort, six miles to the
east. Lake Sunapee also provides opportunities to enjoy
water-related activities during the summer. Several parks in the
area accommodate hiking, picnicking, and swimming, in addition to
the extremely popular NH Rails-to-Trails paths that meander through
our woods and along our rivers. Newport's town common, one of the
largest in the state, provides space for year round activities and
events. Each Sunday evening during the summer months, the common
fills with concert-goers.
