DAY 1 – Portsmouth, Seacoast, Wolfeboro
The City of Portsmouth is the second oldest in New Hampshire and was originally settled in 1623 as Strawbery Banke. After a hearty breakfast at one of Portsmouth’s many restaurants, bring your group to explore the historic Strawbery Banke Museum in downtown Portsmouth. Strawbery Banke Museum reveals the history of a neighborhood over 350 years. The 16 houses range the homes of a former New Hampshire governor and ship captains to one of Jewish immigrants and a shopkeeper. Role players at some of the locations, such as the 1770s tavern and 1940s corner grocery store, bring history alive. Their on-site restaurants offer the opportunity to pause and relax for lunch. Self-Guiding Season, May 1 through October 22: Open 7 Days, 10am-5pm. Guided Tour Season, October 23 through April: Weekends, Christmas and Thanksgiving weeks. Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-2pm. Self-Guiding Season (May – October): Adults $15, Youths (5-17) $10, 4 years and under - FREE, Family Rate $40. Guided Walking Tours (Nov. – April): Adults $10; Youths (5-17) $7; Families (2 adults and youths 5-17) $25; 4 years and under - FREE: Group Rates Available for 10 or More. www.strawberybanke.org (603) 433-1110
After lunch set sail on an hour-long Historic Isles of Shoals, Portsmouth Harbor, & Scenic Lighthouses Cruise. Go aboard the Victorian style M/V Thomas Laighton and experience the fascinating legends of our New Hampshire/Maine Seacoast. Little known but historically crucial, the legendary Isles of Shoals, located 6 miles off our coast, are an intriguing archipelago of 9 islands steeped with history. As you glide through the Portsmouth Harbor, you will see a unique working port with tugboats, tankers, the nation’s oldest and active naval yard, the closed castle-like prison- “the Alcatraz of the East”, our quaint Olde Port waterfront, a famous grand resort hotel, 5 historic forts and 3 lighthouses proudly guiding mariners safely through our waters. Groups enjoy $5 off the adult ticket price with groups of 25 or more. Onsite bus parking is available free of charge. The Isles of Shoals Steamship Co is within walking distance to downtown Portsmouth on Market Street. www.islesofshoals.com (603) 431-5500 / (800) 441-4620
If your group prefers land over the sea, the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce offers Guided Walking Tours July-October (self-guided, off-season). The morning tour presents highlights of a 400 year history and the evening tours are with costumed role-players from the turn of the 20th century and presents Portsmouth’s old Red Light District. After returning from your tour, wander through the many galleries, boutiques and other unique shops. Sidewalk cafes are also inviting to those that may want to take a coffee or tea break. For more information on Portsmouth, contact the Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce at (603) 436-3988 www.portsmouthchamber.org
The Portsmouth Historical Society recently opened the Discover Portsmouth Center in the old library building. It serves an visitors welcome center with loads historical information and art exhibits. Public restrooms. 8 Islington Street, Portsmouth NH 03801 (603) 436-8433 www.portsmouthhistory.org
Load up and head north on the Spaulding Turnpike (Route 16) to Exit 15/Route 11 in Rochester. Follow Route 11 North towards Alton. At the Alton Traffic Circle, bear right to Route 28. Follow to the quaint village of Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee where you will spend your evening. The upscale 44 room Wolfeboro Inn on Lake Winnipesaukee will welcome your group in style. Have dinner in Wolfe’s Tavern or their 1812 Dining Room. The Inn has banquet and conference facilities and the Winnipesaukee Belle, a 95’ side-paddle wheel boat available for private charters. www.wolfeboroinn.com (603) 569-3016 / (800) 451-2389.
After dinner take a stroll to the village to see concert at the Great Waters Music Festival, a non-profit organization dedicated to culturally enriching New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Concerts, except when noted, take place on the shores of beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee in our acoustic tent located on the Brewster Academy campus in Wolfeboro, NH. Since 1995, the Festival has grown from 325 attendees of one classical performance to the present audience of well over 7,000, enjoying eight different programs and two educational offerings. Great Waters Music Festival has consistently attracted regional and national artists to New Hampshire. Celebrity stars Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Ronan Tynan, Richie Havens, Canadian Brass, Sandy Duncan, Arlo Guthrie, Peter Nero, Natalie MacMaster, Chuck Mangione, Betty Buckley, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Lucie Arnaz, Suzanne Ishee, Mark Hardy, Judy Collins, Lee Bryant and Judy Gibson have all delighted sold-out audiences comprised of permanent and seasonal New Hampshire residents, vacationers, visitors and regional musicians of all ethnic and age groups. Check the schedule, and purchase advanced tickets online at www.greatwaters.org or by calling (603) 569-7710.
Day 2 – Wolfeboro, Moultonboro, Sandwich Region
After breakfast at the Wolfeboro Inn bring your group back downtown (walk or drive) for a little morning shopping or coffee on the waterfront. Hampshire Pewter on Mill Street on the back-bay of Lake Winnipesaukee. In the summer and fall tour Hampshire Pewter to watch craftsmen create beautiful pewter tableware and our famous Christmas ornaments. Shop their showroom or take a free catalog along with you. Open year-round. www.hampshirepewter.com (603) 569-4944
On the walk back to the Inn, stop into Black’s Paper Store on South Main Street for Hallmark cards, film, books, magazines, post cards, maple syrup, t-shirts, souvenirs, art supplies and gifts. (603) 569-4444.
Next stop is the Art Place on North Main Street, also on the way back up to the Inn. The Art Place represents New Hampshire artists with original art and limited edition prints. Well worth the trip. www.theartplace.biz (603) 569-6159
Back on the bus for a quick drive to either the Wright Museum and/or the NH Boat Museum. The Wright World War II Museum brings its guests back in time to the Home Front during the years 1939-1945 showcasing the most enterprising years in America with its interpretive exhibits and interactive displays including: Student Life in the 40s; Sports, Entertainment, Fashion; Citizen Support of the War Effort; Recycling and Rationing; Scientific and Technological Advances; Women's Role on the Home Front; 1940s Home Display, Radio Shows; Soda Fountain & Dentist Office.
In addition to the Home Front experience, special displays also include a large array of fully operational military vehicles: tanks, halftracks, jeeps, an ambulance and motorcycles. The museum is fortunate to have in their vehicle collection the only existing operational American tank to cross the Rhine River in Germany. Open May-Oct, Mon-Sat 10-4pm and Sun noon-4pm. Adults $6; Veterans and Seniors (55 and over) $5; Students $3 Children under 8 Free. AAA and group discounts available. www.wrightmuseum.org (603) 569-1212
The NH Boat Museum has wonderful exhibits on the Golden Age of Summers on the Lakes of New Hampshire, featuring many of the finest examples of vintage mahogany and antique boats, including; Garwood, Chris-Craft, Century, Dodge, Penn Yan, Lyman and Hacker, on a rotating basis. There are runabouts, race-boats, canoes, guide boats, and sail boats. Whether you are an outboard, steam, paddle or sail enthusiast, the displays, enhanced with archival photos, trophies and models, bring to life a truly grand era of boating. www.nhbm.org (603) 569-4554
After a busy morning exploring Wolfeboro, take a break for lunch at the Wolfetrap on back bay Wolfeboro. Dock parking, 74 slips. Famous lobster rolls, raw bar, pasta, steak, full bar; boat rentals, waterfront dining & entertainment. 19 Bay Street, Wolfeboro, 03894 (603) 569-1047 www.wolfetrap.com
After lunch head North on Route 109 (Main Street) towards Moultonboro. Turn right onto Route 171 for two miles to the Castle in the Clouds where your group can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee, outstanding gardens, waterfalls, picnic, or hike on 45-miles of trails on this 5,500 acre mountaintop estate. Tour the fabulous 1914 Arts and Crafts mansion, visit the Carriage House café, patio and New Hampshire- themed gift shop. Kid’s activities include Science Center programs, new interpretive trail, Shannon trout pond; under age 6 are free. Open Memorial Day to mid-October 10am-4:30pm. Castle Tours Adult $10; youth ages 7-14 $5; 6 and under are free; Seniors 60+ $8 Groups of 15+ $8; Scenic Drive (no access to the castle – all ages) $5 www.castleintheclouds.org (603) 476-5900
From the Castle, turn left to Route 171. Follow to Ossipee and turn left onto Route 28 for a couple miles and then left onto Route 16 North to Center Ossipee, take Route 25 East (5 miles) to Route 153 North (6 miles) and Purity Spring Resort.
Purity Spring Resort offers 70 rooms spread among eight lodges, three cottages and two condominium buildings. Their accommodations include luxurious shorefront units with sweeping views of Purity Lake, cozy hillside retreats, spacious deluxe rooms with full views of their own King Pine Ski Area, classic country inn rooms and rustic economy lodging for value-minded visitors. They can also host events for up to 300 people, either indoors, outdoors or on their Island. Take some time and check into your rooms and meet for dinner. After dinner participate in some of their recreational opportunities including kayaking, canoeing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding, climbing wall, nature walks, mountain biking, arts & crafts, archery, tennis, hiking, bingo and more! www.purityspring.com (800) 373-3754
For more information on the Lakes Region, contact the Lakes Region Association at (603) 744-8664 or www.lakesregion.org.
Day 3 Madison, White Mountains
Begin your third day of the tour at Purity Springs for an early breakfast and some recreation then its time for scenic drive through the beautiful White Mountains to reach the Lincoln / North Woodstock area. From Route 153, head back to Route 16 and head north. Just before Conway, turn left onto Route 112. Be sure and get gas because it’s 26.5 miles over the Kancamaugus Highway and through the White Mountain National Forest. The Kancamagus Scenic Byway follows a beautiful path through New Hampshire's White Mountains. Visitors know it as one of the world's most spectacular fall-foliage trips, but a stunning spectrum of color underscores the region's natural beauty year round. The road meanders through vast forests, old logging roads, and Indian hunting paths. An abundance of history and recreation lies here, so take the time to pull off the road and explore all that the Byway offers. Allow one hour of drive time to cross the Kanc.
Once in Lincoln bring your group over to the Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery for lunch. To get there, follow 112 to the intersection of Route 3, a mile past the overpass to I-93. Turn right and find the Woodstock Inn, Station & Brewery on your left. Housed in an original train depot, the Woodstock Station serves an informal lunch and dinner menu jam-packed with a mouth-watering assortment of tasty appetizers, homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers and delectable entrees. If you are still in town this evening, try their Clement Room Grille for a laid-back elegant dinner or stay the night in their country inn. Take a growler home of their own handcrafted ale home! www.woodstockinnnh.com (603) 800-321-3985.
After Lunch, you have a few choices depending on the group’s activity preferences and the season. Plan for at least 2 hours per activity selected.
Loon Mountain Resort - A spectacular four-season mountain resort offering gondola sky rides, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, horseback riding and many more winter and summer sports and activities. Rte 112, Kancamagus Hwy, 03251. (603) 745-8111, www.loonmtn.com
Alpine Adventure Outdoor Recreation - Summer/Winter Safari in our 6-wheel drive, 11 passenger troop transport trucks ($34pp and $17pp for children 6 and under) and Zip-Line Treetop Tours: 7 seperate zip-lines totaling 1/2 mile, tree platforms and rope bridges 30'-60' in trees, great views of the White Mountains. $85 per person open year-round. Allow 2 hours to complete the course. 41 Main Street, Route 112, Lincoln, NH 03251 888-745-1919 www.alpinezipline.com
Clark's Trading Post - Affordable family entertainment since 1928. Bear shows, variety act, steam train ride into "Wolfman's Territory", museum, rides and more! Age 6 and up - $15; Age 3 to 5 - $6; Under 3 - Free; Seniors (65+) - $14. 110 US Route 3, 03251 (603) 745-8913 www.clarkstradingpost.com
Pemi Valley Excursions Moose Tours - Spot a moose on a Moose tour in the Summer and Fall ($24 adults / $18 children 12 and under). 96% sucessful sighting rate 2007. Rt. 112, Main Street Lincoln, NH 03251 (603) 745-2744; Fax (603) 745-3289 www.I93.com/PVSR
Should you decide to spend the evening in Lincoln or North Woodstock, try the Café Lafayette Dinner Train for a 5 course dinner against the backdrop of ever-changing scenery [(603) 745-3500 www.nhdinnertrain.com]and see a professional theatrical musical at the award-winning Papermill Theatre during the months of July and August [(603) 745-2141 www.papermilltheatre.org].
When it’s time to head home or to your next destination, Lincoln is located at Exit 32 of Interstate 93. Lincoln is approximately 1 hour above Concord NH.
For more informaiton on the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire, contact White Mountain Attractions at (603) 745-8720 www.visitwhitemountains.com.
|
Paid in Part by the NH Division of Travel & Tourism. For statewide group travel information 603-271-2665,