When it comes to dog-friendly hotels near Lake Winnipesaukee, there’s plenty to choose from, including The Naswa Resort, The Common Man Inn & Spa, Church Landing at the Mill Falls Resort and The Inn on Golden Pond. But perhaps no Lakes Region hotelier loves dogs as much as Susan Smith of Cottage Place on Squam Lake. In fact, she’s designed this quaint cottage-studded property located on the edge of Little Squam Lake in Holderness to be as much of a haven for dogs as for humans: Not only are all the cottages, cottage suites and rooms within the lodge totally pet-friendly, but there are scores of outdoor amenities that dogs are free to roam sans leash beside the fam, including a campfire area, gardens and a 140-foot private sandy beach for splashing. In fact, you’ll see Smith’s own 7-year-old Newfoundland, Bravo (her 12th dog of this breed!), who serves as something of a resident greeter.

603 Paws is a one-of-a-kind boutique offering a unique experience for pet owners, their pets and New Hampshire enthusiasts. Check out their large selection of pet products, including toys, treats and accessories, along with pet-inspired gifts for both you and your furry friend. They also have a New Hampshire selection of gifts for those who love the state and the great outdoors. Stock up on supplies and treats for your upcoming adventures here.

Less than 10 miles down the road from Cottage Place, you’ll find the bustling, lakeside town of Meredith. Grab your leash and stroll along the edge of Lake Winnipesaukee’s Meredith Bay, making your way into the town center as you explore the Meredith Sculpture Walk. This ever-changing attraction features dozens of installations in various media, plus a pocket park or two and a gazebo. After grabbing a couple of hot dogs for yourself and Fido from the nearby Town Docks, park yourself on one of the waterfront benches and watch the evening go by together.

After letting your pooch get out those morning “zoomies” on a stretch of the River Road Loop, a four-mile trail that picks up right from Cottage Place, it’s time for the real hike: West Rattlesnake Mountain. But not before breakfast, of course. First, stop at Squam Lake Marketplace in the heart of Holderness for your choice of a to-go breakfast wrap, breakfast panini or what’s known as the “McSquam” sandwich. Then, from there, it’s just a few more miles up 113 to the trailhead of the Old Bridal Path, a moderate, nearly two-mile out-and-back hike that summits the 1,260-foot West Rattlesnake and gives you an excellent view of Squam Lake and its many islands.

Swing by Hermit Woods Winery & Deli in Meredith and fill your cooler with some sandwiches and beverages to-go, then head to Goodhue Boat Company to pick up your reserved pontoon boat rental — paws-down, it’s one of the best ways to share some on-water time with your dog. Once you’re all aboard, motor on over to Braun Bay, a popular sandbar near a sheltered cove off Moultonborough where you can drop anchor and swim. There are also a few other good sandbars just outside the West Alton Marina and at the bottom of Paugus Bay. Find other boat rentals here, but note that not all may allow dogs within their rentals.

After a long day of hiking and water play, you’ll be craving something delicious and refreshing. Swing over to nearby dog-friendly restaurant Twin Barns Brewing Co. — their large, outdoor beer garden is a popular place for pooches and their owners. In addition to fantastic burgers and brews for you, they offer wholesome dog treats made by Moultonborough’s Cup & Crumb bakery using spent grain from their own brewing process. There’s also a bunch of Twin Barns gear for sale, like collars and bowls, that’ll put some swag in your dog’s wag.

Located just across the street from the beach at Weirs Beach, the seasonal Boardwalk Bar and Grill doesn’t just offer what is said to be the Lakes Region’s largest outdoor dining patio (offering amazing views of the Lake, the beach and famous “M/S Mount Washington”), but it’s dog friendly from open to close, with staff attentively monitoring the deck’s many dog water bowls. Even better, there’s a stage that hosts live music Thursday through Monday, which means you get a dose of entertainment with your frozen cocktail. After, if it’s not too late, catch a second showing at the Weirs Drive-In Theater. It’s one of only four drive-ins remaining in the Granite State and one that welcomes humans and their doggos.

Departing from the old rail station in the resort town of Wolfeboro, The Cotton Valley Rail Trail is a hard-packed multi-use trail that travels a full 12 miles to Wakefield, just near the Maine border. But, today, you and Fido will be tackling just the first three-mile portion to Fernald Station — arguably the best portion as it meanders along two lakes (Crescent Lake and Lake Wentworth), beside a beach (Albee Beach), over trestles, and through scenic wetlands and heavy woods.

Is it a surf-and-turf restaurant? An Irish tavern? Or an ice cream parlor? Actually, Morrissey’s Front Porch is a little bit of all the above, serving an immensely diverse menu of some of the best seafood, burgers, Irish fare and ice cream around. We’re talking fresh steamed lobsters in the rough and seafood stew, five different types of burgers, and Motherland favorites, like colcannon, bangers and mash, and Reubens. Take a seat on their dog-friendly outdoor picnic table area, order up your choice of a hearty meal, but don’t forget to finish it off with one of the 30 flavors from their ice cream menu and a bowlful of whip cream for your buddy.