Off the beaten path in New Hampshire's Lakes Region is a medium-sized body of water surrounded by miles of small town country charm.
Newfound Lake is the place, and the four towns that encircle it - Hebron, Bristol, Bridgewater and Alexandria are accented with pine-shaded country lanes, and general stores that stock everything from penny candy to fishing bait.
The Lakes Region of New Hampshire consists of 42 communities and 273 lakes and ponds, the most popular and largest being the 72-square mile Lake Winnipesaukee. Newfound Lake, though only 7 miles long, is by no means overshadowed by the Granite State's largest lake situated 20 miles due east.
Instead of journeying eastward on Route 104, after exiting 1-93 in Meredith, the way to Winnipesaukee, take the road less traveled - 104 West. It will truly make all the difference. Then turn north onto Route 3A and you will run into Newfound.
The area offers various recreation. Wellington State Park, located on the shore of Newfound Lake in Bristol, has swimming, picnicking, and walking trails.
Land-locked salmon and lake trout are among the popular species in the lake to hook. Newfound Lake also has an attractive ice-fishing season.
The new bike path located along Route 3A, offers an alternate mode of traveling from Downtown Bristol all the way to Newfound Lake. The path follows the Newfound River for approximately 1.5 miles and includes a dramatic 200-foot bridge. Whether walking or biking it allows for a scenic and “green” way of exploring the lake, businesses and village.
Another popular cold weather sport in the region is downhill skiing. Ragged Mountain is located down the road on 104 in Danbury. It offers 23 trails with the longest run being 1 3/4 miles.
Whether it be in the quiet winter months - when the loudest sound heard is the power saw cutting through ice - or the livelier warmer months when the summer foIk converge on the region, Newfound Lake is an area to be enjoyed year round.
LOCATION
The Newfound Lake Region offers easy access from interstate 93 at Exit 23. From New York City the driving time is about 5 hours, from Boston 2 hours and Montreal 4 hours. Bristol is about 16 miles from Plymouth, Tilton and Meredith, 20 miles from Laconia, and just minutes away from New Hampton, and Hill.
HISTORY
The first-known written record of the Newfound Lake Area dates back to 1725. Settlement, however, started in the mid-seventeen hundreds; some of the old churches and colonial houses may still be seen. Most of the towns date back to the late seventeen hundreds.
ECONOMY
The industrial base of the region is roughly split between tourism and manufacturing. The area is home to various manufacturing concerns, such as a large custom molder of rubber and leather products, machine and tool and die shops and the country's oldest fabricator of wooden crutches.
So take a deep breath and feel good about your decision to invest in the Newfound Area. The lifestyle, the community and the people you'll meet are without equal.
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