Nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains, the Lake Sunapee region offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and quintessential New England charm. The region is centered around Lake Sunapee, a crystal-clear Class A, 10-mile-long lake surrounded by picturesque towns, rolling hills, and lush forests. Whether you're seeking a serene getaway, family-friendly activities, or exciting adventures, the Lake Sunapee area has something for everyone.

Outdoor Activities

The Lake Sunapee region is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering year-round activities for visitors of all ages.

• Lake Fun: In the summer, Lake Sunapee becomes a hub for boating, kayaking, sailing, and swimming. The lake’s clean, refreshing waters are ideal for water sports, while the Mount Sunapee Scenic Cruises offer a relaxing way to explore the lake’s shores and islands.

• Hiking and Biking: The region is crisscrossed with hiking trails, offering everything from gentle walks to challenging climbs. Popular hikes include the Mount Sunapee Summit Trail for breathtaking views and Lake Solitude Trail for a quieter, more peaceful hike. For biking, the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway offers a network of trails connecting the area’s scenic towns and parks.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: In winter, Mount Sunapee Resort is a prime destination for skiing and snowboarding, with its family-friendly slopes and varied terrain. The resort also offers snowshoeing and snow tubing, while cross-country skiing enthusiasts can explore the miles of groomed trails at the Pine Hill Ski Club.

• Golfing: The region boasts several golf courses with stunning lake and mountain views. The Newport Golf Club, Lake Sunapee Country Club and Country Club of New Hampshire offer challenging courses in beautiful settings.

Historic and Cultural Attractions

The Lake Sunapee region is steeped in history and has plenty of cultural attractions to explore.

• The Fells Historic Estate & Gardens: Located on the shores of Lake Sunapee in Newbury, The Fells is a grand estate once owned by diplomat John Milton Hay. Visitors can explore its beautiful gardens, take guided tours of the historic home, and hike the surrounding nature trails.

• New London Barn Playhouse: This charming, century-old theater in New London, NH, is known for its summer productions of Broadway shows and classic plays. The theater draws talented performers from across the country and offers an intimate, nostalgic theater-going experience.

• Sunapee Historical Society Museum: Learn about the rich history of the Lake Sunapee region through exhibits showcasing the area’s steamboating heritage, tourism history, and the evolution of local industries.

Towns and Villages

The towns surrounding Lake Sunapee are rich in character, each offering its own unique charm.

• Sunapee: The town of Sunapee sits on the western shore of the lake and is known for its scenic harbor, which is home to local shops, cafés, and the MV Lake Sunapee Queen dinner cruise boat. In summer, Sunapee Harbor is a bustling spot with outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and art festivals.

• New London: Just a short drive from the lake, New London is a vibrant town with a strong sense of community. It offers a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and cultural venues, including the Colby-Sawyer College, which hosts lectures, concerts, and art exhibits.

• Newbury: Home to Mount Sunapee Resort and Mount Sunapee State Park Beach, Newbury is a hub for outdoor recreation. In addition to the ski resort, visitors can explore the hiking trails on Mount Sunapee, enjoy a day at the beach, or visit the historic Newbury Harbor.

• Georges Mills: This small village located north of Sunapee Harbor offers quiet lake access and is a great spot for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the tranquil beauty of the area.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

The Lake Sunapee region hosts a variety of seasonal events that capture the spirit of New England throughout the year.

• League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair: Held every August at Mount Sunapee Resort, this is one of the oldest craft fairs in the country. It showcases the work of hundreds of New Hampshire artisans and offers workshops, demonstrations, and opportunities to purchase unique, handmade items.

• New London Strawberry Festival: A beloved summer tradition, this event in New London features fresh strawberry shortcakes, games, live music, and craft vendors, drawing families from all over the region.

Whether you’re enjoying a day on the lake, hiking scenic mountain trails, or exploring the area’s rich history and culture, the Lake Sunapee region is a perfect year-round destination that captures the beauty and charm of New England.

Explore the Upper Valley, NH: Things to Do

The Upper Valley is a picturesque region straddling the New Hampshire and Vermont border, encompassing towns like Hanover, Lebanon, and Enfield in New Hampshire, and Norwich and White River Junction in Vermont. With its scenic landscapes, historic towns, and vibrant local culture, there’s something for everyone in this New England gem.

Outdoor Activities

The Upper Valley is known for its abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

• Hiking and Biking: Trails like the Appalachian Trail pass through the region, providing excellent day hikes or longer excursions. Popular local hikes include Gile Mountain in Norwich and Mount Cardigan in nearby Alexandria, NH.

• Boating and Water Sports: With lakes like Mascoma Lake and Lake Sunapee, as well as the Connecticut River, boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are popular summer activities.

• Skiing and Snowboarding: In the winter, the region transforms into a snow sports paradise. Dartmouth Skiway in Lyme, NH, and Whaleback Mountain in Enfield offer family-friendly skiing and snowboarding. Nearby larger resorts like Mount Sunapee, Okemo, and Killington are just a short drive away.

• Golfing: Courses such as Hanover Country Club and Lake Morey Resort offer beautiful backdrops for a day on the green.

Cultural Attractions

The Upper Valley boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, with activities to engage history buffs, art lovers, and theatergoers alike.

• Dartmouth College: Located in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a hub of intellectual and cultural activity. Visitors can explore the Hood Museum of Art and attend performances at the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

• The Montshire Museum of Science: In Norwich, VT, this hands-on museum is fun for families and curious minds of all ages, with exhibits focusing on nature, physics, and the environment.

• Lebanon Opera House: Catch live performances, from musicals and plays to concerts and lectures, at this historic venue in downtown Lebanon, NH.

• White River Junction Arts Scene: This revitalized Vermont town is home to galleries, artisan shops, and theater. The Northern Stage puts on professional productions, while local galleries showcase regional talent.

Shopping and Dining

Quaint downtowns like Hanover, Lebanon, and Woodstock (VT) are brimming with local shops, cafés, and eateries.

• Farm-to-Table Dining: The Upper Valley is known for its fresh, locally sourced food. Places like the Norwich Farmers Market and farm-to-table restaurants, such as Pine in Hanover or Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee, VT, offer delightful culinary experiences.

• Shopping: Browse boutique shops, art galleries, and bookstores in Hanover and Lebanon. Stop by Dan & Whit’s General Store in Norwich for a quintessential New England shopping experience.

Historical Sites

For those interested in history, the Upper Valley has several points of interest.

• Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park: Located in Cornish, NH, this park honors the life and work of American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens and features beautiful gardens, sculptures, and trails.

• Enfield Shaker Museum: Dive into the history of the Shaker community in Enfield, NH, with preserved buildings, guided tours, and events showcasing the unique Shaker way of life.

Seasonal Festivals

The Upper Valley celebrates all four seasons with a variety of local festivals and events.

• Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival: Held annually in Quechee, VT, this event is one of the region’s most popular summer festivals, featuring colorful hot air balloons, craft vendors, and live music.

• Hanover Streetfest: Enjoy food, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities during this annual summer festival in Hanover.

• Maple Sugaring Season: Visit local sugarhouses in late winter and early spring to experience the quintessential New England tradition of maple syrup production.

Nearby Attractions

Just a short drive from the Upper Valley, you can explore:

• Quechee Gorge: Often referred to as Vermont’s "Little Grand Canyon," this stunning gorge is perfect for a scenic hike or picnic.

• Billings Farm & Museum: Located in Woodstock, VT, this working farm and museum provide insight into Vermont’s agricultural history.

Whether you’re here for outdoor adventure, cultural enrichment, or simply a peaceful retreat, the Upper Valley is a destination that captures the essence of New England charm.