This Cute New Hampshire Lake Town Is Less Than An Hour From White Mountain National Forest

Meredith is perfectly situated in New Hampshire. The little town is in the heart of the Lakes Region. It sits on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It is less than an hour away from the White Mountain National Forest. It is also downright adorable.

Palmer's Town, as Meredith was originally named, was one of the first towns chartered in the Granite State. It was settled by farmers in the 1760s and grew into a mill town a century later before becoming a popular summer resort in the 1880s. The small town, which is now home to fewer than 7,000 full-time residents, continues to be a sought-after tourist destination today. Luckily, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is only one hour south of Meredith. Plus, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which receives nonstop flights from cities all around the world, is roughly two hours away. It is an easy drive into the Lakes Region, where you will find 273 lakes, from both airports.

Meredith's prime spot on not one, not two, but three lakes certainly helps attract visitors. Lake Wicwas, a small lake surrounded by forested conservation lands, sits to the southwest. Lake Waukewan, known for its clear waters, lies to the west. Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in the entire state, extends to the east. Lake Winni, as everyone affectionately calls it, is an ideal spot to take a relaxing vacation. No wonder Meredith feels like the center of the vast Lakes Region.

Along Meredith Bay, a large arm of Lake Winni, you will find historic New England architecture, a vibrant Main Street, and a public boat dock. One of the oldest buildings in town is now the Meredith Historical Society Museum. The two-story building from the early 19th century was a store, a bank, and even a post office over the years. It is now home to antiques and memorabilia that document the history of the lake town. The museum is on Main Street, which is lined with small art galleries, locally owned restaurants, and unique shops. You will discover gorgeous photographs of New Hampshire at the Jeremy Noyes Gallery, seafood dishes and a view of the lake at the Breeze by the Bay, and pre-loved records at Full Circle Vinyl. 

Main Street is part of the Loop, which connects the businesses in historic Meredith. The Mill Falls Marketplace has flower gardens and a waterfall among its stores and restaurants on Daniel Webster Highway. The Mill Falls Resort Collection at the Lake (from $169 per night), four distinct places to stay, is right down the road. So is Town Docks, which has a seasonal, outdoor tiki bar and traditional New England lobster rolls, on the edge of the lake. The Loop is also connected to the Meredith Sculpture Walk. This self-guided tour features more than 30 works of art. This year's sculptures were made out of everything from marble and steel to cedar branches and found objects.

Though much of your time in Meredith will undoubtedly be spent staring at Lake Winni's sparkling water, you should not forget the mountains that stand in the background. The White Mountains are a section of the Appalachian Mountains. They tower above the Lakes Region in north-central New Hampshire and contain the highest peaks in the Northeast. They are also home to the White Mountain National Forest, a protected area that covers more than 800,000 acres.

The Presidential Traverse is in the White Mountain National Forest. On this popular trail, you can hike along some of the highest peaks in the Northeast. "The Presi" covers about 20 miles, gains 9,000 feet in elevation, and summits five peaks that stand more than 4,000 feet high. Mountain huts are conveniently placed along the multi-day hike. They offer warm beds and home-cooked meals. They offer stunning views above the treeline, as well.

The White Mountain National Forest is also the perfect destination for your next camping trip. There are more than 60 cabins, campgrounds, and shelters available. They range from family-friendly spots to solitary, backcountry locations. Some reservations can be made online, while others are first-come, first-served. But if you are not a camper, you can always return to cute little Meredith. The drive between the lake and the mountains is less than an hour, after all. A lobster roll along the water at sunset sounds like the perfect end to an adventurous day.