Where Locals Go
Hidden Gems Around the Lakes
The places you won’t find in a glossy travel guide—but locals swear by.
Whether you're a longtime resident or just dipping your toes into Lakes Region life, there’s something magical about discovering the places that don’t show up on TripAdvisor’s Top 10. These are the spots where locals go to catch a breeze, a beer, or a bluegrass jam—and they just might become your new favorites.
Today, we’re sharing some of our favorite hidden gems across the region, grouped by what you’re in the mood for. Know a place we missed? Hit reply—we’d love to feature your recs in a future issue.
🍽️ Dining: Off-the-Radar and On-the-Money
The Bob House & The Reel ‘N Tavern – Moultonborough
Unassuming on the outside, deeply satisfying on the inside. Comfort food, local beer, great fish fry, and it doubles as a cozy bar for regulars.
Tavern 27 – Laconia
A tapas-style experience tucked into a golf course with a view. Locals love the rotating specials and the unexpected wine list.
Lydia’s Café – Wolfeboro
No-frills, all-heart. Perfect for a solo weekday breakfast or lazy Saturday brunch. The kind of place where the waitress knows your name (and your order).
Giuseppe’s Pizzeria & Ristorante – Meredith
Sure, it’s near the Mill Falls action, but locals head here for live piano nights, hearty Italian, and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
🎶 Live Music: Small Stages, Big Vibes
The Back Room at Hermit Woods Winery – Meredith
You’d never guess such an intimate and well-curated listening room exists behind a boutique winery. Jazz, folk, indie—every show feels like a secret.
The Big House – Laconia
Once a biker bar, now a legit venue drawing blues, rock, and country acts. The scene is gritty in the best way.
Club Sandwich at Pitman’s Freight Room – Laconia
An art-house kind of venue with a vintage freight-room feel. It’s BYOB and community-forward, hosting jazz nights, comedy, and spoken word.
Winnipesaukee Pavilion Summer Concert Series – Alton
Outdoors, casual, and under the radar. A great place to bring a picnic and tap your feet.
🧭 Attractions: Low-Key But Worth the Trip
Libby Museum – Wolfeboro
Quirky and charming natural history museum filled with taxidermy, fossils, and Lakes Region oddities. It’s the oldest museum in NH!
Rusty McLear Waterfront Sculpture Walk – Meredith
A peaceful stroll along Lake Winnipesaukee featuring rotating public art. Hidden in plain sight and perfect at sunset.
The Remick Country Doctor Museum – Tamworth
Ever heard of a medical museum on a working farm? Exactly. Go for the history, stay for the baby goats.
Brewster Beach in the Early Morning – Wolfeboro
Locals know that the best time to enjoy the beach is before 9am. Smooth water, no crowds, and sometimes even loons.
🚣 Activities: The Local Way to Spend a Day
Morning Paddle on Mirror Lake – Tuftonboro
While Winnipesaukee gets all the glory, locals love the calm, quiet waters of Mirror Lake. Bring your own kayak or rent from a local.
Hiking Mt. Roberts at Castle in the Clouds – Moultonborough
Less trafficked than Mt. Major and with better lake views. Pro tip: start early and grab lunch at the Carriage House afterward.
Friday Night Cruising in Wolfeboro
Classic cars roll into town every Friday evening in the summer. It’s casual, nostalgic, and a great people-watching night.
A Beer and a Book at Innisfree Bookshop – Meredith
Grab a new read, walk across the street to Twin Barns Brewing, and settle in with a pint on the patio. You’re living the dream now.
🍓 Farmstands & Pick-Your-Own: Fresh and Friendly
Beans & Greens Farmstand – Gilford
Flowers, pies, fresh-picked veggies, and live music on weekends. Bonus: the kids love the animals.
Branch Hill Farm – Milton Mills
Small farm shop has whatever fruits and vegetables the farm is offering in it’s CSA at the moment, plus local meat, eggs, honey, tea, coffee, and handspun yarn. One of the most complete heritage apple orchards; they sometimes offer educational tours and events.
Surowiec Farm – Sanbornton
Blueberry and apple picking in season, plus cider, local honey, and everything you want in a fall picnic basket.
Butternut Farm – Farmington
Come for the peaches, stay for the donuts. Family-run and very photogenic—perfect for a summer or autumn afternoon.
Ames Farm Inn Farmstand – Gilford
Right on Route 11, this is a local go-to for corn, tomatoes, maple syrup, and homegrown everything. Feels like stepping back in time.
🗣️ Over to You
Know a lake access point, quiet hiking trail, or family-run diner that flies under the radar? Hit “Reply” and share it. We’ll be featuring reader picks in a follow-up edition called “Local Favorites: Reader Edition.”
If you’re dreaming of making the Lakes your full-time view—or just want to talk real estate between sips and strolls—we’re always just an email away.
🏡 Until next time,
Jennifer & Andrea