Squam Lake & Lake Winnipesaukee, in New Hampshire

While staying in Ashland, NH, we decided to spend a day and take a drive around Squam & Winnipesaukee Lake, which are southeast of Ashland. The town of  Holderness, was the first town we came to on Squam Lake. Holderness is the largest town on Squam Lake with 2,108 population.

We stopped at a private beach to take some pictures for just a minute.

Squam Lake is the second largest lake located entirely in new Hampshire. The lake covers 6,791acres. The 1981 film, "On Golden Pond" was filmed on Squam Lake. Squam Lake has 29 named island on the lake. We stopped and picked up a flyer for a cottage on the lake. It only cost $ 1,695,000 for a 3 bedroom and 2 bath year round home. The taxes were $15,594 a year. I guess we won't be buying a home on Squam Lake real soon.

The next town we stopped in was the town of Sandwich.

The Town of Sandwich, New Hampshire, with a population exceeding 1200 is located on the shores of Squam Lake, and nestled between two major tourist regions of the Granite State - The Lakes Region and the White Mountains. It is a classic new England setting with colored forests, winding roads and rolling hills.

We thought Sandwich was a very charming little town, which agrees with a statement on a website about the town: "Sandwich is one friendly town that has welcomed change but kept its secret charm and friendliness". 

  

Before we left, Joe had gone inside our campground office for suggestions. They told us we should stop at the " Castle in the Clouds".

When we pulled up to the gate, they saw my little princess, and told us dogs were not allowed in. The cost was $15 for adults,so Joe was thinking twice, before they said, "no dogs". Joe was happy to have an excuse to drive on down the road. I did some research on the castle, and found out it was built in 1913-1914, and is a 16 room, Arts and Crafts style home built of timber and stone. It sits high above Squam Lake. This is small stone building outside of the gate keeper. Maybe it was a guesthouse. 

The property consists of 5,500 wilderness acres. As we left I took a picture of the old stone fence around the property.

The day was cloudy with chances of rain.

We stopped in the town of Mirror Lake, and parked for our sack lunch.

This was our view while lunch.

After lunch we drove a few miles more to the town of Wolfeboro, NH. Wolfeboro has a population of 6,269.

This town is located on Lake Winnipeaukee.  Lake Winnipeaukee is southeast of Squam Lake.

We parked and walked to the central park on the lake. I liked this statue, but found it a bit odd in the setting.

This one looked like some kind of bird and more fitting.

Past the park was a busy boardwalk along the docks.

Wolfebore claims to be the oldest summer resort in America. After doing some reading I found this quote to explain the claim. 

The Town of Wolfeboro was granted on October 5, 1759, settled in 1768, and incorporated in 1770.  It was granted by Governor John Wentworth and named for General Wolfe who was the hero of the Battle of Quebec.  The fact that Wentworth built a mansion on Smith Pond (now Lake Wentworth) is the basis for Wolfeboro’s claim as the oldest summer resort in America.

 Lake Wentworth is located in Wolfebore, NH. but to the east of the town.

We headed south around Lake Winnipesaukee, and Joe spotted a scenic turn off to the left.

Here is a close of the stop.

As we got to the southern border of Lake Winnipesaukee, it became very narrow.

We rounded the corner of the most southern tip. This scenic view is about 1/2 way back up the western shore of the lake.

Check out the small island on the left shore.

On a close up, I could see two islands. The first island looks to have a couple of homes or home and extra building on it.

This motel on the west shore had a fabulous view.

If you want to stay at a motel with fabulous views, it's Belknap Point Motel. It has a lot of great reviews also, but a review said no pets or kids were allowed.

I got out of the car for a better view.

A close up of previous shot. The White Mountains are in the distance. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest NH lake and one of the largest lakes in the United States that lies within the boundaries of a single state. It is 28 miles long and  15 miles at it's widest. It is 46,586 acres and spring feed. There are 274- 365 islands, and 244 of the islands are inhabitable. The lake is 200 feet at the deepest part with an average of 40- 45 ft deep. The west shore seems to be more commercialized, with family entertainment.
It started to rain lightly as we finished the drive home.