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Wake Up to Spring in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
Spring in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
After months of snow-covered stillness, New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is ready to bloom — and so are we! Spring here isn’t just a season, it’s a full-on reset. Think longer days, greener trails, and that unmistakable smell of fresh earth and pine in the air. If you’re planning to visit (or lucky enough to live here), here are some of our favorite ways to shake off winter and soak in spring.
1. Maple Season is Pure Gold
Let’s start with the sweetest part of spring — maple sugaring. Local sugar shacks like Prescott Farm in Laconia or heritage farms in surrounding towns open their doors to visitors every March and April. Watch sap boil into syrup, sample sugar-on-snow, and take home a jug of New Hampshire gold. Trust us — it hits different when it’s fresh off the fire.
2. Hit the Trails Before the Crowds
Spring is the unsung hero of hiking season in the Lakes Region. Trails like Red Hill in Center Harbor or the lesser-known Ahern State Park in Laconia offer quiet, early-season hiking with lake views and minimal mud (after the thaw, of course). Birdsong, budding trees, and surprise wildflower sightings make it worth the trek.
3. Loons, Lakes, and Lazy Afternoons
Loons return in the spring — and if you’ve never heard their haunting call echo across a glassy lake, make this the year. Stop by The Loon Center in Moultonborough to learn more about these iconic birds, then head to a quiet cove with binoculars and a thermos of coffee for a peaceful morning you won’t forget.
4. Farmers Markets Are Back
One of the best signs of spring? When local farmers markets start popping up again. Stroll through early-season booths offering fresh greens, breads, honey, jams, and more. Meredith, Wolfeboro, and Alton often host community markets — keep an eye on local calendars for kickoff weekends.
5. Cruise Control
The boats are back! Whether you’re boarding the M/S Mount Washington or renting a kayak from a lakeside shop, there’s something about seeing the Lakes Region from the water that just hits right. Spring rides mean quieter waters, blooming shorelines, and the chance to catch the first warm sunset of the season.
6. Local Flavor, Outdoor Tables
Spring means patios are opening, and local eateries are rolling out their seasonal menus. Grab lunch outside at a lakefront café, sip a craft beer at Twin Barns in Meredith, or take a short drive for wood-fired pizza at one of the many hidden gems tucked in small towns around the region.
Bottom Line? Spring in the Lakes Region is Magic.
You don’t need peak summer crowds or foliage traffic to experience the best of New Hampshire. Spring is for the explorers, the early risers, the nature lovers, and the locals who know the magic starts long before Memorial Day.