The Lakes Region is one of the top summer destinations in New Hampshire. It is a friendly town with lots of great places where you can take your dog and have a wonderful time taking in the dog days of summer. Most of the summer activity in the Lakes Region takes place between June and August, and generally involves hiking, visiting parks and also playing on the beach. Here are some activities that you can enjoy with your dog.
1. Get a sweet treat at the Kellerhaus in Laconia, NH.
This is the oldest candy shop in the area and offers a wide range of nuts, fudge and maple products. There are several picnic tables and a grassy area in front of the shop for your dog to play in and also a water spigot for them to stay cool in during the hot summer days. You can enjoy the amazing ice cream sundae buffet while your dog can get any doggy treat of their choice. Just be sure to keep them away from the chocolate. The vanilla ice cream has become the favorite of several patrons.
2. Spice up the walk by taking a hike up the Belknap Mountain in Gilford and later stop by the historic Belknap Mill in Laconia, NH.
The view from the top of the Belknap Mountain in Gilford is a picturesque one of the presidential range and Mount Washington. The trails can be rigorous so be sure to prepare your pup for the hike accordingly. Located in Downtown Laconia, The Belknap Mill is the oldest textile mill in the nation and is a rich store of history. The mill also has an art gallery and a gift shop where you can view and purchase lovely art. This might just be an opportunity for you to get your dog a really nice memento. You can also find several kinds of toys and antiques in these shops.
3. Visit the Ahern State Park in Laconia, NH.
This is one of the top family destinations in Laconia. It is rarely crowded and has easy hiking trails and beautiful views of the lake. The park is dog-friendly and there is a sandy beach area that is ideal for picnics with your family and pets. In addition, you can experience some of the wildlife in the area. This includes nesting eagles, deer, and several beautiful birds.
4. Take a fun boat tour.
Lake Winnipesaukee in the Lakes Region is another top summer destination for locals and visitors, alike. You can take a scenic tour of the lake aboard the US Mail Boat, Sophie C. (Be sure to mail a postcard to a friend from your and your dog!) and M/V Doris E. These dog-friendly boats are well furnished and equipped to give you a wonderful treat with extensive seating both inside and outside. Before you purchase tickets, you must introduce your dog to the skipper of the boat and receive approval to board from the skipper. If captaining a boat is more your thing, Shep Brown’s Boat Basin in Meredith is a pet-friendly marina and allows you to bring your dog on their rental boats. Fido will love cruising the lake with ears flapping in the breeze while you enjoy cruising in and out of the islands of Lake Winnipesaukee! However, ensure that you consider all necessary precautions before taking your pet on the boat.
5. People Watch at Weirs Beach Boardwalk in Laconia, NH
Weirs Beach in Laconia has a boardwalk of several fun activities like arcades, pet-friendly restaurants, gift shops and lots more. It is also an ideal place to sit after a long day with your dog by your side and just enjoy the view of Lake Winnipesaukee while enjoying an ice cream treat.
Whether you choose one, or all, of these dog-friendly summer activities, you’ll be sure to make memories that you won’t soon forget. Well? What are you waiting for?LOCAL PET ACTIVITIESJUNE 29, 2017