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Meredith NH is one of the loveliest towns in the Lakes Region of the Granite State. Perched on the western edge of Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith is a beautiful and entertaining town surrounded by forests and mountains.
There are plenty of fun things to do in Meredith NH, from wine-tasting and boat-tripping to shopping and beach-basking.
If you’re going to base in any town on Lake Winnipesaukee, Meredith is a good one. We at New Hampshire Way feel like Meredith is more adult-oriented than other Winnipesaukee towns like Weirs Beach and even Wolfeboro, which tend to cater to families. As a result, it makes a great spot for a getaway.
Let’s take a look at the best things to do in Meredith NH!
This post was most recently updated May 2023.
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The Best Things To Do in Meredith, New Hampshire
Some of the best things to do in Meredith NH are wine tasting at Hermit Woods Winery, shopping at Mills Falls at the Lake, and taking a boat ride on the M/S Mount Washington.
Kids will love the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad, taking boat rides, and spending time on Waukewan Beach.
You can see most of the sights of Meredith in just one day, but having a weekend will allow you to relax more and explore the towns surrounding Meredith.
Of course, this is subjective, but we think Meredith is one of the best towns on Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s certainly one of the prettier, more upscale towns on the lake.
Take a Boat Trip
Meredith is located in the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, so why not take advantage and get out on the water? Taking a boat trip is the ideal way to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee, and fortunately, this town has no shortage of boat rental opportunities.
Meredith Marina is one of the first places you should look if you’d like a wide variety of rentals to choose from. Plus, their terms are flexible since you can rent your boat for half a day, a full day, several days, or even multiple weeks. They also have other fun ways to enjoy the water, besides boats, like jet skis, water skis, and wakeboards.
Y Landing Marina is another good option, especially if you’re staying for a week or more. Not only do they have several 20- and 22-footers available, but if you rent a boat for six days, they’ll give you a seventh day on the house. Y Landing also has cottages and a small store right on the marina, so it’s a very convenient place to stay as well!
Make sure you check out Goodhue Boat Company as well. Their Meredith location has numerous bowriders and pontoons available. Half-day excursions aren’t available, as they have a minimum rental period of 8 hours for each boat, but if you’re staying longer, you can extend that rental up to 2 weeks.
Read More: Where to Find Lake Winnipesaukee Boat Rentals
Go Wine Tasting at Hermit Woods Winery
Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or a girls’ trip, visiting a winery can be the perfect way to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee without kids. And if you’re in Meredith, Hermit Woods just so happens to be the perfect place to sip some vino. They offer several different wine-tasting experiences, and they have a great restaurant to boot.
If your group has six or more people, you can start by scheduling a full tour of the winery. These are $25 per person and include a 30-minute exploration of where the wine is made with one of the co-founders as a guide. Afterward, you’ll also be able to choose six wines to sample for no additional cost.
There’s also a Loft Wine Tasting Experience that is available for an hour every Saturday starting at 11:30 AM. With this event, you’ll be able to enjoy several wines that are selected by the winery while enjoying a presentation from the co-founders.
If you’d rather just sample at your leisure, you can do that! You can always have a guided wine tasting at any time. There are no reservations required with this experience, and for $16.95, you will be able to select six wines to sample.
If you get hungry after your tasting, be sure to check out the tasty bites at Hermit Woods Eatery. They have a variety of light offerings that pair perfectly with wine, from charcuterie to paninis. (Our editor Kate thinks their grilled cheese hits the spot!)
Ride the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Looking to sit back, relax, and watch the gorgeous scenery of New Hampshire go by without moving too much? Come aboard the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad to enjoy the beauty of the lake’s coastline without too much exertion.
From Meredith Station, you can take a lovely two-hour train ride that journeys along Lake Winnipesaukee. You’ll have two sets of stunning views to enjoy. Windows on one side of the train will showcase the beautiful homes that line the Lakes Region — we particularly love the Victorians of Weirs Beach — and the other will show the lake, islands, and Ossipee Mountains in the distance.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $17 for 4-12-year-olds, and free for kids under 4. The train departs daily in the summer, and on weekends in the spring and fall.
Go Shopping
Meredith is a charming New England town with tons of great shopping! You’ll have tons of opportunities to pick up souvenirs for your loved ones back home. And don’t forget that New Hampshire is a state with no sales tax!
If you want to browse around, there’s no better place to go than Mill Falls Marketplace. This shopping center has tons of great stores in a beautiful setting. Even if you’re just window shopping, you’ll enjoy the lake views, scenic waterfall, and gorgeous gardens that the marketplace provides.
While you’re at Mill Falls, be sure to check out Adornments & Creative Clothing for any apparel and jewelry needs that you may have. If you’re looking to buy gifts for friends and family members, then the Nest shouldn’t be missed either. They have an amazing selection of locally-made candles and soaps, as well as vintage accessories and home goods.
Mill Falls is also home to Great Northern Trading Co., the one-stop shop for Winnipesaukee branded merch. You can pick up anything from sweatshirts to ornaments to keep as a memento of your lake trip.
Finally, be sure to pop into Innisfree Bookshop, one of New Hampshire’s best independent bookstores. Their curated collection of literature includes all the bestsellers you’ve been dying to pick up, as well as hidden gems for you to uncover, especially books by local authors. They also have plenty of puzzles and games to keep you occupied as well.
Twin Barns Brewery
If you encounter a rainy day while you’re in Meredith, don’t despair. There are still plenty of fun things to do even when you can’t get out on the water! A trip to Twin Barns Brewery is always a good rainy day option.
You’ll find this brewery in a gorgeous 1850s barn. And while their draft list is sure to delight any and all beer aficionados, the brewery can also be fun for the whole family. Twin Barns occupies a huge space, and there are tons of board games to play and keep everyone occupied.
(While we at New Hampshire Way generally recommend keeping breweries an adults-only zone, Twin Barns goes out of their way to accommodate families with a kids’ menu and family-friendly games.)
Although, the best part might just be the food. This brewery offers a tasty menu of elevated bar food, including classics like Bavarian pretzels and Nashville hot chicken wings. Don’t miss their build-your-own deviled eggs, fondue burger, fried bologna, and pork potstickers.
Read More: The Best New Hampshire Breweries
Meredith Sculpture Walk
On nice days in Meredith, nothing beats a stroll through town. The Meredith Sculpture Walk is the perfect way to explore the village, enjoy the outdoors, and take in some local arts and culture.
The walk is an exhibition of 33 sculptures that are stationed throughout Meredith year-round. You’ll find them along Main Street, at the Mill Falls Marketplace, and throughout various parks. The artwork is expertly curated and sourced from artists that are located throughout the Northeast.
While it can be fun to wander through the sculptures yourself, you can join a guided tour to learn more from a tour guide. These tours operate weekly at 10:00 AM on Wednesdays from July 13th through September 7th, but you can also make a special request for a tour outside of these hours.
Visit Weirs Beach
Although not technically in Meredith, Weirs Beach is another town on Lake Winnipesaukee that has a lot of fun things to see. And since you’ll already be in the area, why not check it out?
There are so many cool things to do in Weirs Beach that you might wind up making this day trip more than once. To start, you’ll want to visit the historic boardwalk. Not only does it give you great views of the water, but it’s filled with arcades, candy stores, and places where you can buy a fried dough or two.
Weirs Beach is also home to a drive-in movie theatre, which is great fun in the evenings. The Weirs Drive-In first opened in 1949, has four screens, and continues to play both new releases and classic features. They have a concession stand, and it’s only $30 for a car of up to 4 people, with each extra person costing $5 more.
Finally, don’t miss Funspot, the world’s largest arcade (seriously, they are Guinness-certified!). There are so many games here — over 600 of them — and half of them are vintage. It’s a great place for families because not only will kids love playing everything, but parents will enjoy revisiting the games from their childhood.
Plus, they have other fun activities, like bowling and mini golf as well. This is another perfect rainy day activity on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Read More: Ultimate Guide to Weirs Beach, NH
Explore the Other Side of Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee is a lot larger than people think — it takes around 90 minutes to drive around it! In other words, the other side of Lake Winnipesaukee, especially Moultonborough or Wolfeboro, makes a great afternoon or day trip from Meredith.
Overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee is Castle of the Clouds, a 16-room mountaintop mansion on 5,294 acres. If you visit Meredith during the Castle’s open season, May through October, you can spend the day up the mountain touring the mansion, basement, or gallery, and hiking over 28 miles of trails. Views from the top, as you’d expect, are fantastic.
Castle of the Clouds is open Thursday through Monday, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, May through October.. The cost depends on which exhibits you’ll want to explore, as well as age. Admission rates for self-guided castle tours are $10-$20 and free for children 4 and under. Guided basement tours are $15-$30.
Another place worth visiting is the town of Wolfeboro, which claim’s to be America’s oldest resort community. This town has plenty of interesting things to do as well as historical activities. Spend the day outside in Wolfeboro biking the Cotton Valley Rail Trail or take a peek into history by touring the Wright Museum of WWII or the New Hampshire Boat Museum.
Splash Around At Waukewan Beach
If you’re in Meredith on a warm, sunny day, make sure to make the journey to Waukewan Beach. Located on Lake Waukewan, on the western side of Meredith, the beach offers adventure and enjoyable outdoor activities, including swimming and boating.
The beach is mid-sized and typically isn’t too crowded, yet offers the basic amenities for a relaxing and fun day. Spend your afternoon sunbathing beside Waukewan Lake, taking in views of the mountains, or taking a dip in Waukewan Beach’s swimming area.
Get out on the lake using the public boat launch within walking distance of Waukewan Beach. Boaters get to experience the lake in a whole new way and see some incredible sights not visible from the shore. Take a pontoon boat out and explore one of New Hampshire’s beautiful bodies of water.
Read More: Best Beaches in New Hampshire
Learn About Local History
Are you a history buff or just interested in learning more about one of New Hampshire’s most prominent lakeside towns? Spend a day exploring the offerings of the Meredith Historical Society and the Main Street Museum.
The Meredith Historical Society exists to make sure the history of Meredith is remembered and honored. As an educational program, the society hosts speakers and small town events. They also run the Main Street Museum, containing antiques and memorabilia from Meredith’s past.
The museum is in one of the oldest buildings in Meredith Village, having been built in 1812. Walk into the past of this New England town by exploring the museum Wednesday through Saturday during its season, which begins Memorial Day weekend, or schedule a private tour during the winter.
Catch a Show at Winnipesaukee Playhouse
Entertain yourself with a night at the theater. The Winnipesaukee Playhouse is home to some of the best theatrical performances in all of New Hampshire. It is a 200-plus-seat courtyard theater that has live theater year-round. The playhouse offers both professional theater and an education department, making it a unique and valued venue.
The Winnipesaukee Playhouse puts on some of the most popular productions that include top-notch casts of talented local actors. And it’s always changing! Educational performances are performed for just two days, while professional productions tend to run for about a month.
Some past performances have included Sweeney Todd, Driving Miss Daisy, and Murder on the Orient Express. The Winnipesaukee Playhouse always delivers entertaining, enjoyable, and talented performances that you won’t want to miss.
For educational performances, tickets cost between $14-$25. Professional performances are between $25-$45. Check the website in advance to see what will be playing when you’re in town.
Visit Moulton Farm
Stop by Moulton Farm in Meredith to see sustainable agriculture in action. The farm is located at the northern end of Lake Winnipesaukee and is an ideal place to experience some of the beautiful scenery of New Hampshire.
Moulton Farm includes a garden center with the highest quality fruits and vegetables grown on site. It also offers tons of fun activities such as corn mazes and pumpkin patches. The farm hosts special events like the Meet the Farmers open house and the summer harvest open house.
There’s always something enjoyable to experience and something delicious to try from the bakery at Moulton Farm. You could easily spend a full day checking out the wide variety of activities at the farm.
Take a Ride on The MS Mount Washington
The M/S Mount Washington is a first-class excursion ship that takes visitors on scenic cruises and dinner dance cruises. The ship is 230 feet long and can hold 1000 passengers on its four decks. The M/S Mount Washington visits five ports along Lake Winnipesaukee, including a port in Meredith.
A ride on the ship provides adventure, enjoyment, and loads of fun as you travel around the breathtaking lake. The M/S Mount Washington includes meals, bar service, and has three dance floors.
Get on the ship in Meredith on Monday or travel to ports in neighboring towns, including Center Harbor, Alton Bay, Wolfeboro, and Weirs Beach. Narrated scenic tours cost $42 and last for 2.5 hours. Sunset Dinner cruises cost $60 and include a dinner buffet, live music, and a breathtaking sunset. Keep an eye out for any special events happening on the M/S Mount Washington during your time in Meredith.
Go Mini-Golfing at Pirate’s Cove
If you spend a day in Weirs Beach during your trip to Meredith, you’ll want to make sure and head to Pirate’s Cove for some mini-golfing and other fun things. Imagine mini-golf meets Pirates of the Caribbean!
The pirate-themed mini-golf course includes bridges, waterfalls, and caves galore. Pirates Cove is designed to bring joy and excitement to people of all ages. You’ll have a great time taking the whole family for a day of mini-golf, fun sites, and good food!
Play on the 18-hole mini-golf course for $9.75 or $8.75 for children ages 4-12. The pirate mini-golf season is from May-October.
Go Ice Fishing
Did you know you can go ice fishing in Meredith? It’s true! The lakes in the Meredith area are a great spot to enjoy this favorite pastime. Ice fishing is an adventure like no other and one of the best things about the lakes region of New Hampshire.
Every year the Meredith Rotary Club hosts the Great Rotary Fishing Derby which has a first-place prize of $15,000. Whether you want to participate or simply watch the event, it’s an ice fishing tournament like no other.
The Great Rotary Fishing Derby happens during the winter, in February. If your trip coincides with the event, make sure you attend.
Read More: Best Things to Do in New Hampshire in the Winter
Where to Stay in Meredith, NH
You’re certainly spoiled for choice when you stay overnight in Meredith! This part of Lake Winnipesaukee is home to some hotels and B&Bs that we at New Hampshire Way really like.
If you’re on a tighter budget, you’ll find some of the cheapest hotels in the area in the town of Tilton, about a 30-minute drive from Meredith, close to Route 93.
Otherwise, check out our guide to the best Lake Winnipesaukee hotels, as some of the better places to stay are in nearby towns like Center Harbor and Weirs Beach that aren’t too too far from Meredith.
- Top-Rated Luxury Hotel in Meredith, NH: Mill Falls at the Lake — Big comfortable rooms, a spa and indoor swimming pool, and THE perfect location in downtown Meredith.
- Top-Rated Mid-Range Hotel in Meredith, NH: Nutmeg Inn — An adorable bed and breakfast away from the action in a more residential area, with old-fashioned bed linens and an outdoor swimming pool.
- Top-Rated Budget Hotel in Meredith, NH: Best Western Plus Landmark Inn — Technically down the road in Laconia, but a quite decent place to stay for a low price, just a 20-minute drive from Meredith.
Find deals on places to stay in Meredith here.
Read More: The Best Lake Winnipesaukee Hotels
How Much Time to Spend in Meredith, NH
Meredith can be done as a day trip if you’d like. Plenty of people do this — in fact, our team thinks that either Meredith on its own or Meredith and Weirs Beach make a perfect Winnipesaukee day trip from Boston, just under a two-hour drive each way.
But if you stay for the weekend, that will give you sufficient time to really dip your toes into what Meredith has to offer, and give you more opportunities to relax and enjoy lake life
And if you choose to stay in Meredith a week or longer, you have the opportunity to explore Lake Winnipesaukee in depth, as well as Lake Waukewan, Squam Lakes, and much more of the Lakes Region. There really is so much to do here!
Best Time to Visit Meredith NH
Meredith is as its busiest during the summer months, and for good reason — nothing beats relaxing on Lake Winnipesaukee, enjoying the outdoor dining, and taking a boat ride while enjoying the sun’s rays on your face.
That said, summer is a very busy time here, and we highly recommend booking your accommodation as early as possible.
Fall is an underrated time to visit Meredith. The town is absolutely spectacular under its quintessential New Hampshire fall foliage — but it doesn’t get nearly the level of attention that the White Mountains get. Keep in mind that foliage tends to hit a bit later than the White Mountains — mid-October is usually perfect timing.
And then there’s winter! Meredith is surprisingly one of our favorite New Hampshire winter getaways thanks to the ice fishing opportunities here! Now that makes an unusual New England weekend trip.
Read More: New Hampshire Fall Foliage: When and Where to See It
How to Get to Meredith NH
The best way to get to Meredith is by driving. Meredith is about a 15-minute drive from I-93 (take Exit 23 for NH-104 and NH-132). Meredith is strategically located — about one hour and 50 minutes from Boston; about one hour from Manchester, NH; and about one hour from North Conway in the heart of the White Mountains.
If you’re flying in, your best bet is to fly to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, NH. If you’re coming from further afield, you may prefer flying into Logan Airport in Boston.
New Hampshire in general doesn’t have the greatest public transportation, but there are bus services on Concord Coach Lines to Tilton, which is about a 30-minute drive from Meredith.
Much of downtown Meredith is walkable, which is great!
Is Meredith NH Worth It?
Of course Meredith is worth it! This is one of the most special places in the Lakes Region, and it’s one that we at New Hampshire Way keep returning to again and again.
Come visit Meredith for the weekend, and you might have found your new favorite summer spot in New Hampshire!
More on Lake Winnipesaukee:
- 23 Fun Things To Do on Lake Winnipesaukee
- The Ultimate Guide to Weirs Beach
- 15 Best Boat Rentals on Lake Winnipesaukee
- The Best Restaurants in Wolfeboro, NH
- 17 Best Lake Winnipesaukee Hotels
Best of New Hampshire:
- 50+ Best Things to Do in New Hampshire
- 13 Best Beaches in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire’s Best Breweries
- New Hampshire Fall Foliage Guide
- 30 Unforgettable Things To Do In The White Mountains, NH
Have you been to Meredith? What’s your favorite thing to do? Share away!
