Summer Stories of Renewal…

Enjoying the Lakes, Mountains and More!

Karen and Jay share thoughts on the terrific pleasures of the summer season – especially outdoor opportunities in the Granite State!

Summer is a special time. When the weather is warm, we have free time to enjoy with family and friends – and perhaps best of all – we get to enjoy the best that nature has to offer. The lakes, the mountains – boating, swimming, hiking or just relaxing on the beach. It’s outdoor fun – and in New Hampshire, we are especially blessed with our pristine lakes, rugged mountain trails and a culture that embraces adventure, recreation and just plain outdoor fun.

One of New Hampshire’s crown jewels is the Lakes Region, where crystal-clear waters invite swimmers, kayakers, and those who simply want to soak up the sun on a dock. Lake Winnipesaukee—the largest lake in the state—buzzes with energy every summer. I remember a family outing where we rented a pontoon and spent hours fishing, watching for loons, and waving at other boaters who seemed just as delighted to be there as we were. Down the road at Weirs Beach, ice cream stands and arcades line the shore, mixing small-town nostalgia with natural beauty.

For those who prefer trails, the White Mountains offer countless ways to explore. Mount Washington stands as the tallest peak in the Northeast, and on a clear day, hikers are rewarded with views that stretch from the Atlantic Ocean into Maine and Vermont. Even for those of us not aiming for the summit, shorter hikes like the Franconia Ridge Loop or Artist’s Bluff let us wander through forests of birch and pine, encountering waterfalls and wildflowers along the way. The Appalachian Trail weaves through these hills, and every summer, you’ll bump into hikers on long journeys, sharing tales of black bear sightings or surprise thunderstorms.

Beyond the mountains and lakes, our state’s rivers and forests brim with opportunities for outdoor fun. The Saco River is a summer staple for tubing—sun-dappled afternoons spent lazily floating with friends, legs dipped in the cool water, surrounded by the songs of warblers and kingfishers. Evenings might be capped with campfires at one of the state parks, swapping stories beneath a canopy of stars as fireflies dance in the darkness. For those who crave a bit more thrill, mountain bikers and rock climbers flock to places like Pawtuckaway State Park, where winding trails and granite boulders challenge even experienced adventurers.

What truly sets New Hampshire apart, though, is the way its communities celebrate the outdoors. Towns host summer festivals on their greens, farmers’ markets burst with local goods, and neighbors share tips on the best swimming holes or berry-picking spots. This is so very true in my hometown of Newport with our local traditions and opportunities. There’s a sense of camaraderie—whether you’re cheering on paddlers or chatting with strangers while waiting in line at the corner store. Summer in New Hampshire isn’t just about the scenery; it’s a season built on friendships, shared laughter, and a shared appreciation for the wild, wonderful backyard we call home.

Towns Around Lake Winnipesaukee Coming Together for Conservation

At the heart of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region lies a remarkable example of community-led environmental stewardship. Around Lake Winnipesaukee, towns, nonprofits, and residents are joining forces to protect one of the state’s most iconic natural treasures. Conservation has become a shared mission, fueled by local pride and a collective understanding that clean water is essential not just for recreation and tourism, but for life. The result is a growing network of partnerships focused on education, lake monitoring, and long-term watershed planning.

Groups like the Lake Winnipesaukee Association and initiatives supported through the Winnipesaukee Gateway have worked tirelessly to unite stakeholders. Local conservation commissions, schools, and seasonal homeowners are all involved in preventing pollution, reducing runoff, and protecting wildlife habitats. These efforts are not isolated; they represent a coordinated regional commitment to a healthier, more sustainable future for the lake and its surrounding towns.

Educational programs for families, students, and boaters are at the forefront of this movement. Residents attend workshops on how to manage stormwater runoff or test water clarity using simple tools. Campers and vacationers are engaged in fun, hands-on learning that builds a sense of connection to the environment. These initiatives create a ripple effect: when people understand the impact of their actions, they’re more likely to contribute positively.

Lake Winnipesaukee’s conservation model is also a lesson in inter-town cooperation. By recognizing that no single community can safeguard the lake alone, towns like Meredith, Gilford, and Wolfeboro are combining efforts to monitor water health and preserve shoreline integrity. Regional planning ensures that growth and tourism do not come at the expense of ecological balance.

This story shows what’s possible when neighbors come together for a shared cause. In protecting the lake, they’re protecting livelihoods, traditions, and a way of life deeply tied to the rhythm of nature.

Volunteer-Driven Hiking Trail Cleanups Boosting Outdoor Tourism

Our New Hampshire hiking trails are among our most beloved assets, drawing thousands of visitors each summer. Most exciting is the New Hampshire 4,000 Footers Challenge (NH48). Hike all 48 peaks in New Hampshire above 4,000 feet (1,219 meters).

All the peaks have at least 200 feet of prominence and are located in the White Mountains. This is the classic and most popular challenge and is often the goal for serious hikers in the region. Completing this challenge makes you eligible for membership in the AMC Four Thousand Footer Club.

Behind the scenes, a dedicated network of volunteers is hard at work keeping these trails safe, scenic, and sustainable. Across the Lakes Region and White Mountains, grassroots trail maintenance efforts are revitalizing paths, preventing erosion, and improving access for hikers of all ages. These cleanups are more than environmental initiatives—they’re engines of local pride and rural tourism.

Organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and the Squam Lakes Association offer year-round volunteer opportunities, from clearing fallen branches to rebuilding trail signage and steps. Trail adopters take ownership of sections they return to season after season, forming a bond not just with nature, but with fellow volunteers and visitors. This commitment reinforces a cycle of respect and care for New Hampshire’s wild spaces.

The impact of these efforts is far-reaching. Well-maintained trails draw repeat visitors and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region, fueling small-town economies. Cafes, inns, and outfitters in nearby communities like Lincoln, North Conway, and Holderness see direct benefits when trails are accessible and inviting. Local pride grows as residents see their stewardship reflected in positive visitor experiences.

In addition to physical upkeep, volunteers educate hikers about Leave No Trace principles and ecological sensitivity. Trailhead ambassadors and signage help ensure that guests tread lightly and contribute to long-term preservation. This blend of physical labor and awareness-building transforms outdoor recreation into a shared act of conservation.

The mountains and forests of New Hampshire offer unmatched beauty, but it’s the energy and dedication of its people that keep them thriving. These volunteer-led cleanups highlight how civic action and natural wonder go hand-in-hand.

Festivals and Summer Fairs Celebrating New Hampshire’s Spirit

Summer in New Hampshire is a celebration of community, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun. Across the state, festivals and town fairs are coming to life—bringing neighbors together, supporting small businesses, and honoring local traditions. Whether it's the vibrant colors of a craft market or the echo of music at a Fourth of July celebration, these events reflect the unique culture and values of each small town.

One shining example is the Sandwich Fair, a cherished agricultural fair that has drawn families to Carroll County for over a century. With livestock shows, homemade food, and rides for all ages, the fair showcases the state’s farming heritage and enduring community spirit. Equally memorable are the parades and firework displays in towns like Wolfeboro, where summer patriotism meets lakeside charm in unforgettable fashion.

These events aren’t just about nostalgia—they’re vital to local economies. Vendors, food trucks, artists, and small-scale farmers gain visibility and income through fairs and festivals. Meanwhile, towns benefit from increased tourism and renewed civic pride. Each fair booth or musical act is a reminder that culture thrives when communities invest in moments of shared joy.

Volunteers power much of this activity, organizing logistics, setting up stages, and welcoming guests with genuine warmth. Their efforts ensure that these events remain accessible and inclusive, creating a sense of belonging that transcends generations. Festivals become homecomings, reunions, and opportunities to form new connections.

Whether you’re browsing a book tent in Meredith or watching fireworks burst over Lake Sunapee, summer festivals in New Hampshire embody the joy of being together. They remind us that in small towns, celebration and renewal often go hand-in-hand.

How Living Close to Nature Sparks Creativity and Connection

There’s something undeniably inspiring about life among New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. From artists to entrepreneurs, countless people credit the natural beauty surrounding them with fueling their creativity and deepening their relationships. Living close to nature provides more than a pretty view—it offers perspective, purpose, and a wellspring of renewal that powers both personal and community growth.

Writers retreat to cabins in the woods, painters set up easels near quiet coves, and musicians compose by firelight with the rustle of trees as their backdrop. These are not rare scenes—they’re a way of life for many who choose to live or spend summers in New Hampshire. Nature provides the silence needed to think and the wonder needed to create. For those seeking clarity or reinvention, it’s a powerful muse.

In schools and learning centers, the outdoors is increasingly seen as a classroom. Programs that encourage outdoor learning foster deeper student engagement and stronger community bonds. Families that hike together, garden, or simply watch sunsets report feeling more connected—not just to each other, but to their towns and the land itself. These habits build a culture of gratitude and stewardship.

Small businesses are also taking cues from nature, whether it’s eco-friendly architecture, wellness studios nestled in forest towns, or farm-to-table restaurants sourcing from nearby growers. The outdoors shapes how people live, work, and serve others. Natural surroundings become a blueprint for calm, thoughtful decision-making.

New Hampshire’s environment offers more than scenery—it offers energy, inspiration, and connection. In living close to nature, people rediscover their creativity and a deeper sense of place.

Positive Profile of the Week: Bree Rossiter, Conservation Program Manager at Lake Winnipesaukee

This week we are delighted to highlight a true leader who embraces New Hampshire’s outdoor life and paves the way for others to enjoy it as well, Bree Rossiter.

At the helm of one of New Hampshire’s most vital conservation efforts is Bree Rossiter, a woman whose work exemplifies dedication, collaboration, and community empowerment. As Conservation Program Manager for the Lake Winnipesaukee Association, Bree leads initiatives that protect the water quality and ecological health of the lake through public education, scientific monitoring, and coordinated local action. Her leadership is instrumental in shaping a culture of stewardship across the entire Lakes Region.

Bree’s work focuses on mobilizing volunteers and residents to participate in water sampling, shoreline cleanups, and stormwater mitigation. Through workshops and interactive events, she helps people understand how their everyday actions impact the health of the watershed. Whether it’s teaching kids about native plants or guiding homeowners in installing rain gardens, her approach is hands-on and accessible. Her ability to translate environmental science into practical steps has earned her trust throughout the region.

She also plays a crucial role in shaping the lake’s long-term management strategy, partnering with local governments, nonprofits, and researchers. By fostering cross-town cooperation, Bree ensures that protection efforts don’t stop at any one shoreline. Her coordination of multi-municipality initiatives is a model for collaborative governance and resource management. It’s a quiet but powerful form of leadership that makes waves through consistency and shared ownership.

Bree’s impact extends beyond policy and planning—she’s a community-builder who believes that protecting the lake begins with creating a culture of care. Her programs center on education, action, and empowerment, helping residents become ambassadors for clean water and healthy ecosystems. With her guidance, more people see themselves as part of the solution.

Through her passion and persistence, Bree Rossiter is helping ensure that Lake Winnipesaukee remains a source of joy, beauty, and life for generations to come.

Positive Quote of the Week: Summer Stories of Renewal

“In summer, the song sings itself.”

— William Carlos Williams