Lakes Region Association of New Hampshire
PO Box 737 • 61 Laconia Road, Tilton NH 03276
(603) 286-8008 visit@lakesregion.org | www.lakesregion.org/groups
We are happy to assist by contacting our members on your behalf for research, pricing and logistics. Call us at 603-286-8008 and ask for Amy or Kim.
The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is home to some magnificent gardens and natural areas.
It may take a few days to see them all! We've selected our favorites below - - there are sure to be a few located in the area of the Lakes Region where your group is staying or traveling.
Call us at 603-286-8008 for assistance in planning your themed tour, step-on guide servics and for finding lodging and dining options. We can also help you incorporate garden visits into your tour plans.
Visit www.lakesregion.org for virutal tours and even more great ideas including historic walking tours, scenic drives and covered bridge information.
Many of the below gardens have lunch available on the property and all can make accommodations for groups. You will also find that most of the gardens and natural areas do have guided tours available by arrangement.
Canterbury Shaker Village & The Shaker Table Restaurant - Canterbury
National Historic Landmark preserving 200 years of Shaker life on 694 acres, 25 original buildings, gardens, and trails. The Shaker Table Restaurant and a great Museum Store. Open daily, May - Oct and Weekends Nov, Dec & Apr. 288 Shaker Road, Canterbury, NH 03224, (603) 783-9511 www.shakers.org
Kirkwood Gardens at the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center - Holderness
A three acre garden that includes a fern garden, a butterfly garden, and a garden displaying a selection of shrubs and flowers adapted to northern New England climate which are particularly attractive to birds. The science center has a 200-acre campus; open meadows, mature forests and marsh boardwalks connect interactive natural history exhibits with enclosed environments where native animals reside; black bear, mountain lions, raptors, otter, bobcat. Naturalist-led Lake Cruises, Howling Coyote Gift Shop. May 1-Nov. 1 9:30-4:30. Rte 113, Holderness, NH 03245. (603) 968-7194 www.nhnature.org
Castle in the Clouds - Moultonborough
Enjoy truly breathtaking views from this spectacular turn-of-the-century sixteen-room Arts & Crafts mansion overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Walk or hike our 45-miles of trails, stroll the winding paths along beautiful gardens and gorgeous waterfalls, feed the giant trout in Shannon Pond, visit our New Hampshire-themed gift shop and our new Art Gallery. Enjoy a delicious lunch, snack and refreshments at our Carriage House Café and Patio. Rt 171, 455 Old Mountain Rd. Moultonborough, NH 03254. (603) 476-5900. www.castleintheclouds.org
The Loon Center - Moultonborough
Located on the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary, the Loon Center offers nature trails, exhibits, videos and The Loon's Feather Gift Shop. Admission Free. Open Mon - Sat, 9a.m. -5p.m. year-round; 7 days July - Columbus Day. From Route 25 in Moultonborough, turn on Blake Road to Lee's Mills Rd. and follow signs. (603) 476-5666 www.loon.org
Newfound Audubon Center - Hebron
Located on Newfound Lake. Now open for the Fall. Canoe & Kayak rentals and group programing. Monday - Friday 10:00-4:00pm Satuday by appointment. Enjoy the programs. See the Exhibits at the Nature Center. Walk the Trails, shop at the Audubon Nature Store. North Shore Road 03241 (603) 744-3516. Off hour phone - 603-304-6809. www.nhaudubon.org
New Hampshire Farm Museum - Milton
Reconnect with the past and learn about 3 centuries of rural life in NH. Explore the 50 acre working farm that includes the historic Jones farmhouse, a blacksmith shop, farm animals and a nature trail. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Open Wed-Sunday May through October, programs offered year round. 1305 White Mountain Highway, (between Alton Bay & the Seacoast) Milton 03851 (603)652-7840 www.farmmuseum.org
Prescott Farm Audubon Center - Laconia
160 acre historic farm, open daily. Over 3 miles of hiking trails, historic barn, heritage vegetable and flower gardens, and excellent bird and wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, XC skiing. Maple sugar program and more. One mile from Weirs Beach. 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, 03246 603-366-5695 www.nhaudubon.org
Tarbin Gardens - Franklin
Five acres of English style gardens with ponds, tropical greenhouse, Highland cattle, exotic birds, guided tours. Authentic English Cream Tea. 321 Salisbury Road, Route 127 South, Franklin NH 03235 (603) 934-3518 www.tarbingardens.com
Heritage Farm Pancake House, Petting Farm & Stables - Sanbornton
Pancake house serving a traditional family style breakfast with farm fresh eggs, homemade pancakes and real NH Maple Syrup & Bacon from the Fox Country Smoke House. Visit the Petting Farm Animals, take a maple syrup tour and wagon ride, or come by for the Haunted House at Halloween. 15 Parker Hill Road Sanbornton, NH 03269 603-524-5400 www.heritagefarmpancakehouse.com
Beans & Greens Farmstand - Gilford
Located in the heart of the Lakes Region and a "NH Farm of Distinction". Bring the kids to visit the barnyard animals, observe a live beehive, a koi pond, get lost in the Corn Maze or Hay Maze…. Fresh corn, tomatoes and other vegetables, strawberries, fruits. Annuals/perennials. On-site bakery offers fresh baked breads, pies, cookies and assorted pastries. 300 Gunstock Hill Road Gilford, NH 03249 603-293-2853 www.beansandgreensfarm.com
Moulton Farm - Meredith
Mouton Farm Market and Garden Center specializes in the production and retailing of fruits, vegetables, plants and baked products. The farm hosts many seasonal family events. 18 Quarry Road Meredith, NH 03253 (603) 279-3915 www.moultonfarm.com
Ox-K Farm Discovery Center - Gilford
Come join us on this working oxen farm in the picturesque New England village of Gilford, NH. Our Farm is Surrounded by the Belknap Mountain Range and hundreds of acres of forest. You will be offered a unique opportunity to interact with our gentle giants. -- Gilford, NH 03249 (603) 630-4554 www.oxkfarm.com
On the way home in southern NH check out:
America's Stonehenge - Salem
4,000 year old megalithic site and astronomical calendar built by an ancient culture. New visitors center and gift shop. Snowshowing. Rentals available. Open Year-round. 105 Haverhill Road Salem, NH 03079 (603) 893-8300 www.stonehengeusa.com