
Spring & Summer: Peaks, Lakes, & Backroads
Sunapee State Park Beach
5 Min. Walk
Sunapee State Park Beach, located only a 5 min walk away from Hideaway Mt Sunapee, offers a classic summer escape on Lake Sunapee from May 9 through September 22 (9 AM–6 PM daily). With a large sandy beach, bathhouse, coin-operated showers, playground, on-site shop, and canoe/kayak rentals, there’s something for every member of the family .
Whether you want to swim, relax with a picnic, or launch a paddle across the lake, it's a perfect, easy-access destination. Convenient parking (day-use fees apply: $5 adults, $2 children 6–11, free for under 5 and seniors with NH license), plus overflow available at Sunapee State Park lots—shuttle service sometimes provided during busy weekends .
Hideaway Mt Sunapee guests are ideally positioned to enjoy both resort adventures and lakeside leisure—without ever going far. Let me know if you’d like tips for best times to visit or rental logistics!
Mt. Sunapee: Summer Activities & Happenings
5 Min. Drive
Mt. Sunapee is a great place to explore during the summer months, with something for all ages and activity levels.
You’ll find several hiking trails that start at the base and lead to beautiful views from the summit. The Summit Trail is a moderate hike that takes about 90 minutes each way, or you can take the scenic chairlift up and hike back down. For a quieter route, the Lake Solitude Trail offers a peaceful walk to a small mountain lake.
If you're into mountain biking, Mount Sunapee has a network of lift-accessible trails designed for beginners through advanced riders. Bike rentals are available on-site.
The mountain also hosts summer events, live music, and local festivals—check the Mount Sunapee website for the latest schedule. Scenic chairlift rides run on weekends and are a relaxing way to take in the views without the hike.
There’s also an adventure park for families, with activities like a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, and mini-golf, typically open on weekends.
Whether you want to hike, bike, ride the lift, or just enjoy the scenery, Mount Sunapee has a mix of options to help you make the most of your summer stay.
Set sail on Lake Sunapee with Sunapee Cruises, offering scenic narrated tours and dinner cruises from May through October. Climb aboard the M.V. Mt. Sunapee II for a relaxing daytime ride or enjoy a sunset meal on the M.V. Kearsarge. Each cruise glides past islands, historic boathouses, and mountain views, all while sharing local stories and lake history. A favorite for couples, families, and first-time visitors—it’s one of the best ways to experience the lake.
A moderate 2-mile trail nestled within the western slopes of Mount Sunapee in New Hampshire, the Andrew Brook Trail is a picturesque 2-mile moderate hike that leads adventurers through cascading brooks, verdant mossy pools, and stands of maple. The well-blazed path ascends steadily, occasionally wet or muddy, and rewards hikers at around 2,500 ft above sea level with the serene beauty of Lake Solitude—a high‑elevation tarn fringed by conifers. A perfect half-day hike with classic New Hampshire charm.
Spin & Fly Fishing
10 Min. Drive
The Sugar River winds from Lake Sunapee through Newport and Claremont, offering some of the best freshwater fishing in the region. Its upper stretches are great for trout—brook, brown, and rainbow—while the lower river is known for its healthy smallmouth bass population. Whether you're casting a fly or using conventional gear, the mix of scenery and species makes this a memorable spot for anglers of all levels.
For a guided experience, we highly recommend Justin Laffin, a local expert and the face behind NH on the Fly. Based nearby, Justin specializes in smallmouth bass and knows these waters inside and out. A day on the river with him is equal parts learning, catching, and enjoying the best of New Hampshire fishing.
Tucked in the Sugar River Valley just a short drive from Sunapee, Newport Golf Club is an 18-hole, par‑71 course known for its scenic beauty and approachable challenge. Originally designed in the 1920s, the course winds through rolling hills, mature trees, and water features, offering a classic New England golf experience. With well-kept greens, great views, and a friendly local vibe, it’s a favorite for both casual and seasoned golfers.
New London Barn Playhouse Theater
20 Min. Drive
Located in the heart of New London, the Barn Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating summer theaters in the country. Housed in a restored 19th-century barn, it offers a unique and intimate setting to enjoy high-quality performances—from Broadway classics to contemporary plays.
Each season runs from June through August and features a rotating lineup of shows, often performed by up-and-coming actors from across the country. The experience is casual, welcoming, and full of small-town charm, making it a favorite evening activity for locals and visitors alike.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Shows often sell out during peak weekends, so advance booking is recommended.
The Ice House Museum
20 Min. Drive
Tucked away in the heart of New London, The Ice House Museum is a delightful and unexpected stop for history lovers, gearheads, and anyone with a curiosity for the past. What began as a personal collection has grown into a one-of-a-kind museum filled with antique cars, vintage tools, early engines, and fascinating artifacts from everyday life in the 20th century. Thoughtfully displayed and lovingly preserved, each exhibit tells a story—and often, a volunteer is nearby to tell you even more. Whether you're traveling with kids, grandparents, or exploring solo, it’s a charming way to spend an hour or two off the beaten path.
Arrowhead Recreation Area
25 Min. Drive
Nestled on 185 acres of woodland in Claremont, Arrowhead Recreation Area is owned by the city and operated by the non‑profit Arrowhead Recreation Club and The Wheelhouse Bike Shop. It’s a year-round playground for all ages and skill levels. Winter brings fun with alpine skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross‑country skiing, and snowshoeing—served by two surface lifts and a tow rope, all lit for evening use. Spring through fall, the trails transform into a terrain network for hiking, dog‑walking, and intermediate to advanced mountain biking (full‑face helmet and full‑suspension bike recommended). Visitors also enjoy picnicking, sledding, ice skating, ATV/snowmobile access, and lodge amenities. The site doubles as a community center, hosting events like wilderness workshops, obstacle‑course races, cardboard‑sled races, and annual egg hunts—highlighting Arrowhead’s commitment to accessible, active recreation and strong local connections.
Winslow State Park
30 Min. Drive
Winslow State Park, located on the northwest side of Mount Kearsarge in Wilmot, NH, is a scenic launchpad for outdoor adventure. Named after the historic Winslow House hotel that once stood nearby, the park features panoramic picnic areas overlooking the White Mountains and a well-maintained trail network perfect for all skill levels.
Hikers can choose between two main routes to the summit of Mount Kearsarge: the Winslow Trail, a steeper 1.1-mile ascent, or the Barlow Trail, a gentler 1.7-mile option that offers sweeping views along the way. Many visitors opt for a loop combining both trails, making for a 2.8-mile round trip that’s family-friendly but still rewarding.
Whether you're up for a summit trek or just want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature, Winslow State Park delivers classic New Hampshire beauty in every season.
Claremont Motorsports Park
30 Min. Drive
This legendary ⅓-mile oval track is home to high-speed, high-energy racing all season long. Known for its Late Model and Outlaw Late Model divisions, Claremont Motorsports Park draws top regional drivers and delivers fast-paced, family-friendly excitement. From Friday night races to special events like the Spring Fling, it’s a must for fans of grassroots stock car action.
Winter: Slopes, Trails, & Toasty Fires
Mt. Sunapee: Winter Activities & Happenings
5 Min. Drive
Mount Sunapee Resort delivers a true New England ski experience, featuring 66 trails across 230 acres with a 1,513-foot vertical drop—great for beginners through experts. A modern lift system, including two high-speed quads, helps keep lines short and the turns coming.
As part of the Vail Resorts network, Mt. Sunapee is included on the Epic Pass, giving pass holders access along with discounts on lessons, rentals, dining, and more through Epic Mountain Rewards.
Beyond the slopes, the resort offers terrain parks, snowshoe trails, and seasonal events like live music and friendly competitions. Whether you're carving groomers, chasing powder, or unwinding après-ski, Mt. Sunapee offers a balanced mix of adventure and comfort, all with sweeping views of Lake Sunapee.
TBC Guides offers an immersive ice fishing experience in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, their guided trips provide a hands-on approach to ice fishing. Participants can expect to drill multiple holes, set up traps with live bait, and learn techniques like jigging and using sonar to locate fish. Safety and comfort are prioritized, ensuring a memorable adventure on the ice.
All Year: Attractions & Entertainment
Claremont Opera House
25 Min. Drive
A true architectural gem in the heart of downtown Claremont, the Claremont Opera House has been welcoming audiences since 1897. Housed within the city’s historic Italian Renaissance-style city hall, the 783-seat theater features gold-leaf accents, a frescoed ceiling, and timeless charm. Today, it hosts a vibrant mix of concerts, plays, comedy nights, and community events—making it a must-visit for arts lovers and history buffs alike.
Blackbeard's Cove Indoor Mini-Golf
25 Min. Drive
Play your way through a glowing 18-hole pirate adventure, complete with blacklights, sea creatures, and shipwrecks. This fully indoor, family-friendly course is great for all ages and takes about 45 minutes to complete. A fun, weather-proof outing with plenty of swashbuckling charm.
Entertainment Cinemas Movie Theater
30 Min. Drive
A no-frills, small-town theater showing all the latest hits. Think comfy seats, buttery popcorn, and a laid-back vibe—perfect for a casual night out or a rainy day escape.
Curated Corners
Located in the heart of downtown Sunapee, Harborside Trading is a charming gift shop filled with local character. From lake-and-mountain-themed apparel and home décor to thoughtful souvenirs and Sunapee-branded gear, it's the perfect place to find a memento of your trip or a gift for someone back home. Whether you're browsing before dinner or looking for the perfect hoodie, Harborside has that cozy, small-town feel with a true sense of place.
Prospect Hill Antiques & Art Gallery
10 Min. Drive
Prospect Hill Antiques, located at the start of the Sugar River in Sunapee Harbor, features a spacious 6,500 sq ft, three‑floor barn gallery filled with custom and antique furniture, fine art, and home décor
What You'll Find:
- Custom & Antique Furniture: Local craftsmen create pieces like Stickley, Sarried, Revelation, and Riverbend—fully customizable or viewable on-site .
- Antique Selections: Over 100 curated pieces ranging from clocks and cabinets to decorative items.
- Fine Art Gallery: Original works from 21+ artists—pastel, oil, acrylic—featuring local and national talent, including Ron Brown, Jack Harkins, and Peter Batchelder
- Design Consulting: In-house experts assist with furniture and art placement and can stage items in your home for preview.
Community & Credentials:
- Voted 2020 Editors’ Pick for Antiques & Art Shop by New Hampshire Magazine
- Active local supporter through charities and events.
Visit Info:
- Open Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM (closed Mondays); appointments welcome .
- Address: 31 River Road, Sunapee Harbor, NH.
Sunapee Cellar & Pantry
10 Min. Drive
Sunapee Cellar & Pantry is a charming and refined market located at 5 Garnet Street, in the heart of Sunapee Harbor. Catering to locals, tourists, and boaters alike, it offers a thoughtfully curated mix of gourmet foods, specialty cheeses, fine wines (including exclusive offerings like Frog’s Leap Rosé), artisanal pantry items, and locally crafted pottery.
Bascom Road Blueberry Farm
15 Min. Drive
Bascom Road Blueberry Farm is a beloved local destination offering a variety of pick-your-own experiences that change with the seasons—blueberries in summer, apples and pumpkins in the fall, and more depending on the time of year. Whether you're coming for a day in the fields or just stopping by, their farm store is open every day from 8 AM to 6 PM, all year long. Inside, you’ll find a rotating selection of fresh produce, homemade jams, baked goods, and other local favorites. It’s a charming, family-friendly spot worth visiting in any season.