• 1. Where to Stay
• 2. Where to Eat
• 3. What to Do
• 4. Insider’s Tip
• 5. An Oddball Day

Church Landing at Mill Falls.   (Photo: Courtesy of The Inns & Spa at Mills Falls)

Ice fishing and dog sledding are the lakes region's most invigorating winter attractions, so you'll need to recuperate in nearby accommodations that peddle rest and relaxation—not to mention toe-thawing fireplaces. Book early at the lakefront Church Landing at Mill Falls (from $229), one of the few luxury accommodations in the Lake Winnipesaukee area. The upscale Adirondack-style lodge has a full-service spa and a fireplace in every room. For seclusion, reserve the Tree House Suite, which is set off from the main building and boasts an indoor birch tree.

For privacy and prime lake views, request the Winnisquam Room at Ferry Point House (from $110). The Victorian B&B, perched on the banks of Winnipesaukee’s neighboring Lake Winnisquam, is meticulously kept. Hosts Eric and Andrea Damato strike a perfect balance between helpfulness and leaving you be—ask them to kick-start your winter adventures by booking a snowmobile or cross-country-ski tour.

The eight-room Squam Lake Inn (from $150), located near the idyllic site where On Golden Pond was filmed, is best known for owner Rae Andrews’s eccentric take on country cooking (try her ice-cream sandwiches and maple bacon). For privacy and an in-room fireplace, book the Squam Suite.

Published on Feb 7, 2008 as a web exclusive.