Guidebook for Gilford

Melissa
Guidebook for Gilford

Food Scene

Fun beach bar-style restaurant right on the lake.
78 locals recommend
Town Docks Restaurant
289 Daniel Webster Hwy
78 locals recommend
Fun beach bar-style restaurant right on the lake.
We love the kitschy New Hampshire style and camp-inspired food. They also have a great beer selection.
26 locals recommend
Camp
298 Daniel Webster Hwy
26 locals recommend
We love the kitschy New Hampshire style and camp-inspired food. They also have a great beer selection.
A great pizza joint with some outdoor seating. It's in the shopping area of Meredith, which is a great place to walk around before or after lunch or dinner.
52 locals recommend
Giuseppe's Pizzeria & Ristorante
312 Daniel Webster Highway
52 locals recommend
A great pizza joint with some outdoor seating. It's in the shopping area of Meredith, which is a great place to walk around before or after lunch or dinner.
Alex and I had or wedding reception at Lago. Great Italian food, right on the lake. Call for a reservation - they get very busy.
60 locals recommend
Lago
1 NH-25
60 locals recommend
Alex and I had or wedding reception at Lago. Great Italian food, right on the lake. Call for a reservation - they get very busy.
Have a Thanksgiving meal any time you'd like!
27 locals recommend
Hart's Turkey Farm Restaurant
233 Daniel Webster Hwy
27 locals recommend
Have a Thanksgiving meal any time you'd like!
A nice Italian spot across from Weirs Beach. A great place for a date night. Have dinner and then walk down Weirs Beach. We love playing arcade games and getting ice cream afterwards!
8 locals recommend
Faro Italian Grille
8 locals recommend
A nice Italian spot across from Weirs Beach. A great place for a date night. Have dinner and then walk down Weirs Beach. We love playing arcade games and getting ice cream afterwards!
The donuts are absolutely amazing! They make their donuts fresh everyday. They open at 3:00a.m. and close once they sell out. They're typically sold out by 7:00a.m. during the summer.
Goody Good Donuts LLC
235 Union Ave
The donuts are absolutely amazing! They make their donuts fresh everyday. They open at 3:00a.m. and close once they sell out. They're typically sold out by 7:00a.m. during the summer.
A mix of decadent and classic breakfast foods. Try the pinwheel french toast!
9 locals recommend
Kitchen Cravings
15 Airport Rd
9 locals recommend
A mix of decadent and classic breakfast foods. Try the pinwheel french toast!
It's not on the lake, but this is our favorite place for a great meal.
22 locals recommend
Laconia Local Eatery
21 Veterans Square
22 locals recommend
It's not on the lake, but this is our favorite place for a great meal.
Yum, yum, yum! A lot of people order good and take it to go. There is a small dining room if you'd like to eat there. Worth the drive!
Rubbin' Butts BBQ
313 Whittier Hwy
Yum, yum, yum! A lot of people order good and take it to go. There is a small dining room if you'd like to eat there. Worth the drive!
This is a new restaurant by the same group who owns Local Eatery, one of our favorites.
16 locals recommend
Osteria Poggio
18 Main St
16 locals recommend
This is a new restaurant by the same group who owns Local Eatery, one of our favorites.
Casual, outdoor dining with a fantastic view or the lake. The club amenities are private, but the restaurant is open to the public.
12 locals recommend
Akwa Marina Yacht Club
95 Centenary Ave
12 locals recommend
Casual, outdoor dining with a fantastic view or the lake. The club amenities are private, but the restaurant is open to the public.
Charming, barn-style restaurant.
78 locals recommend
Ellacoya Barn & Grille
2667 Lake Shore Rd
78 locals recommend
Charming, barn-style restaurant.
A local favorite!
11 locals recommend
Lyons' Den Restaurant & Tavern
25 Dock Rd
11 locals recommend
A local favorite!
A classic diner!
12 locals recommend
The Union Diner
1331 Union Ave
12 locals recommend
A classic diner!
We eat here weekly! Great Irish pub with consistently good food. They usually have live music on weekend nights. https://www.patrickspub.com/
79 locals recommend
Patrick's Pub & Eatery
18 Weirs Rd
79 locals recommend
We eat here weekly! Great Irish pub with consistently good food. They usually have live music on weekend nights. https://www.patrickspub.com/
Delicious homemade ice cream near Weirs Beach and Funspot.
19 locals recommend
Jordan's Ice Creamery
593 Endicott St N
19 locals recommend
Delicious homemade ice cream near Weirs Beach and Funspot.
Make-your-own sundaes. Kellerhaus also has a candy shop and plenty of souvenirs to browse through.
39 locals recommend
Kellerhaus
259 Endicott St N
39 locals recommend
Make-your-own sundaes. Kellerhaus also has a candy shop and plenty of souvenirs to browse through.
The best steakhouse in the area. Adam Sandler has been spotted here!
50 locals recommend
O Steaks & Seafood
62 Doris Ray Ct
50 locals recommend
The best steakhouse in the area. Adam Sandler has been spotted here!
Our favorite coffee shop in the area!
17 locals recommend
Wayfarer Coffee Roasters
626 Main St
17 locals recommend
Our favorite coffee shop in the area!
Classic burgers and ice cream.
22 locals recommend
Sawyer's Dairy Bar
1933 Lake Shore Rd
22 locals recommend
Classic burgers and ice cream.
A nice lakeside restaurant, located at Church Landing.
23 locals recommend
Lakehouse Grille
281 Daniel Webster Hwy
23 locals recommend
A nice lakeside restaurant, located at Church Landing.
Wayfarer is closer, but we understand some people can't live without Starbucks for too long!
7 locals recommend
Starbucks
120 Laconia Rd
7 locals recommend
Wayfarer is closer, but we understand some people can't live without Starbucks for too long!
These bagels are AMAZING!! They also served deli-style sandwiches for lunch.
14 locals recommend
Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls 2
1880 Lake Shore Road
14 locals recommend
These bagels are AMAZING!! They also served deli-style sandwiches for lunch.
Popular ice cream spot.
22 locals recommend
Bailey's Bubble
5 Railroad Ave
22 locals recommend
Popular ice cream spot.
Classic NH-style food and ice cream.
12 locals recommend
Morrisseys' Front Porch
286 S Main St
12 locals recommend
Classic NH-style food and ice cream.
This restaurant serves the most delicious Pan Asian & Pacific Island cuisine. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the area. They have a great screened in porch. TIP: They don't have a liquor license, but you can bring your own beer and wine. This is a seasonal restaurant.
10 locals recommend
East of Suez Restaurant
775 S Main St
10 locals recommend
This restaurant serves the most delicious Pan Asian & Pacific Island cuisine. It's one of our favorite restaurants in the area. They have a great screened in porch. TIP: They don't have a liquor license, but you can bring your own beer and wine. This is a seasonal restaurant.
28 locals recommend
Wolfetrap Grill & Rawbar
19 Bay St
28 locals recommend
Fine dining, perfect for a date night.
7 locals recommend
Mise en Place
96 Lehner St
7 locals recommend
Fine dining, perfect for a date night.
Old fashioned fine dining at the Van Horn Dining Room! We go here on special occasions. The restaurant is in a historic inn.
The Manor on Golden Pond
31 Manor Dr
Old fashioned fine dining at the Van Horn Dining Room! We go here on special occasions. The restaurant is in a historic inn.
Charming little restaurant with a cute outdoor seating area.
Inn Kitchen + Bar
28 Shepard Hill Rd
Charming little restaurant with a cute outdoor seating area.
Fine dining in a post-and-beam barn.
22 locals recommend
The New Woodshed
128 Lee Rd
22 locals recommend
Fine dining in a post-and-beam barn.
32 locals recommend
Nolans Brick Oven Bistro
39 N Main St
32 locals recommend
Our favorite pizza in the area. They deliver!
8 locals recommend
Sal's Pizza Laconia
360 Union Ave
8 locals recommend
Our favorite pizza in the area. They deliver!
Your standard pizza joint. They deliver!
8 locals recommend
Gilford House of Pizza
9 Old Lake Shore Rd
8 locals recommend
Your standard pizza joint. They deliver!
A charming NH-style breakfast spot with a petting farm.
14 locals recommend
Heritage Farm Pancake House
15 Parker Hill Rd
14 locals recommend
A charming NH-style breakfast spot with a petting farm.

Parks & Nature

A beautiful state park with amazing views. There is an entrance fee. More info here: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/ellacoya-state-park.aspx
53 locals recommend
Ellacoya State Park
280 Scenic Dr
53 locals recommend
A beautiful state park with amazing views. There is an entrance fee. More info here: https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/ellacoya-state-park.aspx
Take a private sailing lesson or outing. https://www.lwsa.org/private-lessons
Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association
25 Davis Road
Take a private sailing lesson or outing. https://www.lwsa.org/private-lessons
Open daily 10:00-5:30 during the summer and fall. There are 28 miles of hiking trails. There is also horseback riding! http://www.ridingintheclouds.com/ The Carriage House Restaurant is on the property. has received rave reviews from critics and guests alike. Open daily in season from 11:30-3:30 enjoy a variety of delicious lunch items, from sandwiches to full entrees. New this year is Music Nights for in July and August.
143 locals recommend
Castle in the Clouds
455 Old Mountain Rd
143 locals recommend
Open daily 10:00-5:30 during the summer and fall. There are 28 miles of hiking trails. There is also horseback riding! http://www.ridingintheclouds.com/ The Carriage House Restaurant is on the property. has received rave reviews from critics and guests alike. Open daily in season from 11:30-3:30 enjoy a variety of delicious lunch items, from sandwiches to full entrees. New this year is Music Nights for in July and August.
If you're a boater, definitely try to get onto Stonedam for a hike and picnic! It caters to only two boats at a time, so if you can, grab a spot. We've had the whole place to ourselves before. We loved eating lunch and swimming there! We recommend going very early or later in the day. Be sure to check out more information about the dock here: https://lrct.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Stonedam-Island.pdf
Stonedam Island
If you're a boater, definitely try to get onto Stonedam for a hike and picnic! It caters to only two boats at a time, so if you can, grab a spot. We've had the whole place to ourselves before. We loved eating lunch and swimming there! We recommend going very early or later in the day. Be sure to check out more information about the dock here: https://lrct.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Stonedam-Island.pdf
Rent a canoe, kayak, bike, and more. EKAL also offers boat charters, which is a great way to experience the lake if you're not an experienced boater, and antique boat rides.
18 locals recommend
EKAL Activity Center
285 Daniel Webster Hwy
18 locals recommend
Rent a canoe, kayak, bike, and more. EKAL also offers boat charters, which is a great way to experience the lake if you're not an experienced boater, and antique boat rides.
Flat terrain and scenic views.
Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club
64 Governor John Wentworth Hwy
Flat terrain and scenic views.
10 locals recommend
Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest
College Road
10 locals recommend
We've rented boats here many time. Keep in mind you need to pass a test to rent a boat in NH. We recommend doing this only if you have experience driving a boat.
Winnisquam Marine on Winnipesaukee
96 Channel Ln
We've rented boats here many time. Keep in mind you need to pass a test to rent a boat in NH. We recommend doing this only if you have experience driving a boat.
A hike on the easier side, with great view of the lake.
6 locals recommend
Lockes Hill
6 locals recommend
A hike on the easier side, with great view of the lake.

Entertainment & Activities

Gunstock is a popular ski destination in the winter and also has loads of summer activities for kids and adults. Check out their mountain top yoga, aerial treetop adventure, moonlight zip tour, and after hours guided hikes during the summer! https://www.gunstock.com/
151 locals recommend
Gunstock Mountain Resort
719 Cherry Valley Rd
151 locals recommend
Gunstock is a popular ski destination in the winter and also has loads of summer activities for kids and adults. Check out their mountain top yoga, aerial treetop adventure, moonlight zip tour, and after hours guided hikes during the summer! https://www.gunstock.com/
A super popular arcade. One of the largest collections of late-1970s to mid-1980s games in the world. Includes indoor bowling and mini golf.
149 locals recommend
Funspot
579 Endicott St N
149 locals recommend
A super popular arcade. One of the largest collections of late-1970s to mid-1980s games in the world. Includes indoor bowling and mini golf.
16 locals recommend
BarnZ's Meredith Cinema
38 NH-25
16 locals recommend
18 locals recommend
Gilford Cinemas 8
9 Old Lake Shore Rd
18 locals recommend
Catch a double feature! The first move starts at dusk. http://weirsdrivein.com/
42 locals recommend
Weirs Drive-In Theatre
76 Endicott St E
42 locals recommend
Catch a double feature! The first move starts at dusk. http://weirsdrivein.com/
This is an awesome outdoor music venue that attracts fun acts every year! Definitely check out the schedule. It's just 10 minutes from the cabin. https://banknhpavilion.com/?r=1&tc=MKTPO13831&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjrr31b_t2wIVw0GGCh1QEQdZEAAYAiAAEgKc-vD_BwE
83 locals recommend
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
72 Meadowbrook Ln
83 locals recommend
This is an awesome outdoor music venue that attracts fun acts every year! Definitely check out the schedule. It's just 10 minutes from the cabin. https://banknhpavilion.com/?r=1&tc=MKTPO13831&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjrr31b_t2wIVw0GGCh1QEQdZEAAYAiAAEgKc-vD_BwE
14 locals recommend
SUP-NH Paddleboard Rentals
5 Mt Major Hwy
14 locals recommend
60 locals recommend
Canobie Lake Park
85 N Policy St
60 locals recommend
41 locals recommend
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
1122 NH-106
41 locals recommend
235 locals recommend
Santa's Village
528 Presidential Hwy
235 locals recommend
324 locals recommend
Story Land
850 NH-16
324 locals recommend

Essentials

Our favorite local farm, which is open spring-fall. They have a selection of locally grown produce, meats, and delicious desserts. Our son loves visiting the baby animals and going on the swings.
20 locals recommend
Beans & Greens Farm
245 Intervale Rd
20 locals recommend
Our favorite local farm, which is open spring-fall. They have a selection of locally grown produce, meats, and delicious desserts. Our son loves visiting the baby animals and going on the swings.
A popular farm and market with a pick-your-own flower field. They also host the occasional farm-to-table dinner. They also host Sunday brunch in July & August. Check out their website for more information: https://www.moultonfarm.com/farm-market/farm-to-table-events.
29 locals recommend
Moulton Farm
18 Quarry Rd
29 locals recommend
A popular farm and market with a pick-your-own flower field. They also host the occasional farm-to-table dinner. They also host Sunday brunch in July & August. Check out their website for more information: https://www.moultonfarm.com/farm-market/farm-to-table-events.
An adorable roadside farm stand with a mix of sweet treats and produce.
Picnic Rock Farms LLC
85 Daniel Webster Hwy
An adorable roadside farm stand with a mix of sweet treats and produce.
Our go-to grocery store.
150 locals recommend
Hannaford Supermarket
50 NH-25
150 locals recommend
Our go-to grocery store.
A nice CVS close to the lake.
CVS
220 Union Ave
A nice CVS close to the lake.
Great for gas, milk, beer, and wine.
Big Apple Store
4 Country Club Rd
Great for gas, milk, beer, and wine.
Our favorite place to pick up meat for grilling.
8 locals recommend
The Wine'ing Butcher - Gilford
28 Weirs Rd
8 locals recommend
Our favorite place to pick up meat for grilling.
Another great meat and fish market.
Local Provisions
622 Main St
Another great meat and fish market.
This place is a bit of a drive from the cabin, but super cute. They offer local foods, one of a kind provisions, prepared foods, and sandwiches. Check out their picnic menu. You could make a morning or afternoon trip to the marketplace and then hike and picnic at nearby West Rattlesnake Mountain and Chamberlin-Reynolds Memorial Forest Loop.
11 locals recommend
Squam Lake MarketPlace
863 S. 3
11 locals recommend
This place is a bit of a drive from the cabin, but super cute. They offer local foods, one of a kind provisions, prepared foods, and sandwiches. Check out their picnic menu. You could make a morning or afternoon trip to the marketplace and then hike and picnic at nearby West Rattlesnake Mountain and Chamberlin-Reynolds Memorial Forest Loop.

Arts & Culture

Purchase tickets and check out their schedule: http://www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org/
20 locals recommend
Winnipesaukee Playhouse
33 Footlight Cir
20 locals recommend
Purchase tickets and check out their schedule: http://www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org/

Drinks & Nightlife

Drinks on the shores of Winni.
26 locals recommend
The Naswa Resort
1086 Weirs Blvd
26 locals recommend
Drinks on the shores of Winni.
The winery is located in downtown Meredith. Try the tasting for $10 our tour for $25. http://hermitwoods.com/
34 locals recommend
Hermit Woods Winery & Deli
72 Main St
34 locals recommend
The winery is located in downtown Meredith. Try the tasting for $10 our tour for $25. http://hermitwoods.com/
25 locals recommend
Gilmanton Winery and Restaurant
528 Meadow Pond Rd
25 locals recommend
17 locals recommend
Lone Wolfe Brewing Company
36 Mill St
17 locals recommend
Craft beer store in downtown Wolfeboro that focuses on local brewers.
Beveridge Craft Beer & Soap Co.
29 Mill St
Craft beer store in downtown Wolfeboro that focuses on local brewers.
New in 2018! You have to check out their website to see these boats. They offer a 90-minute public cruise and a 2-hour private charter. BYOB! Check out their website for photos and rates. http://tikihutboatsofnh.com/
19 locals recommend
Tiki Hut Boats of NH
263 Lakeside Ave
19 locals recommend
New in 2018! You have to check out their website to see these boats. They offer a 90-minute public cruise and a 2-hour private charter. BYOB! Check out their website for photos and rates. http://tikihutboatsofnh.com/

Shopping

Spend a day deal hunting! The closest Starbucks to the cabin is located in the same plaza. There's also a Five Guys and Unos.
137 locals recommend
Tanger Outlets Tilton
120 Laconia Rd
137 locals recommend
Spend a day deal hunting! The closest Starbucks to the cabin is located in the same plaza. There's also a Five Guys and Unos.