By- Peter Ramsay

When we mention New London, one often thinks of a small town in Ohio or
Washington or maybe the port town in Connecticut. But outdoor enthusiasts go to the Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire to find this New London.

New London is a place to saunter, sip, shop, and ski when the weather turns
frosty. Pegged as a Lake Sunapee region summer haven, its also a year-round
commercial hub for small towns between Concord and Hanover. And with its
distinctive shops, handsome homes, village green, and friendly taverns, it
makes for a great getaway for couples any time.

Time to Shop
The eclectic work of eccentric artists and craftsmen make Artisan’s a
must-see. Browse the independent Morgan Hill Bookstore with its local style, including signed works by award-winning children’s author-illustrator Tomie dePaola, who lives in town. Friendly volunteers staff the Renaissance Shoppe with its upscale secondhand deals benefiting the Lake Sunapee Region Visiting Nurse Association. Be amazed in the jammed three-story collectibles-filled barn of Prospect Hill Antiques in Georges Mills.

Time to Play
This time of year, meeting new friends at local pubs will chase the chill
away. The micro-brewery at the Flying Goose Brew Pub and Grille (lunch/dinner burgers from $7.99, entrees from $12.99) dispenses a plethora of freshly brewed beer and ales from the hoppy Robert Strong Brown to the brisk Split Rock Golden Ale inside a lively bar. Occasional Thursday night concerts feature top folk favorites. Wooden tables, exposed beams and 11 beers on tap from England to New England make Peter Christian’s Tavern a good choice for an evening out. There is open mike entertainment on Thursday nights.

In need of exercise? Check out the view from the stone bench overlooking
stunning Mount Sunapee and Lake Sunapee after a short jaunt on the Clark
Lookout Trail. If you arrive after a snowfall and are looking for a place to ski, head to nearby Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury or Danbury’s growing
Ragged Mountain.

Yet another way to have fun on your winter vacation is snowshoeing with the
family in the woods of New London, which boasts "The Snowshoe Capital of
America".

You can rent snowshoes, get a lesson (it's easy) and head to the miles and
miles of trails that will take you through the woods, up the hills, by the
lakes and marshes surrounding the town. You will see evidence of moose,
possibly flocks of wild turkeys, but best of all, you will be in the middle of honest-to-goodness outdoor nature.

Enjoy our two cross-country touring centers. Norsk Ski Touring Center in New London and Eastman Ski Touring Center in Grantham. Norsk offers more than 36km of groomed trails, lessons, rentals and moonlit tours. Eastman has 43 ski/snow shoe trails that cover 75 kilometers, and lessons, rentals and tours are available.

Time to Eat
Rockwell’s at the Inn(dinner only) is the town’s fine dining mainstay with
fresh twists on traditional regional fare. Venture into the casual tavern for martinis to accompany a shorter menu with items like meat loaf or grilled tenderloin steak tips with chive whipped potatoes. An airy European atmosphere pervades Millstone’s (lunch/dinner from $8) where the filet mignon is topped with goat cheese, and Vermont free-range chicken is pan roasted with vegetables. The granite bar is split between the dining room and purple-hued lounge where lighter fare, such as garden salad with a grilled chicken breast or grilled organic Scottish salmon, is teamed with a well-rounded wine list. If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a quick bite, Ellie’s (breakfasts from $4.95) is the local breakfast and lunch spot featuring cloth napkins, brick-walled fireplace, and sandwiches aplenty.

Time to Sleep
Colonial Farm Inn and Restaurant (doubles $149) is comfortable and
unpretentious. This beautiful 1836 inn offers a 100-year-old oak drop pocket pool table, original wooden floors, and three fireplaces. The handicapped accessible Sunapee room is the only one with a TV, while the rustic upstairs Potter Place has carpeting. Tea-loving guests have an extensive selection to choose from and breakfast options include treats such as bananas Foster French toast and pancakes with apple-smoked bacon. Those seeking an alternative to inns should check out the Lamplighter Motor Inn (Doubles start at $99, including tax).


The Inn at Pleasant Lake

presents

Ragged Mountain Weekend Ski and Stay Package

Starting at $420.00

Includes:

two weekend nights, for two guests
2 one day lift tickets to Ragged Mountain Resort
Breakfast and Afternoon Tea for two
all taxes
parking

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