Gilford, New Hampshire: A Hidden Gem in the Lakes Region

Gilford, New Hampshire: A Hidden Gem in the Lakes Region - Gilford Hardware & Outdoor Power Equipment
Gilford, New Hampshire, is a small town of slightly more than 7,000 people and is situated in the center of the state's Lakes Region. Despite its small size, Gilford offers a large range of activities and attractions for visitors and residents alike. From outdoor recreational opportunities to cultural events and historical sites. Nestled between the foothills of the White Mountains and the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford offers visitors a chance to experience the best of both worlds.

Gilford New Hampshire Painting Gilford Hardware

• Lake Winnipesaukee •

Gilford is Located on Lake Winnipesaukee, a stunning natural wonder known for its crystal clear waters, picturesque views, and abundance of recreational activities, it is no wonder that this lake has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Lake Winnipesaukee is not only a popular summer destination, but it also has a variety of year-round activities for visitors to enjoy. There is always something to do at the lake, from skiing and snowmobiling in the winter to hiking and leaf-peeping in the fall.

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Winnipesaukee. With over 250 miles of shoreline and several marinas and boat launches, visitors can easily rent or bring their own boats to explore the lake.

Fishing is another popular activity on Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, salmon, and lake trout, making it a popular destination for both amateur and professional anglers.

For those who have a passion for boating and want to spend the day on Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford, New Hampshire is home to a number of marinas where you can arrange for boat rentals, dock space, fuel, and a launch service. You can find the following marinas in this list:

Map of Lake Winnipesaukee Gilford Hardware

*Note: Services and public availability differ from marina to marina


• Outdoor Recreation •

Natural landmarks like the stunning Lake Winnipesaukee and the close-by White Mountains can be found in Gilford. These places provide a range of outdoor pursuits, including boating, camping, fishing, and hiking. The town also offers a number of playgrounds and parks for kids and families to enjoy.

• Gunstock Ski Resort •

Gunstock Ski Resort in Gilford, New Hampshire, is a popular destination for winter sports fans. Snowboarding, skiing, and tubing are just some of the winter sports that can be enjoyed at the resort. Skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels will find plenty to challenge them on Gunstock's more than 220 acres of skiable terrain.

Gunstock Ski Resort Gilford New Hampshire

Moreover, Gunstock Ski Resort offers a variety of conveniences for its guests. The resort has a ski school and a place to rent skis and snowboards for those who want to get started on the slopes or hone their existing abilities. Guests can choose from a variety of dining options, such as a cafeteria and a full-service restaurant. After a long day on the slopes, guests can enjoy some après-ski activities like smores near a fireplace or live music in the resort's lodge.

• Ellacoya State Park •

Ellacoya State Park Gilford New Hampshire Gilford Hardware

Ellacoya State Park, located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, is a beautiful and scenic park. Visitors enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and other water sports on the park's sandy beach, and they can also camp in their recreational vehicles nearby. The park also features playground equipment, picnic tables, and a campground.

• Hiking •

Hiking is one of the most well-liked outdoor pursuits in Gilford. The White Mountains have a variety of hiking trails for hikers of all experience levels, ranging from easy nature hikes to strenuous mountain climbs. Hikers frequently visit the nearby Mount Major located in Alton Bay, which offers stunning vistas of the region.


• Cultural and Historical Attractions •

Along with having a rich cultural and historical past, Gilford is renowned for its outdoor activities. The town is home to the Gilford Historical Society, which manages a number of museums and historical sites. The Gilford Historical Society Museum, which houses exhibits on the town's history and culture, is located in the iconic Gilford Town Hall.

• Kimball Castle •

A historic mansion by the name of Kimball Castle can be found just a short distance from Ellacoya State Park. It was built in the late 19th century by a well-known industrialist and philanthropist by the name of Benjamin Ames Kimball. The castle is built like a European medieval fortress, complete with towers, turrets, and a crenellated roofline. Atop a hill, the granite and stone mansion offers sweeping views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding area.

Kimball Castle Gilford New Hampshire Gilford Hardware

The Kimball family hosted numerous notable guests at the castle, including American presidents, politicians, and other dignitaries, as a summer home. After the final family member died, the castle was neglected and abandoned. It is still closed to the public and vacant. One of the most endangered historic sites in New Hampshire, the castle's future is uncertain.

Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion Concert Venue

The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, an outdoor concert venue with seating for up to 7,000 people, is another well-liked destination in Gilford, New Hampshire. The venue offers both reserved seating in the covered pavilion and a large lawn area for general admission tickets. Throughout the summer, the venue hosts a range of musical performances and events, including well-known touring bands, festivals, and regional artists. The Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion is a popular destination for concert-goers in the New England area.


• Conclusion •

Gilford, New Hampshire is a small town with a lot to offer. From outdoor recreational opportunities to cultural and historical attractions, visitors and residents alike can find something to enjoy in this hidden gem in the Lakes Region. 

 This article is a work-in-progress, it will be updated to the latest and greatest overtime! Lastly, If you live in New Hampshire or are simply visiting check out Gilford Hardware & Outdoor Power Equipment. We're a small, locally owned, and independent hardware and outdoor power equipment store located at 64 Gilford East Drive in Gilford, New Hampshire! 

DISCLAIMER:

The Gilford Hardware and Outdoor Power Equipment blog posts exclusively reflect the views of Gilford Hardware and Outdoor Power Equipment and do not necessarily reflect those of the device manufacturers. Please be aware that product availability, specifications, and suggested uses are subject to change. For the most recent details, always refer to the manufacturer's website and product manual.

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