Laconia
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Laconia is a city in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. It includes the villages of Lakeport and Weirs Beach.
Get in
Laconia Municipal AirportGeneral aviation, no commercial flights.
See
Robbie Mills Field
Do
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phone: +1 603 366-4377address: 579 Endicott St NFeaturing the largest arcade in the state, outdoor mini-golf, an indoor golf dome, adult Bingo, bowling, and more, Funspot seems to have an appropriate name. It is also home to the Largest Arcade in the World as recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records and the American Classic Arcade Museum.
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phone: +1 603 293-4341address: 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NHWhile Laconia receives most of its tourism in the summer months, there are things to do in the winter, as well. One example is Gunstock. Gunstock describes itself as a "Four Season Resort," but their primary offering is its 1400-ft mountain, which is the second highest in the Belknap region, and completely ski, snowboard, and tube friendly. Gunstock offers a variety of trails with difficulties ranging from "Beginner" to "Expert," a fully stocked ski shop with rentals for those without their own equipment, and a lodge with several restaurants.
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address: Weirs BlvdAlthough Weirs Beach is always busy during the summer, for one week, every year, "busy" is an understatement. Based around Father's Day weekend, "Bike Week" is the biggest event of the year in Laconia and attracts tens of thousands of bikers consistently. Bike Week is held at Weirs Beach, and attracts so many bikers and curious visitors that traffic in and immediately around Weirs Boulevard is completely closed off for the week. To attend, it's necessary to park in one of many makeshift parking lots and trek over to Weirs Beach, or preferably, ride a bike.
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address: Weirs BlvdIn the summer months in Laconia, there is no dispute over where to find the most tourists. It is Weirs Beach. "The Weirs" consists of a boardwalk, which is about a half mile in length, a half dozen arcades, a pizza place, an ice cream parlor, an ample selection of souvenir shops, and of course, a beach.
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Weirs Drive-In Theater
phone: +1 603 366-4723address: 76 Endicotte St NRight next door to Weirs Beach Water Slide is the Weirs Drive-In Theater. While not particularly big, this drive-in always has the latest movies. -
phone: +1 603 366-4177address: 582 Endicotte St NVisitors in Laconia looking for a bit of speed may want to check out the Weirs Beach Go-Kart Track. People of all ages are welcome to ride on this quarter mile track. One seat and two seat go-karts are available. Group rates are available for those with 15 or more in their party. Ice cream and pizza is also sold here.
New Hampshire Pumpkin FestivalThe state's annual Pumpkin Festival was previously held in Keene, and was well-known for its annual, record-breaking collections of jack-o'-lanterns. In 2014, the Pumpkin Festival was marred by partying college students rioting in the streets relatively near the festival grounds, causing the city council to reject its annual permit the following year. As a result, the Keene Pumpkin Festival moved to Laconia, renaming it as the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival. As with before in Keene, the annual festival held for two days in October celebrates autumn and pumpkins with games, entertainment, food, and of course, a goal to break the world record for most jack-o'-lanterns lit in one place.
Buy
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Tanger Outlets
phone: +1 603 286-7880address: 120 Laconia RdFor enthusiastic shoppers heading to Laconia, the Tanger Outlets may be worth exploring. Tanger Outlets is composed of over thirty stores and also offers a handful of places to eat. Shopping ranges from clothes, to specialty merchandise, to housewares items, with other categories in between.
Drink
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phone: +1 603 366-9100address: 264 Lakeside AveLakes Region's "Home of the Blues". Live music and great food.
Sleep
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phone: +1 603 524-0111address: 62 Doris Ray Ct34 guest rooms, all including fireplace, two-person whirlpool bath. Many offer balcony with lake view. Pet friendly.
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phone: +1 603 524-8000address: 480 Main StNot particularly large (total of 104 rooms), but features single and double rooms, color TV, climate control, and free wireless internet.
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phone: +1 603 524-5210address: 76 Lake St
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phone: +1 603 293-4500address: 118 Weirs Rd