The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is very colorful in the fall. In addition to the natural wonder of the foliage season, local businesses and the community celebrate the season in colorful style. There are corn mazes and haunted farms to explore, seasonal beer tastings, live music, karaoke, pumpkin bowling, ax throwing, and leisurely walks along the live animal exhibit trail at the local natural science center. And call me what you will, but please don’t call me late for the jack o’-lantern lighting at the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival (30,581 is the number to beat). Here are some fun things to do this fall in the Lakes Region in greater detail.
Pumpkin Festival: The New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival was held in Keene, NH from 1991-2014 before moving to its current venue in Laconia, NH. Locals try to meet or beat the Guinness World Record of 30,581 most lit jack-o’-lanterns displayed. The record was set at the former Keene location in 2013. Jack-o’-lantern lighting begins at 4:45pm and the sun sets at 5:41pm. Don’t be late!
In addition to setting world records, visitors at the festival are treated to kid's games, pumpkin bowling, ax throwing, live music, and a 6:30pm zombie walk. The festival is Saturday, October 29th, 2022 from 10:00am-7:00pm. There is a 5K/ 10K Run/Walk that begins at 9:00am at Opechee Park.
NH Pumpkin Fest Ale: The good folks at Twin Barns Brewing in Meredith, NH have brewed up a special beer to celebrate the season and support the Pumpkin Festival. The new beer, Pumpkin Ale, will be officially released at the brewery on October 14th, 2022 from 3:00pm-9:00pm. There will be live music, raffle prizes, food, and of course beer! The celebratory toast is at 4:00pm.
Live Music, Karaoke & Dancing: When I want to dance I just put on “my my my my my boogie shoes” and head down to the Tower Hill Tavern in Laconia, NH. There is no cover charge. There is live music and live karaoke every weekend, and they recently offered free line dancing lessons. Put on your boogie shoes, warm up those vocal cords and live it up right at night in Laconia!
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center: Everyone has an idea of what makes an adventure perfect. For those who were looking to immerse themselves amongst giant robotic insects, their calls were answered by Squam Lakes Natural Science Center earlier this year. The gigantic robotic insects were part of the live animal exhibit trail. Sadly, they packed their bags on September 30th and moved to different pastures. Lucky for you and your family, the live animal exhibit trail is open throughout the year! You will want to plan for a 2½ hour walk through the ¾ mile trail. The residents of the trail represent local native wildlife including mountain lions, red foxes, gray foxes, river otters, white-tailed deer, coyotes, black bears, and bobcats. The trail is open 9:30am-3:30pm daily with your paid admission (free for members).
Farm Fun: Beans & Greens Farm is open year round. If you’re looking for a little farm fun they have you covered. There is a multi-acre corn maze open September 17th through Halloween 2022 and barnyard animals to visit during farm stand hours. This year they are featuring a haunted farm experience for the brave of heart. The Beans & Screams Haunted Fear Farm will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 7:00pm-10:00pm, October 7th-30th, 2022 at the Gilford, New Hampshire Farm. And don’t forget to stock up at the bakery and farm stand. A pumpkin pie or apple caramel nut pie might just be the perfect ending to a frightening trip through a haunted farm (be sure to plan ahead, the farm stand closes at 6:00pm daily, and 7:30pm on Fridays).
The team at Maxfield Real Estate looks forward to helping you find your perfect home. Exciting fall adventures are waiting for you to discover and enjoy in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Contact us today!
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