Meredith, New Hampshire, is a picturesque resort town in Belknap County, nestled in the heart of the state’s Lakes Region along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire’s largest lake. Known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant community, and rich history, Meredith blends small-town charm with year-round recreational and cultural attractions, making it a premier destination for tourists, retirees, and seasonal residents.
Meredith is located at the coordinates 43.657778, -71.500556, with an
elevation of approximately 508 feet above sea level. The town spans 54.6
square miles, of which 40.1 square miles are land and 14.5 square miles
(26.37%) are water, reflecting its dominance by large bodies of water.
The town is bordered by Sanbornton to the southwest, New Hampton to the
west, Center Harbor to the north, Moultonborough to the northeast across
Lake Winnipesaukee, Gilford to the southeast, and Laconia to the south.
Meredith’s geography is defined by its extensive lakefront,
particularly along Lake Winnipesaukee, which has 283 miles of shoreline
and contains 230–274 islands, including Bear Island (780 acres, the
second largest) and Stonedam Island, both part of Meredith. The northern
half of the town includes Meredith Neck, a peninsula separating Meredith
Bay from the main body of Lake Winnipesaukee, giving the town an
expansive coastline. The southeastern boundary with Laconia is partially
occupied by Lake Winnisquam, while smaller lakes like Lake Waukewan,
Wickwas Lake, and Pemigewasset Lake lie partially or fully within
Meredith’s borders. The highest point is Leavitt Mountain, at 1,414
feet, in the southwestern part of town.
The town is crossed by
major routes: U.S. Route 3, NH Route 25, NH Route 104, and NH Route 106,
connecting Meredith to nearby hubs like Laconia (11 miles south), Center
Harbor (5 miles northeast), and Interstate 93 in New Hampton (8 miles
west). Meredith Village, the commercial center and a census-designated
place (CDP) with a population of 2,527 (2020 census), lies at the
junction of U.S. Route 3 and NH Route 25 at the head of Meredith Bay.
History
Meredith’s history begins with its granting in 1748 by the Masonian
Proprietors, a group of wealthy landowners, to 62 seacoast colonists who
initially called it New Salem. In 1768, it was incorporated as Meredith
by Governor John Wentworth, named after Sir William Meredith, a British
politician, to curry favor during colonial tensions over the Stamp Act.
Early settlement started in 1763, led by Colonel Ebenezer Smith, with
farmers establishing homesteads along what became Province Road and
Parade Road (now NH Route 106).
By the 19th century, Meredith’s
economy revolved around water-powered mills. In 1795, John Jenness
purchased water rights to Measly Pond Brook (Corliss Brook), which
drained Lake Waukewan into Lake Winnipesaukee, powering gristmills and
sawmills. From 1816–1818, John Bond Swasey built a 600-foot rock-lined
canal, creating a 30-foot waterfall at what is now Mill Falls
Marketplace, fueling sawmills, gristmills, cotton mills, and later the
Meredith Electric Light Company in 1895. By 1859, Meredith Village had a
sawmill, gristmill, shingle mill, blacksmith shop, harness-maker’s shop,
and tannery, while Meredith Center, at the outlet of Wickwas Lake,
supported similar industries.
The Boston, Concord & Montreal
Railroad (1849) and steamboats like the SS Mount Washington (launched
1872) transformed Meredith into a summer resort destination. The town’s
population grew from 881 in 1790 to 1,609 by 1800, peaking at over 3,500
by the 1850s, but shrank after Meredith Bridge became Laconia in 1855
and part of the town was annexed to Center Harbor in 1874. Post-World
War II, national prosperity and automobile ownership spurred rapid
growth, with the year-round population doubling from 2,222 in 1950 to
4,646 by 1980, and the seasonal population tripling to 7,000. Today,
Meredith’s population is 6,662 (2020 census), with a thriving
tourism-based economy.
Attractions and Activities
Meredith is a year-round destination offering a blend of outdoor
recreation, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. Key
highlights include:
Lake Winnipesaukee and Water Activities
Overview: As New Hampshire’s largest lake (72+ square miles, 28 miles
long, up to 187 feet deep), Lake Winnipesaukee is central to Meredith’s
identity. Activities include boating, fishing (notably for salmon and
brook trout), kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.
Meredith
Marina: A hub for boat rentals, fishing charters, and water sports,
offering scenic views of Meredith Bay.
MS Mount Washington: A
historic cruise ship docking in Meredith, offering scenic tours of Lake
Winnipesaukee with dining and entertainment.
EKAL Activity Center at
Mill Falls: Provides year-round rentals for kayaks, canoes,
paddleboards, and snowshoes, with guided tours along the lake.
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
Overview: This scenic train offers 1-
or 2-hour trips along Lake Winnipesaukee, showcasing forests, lakes, and
fall foliage. Praised by The Boston Globe and CNN, it’s a
family-friendly way to explore the region.
Season: Operates spring
through fall, with special holiday trains.
Cost: Tickets range from
$20–$40, depending on the route.
Mill Falls at the Lake
Overview: A resort collection with four inns (Church Landing, Bay Point,
Chase House, Palmer Inn) offering lakefront accommodations, dining, and
spa services. The Mill Falls Marketplace features shops, restaurants,
and the historic canal.
Amenities: Includes the Cascade Spa, The
Lakehouse Grille, and access to the EKAL Activity Center. Rooms range
from $150–$400/night, with off-season discounts.
Events: Hosts
weddings, concerts, and seasonal activities like the Pond Hockey Classic
on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Hermit Woods Winery
Overview: A
boutique winery crafting artisanal wines from locally sourced fruits
like blueberries, apples, and elderberries. Known for its intimate
tasting room and unique flavor profiles.
Cost: Tastings start at
$15–$25.
Hours: Open year-round, with extended summer hours.
Cultural Attractions
Meredith Sculpture Walk: A year-round display of
32 rotating art installations in Meredith Village, Hesky Park, and
Scenic Park, supported by community volunteers.
Inter-Lakes Community
Auditorium: Hosts the Summer Theatre in Meredith Village, featuring
professional performances each July and August.
Meredith Historical
Society: Operates two museums showcasing the town’s history, with
exhibits on mills, railroads, and local figures like Bob Montana,
creator of Archie Comics.
New Hampshire Music Festival: Held in
nearby Plymouth, this summer festival (July–August) features world-class
classical music performances.
Annalee Mobilitee Dolls: A local
institution since 1934, producing collectible dolls and hosting a museum
and gift shop.
Lakes Region Fine Arts and Crafts Festival: An annual
August event on Main Street, featuring over 80 artists, music, and food,
with the street closed to vehicles for pedestrian enjoyment.
Seasonal Events
Pond Hockey Classic (February): A popular tournament
on frozen Lake Winnipesaukee, attracting teams nationwide.
Meredith
Rotary Ice Fishing Derby (February): A community-driven event with cash
prizes for catches.
Fall Foliage Tours: Scenic drives and train rides
highlight the vibrant colors of late September to early October.
Culture and Community
Meredith’s population of 6,706 (2020 census) reflects a
suburban-rural mix, with many residents owning their homes and a
significant retiree population. The community leans conservative
politically, with representation in the New Hampshire Senate (2nd
district, Republican Bob Giuda), New Hampshire Executive Council (1st
district, Republican Joseph Kenney), and U.S. House (1st district,
Democrat Chris Pappas).
The town’s culture is shaped by its
tourism-driven economy and strong sense of volunteerism. The Meredith
Area Chamber of Commerce fosters local business, highlighting members
like Moulton Farm, Mill Falls, and Hart’s Turkey Farm. Moulton Farm,
operating since the 1890s, has evolved from a dairy to a
direct-to-consumer model, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and
seasonal events like pumpkin sales. The Innisfree Bookshop, an eclectic
local staple, adds to the town’s cultural fabric.
Meredith’s
schools, part of the Inter-Lakes School District, include Inter-Lakes
Elementary (serving Meredith and Center Harbor) and Inter-Lakes Middle
High School, which also enrolls students from Sandwich. The community’s
commitment to the arts is evident in initiatives like the Winni Players
Community Theatre, which collaborates with the Meredith Historical
Society and MS Mount Washington for events like Mutiny on the Mount, a
comedy by Bob Montana.
Economy
Meredith’s economy has shifted from its industrial past (mills and
railroads) to hospitality and tourism. The town attracts visitors with
its lakes, resorts, and tax-free shopping at places like Mill Falls
Marketplace and downtown boutiques. Key employers include Mill Falls at
the Lake, local farms, and service businesses like restaurants and
marinas. The median home price in May 2024 was $725,000, reflecting high
demand for lakefront properties, though affordable housing remains a
challenge.
The town has 5 bank branches, with Meredith Village
Savings Bank being the most prominent. Seasonal employment spikes in
summer and winter, but labor shortages (often 15% below need) and
housing costs limit growth. The Meredith Code Enforcement Office
oversees construction permits, supporting development while preserving
the town’s character.
Climate
Meredith has a cold, humid continental climate:
Winter (Dec–Feb):
Temperatures range from 10°F to 30°F, with 60–80 inches of snowfall,
ideal for winter sports.
Summer (Jun–Aug): Mild, with highs of
70–80°F and lows around 50°F. Lake breezes keep humidity moderate.
Fall (Sep–Oct): Crisp, with highs of 50–70°F, showcasing vibrant
foliage.
Spring (Mar–May): Variable, with temperatures of 30–60°F and
occasional mud seasons.
The lakes moderate temperatures, but sudden
weather changes are possible in the nearby White Mountains.
Transportation
Meredith is accessible by car via U.S. Route 3, NH Route 25, NH Route 104, and NH Route 106. The nearest airports are Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (1 hour, 603-624-6539) and Portland International Jetport (1.5 hours, 207-775-5809). Public transit is limited, but Concord Trailways offers bus service to nearby Laconia, and AMTRAK serves Claremont, NH, or Boston’s South Station (800-872-7245). Within Meredith, walking is feasible in the village, but a car is essential for broader exploration.