Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire has deep clean water, 274 habitable islands and 282 miles of shoreline. It’s also located at the foothills of the White Mountains and surrounded by the Ossipee, Belknap, and Sandwich mountain ranges.

In the fall the area puts on a spectacular display of color, and the next two weekends are traditionally peak viewing on the Lake.

The M/S Mount Washington is an excursion ship sailing the Lake and puts you right in the center of this scenic area and the surrounding fall foliage. This year you can take in a fall foliage dinner cruise from Weirs Beach on Sunday October 15th and Sunday October 22nd, 2006. The cost is $38 per adult and the cruise is 4:30pm - 7:00pm.

The cruise is 2 and 1/2 hours and the ticket price includes a buffet dinner, dancing to live music, and of course gorgeous fall foliage scenic views.

This time of year the air is crisp and cool in the evenings, so bring a sweater for comfort. If the sky is clear you may even get a glimpse of the ships namesake-peak – Mt. Washington - miles to the north.

The towns of Weirs Beach and Meredith offer a range of accommodation if you decide to make a fall getaway trip. The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is only about 2 hours from Boston and easily accessible from I-93 and I-95.

Directions to Weirs Beach from I-93 are Exit 23 off I-93 to Route 104 East towards Meredith for 8 miles. At the end of road turn right onto Route 3 South and after 3.5 miles you’ll see a sign for Weirs Beach and turn left. Cruise tickets can be bought at the M/S Mount Washington ticket office located in the railroad station in the center of town.

Tickets can be purchased online at the cruise ships official web site at http://www.cruisenh.com/

For more ideas and suggestions on other destinations and attractions in the region check out my special Lake Winnipesaukee section by clicking here.

Enjoy your fall weekend

Cliff Calderwood
Executive Director
New England Vacation Guide