Foliage

May 06. 2011 3:47PM

NH Foliage drives - A Lakes Region smorgasbord

Carol Carter

Brilliant foliage, restaurants galore, gift shops, quaint country villages and the last traditional country fair of the season gives Lakes Region visitors a smorgasbord to enjoy this Columbus Day weekend.

Leaving Interstate 91 at Exit 23, motorists can enjoy the pallet of color along Route 104 where the leaves are reflected in picturesque lakes Pemigewasset and Wicwas. A visitors center near the exit has maps and activity suggestions for leaf peepers.

In Meredith, stroll along the boardwalk at the base of Meredith Bay where late season boaters and perhaps a sailboat on Lake Winnipesaukee will provide great scenic photos. Coffee shops and small restaurants are all within walking distance of the Meredith town docks for a quick pick-me-up before heading north on Route 25 to Center Harbor.

Turn left at the traffic lights in Center Harbor onto Bean Road a scenic country road winding around Squam Lake into the village of Sandwich. But expect a lot of company on the road this weekend as fair enthusiasts will be heading to the annual Sandwich Fair.

You say fried dough and blooming onions arent your meal of choice? Well, perhaps the well known Corner House Inn will satisfy those taste buds. The restaurant is open daily.

Continue on toward North Sandwich, enjoying the mountain vistas and scenic farms before turning right onto Route 113 that brings you back to Route 25 in Tamworth. There you have a choice. Turn right to retrace your route back to Meredith or turn left and hook up with Route 16 in West Ossipee just a few miles away. If you choose the latter and are still hungry, you'll find the Yankee Smokehouse restaurant, a Subway and McDonald's at the intersection of Routes 25 and 16. Then grab the Tums and head back home after a full-filling day.