"Laconia, New Hampshire" Laconia by psychocy

Laconia Travel Guide: 30 reviews and 32 photos

A Great Place To Visit, A Better Place To Live!

I feel privileged to live in Laconia, which happens to be the central city of the Lakes Region, located 25 minutes north of Concord, the state capitol. In addition to numerous lakes (including Winnipesaukee, the largest in New England) the Lakes Region is home to great mountain views, attractions, and ski resorts. Most of the attractions are open in season only (the arcades and water slide on Weirs Beach, for instance), but a few are open year-round (such as Funspot Family Entertainment Center). The summer is hectic here with many tourists, but the opportunities for activities like boating, scub diving, and swimming are worth braving the crowds.

Award-Winning Main Street Community

Main Street In Laconia, NH

Much revitalized after years of floundering, Laconia's main street community is now thriving like never before. If you like shopping, eating, or just enjoying old-fashioned main street buildings and atmosphere, Laconia has what you're looking for. It has suffered a loss in recent years when the old Colonial Theater shut down, but other unique shops have sprung open, helping keep the area alive - and as you know, bustling Main Street communities are hard to come by in this day and age!

Unique Flavor

Weirs Drive-In - Since 1949!

The city is scenic in many areas, but there are also the normal run-down spots. The unique flavor of the region reflects the tourist seasons, lake dominated valleys, and old-fashioned attitudes.

We are even home to a 4 screen drive in theater, right on Weirs Beach, open all summer. We also host the premiere motorcycle event - Laconia Bike Week in June. Tens of thousands of bikers show up for this event.

Other local attractions include the Loudon Speedway for NASCAR fans (15 minutes away), and the MS Mount Washington cruise ship.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Good scenery, many attractions here, many more nearby, I live here!
Cons:Many seasonal attractions, can be busy in seasons, somewhat expensive, bike week is too crowded.
In a nutshell:Laconia is full of things to do, but better in late summer/early spring when you can avoid the crowds.

Last visit to Laconia: Mar 2005
Intro Updated Jan 29, 2006
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (6)

The Oldest Unaltered Textile Mill In The... Off The Beaten Path (2)

From the state's description - "Constructed in 1832, the Belknap Mill is the oldest unaltered brick textile mill in the... more travel advice

It's not just about coffee...! Restaurants (2)

Awakenings is a pleasant little corner cafe with a single computer for internet access, wi-fi for those enabled, and a... more travel advice

Visit A Beautiful Public Library Off The Beaten Path (2)

Laconia public library was finished in 1903 in the Romanesque style of architecture. This style emphasizes weight and... more travel advice

Patrick's Pub in Gilford Restaurants (2)

Patrick's is an irish-style pub with a bar and eatery. They have events many nights, such as comedians and DJs. The... more travel advice

Things to Do (2)
See All Funspot

Been to Laconia?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (15)

LoriPori Apr 1, 2006 at 3:32 AM Report Abuse

Hello Ken. Tahnks for stopping by my Biloxi page. It is a tragedy what has happened there. We loved that place. I enjoyed reading about your home town of Laconia. What a lovely place to live.
Pawtuxet Jan 30, 2006 at 5:48 PM Report Abuse

My son got in trouble for riding a jet ski in front of the tour boat one summer. He was a tyrant. We all loved the lake. Of course the boys loved the Weirs.
imstress Jan 14, 2006 at 6:57 AM Report Abuse

thanks for your kind comment. i was wondering why a psycho would visit me ;p
Minstrelette Nov 19, 2005 at 7:16 PM Report Abuse

I agree- Awakenings sounds nice. Great tips on your town. Hope to go there one day soon.
basstbn Jun 22, 2005 at 11:40 AM Report Abuse

Laconia, and especially Awakenings, looks like my kind of place.
kooka3 Feb 27, 2005 at 2:43 PM Report Abuse

How did I miss Awakenings?? I thought I hit every non-chain coffee place around the Lake! :) Loved your tips. Brought back lots of great memories (especially the Drive-In and the Reggae Cruises on the Mount!)
KaterinaJordan Oct 31, 2004 at 4:11 AM Report Abuse

When I first sow your home page I thought you were living in Greece. Do you know there is a district in Southern Greece (Peloponese area) named "Laconia". The capital of this region is "Sparta" the well known city during ancient ages?
feline01 Sep 8, 2004 at 10:35 AM Report Abuse

The Funspot sounds like our type of place-have to take a trip there someday for my husband to play hours of Missile Command, Centipede and Tetris. What a great place to live!
BerniShand Jul 3, 2004 at 12:18 PM Report Abuse

excellent page, with really well written tips, it was a pleasure to read would love to do the dinner cruise, best wishes
Agraichen Jun 10, 2004 at 8:40 AM Report Abuse

Great shot of the MS Mt. Washington on the lake. A HS buddy of mine used to be the engineer on that monstrosity. Brings back memories growing up on Newfound Lake.