Gilford, New Hampshire

1. Attend a concert at Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion

Formerly known as Meadowbrook, the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion is a stunning indoor/outdoor amphitheatre, scenically located right on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee (video).

The pavilion started off as a much smaller summer music venue with a temporary stage and seating for around 3,000 visitors. Today the pavilion can seat 9,000 avid concert-goers and is the prime concert venue in New England, as well as being named as one of the best concert venues in the U.S.

If you happen to live close by you can buy season tickets to all the shows and there is an on-site campground available for every show.

Address: Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, 72 Meadowbrook Lane, Gilford, NH 03249, Phone: 603-293-4700

2. Go skiing at Gunstock Mountain Resort

Located on Gunstock Mountain, the Gunstock Mountain Resort was built by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. It originally opened to the public in 1937 and was the first U.S. ski resort to own a chairlift. Today visitors flock to the resort to enjoy a wide range of activities in summer and winter.

Primarily a ski resort, Gunstock Mountain Resort boasts an excellent selection of exciting snow sports including tubing, a thrilling Mountain Coaster, Cross Country, ski lessons and three terrain parks. In summer you can visit to enjoy great hiking trails, camping, biking, fishing and scenic lift rides.

Address: Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, NH 03249, Phone: 603-293-4341

3. Have lunch at Patrick’s Pub and Eatery

Since 1987 Patrick’s Pub and Eatery has been a popular meeting place for Gilford locals and their visitors.

The pub is named for the original owner’s Irish father who hailed from County Cork in Ireland. Today the pub/restaurant is owned and operated by the Beetle family who have made a few changes but still maintain the original ethos of the pub, namely Irish Roots – American Spirit. The menu features a good selection of predominantly American dishes, with a few Irish classic like Guinness Braised Short Rib, Shepherd’s Pie and fried Fish and Chips.

The pub is open daily and hosts regular live entertainment.

Address: Patrick’s Pub and Eatery, 18 Weirs Rd, Gilford, NH 03249, Phone: 603-293-0841

4. Dine at Ellacoya Bar and Grill

Located in a historic old barn which dates back to 1843, the Ellacoya Bar and Grill extends a warm welcome to guests. The barn provides the ideal rustic yet welcoming ambiance and the food is an electric mix of fresh and delicious flavors and textures.

The extensive menu features a good selection of appetizers followed by soups and salads. The entrée list is also extensive, featuring steaks, lamb shanks, ribs, chicken dishes and several seafood options like Panko Crusted Haddock, Seared Ahi Tuna, Grilled Salmon and Seafood Saffron, a selection of fresh seafood tossed in a saffron cream sauce. A lighter lunch menu features sandwiches, burgers, pizza and wraps.

Address: Ellacoya Bar and Grill, 2667 Lakeshore Rd, Gilford, NH 03219, Phone: 603-293-8700

5. Purchase fresh produce at Beans and Greens Farm

Founded 30 years ago by local dairy farmers Andy and Martina Howe, Beans and Greens Farm has been supplying the Gilford community with premium quality, freshly harvested produce.

The farm was bought by Lindy and Chris in April 2021 and they strive to continue the old traditions and add some new and exciting enhancements to the farm. These have included the Flying Bean kid’s adventure park and a weekend Beer Garden. Their farm stall is packed with nutritious, sustainably farmed veggies all year round as well as farm-raised, hormone-free meats, free-range eggs, and home-made bakery goods.

In fall you can visit the pumpkin patch and bring the kids to enjoy the corn maze.

Address: 245 Intervale Rd, Gilford, NH 03249, 603 293 2853

6. Challenge yourself at Hour House Escape Room

Hour House Escape Room in Gilford is designed to offer an hour of challenging entertainment for everyone over the age of 15 (or over 5 accompanied by an adult). There are 3 escape rooms to choose from.

including The Russian Connection, which is ideal for 4-8 players and is rated as difficult. The Swan Song room revolves around a band which seems to be missing their lead singer – you will need to find him before the curtain rises – perfect for 4-8 players and also rated 8 out of 10 for difficulty.

Lastly there is the Mission Impossible room, where players are tasked with finding a hidden formula which can save the world. If you think you have what it takes you can book online.

Address: Hour House Escape Room, 401 Gilford Ave, Suite 103, Gilford, NH 03249, 603 707 1254