Wolfeboro, New Hampshire

The Wright Museum of WWII has been one of New England's most prestigious military museums for more than two decades, founded in 1994 by visionary and founder David Wright. Today, the museum showcases a collection of more than 14,000 artifacts connected to World War II and the American soldiers that made contributions to the homefront and battlefield. An extensive permanent collection highlights items dating back as far as 1939, including fully-operational military vehicles on display as part of special exhibits. The legacy of the Greatest Generation is explored in permanent and rotating exhibits, including exhibits connected to D-Day, Anne Frank, and Associated Press photojournalism of the war's battlefront.

The Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, Phone: 603-569-1212

The Cotton Valley Rail Trail is a lovely 12-mile hard-packed rail trail meandering through the cities of Wolfeboro, Wakefield, and Brookfield, open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and railway motorists of all ages and skill levels. The trail, which is overseen by the Cotton Valley Trail Committee, embarks from downtown Wolfeboro or Turntable Park, traveling along the shores of two lakes and winding over trestles, wetlands, fields, and beachfronts along a former railroad path. ADA-accessible portions between Wolfeboro and Wakefield accommodate travelers with mobility needs. Restrooms and picnic tables are scattered throughout the trail's route for relaxation. During the winter months, the trail is a popular site for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

The Cotton Valley Rail Trail , Wolfeboro, NH 03894

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The New Hampshire Boat Museum is a seasonal museum celebrating the maritime heritage and history of New Hampshire's waterways through a variety of exhibits and annual programming. The museum, which is open during the summer months, was founded in 1992 by a group of area boating enthusiasts and moved to its current home in Wolfeboro in 2000, located within the former Allen "A" Resort theater and dance hall. Visitors can enjoy excursion rides aboard the museum's 1928 Hacker Craft replica Millie B, which sails along the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. 45-minute guided rides are led by experienced boat captains, detailing the history, geology, and wildlife of the lake. Rotating special exhibits change annually, showcasing replica boats and maritime artifacts. Hands-on programming offered throughout the year includes youth and adult courses on boat building, yachting, and sailing.

The New Hampshire Boat Museum , 399 Center St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, Phone: 603-569-4554

The Libby Museum of Natural History was voted as the United States' most eclectic small museum in 2014. The National Register of Historic Places-listed museum was New Hampshire's first dedicated natural history museum at its opening in 1912. Today, it is overseen by the town of Wolfeboro and open to the public between June and October. Its exhibits showcase the collections of Dr. Henry Libby, who began collecting natural specimens in the late 19th century. Visitors can view animals, birds, and natural artifacts displayed in original "curiosity cabinet," including taxidermy exhibits. Family-friendly programming offered throughout the year include rotating art exhibits, nature walks, and children's natural history courses.

The Libby Museum of Natural History, 755 N Main St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, Phone: 603-569-1035

Where to Eat:

La Boca Restaurant was originally founded in 2012 as the La Boca bakery, located within Wolfeboro's Mill Street Meat Market. Five years later, the bakery's expansion and relocation led to the opening of its signature restaurant, which serves up seasonally-changing cuisine based on a love of travel and gastronomy. Freshly-baked bakery bread starts off every meal, complemented by a list of craft cocktails flavored with unique herbs and spices. Internationally-influenced entree options often include favorites like Thai red curry, lamb Bolognese, steak frites, and seared Scottish salmon. Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's limited seating, though walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

La Boca Restaurant , 50 N Main St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, Phone: 603-581-9729

Yum Yum Shop has been Wolfeboro's favorite scratch bakery and kitchen ever since its establishment by Grandma Lotte Kelly in 1948. Today, the shop still produces favorite recipes from scratch onsite daily, including famed frosted and sugar-sanded gingerbread cookies, specialty doughnuts, and custom-designed cakes. Diners can select from homemade breads prepared in flavors like honeycorn or cinnamon raisin or enjoy sweet and savory muffins in flavors like Nutella and strawberry rhubarb. Signature cookie flavors are also sold, along with sweet danishes, pies, and clever pastry selections. Each evening, the bakery's patio reopens as an ice cream parlor, serving up delicious homemade ice cream in gourmet flavors.

Yum Yum Shop, 16 N Main St, Wolfeboro, NH 03894, Phone: 603-569-1919