I hear this question asked quite often by the guests.  And it surprises me.  I mean, just look around!  I do – every day!  This area is made for labs like me.  So much to see, so much to do, so much to SNIFF!!!!

I was 3 months old when I was introduced to hiking!  And I have not looked back!  It is great that I live in the Newfound area and surrounded by a wealth of outdoor recreation – with an owner who was an Outdoor Recreation major!  Life is grand!  So, before I head out for another adventure, let me tell you about where I live.  Grab an Adirondack chair and I’ll settle into my dog bed.

Surrounded by the beauty of woods, water and mountains, Newfound Lake is in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire. Often overshadowed by the “BIG” lake and Squam Lake (where On Golden Pond was filmed), Newfound Lake has much to offer. 

Its area covers 4,451 acres and refreshed twice a year by eight underground springs.  With 22 miles of shore line, the lake is about 2.5 miles wide, 6 miles long and the deepest point is 183 feet. What makes Newfound Lake unique is that it is the cleanest lake in the state – and ranked 7th cleanest in the nation. Wellington State Park, containing the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire state park system, is a 204-acre property located on the lake’s west shore in the town of Bristol. Drive by the entrance to the park on a warm summer day and cars are lined up waiting to get in.  Heidi often walks me to the park during the off season – only time I am allowed in the lake! 

Newfound is quiet, though. And that is one thing you will hear from locals and visitors alike. Many of her guests often remark how quiet it is. Some evenings, depending on how the wind is carried, you can hear loons on the lake. My favorite sound are the coyotes howling in the distance. When I hear them, I am ready to run with them.

True, we do not have the “commercialism” that the big lake has. However, we have the relaxed pace of sitting on porches, hiking the local trails, strolling thru downtown Bristol, going for a bike ride on the bike trail, fishing for one of 22 species of fish, or stopping by the Audubon Society where you can rent a kayak and paddle at Gray Rocks Conservation area.  Attend a concert in the park.  I am tired just thinking of all that I can do!

Oh, do not worry – there is more!  Trust me – I am a lab!

In February, the local fire department holds an annual ice fishing derby.

Starting in May and running through October, there is an open-air market the first Saturday of those months – tasty treats (of course I have tried them), local crafters, artisans, and more are set up.

The Hebron Fair is always the last Saturday of July. 

Run Your Buns 4.2 miler race is held at the end of August – even dogs are allowed to run!

The New Hampshire Marathon – a qualifier for the Boston Marathon – is in October.

And you cannot forget about the town’s Old Home Days, the fireworks on the lake, and the 4th of July parade. 

These are just a few of the events taking place in our area.

My favorite past time (besides early morning walks with my girl, swimming in the lake, competing at DockDogs events) is hiking!  There are so many trails right here in my area!  We are so lucky to have Mt Cardigan in our backyard – I have lost count of the number times I have hiked there.  There is the Elwell Trail, Big and Little Sugarloaf Trail, Profile Falls & Old Hill Village trail – which is a rail to trail and perfect for cross country skiing in the winter!  If you are looking for one, ask Heidi – she has hiked most of them!  With me!  I sleep like a log – I mean dog – when we return. 

Quiet? Yes. We are.

Boring? No. All you need is a sense of adventure.  That is my middle name.

And of course, at Pleasant View B&B, a great breakfast to start you off and a comfortable bed awaits you at the end of your adventurous day!