We have the address for the funeral home & the family on file If you're not happy with your card we'll send a replacement or refund your money Moultonborough - Jeffrey P. Clarke, 78 of Moultonborough, NH passed away peacefully at home on March 28th, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 54 years, Gail Seiler Clarke, and their two children,... View Obituary & Service Information Clarke created this Life Tributes page to make it easy to share your memories Made with love by funeralOne A report compiled by the Lakes Region Planning Commission indicates the broader Lakes Region significantly lacks available housing The 2023 Lakes Region Housing Needs Assessment details strong population growth over the past 20 years The local experience over that time period closely mirrors conditions throughout New England “Housing trends in the Lakes Region are very similar to trends experienced by the rest of the state population has increased faster than the number of housing units driving up prices we have another unique problem resulting from the second vacation home market The additional demand for housing in the region increases land and building prices and reduces the percentage of the housing stock available for year-round and nonseasonal use.” Their study estimated a need for 372 total units per year — including 158 affordable units — through 2040 The report sought to investigate four core questions: Are there enough housing units for people who work in the Lakes Region at present?; Is the available housing adequate and affordable for those people?; Can we expect adequate and affordable housing to be available for those living and working in the Lakes Region in the future?; and if the answer to the previous three questions turns out to be ‘no’ The Lakes Region covers all of Belknap County and includes portions of Carroll Municipal populations in the Lakes Region tend to be rural in nature while many individuals live in the area year-round many others are unable to find affordable housing and commute extensive distances to work here The population of year-round residents in the Lakes Region increased slightly more between 2000 and 2010 than it did between 2010 and 2020 A 2022 report from the New Hampshire Office of Planning and Development projected those trends would continue before slowly leveling off and going into decline Moultonborough experienced the highest population growth rate between 2010 and 2020 and the second largest increase in population at 874 Laconia had the largest increase in population with 920 new residents followed by Alton and Gilford at 644 and 573 The study identified several factors likely to influence the future supply of housing housing affordability and the cost of developing new housing: the overall supply which is generally provided by the private sector and subject to market influences; tourism which the Lakes Region’s economy is largely dependent on and increases demand for short-term rental availability; remote work which became increasingly common post-COVID pandemic; changing demographics; and development opportunities in terms of available land which can be developed based on rules governed by zoning the Lakes Region labor force has varied slightly it’s always been between 60,000 and 65,000 people and corresponding unemployment rates have ranged between 2.4% and 6.7% the number of jobs in the region increased 10% More than 60% of jobs are dispersed between just five industries: retail; health care and social assistance; education; accommodations and food service; and manufacturing Almost half of the region’s renters are low-income households The total percentage of low-income renters is larger than the proportion of low-income homeowners The assessment notes those figures indicate a need for rental housing assistance programs in the Lakes Region The overall number of housing units increased by 1,174 between 2010 and 2020 but only about two-thirds of those units are considered occupied — the other third are listed as vacant and are most likely seasonal The growth rate of available units is much slower than the rate of population growth which was 4.6% between 2010 and 2020 — the growth rate of housing was just 1.5% “There has been some growth in the number of housing units however not as much as the population has grown About two-thirds of the housing in the Lakes Region is considered vacant including seasonal housing,” the report reads “Much of the housing that has become available in the past decade is due to formerly vacant (seasonal) housing being converted to occupied housing.” The Lakes Region has a much higher rate of vacant housing units compared to the rest of New Hampshire the Lakes Region proportion was twice as high as the state writ large and might be attributed to the Lakes Region’s identity as a vacation destination with many second homes A statewide look at short-term rental properties found there were 5,500 units available statewide with nearly a quarter of those found in the Lakes Region there were 2,238 income-restricted housing units about 4% of the total number of housing units About half of those are designated for families the elderly or those with mental or physical disabilities Of the 31 communities comprising the Lakes Region 16 have income-restricted units: Laconia had the most at 569 and Franklin was second The region’s housing market also inflated significantly home sales prices increased more than twice-over a 20% down payment increased from $28,400 to $71,993 Median rent for an apartment also increased the proportion of renters who were overburdened meaning they dedicated more than 30% of their income to rent Nearly half of all households earning between $35,000 and $50,000 were overburdened The population of the Lakes Region is projected to continue to increase through 2040 To read the entirety of the 2023 Lakes Region Housing Needs Assessment, navigate to lakesrpc.org “Through several versions of the Lakes Region Housing Need Assessments stretching back nearly two decades the message has been consistent that there continues to be a need for more housing throughout the region but a mix of housing options,” the study reads “A sufficient variety of housing allowing reasonable options for the single person or couple starting out and for those of us who might be downsizing later in life must be made available.” These articles are being shared by partners in the Granite State News Collaborative. For more information, visit collaborativenh.org you agree with our use of cookies to personalize your experience measure ads and monitor how our site works to improve it for our users Key players: Moultonborough – Makenna Eichorn (11 points 3 assists); Franklin – Kourtney Kaplan (18 points Highlights: Playing in their first home playoff game since 2012 the Tornadoes took an early lead in the first quarter but the Panthers hit three 3-pointers later in the frame to tie the game and Moultonborough pulled away in the second quarter for a 34-24 halftime lead Franklin locked down defensively in the second half allowing just five points in the fourth quarter and no Panther baskets over the final four minutes of play but couldn’t muster enough offense of its own to close the gap The Tornadoes closed the gap to six points a couple of times in the fourth but their shots didn’t fall down the stretch in Tuesday night’s Division IV prelim Franklin trailed 41-33 at the end of the third quarter Records: Moultonborough 11-8; Franklin 14-5 Key players: John Stark – Haley Stafford (17 points 8 rebounds); Bishop Brady – Claire Jackson (18 points) but Brady used an 18-7 third quarter to cut the deficit Brady was within one point of the Generals in the closing minutes of the game Coaches’ quotes: “Haley Stafford played a great game for us today controlling the tempo and finding the open teammate We were happy to secure another win this season.” – John Stark’s Tiffany Warren got us back in the game … School vacation week hurt us again tonight Ella Blanchette played an outstanding game on defense.” – Bishop Brady’s Steve Aubertine Records: John Stark 4-13; Bishop Brady 4-13 Key players: Coe-Brown – Emma Lapierre (16 points) Highlights: Coe-Brown controlled the game start to finish outscoring Plymouth 19-6 in the second quarter to put the game away early Coe-Brown will be on the road for next week’s Division II tournament Coach’s quote: “Nice to see a win go through the basket.” – Coe-Brown’s Joe Vachon Key players: Pembroke – Evan Berkeley (30 points); MV – Aiden Gray (18 points in the fourth quarter to win an otherwise close game The Spartans have one more regular season game on Friday when they host Milford Pembroke is currently in first place in Division II Coach’s quote: “We fought the whole game against a good Pembroke team Looking to play hard again on Thursday as we finish up the regular season at John Stark.” – MV’s Kelly O’Brien Key players: John Stark – Cam Carpenter (17 points) Joey Dykstra (8 points); Bishop Brady – Ryan Casey (18 points) Highlights: The Generals jumped out to an early lead A huge charge picked up by Dykstra and some timely foul shooting by Carpenter allowed the Generals to maintain control at the end Coaches’ quotes: “We had some different guys step up for us tonight and it was great to see Avery and Cam hit some timely shots for us and it is a testament to the work that they have put in all season.” – John Stark’s Mike Smith did all the things they needed to do to win.” – Bishop Brady’s John Billings Records: John Stark 4-13; Bishop Brady 3-14 Key players: Coe-Brown – Matthew Flanagan (20 points Highlights: The Bears wrapped up the regular season with a win over the Bobcats 5 spot for the Division II postseason tournament descended the Chimney Trail in Freedom when she inadvertently hit the throttle of the machine and collided with a tree according to New Hampshire Fish & Game resulted in serious but non-life-threatening injuries an experienced rider who had been on this trail several times before and took her off the trail via a rescue sled An ambulance transported her to Portsmouth Regional Hospital She was taken to Brigham & Women’s Hospital later Maddie Burns started a GoFundMe fundraiser Her lung was also punctured and she had multiple contusions “She has a long road of recovery ahead of her,” she said “and I'm hoping this will help to ease the financial stress that will come with it for her and her family.” a retired Lakes Region firefighter who grew up in Concord The fundraiser has reached around 70 percent of its $16,000 goal. The “Support Carol's Long Road to Recovery” effort is linked here Do you have a news tip? Please email it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel Follow the NH politics Twitter account @NHPatchPolitics for all our campaign coverage Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page For nearly four years, cyanobacteria blooms continued to appear on the surface of Lake Kanasatka in Moultonborough, which flows into Lake Winnipesaukee But thanks to the work of lake residents and state officials a treatment this spring has left Lake Kanasatka’s waters crystal clear Cyanobacteria are a type of microorganism that naturally occur in bodies of water and form blooms when they multiply on the water’s surface Some blooms can pose a health risk to humans and animals because they produce cyanotoxins The toxins cause a range of allergy or flu-like reactions According to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more common due to warming water temperatures and shifting rain patterns a cyanobacteria report in 2020 began one of the most severe cases documented in state history an aquatic biologist with the state’s environmental services department said the lake saw especially poor conditions in 2023 when a cyanobacteria bloom lasted over 120 days Andrea LaMoreaux, President of NH Lakes said the cyanobacteria blooms were fueled by a large deposit of phosphorus deep at the bottom of the lake but too many nutrients in our lakes cause too much plant growth and too much cyanobacteria growth,” she said Normally that phosphorus might be trapped on the bottom of the lake but low oxygen levels allowed it to dissolve into the water – and feed the cyanobacteria The community quickly took action to address the blooms The Lake Kanasatka Watershed Association raised money with the town to fund a lake management plan That plan and their advocacy helped persuade state officials to fund what’s known as an alum treatment this spring The treatment works by binding the phosphorus to the lake bottom with aluminum sulfate cutting off the cyanobacteria’s food source “They put aluminum sulfate into the lake…to sort of seal the sediment to keep that phosphorus in there,” LaMoreaux said Only two other lakes in the state have received a similar treatment, which cost the state $500,000. The funds came from a cyanobacteria mitigation fund created by the legislature in 2023 Eric Carlson is a local summer camp director concerned about whether or not there'll be a bloom.” The treatment is expected to last between ten and fifteen years but property owners will need to prevent new pollution to ensure its longevity LaMoreaux said there are many steps property owners can take like avoiding fertilizer use and adding plants like bushes or trees to their shoreline Watershed association members like Rob Baker regularly volunteer on properties around the lake His granddaughters visit the lake each summer and it’s become an important place for his family it's relatively quiet and peaceful,” he said “I couldn't stand to see it go green for years on end.” Enter your email to sign up for The Frequency See more newsletters Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight A still photo from a YouTube video by Jackson Callahan shows boats rafting on Braun Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee in Moultonborough on July 4 Moultonborough residents have lost their fight to have a boat-rafting ban reinstated on Braun Bay which locals have called the “Animal House” and “toilet bowl” of Lake Winnipesaukee New Hampshire Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn denied the request saying petitioners failed to prove their points Filed by Attorney James Armillay on behalf of residents the petition sought to revoke a 1993 Department of Safety order permitting boat-rafting That order rescinded a 1989 prohibition on boat-rafting in Braun Bay The effort was endorsed by the Moultonborough Board of Selectmen large numbers of boats have been attracted to a sandbar on the upper reaches of Braun Bay opposite the Department of Fish and Game’s Kona Wildlife Management Area where they have tied up together to form “rafts.” Property owners on the northeastern reaches of Braun Bay long have complained that the gathering of upward of 300 boats and a thousand people on summer days imperils public safety hurts the environment and lowers property values A hearing on the petition was held in Moultonborough Town Hall on June 5 said in a telephone interview that the petition was not brought by the town The petitioners have 30 days from the date of the order to ask for a rehearing Summarizing the testimony and letters submitted to the Department of Safety Quinn said supporters of the boat-rafting ban observed that “on weekend days and holidays during the summer the large number of boats (in Braun Bay) creates noisy crowds that have a negative impact on area properties.” Quinn said Armillay’s arguments focused primarily on public safety issues but also mentioned negative impacts on nearby property values and the environment including cyanobacteria blooms produced by “nutrient-loading.” said the shallow water in front of state-owned land is “an ideal location for families to congregate” and that activities are not as sordid as ban-backers claim Quinn pointed out that Braun Bay is “property open to the public and intended for broad public use Lake Winnipesaukee already has 16 “rafting-restricted areas,” six of which are in Moultonborough “Not adjusting a rule will not have a significant impact on public safety,” Quinn said He noted “a lack of documented violations in Braun Bay recently” and said that before taking a “drastic measure” that would “drastically limit the public’s access,” enforcement should be increased Quinn also said the petitioners “did not provide any proof that real property in the area is less valuable due to boating,” and he called claims of diminished water quality “anecdotal.” after application of all of the legal criteria there is insufficient evidence of boating-safety problems to justify rescinding the 1993 order,” he wrote LakesNews@unionleader.com Email notifications are only sent once a day Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account One of the six states in New England, majestic New Hampshire is home to Mount Washington the most prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River along with this popular natural attraction several other phenomenal vacation spots within New Hampshire make the “Granite State” a note-worthy place to visit From Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough to Hampton Beach State Park along the coast of the Atlantic state is home to several incredible attractions urging visitors to experience that pleasant home away from home Here are nine of the most incredible vacation destinations in the great state of New Hampshire Castle in the Clouds is a 16-room mansion that attracts approximately 50,000 people annually the mansion offers visitors a trip to the past with its many facets one can tour the rustic mansion for a historic endeavor or head out on the 28 mile trail network which spans the 5,300 acre ground showcasing the garden recharge by tasting delicious fare served daily at the Carriage House Restaurant and Cafe in the Clouds The adjacent town of Moultonborough also offers a variety of awesome lodging choices for those who spend more than a single day visiting Castle in the Clouds an 18th-century farmhouse located just outside of town while Bear’s Pine Woods Campground offers a variety of great outdoor amenities Both are within walking distance of Lake Winnipesaukee Located an hour north of Castle in the Clouds Franconia Notch State Park is a picturesque retreat nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains the park boasts a variety of attractions that captivate outdoor enthusiasts an 800-foot-long natural wonder framed by towering granite walls and cascading waterfalls a smooth granite pothole sculpted by centuries of rushing water the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza pays homage to the iconic rock formation that once symbolized the state Franconia Notch is a year-round destination. In summer, visitors can hike the 1.5-mile Artist Bluff Trail for stunning views of Echo Lake and Cannon Mountain or fish at Profile Lake Winter offers exhilarating skiing and snowboarding at Cannon Mountain Ski Area The park’s small RV site ensures a comfortable visit for those staying overnight Picturesque North Conway is perhaps the ideal place to spend a vacation with friends the town is home to iconic natural attractions like Cathedral Ledge and White Horse Ledge offering breathtaking views and excellent hiking and climbing opportunities The Conway Scenic Railroad provides a nostalgic ride through scenic mountain passes making it a perfect activity for visitors of all ages There are even several attractions in North Conway for kids of all ages visitors will adore the Pirate Cove and Banana Village golf courses in the summer a fabulous indoor water park with a 3-story slide tower Gunstock Mountain Resort is a wellspring of outdoor opportunity in Gilford From ziplining over majestic terrain to hiking the great Cobble Trail Loop there is something for every kind of adventurer here the prime attraction is skiing and snowboarding Twenty-four of these trails are open at night so that you can cut through the snow under the moon’s dim light which offers an aerial treetop adventure course with dozens of different challenges There are several fine lodging choices at Gunstock including camping at Gunstock Campground or staying any time of the year at either Gunstock Inn or Fireside Inn offers lodging from balcony rooms with scenic views of the mountains to a luxurious 3-bedroom apartment If you like cultural history, the Canterbury Shaker Village, located east of Canterbury, might be the place to visit. This “village” is a historic museum spread across 700 acres of land with many historic buildings dating back to the 19th century. Founded in 1792 by the Shaker religious community the site provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these industrious and devout individuals known for their innovations in agriculture one can opt for a guided tour of the 25 original and four rebuilt Shaker buildings including a trail circling Turning Mill Pond and educational programs detail the lifestyles of the Shakers Shaker Village maps are also available for those wishing to explore independently Lost River Gorge offers a perfect getaway for the entire family or enjoy guided lantern tours along the boardwalk complete with a campfire and s’mores to end the adventure The gorge’s dramatic natural beauty and educational appeal make it a memorable destination for all ages there are excellent lodging and dining options to complement your visit provides gourmet cuisine paired with scenic views Another fantastic option is the Pemi Public House offering delicious meals and a welcoming atmosphere in nearby Woodstock If you are searching for more of a city vibe without being inundated by a large metropolis such as Boston or New York City Portsmouth may be ideal for you and the family features incredible attractions like the Strawbery Banke Museum a living history museum that brings the 17th century to life built in 1718 and showcasing colonial grandeur Portsmouth also boasts fantastic lodging options that blend comfort and affordability. Martin Hill Inn and Ale House Inn stand out as cozy retreats. Additionally, seafood lovers are in for a treat, as Portsmouth offers some of the most delectable dining experiences on the Atlantic coast Don’t miss local favorites like River House flavorful dishes served with stunning waterfront views exciting attraction that even the kids would love Canobie Lake Park in Salem is the place to go this historic amusement park features a variety of attractions from the classic antique carousel and Canobie Express train ride to thrilling roller coasters like the Dragon Coaster offering everything from classic fair food at Chicken Coop to nostalgic diner fare at Be Bop Diner Salem has several convenient lodging options Hampton Beach State Park is a must-visit destination for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Located between Hampton Harbor and the Gulf of Maine this park offers a wide range of activities year-round The park’s well-maintained facilities and stunning natural beauty make it a popular family choice a pristine stretch of sand perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying water activities like kayaking The park’s coastal charm and array of outdoor amenities make it one of New Hampshire’s most beloved vacation spots photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com This Wolfeboro property, featuring a main home, a two-family guest house and a two-bay boathouse, sold last August for $12.2 million. The real estate website Zillow.com estimates its value now at more than $13 million a key to a million-dollar property has been lake or ocean frontage as seen from the veranda of this $4 million home in Moultonborough can be a very nice home in a desirable town,” said Adam Dow CEO of The Dow Group at Keller Williams Realty in Wolfeboro six-bath home in Moultonborough with 240 feet of Lake Winnipesaukee frontage sold for $4.2 million in January 2023 Nearly 1 in 4 homes for sale in New Hampshire last month was priced to sell for at least $1 million “It used to be with a million-dollar home you needed to have direct waterfront,” said real estate agent Adam Dow whose firm focuses on the Lakes Region and North Country can be a very nice home in a desirable town,” said Dow CEO of The Dow Group at Keller Williams Realty More than 110 communities across the state had at least one seven-figure single-family home for sale in June according to figures from the New Hampshire Realtors “What you bought for a million dollars five years ago is much more different than what you’re buying for a million dollars today,” Dow said “You’re getting half the house and half the property.” The problem plaguing home affordability today is that far fewer homes are for sale at any price than years ago — 8,500 fewer than in 2015 That is despite the addition of newly constructed homes in many communities over the past decade 1 in every 26 homes was priced at $1 million or more Although the number of million-dollar-and-up homes for sale in June was actually slightly lower than in June 2015 six times as many homes were for sale nine years ago at any price “Higher percentages of $1 million-plus homes means home ownership is out of reach for more and more Granite Staters,” said Elissa Margolin a statewide affordable-housing advocacy coalition “How are New Hampshire’s businesses going to recruit and retain a workforce if there is no place for people to call home?” Many buyers in the million-dollar market are buying with cash after selling a house in another state “When you look at New Hampshire as opposed to New York Connecticut or Florida — or even parts of Massachusetts on the North Shore — we’re a relative bargain,” said Seacoast real estate agent John Rice “You rarely see a mortgage in anything over $3 million,” said Seacoast real estate agent Jim Giampa A person buying a $1 million home with a 20% down payment — $200,000 — would need a yearly household income of nearly $300,000 to pay for principal according to calculations from New Hampshire Housing That is nearly 50% more than was needed just four years ago — in large part because of higher borrowing costs That assumes a family spends 30% of its income on housing the cap recommended by federal housing officials People with lower incomes would need to pay a greater share for housing About 14% of New Hampshire households make at least $200,000 a year many residents struggle to assemble a down payment and afford the mortgage for the statewide median-priced home of $525,000 which is up 64% — or $205,100 — in four years The yearly household income needed to pay for that median-priced house more than doubled in that time — to $147,700 for a family putting down a 20% down payment inflation increased 22% in that four-year span Dover and Portsmouth lead the state in homes priced at $1 million or more outpacing Bedford and individual Lakes Region communities “We’re obviously going to continue seeing development that meets market wants and there is a strong luxury home market in and around the Seacoast area,” said Ryan Pope Rising rents and home prices at lower price points elsewhere are forcing people to drive longer distances to work in Dover “The cost of living within the city is increasing at a pretty rapid clip and is outpacing people’s ability to pay based on incomes in and around the Seacoast,” Pope said “That’s pushing people further and further out and increasing their commute times.” In an effort to build more affordable housing Dover officials have changed zoning requirements giving developers more freedom to build more housing units on a given plot of land than previously we’re going to price out our own residents,” Pope said so much that “the million-dollar home is now off the water,” Dow said and higher interest rates for construction loans have combined to drive up home prices and that is built into the home costs,” said Margaret Joyce president of the Greater Dover Chamber of Com merce Rising home prices squeeze renters as well “Unaffordable homeownership translates into increased pressures on the rental market,” said Housing Action NH’s Margolin “Having a home is a universal and basic need If New Hampshire families can’t afford to buy a home they will stay longer in the rental market “These kinds of numbers remind us why we have a below 1 percent vacancy rate in New Hampshire’s rental market with virtually no rentals near New Hampshire’s job centers,” she said was involved in the two priciest reported home purchases in state history an $18.5 million sale closed at 17 Straws Point Road in Rye the oceanfront home has five bedrooms and nine bathrooms “It was the location and the quality of the build,” Giampa said The property offers a more than 180-degree view stretching from Kennebunk The record home sale occurred in December 2022 at 30 Straws Point Road the 1.2-acre property sold for $25 million “It’s like a little enclave right there,” Rice said A family from California bought a home on the Seacoast sight unseen in 2020 The family returned to California last year “A lot of renters that came during COVID want to live here permanently,” Giampa said The most expensive house currently on the market in New Hampshire is in North Hampton the 9,443-square-foot home sits on 42.23 acres It features five bedrooms and 10 bathrooms and comes with an elevator The yearly property taxes were nearly $58,000 in 2022 Many people coming from other higher-priced housing states are finding lower prices “It’s a pretty good bang for the buck if you’re coming from somewhere else,” Dover’s Pope said “If you’re here and commanding New Hampshire wages mcousineau@unionleader.com Patricia Harding was looking for a single-family home in the Nashua area when her real estate agent mentioned a new development in Hudson offe… Granite Staters’ ability to afford a house hit an all-time low in June Boaters will still be able to head to Lake Winnipesaukee to raft in Braun Bay Some Moultonborough residents in New Hampshire filed a position to stop boat-rafting and curb the amount of noise from Braun Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee the New Hampshire safety commission rejected the petition This story essentially involves two parties: the tourists that like to throw boat parties on Braun Bay and "raft" and the property-owners in Moultonborough tired of hundreds of boats and a thousand people on the water every weekend Rafting is when boaters who drop anchor and tie their boats together to form “rafts.” The property-owners filed a petition with attorney James Armillay addressed to the safety commission requesting a ban on boat-rafting on Braun Bay environmental damage and lowering of property values What was the argument against allowing raftingThe property-owners filing the petition argued against rafting on the grounds that it violated public safety and constituted a danger to the microscopic fauna in the water Quinn countered by saying that the area is public property and is thus meant to be used broadly by the public More: Lakes that rival Winnipesaukee What are the largest lakes in New Hampshire Winnipesaukee is so popular due to its picturesque views that one can enjoy with friends or family The lake is also very popular because of the plethora of exciting waterfront activities a person can partake in like cruising on boat rentals and rafting She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com The Loon Center at Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough Moultonborough shares three prominent Lakes Region features with its neighbors: Lake Winnipesaukee While both lakes are major attractions for tourists the mountains are of prime interest to hikers and those — like me — fascinated by geology The triangle-shaped town includes Moultonborough Bay and the long peninsula of Moultonborough Neck separating the bay from the rest of Lake Winnipesaukee is included in the town by a wiggly boundary line through the lake Another sharp corner of the triangle includes a wedge-shaped slice of Squam Lake The interlocking puzzle of town boundaries began with land grants from Royal Governor Benning Wentworth to grantees from Hampton and nearby towns he was a controversial figure and subject of several tales of supernatural activity He was called the “Yankee Faust” for his rumored deal with the devil and another ghostly legend became the theme of a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier and outside in a glass-enclosed porch is Concord Coach No thought to be the oldest remaining in New Hampshire It is also one of the few private coaches built by the Lewis Downing Company A 1784 map shows the store as the only building here, but it wasn’t long before this became the village center. The Town House was built in 1834, and by then there were several houses, a school, tavern, inn and blacksmith shops. The Town House is now the Moultonborough Historical Society Museum part of a complex that includes a former schoolhouse the Emerson Barn and the Old Moultonborough Inn The Town House is on the National Register of Historic Places and the buildings house a variety of collections The Emerson Barn displays farm tools and transportation and a horse treadmill that was once used to power a lake boat (an old print shows it in action) Particularly interesting is the collection of dollhouses The candy counter at The Old Country Store Overlooking Winnipesaukee, Castle in the Clouds is a 16-room Craftsman-style mansion built in 1913-14 for millionaire shoe manufacturer Thomas Gustave Plant No expense was spared in creating a house filled with fine craftsmanship and the latest innovations such as a central vacuum system Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and usually open to visitors from May through October (though this year’s stay-at-home order delayed opening to June) the castle has sweeping lake and mountain views But there’s more to the story of this idyllic mountaintop It begins with a favorite local viewpoint called The Crow’s Nest the high point on a large acreage owned by B.F Shaw built a viewing platform with benches at the summit he was not satisfied with the several thousand acres Shaw had owned and he set up a campaign to force the Lee family to sell at a price significantly lower than they had been offered by a relative built a 20-foot-tall spite fence to block their view and splashed all the buildings in sight with black paint even catching the attention of The Boston Globe He further noted that Plant was desecrating the Lee family cemetery and Plant was ordered by the town to restore the damaged stones and rebuild the wall around it the Lees finally sold the land their family had farmed since the 1700s and Plant blasted away The Crow’s Nest to build the estate he called Lucknow You can still hike Shaw’s Brook Walk to see the seven waterfalls the largest of which is 40-foot Falls of Song Signs include pictures of the falls as early visitors to Ossipee Mountain Park saw them The trailhead is just east of the Castle in the Clouds entrance road on Route 171 Also a part of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust lands is the moderate Oak Ridge Trail Loop with spectacular views and signage explaining the area’s ecology The Ossipee Mountains are the remains of a 125-million-year-old volcanic ring dike a circle of peaks about 8 ½ miles in diameter are what’s left of a volcano that may have topped 10,000 feet the highlight is the columnar basalt (a smaller version of Ireland’s famed Giants’ Causeway) visible beside the Bald Knob Connector Trail off Shannon Brook Carriage Road flatter walk can be found at the Markus Wildlife Sanctuary ponds and streams protected as habitat for loons The Loon Nest Trail follows Winnipesaukee’s shoreline through the forest Other trails explore the property and displays explore the impact of humans on loons