Things To Do in the
Sugar River Region Year-Round

No matter when you visit, the Sugar River Region invites you to explore on your own terms. From summer fly fishing and farm visits to summer paddling, picnics, and live music, each season brings fresh ways to connect with the outdoors, local food, and authentic small-town experiences. Fall invites you to wander scenic trails and covered bridges, enjoy harvest festivals, and soak up the colors of the season. In winter, ski the slopes, hit the trails, or warm up with creative workshops and cozy firesides. There’s something real and memorable waiting for you, year-round.

Spring:

Fresh Flavors, Baby Lambs and Lakeside Evenings

Spring in the Sugar River Region is about slowing down and savoring the return of color, flavor, and fresh air. Watch the steam rise at Mac’s Maple as creamees and syrup flow, then visit a Shetland sheep farm in Plainfield to meet the lambs and explore a charming on-farm fiber shop. In Charlestown, step back in time with living history at The Fort at No. 4, or cast a line into the Sugar River’s cold spring currents. End the day in Sunapee Harbor—where you can grab an ice cream at the Quack Shack, sip a local pint at Hoptimystic’s new taproom, or board a dinner cruise to catch the last light over the lake.

Summer:

Sparkling Lakes, Sweet Flavors, and Fairground Fun

Summer in the Sugar River Region brims with energy and flavor. Ride the waves of Lake Sunapee or paddle the quiet coves of smaller lakes by kayak or canoe. Pick sun-ripened blueberries at a local farm, wander uncrowded trails, and savor homemade treats and fresh ice cream as you explore the region. Tee off at a scenic golf course, linger over lunch at a local café, or grab a deli dinner to savor on a deck with a view. Celebrate more than 75 years of agricultural exhibits, rides, music, and family fun at the Cornish Fair, then end your day at a welcoming inn or beneath fairy lights as lively music spills into the night.

Fall:

Color, Craft Brews & Covered Bridges

Fall in the Sugar River Region is made for wandering. Stroll or bike the Sugar River Rail Trail under a canopy of changing leaves, or follow backroads from covered bridge to covered bridge—there are ten to discover. Celebrate the season at local favorites like Claremont’s Brewfest and Newport’s Apple Pie Festival, or get lost (on purpose) in the corn maze at Riverview Farm. Whether you’re sipping a crisp local cider, picking apples, or just soaking in the views, fall offers a perfect mix of tradition, taste, and trail time.

Winter:

Trails, Tubing & Firelight

Winter in the Sugar River Region blends outdoor adventure with warm, welcoming places to thaw out. Hit the slopes at Mount Sunapee, go tubing at Arrowhead, or ski scenic Nordic trails at Eastman. Try a creative workshop at the Library Arts Center, take a yoga class in Sunapee Harbor, or sip a local brew in a cozy taproom. After dark, head to Claremont for blacklight mini golf or settle in for a fireside stay at a local inn. Whether you’re chasing snow or just the quiet, winter here offers room to breathe and reasons to linger.

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