While there are fantastic local spa and lodging options, like the Common Man Inn & Spa in Plymouth and The Spa at Mill Falls in Meredith, it doesn’t get much more charming than the accommodations at Laconia’s Lake Opechee Inn & Spa. Settle into your room — check out that pretty view of Lake Opechee! — then don your robe and prepare for some serious spa-time bliss. With an impressive array of treatments, tasty lunches and a serene setting, you’ll unwind in no time. Oh, and the best $5 you may ever spend? Getting their “facial massage” add-on. (Looking for more rest and relaxation time? Consider checking out the spa and health club, Meredith Whole Living Center, offering integrative wellness treatments, like float therapy, massage, skin care, yoga, barre and infrared sauna.)

It may be New England, but Laconia’s island-inspired Tiki Hut Boats of New Hampshire will have you and your gal pals feeling a totally tropical vibe aboard their unique tiki boats. Enjoy a captained sunset cruise around the lake, take a dip in the water if you like, or just kick back and soak up the scenery (it’s a leisurely four- to six-miles-per-hour cruise). Fill the onboard cooler with your own snacks and drinks — alcohol is allowed, just make sure you stay hydrated after those spa treatments. Conveniently, they also have a General Store where you can purchase all the necessities, including tiki garb if you’re feeling festive. You also get to play DJ, as the boats are equipped with a Bluetooth-compatible stereo system.

Hit the outlets for some retail therapy at Tanger Outlets’ Tilton location. There are dozens of stores with all the brand names you know and love (Coach, Banana Republic, LOFT), plus a few local, independent stores with cute gifts and New Hampshire–themed mementos. When lunchtime comes around, head across the street to the Tilt’n Diner – a ’50s-themed favorite in The Common Man family of restaurants that makes a mean patty melt and fries.

One of the best remedies for shop-weary feet? A little wine tasting, of course. Head over to nearby Salisbury for a sampling of the locally grown wines at Black Bear Vineyard. Nestled on more than 17 acres of land, it’s one of the largest vineyards in the state, and owners Kelly and Ted Jarvis are passionate about quality and letting their wines showcase New Hampshire’s unique terroir (that’s fancy wine-speak for how a vine’s environment affects the grapes’ characteristics). Take a private tour of the vineyards before heading back to their lovely tasting room, where you can sample seven different kinds of wine, including their award-winning Seyval (a crisp white) and popular Frontenac Gris.

One of the Lakes Region’s marquee destinations is The Market Place at Mill Falls in Meredith. This bustling resort/marketplace is centered around a restored textile mill — and it is bursting with old-world appeal. Amble along the brick walkways through a village-like square that’s dotted with flower gardens, then browse nine different shops offering unique clothing, accessories, books, furniture and more. And be sure to check out the 40-foot waterfall; it’s a great selfie spot. Venture outside of the marketplace area to enjoy a few more cool shops along Meredith’s Main Street, where you’re sure to see some of the sculptures that make up the famed Meredith Sculpture Walk.

You’ve already gone “island” on this trip; now it’s time to catch a little Mexican Riviera vibe with dinner and some fabulous margaritas at Cactus Jack’s Grill & Watering Hole in Laconia. All the menu favorites are there, of course — you’ve got your chips and guac, enchiladas, and the like. But one of the things that sets this local cantina apart is its Random Acts of Kindness movement. They are known to surprise guests with freebies like appetizers or homemade desserts, as well as a $25 gift certificate for you to Pay It Forward and give someone else some delicious kindness. Great food and heart — you certainly can’t beat that.

If there’s one place you can’t miss for brunch, it’s the Water Street Café. This local favorite has been serving up some of the Lakes Region’s best omelets and waffles since 1988 when owners Jen and Ted Roy opened their doors. If your breakfast window’s closed, they have a full menu of tasty lunch options, as well.

Stretch your legs and work off breakfast with a stroll along the boardwalk at Weirs Beach. This is the epicenter of Laconia’s famous Bike Week and a total throwback to simpler times. Check out the sandy beach, do some people watching or try your hand at some old-fashioned arcade games. Got a few hours before you need to head home? Take a narrated two-and-a-half-hour boat tour of Winnipesaukee aboard the “M/S Mount Washington,” a staple of Lakes Region tourism since 1872. You’ll depart right from Weirs Pier and get to see even more of this vast and beautiful lake. And, of course, you’ll need to stop at Kellerhaus before you leave; this confectionery castle has been serving up homemade ice cream and chocolates for nearly 120 years. Get your chocolate fix with a sundae (topped with mini American flags instead of cherries), or take home a box of their decadent fudge.