Spend an hour (or two, or three) of your winter trip hunting for vintage goodies at central New Hampshire’s largest antique emporium. The Laconia Antique Center works with more than 150 independent antique dealers to source hard-to-find collectibles like glassware, furniture, toys, and even railroad memorabilia. You’ll find it all in a 22,000-square-foot space that formerly housed a Newberry’s Department store in the 1950s. After you’ve checked out and secured your haul, stop by Connie’s Counter to recharge with a hot dog or grilled cheese.

Find even more one-of-a-kind curiosities at these Lakes Region antique shops.

Nothing says “hygge” quite like a bed-and-breakfast brimming with character. Luckily for anyone traveling in the Lakes Region, there are plenty of charming stays to choose from for a recharging winter getaway. At The Inn on Golden Pond, enjoy a reimagined B&B experience with cooked-to-order breakfasts, dog-friendly amenities, and spacious rooms (each with a distinct style). There’s also Follansbee Inn, a historic B&B in North Sutton that offers its guests complimentary homemade breakfast and a front-row seat to the quiet beauty of Kezar Lake.

Find your perfect stay by browsing these Lakes Region accommodations.

The necessary ingredients for a hygge-inspired dinner: snug seating and ambient lighting (bonus points for cabin-inspired decor). Around the Lakes Region, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants that serve up delicious food and inviting interiors. Ellacoya Barn & Grille in Gilford is the pinnacle of rustic charm, housed in a former 19th-century barn and serving a varied menu of American fare. Another great option: Camp at The Chase House Inn, an Adirondack-style eatery offering comfort food (from burgers to New England-style pot roast) amid pine tables and a fieldstone fireplace.

Seeking more dining options? Discover the best lakeside restaurants in the area.

The best cafes are the ones where you feel comfortable lingering, savoring, and perhaps even getting lost in the pages of a paperback — and Wayfarer Coffee Roasters’ Laconia location fits the bill for a slow morning. The menu features coffee roasted right on-site, rotating seasonal beverages, and specialty lattes sure to perk you up on a chilly winter day (including the ultimate flavor for a crisp, cool day: pumpkin spice). Don’t skip the housemade liege waffles with toppings like chocolate sauce, cinnamon sugar, and strawberry glaze.

Picking up a new hobby is a great way to beat the winter blues, and what’s more, an inherently cozy hobby like crafting or baking is just the ticket for adding some much-needed warmth and whimsy to the cold-weather months. The Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center offers a wide range of workshops that are perfect for tapping into your creativity — whether you’ve always wanted to make your own sourdough or have a burning passion for candle-making.

Nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Woodstock Inn Brewery is so much more than a brewery — it’s a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates a good pour. With four on-site pubs, restaurants serving up home-style menus, rustic touches, and cozy fireplaces, you’re going to want to stay a while. The brewery also offers weekend tours, where you’ll get to taste a few brews and bring home your own pint glass. If you really want to soak in the full Woodstock Inn Brewery experience, book an overnight accommodation to enjoy a uniquely New Hampshire stay.

Explore more breweries and wineries around the region.

The ideal way to cap off your winter weekend getaway? Tucking into a classic Sunday breakfast. Whether you’re craving something sweet like blueberry pancakes or a savory country breakfast of eggs, sausage gravy, and a buttermilk biscuit, Water Street Cafe in Laconia is well worth a visit. Open seven days a week (starting bright and early at 7 a.m.), this off-the-beaten-path cafe offers a daily rotating menu of specials in a modest, comfortable setting.

While it might sound counterintuitive to plan a hike during a relaxation-focused getaway, it just isn’t a winter trip to the Lakes Region without witnessing the area’s beauty from a stunning summit. West Rattlesnake Mountain offers the ideal balance of (moderate) effort and (incredibly worthwhile) reward. The Old Bridle Path — which is a roughly two-mile round-trip route and canine-friendly, if you’ve got your pups in tow! — brings you up to the top of the mountain and affords a jaw-dropping view of Squam Lake and its surrounding islands. For another way to take in the winter scenery, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along the groomed trails at Bolduc Park in Gilford.

Discover more winter walks and activities.