Lake love: standup paddleboarding on Winnipesaukee. / Photo courtesy of New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism

The Lakes Region of New Hampshire is bigger than you might think: It starts roughly in Concord and extends north through the White Mountain National Forest, encompassing such sylvan bodies of water as Squam Lake, Lake Sunapee, and the big kahuna, Lake Winnipesaukee. A year-round playground with numerous ski mountains in winter and spectacular fall foliage, it delights in the summer with hiking, rock climbing, ziplining, bike paths, spelunking, and scenery as refreshing as a cold glass of lemonade.

There are virtually infinite ways to enjoy the lakes of central New Hampshire. Beyond the better-known bodies of water are more than 250 others, not to mention the mountains and valleys surrounding them. Since 1872, Mount Washington Cruises has been operating scenic cruises on Winnipesaukee, our favorite being the two-hour trip aboard the M/V Sophie C, the oldest floating post office in America, which visits a variety of islands to deliver letters and packages. On land, the Winnipesaukee Railway in Meredith delivers on its promise of gorgeous views, while Scenic RailRiders out of Concord offers a two-hour man-powered adventure via two- or four- person “bikes.” The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center boasts extensive nature trails and live animal exhibits, while some of the ski mountains have upped their off-season game, including Gunstock, where you can zipline and ride the mountain coaster. The Polar Caves in Rumney offer a wealth of exploration opportunities, and in inclement weather, Funspot in Laconia claims to be “the largest arcade in the world,” with 600-plus games. Regardless of how you spend your time, you’re in no danger of being bored.

On Lake Sunapee, Fenton’s Landing more than lives up to its slogan of “Breakfast, Lunch, Tacos, Brunch,” while everyone in Tilton ties their boat up at Dox on Winnisquam to enjoy American classics, Italian specialties, and a mouthwatering variety of mac ’n’ cheese. In Laconia, the Junction Restaurant + Provisions offers superior pizzas, burgers, and comfort food in a sleek contemporary setting. For more-formal dining, Van Horn Estate overlooks Squam Lake and offers two dining options in a mansion that dates to 1907. In the Van Horn Dining Room, guests can enjoy a candlelit dinner with white-linen service and a wood-burning fireplace, choosing from main courses like lobster-and-truffle pappardelle and pan-roasted duck breast, accompanied by a bottle from the award-winning cellar. The Isaac Bistro & Pub boasts a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere with outdoor patio dining and shared plates like fried-chickpea panisse, as well as heartier fare such as bourbon-honey steak tips. Wherever you decide to eat, save room for dessert. The area is home to countless ice cream shops, and Kellerhaus in Laconia has been handcrafting superb Bavarian-style chocolates since 1906.

You could spend a lifetime scouring New Hampshire’s antiques shops and general stores, but you’ll need at least a day to explore the Laconia Antique Center, which has more than 150 independent dealers. For bargain hunters, Tilton has the Tanger Outlets, while you can find apparel for both humans and pets, along with books, jewelry, and home décor, at the Marketplace at Mill Falls in Meredith. Fine-art hounds will want to hit Lakes Region Art Association Gallery in Tilton, as well as the BayView Artisan Gallery and Jeremy Noyes Gallery in Meredith. Major bonus: Shopping in New Hampshire is tax-free.

New Hampshire has any number of charming places to stay, from mom-and-pop B&Bs to elegant inns, but a resort aiming to be the state’s first five-star hotel opened just last fall. The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, located on 36 gorgeously landscaped acres in Tilton, is like a billionaire’s lakeside retreat. The spectacular interiors were designed by renowned decorator Manuel de Santaren, and the hotel offers every amenity—from swimming pools, watersports, and indoor and outdoor dining to a cinema, hiking trails, and fire pits to make s’mores. However, its expansive spa is a real standout. Offering signature treatments that utilize local ingredients in a serene setting, it’s reason enough to visit.

One of the most appealing things about the Lakes Region is its accessibility, a mere hour-and-a-half drive from Boston on I-93 (depending on traffic).