Sometimes I forget how fortunate I am for growing up here. I took for granted so many simple things. As my family has grown older, and I've taken friends and family on area tours I realize just how lucky I am to have grown up here and to raise my family here. For me, I am all about summer and all the summer fun things we can all do. And there is never enough time to fit it all in –you know that pesky work thing slips in once in a while.

Tee Up

Our family loves to golf, and there are a number of golf courses close by. All of the options for golf within 30 minutes away are amazing. From the simple par 3 Kirby Golf Course in Kirby, Vermont or Sunset Hill Golf Course in Sugar Hill to Blackmount Country Club in Haverhill – great courses that I think are perfect for those of us that don't bother to keep score but keep those that do challenged. (If you want to learn how to play, come see me - because every single kid I have taught has beat me just their first time out!) Or if you would like something a little more challenging, there is the Bethlehem Country Club or Maplewood Country Club – both Donald Ross designed courses. And if you really want to play an amazing round on a beautiful course with spectacular views, there are 2 courses at The Omni Mount Washington Resort and then just across the Connecticut River, you will find the St. Johnsbury Country Club – boasting an old Scottish design. [caption id="attachment_3745" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Omni Mount Washington Resort // Flickr[/caption]

Splashing Around

There are lots of opportunities to hit the water nearby! Our family loves to go kayaking, or boating or jet skiing and in just minutes there is the Moore Dam Reservoir. It's so large that many people think it's a lake. It used to be the site of an international boat regatta in the 70s and 80s. Moore Dam Reservoir is a perfect spot to water ski, kayak and of course, fish. There is also Echo Lake in Franconia Notch State Park. It sits at the base of Cannon Mountain--you can imagine just how refreshing that is! A second option is Forest Lake State Park where admission is free, changing rooms, baths and BBQ grills are ready for use. The lake itself is wonderful as it doesn't get deep fast and is quite warm. [caption id="attachment_3746" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Lonesome Lake in Franconia Notch National Forest with Cannon Mt. to the north // Flickr[/caption] And of course there are many of those secret little swimming holes along the river. Just across the river there is Shadow Lake in Concord, Vermont and Harvey's Lake in Barnet, Vermont. And a bit further up Interstate 91 is Crystal Lake in Barton. And one of my absolutely favorite places - Willoughby Lake in Westmore, Vermont. One end has a shaded white sand beach that is a little more off the beaten path and the other end has a public beach which doesn't get deep for a very long way out. I grew up catching crawfish and minnows here. But if you are looking for a little more adventure with slides, wave pool and more, there is also The Whale's Tale Waterpark in Lincoln, NH. A sure way to make sure everyone sleeps well!

Backyard "Staycations"

There are lots of fun "vacation in your backyard" type of places, things to do that are so much fun to watch my family doing that I did as a kid. Take Clark's Trading Post with their bear shows and train rides. They've added a lot since I was a kid – Segway rides, bumper boats and much more! [caption id="attachment_3739" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Angela's family watching the Bear Show at Clark's Trading Post[/caption] Then there is Lost River Gorge - I can no longer fit through the lemon squeeze, but it's a refreshing spot on a hot day and full of natural wonder! The Flume in Franconia Notch State Park is a beautiful place to walk through the woods. And it was neat to share with my family about the Old Man in the Mountains and what it looked like before he fell. [caption id="attachment_3740" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The family at the Old Man in the Mountain viewing area[/caption] For more aerial adventures, you can take the Tram car up Cannon Mountain. Which will you end up on – the one called Ketchup (the red tram) or Mustard (the yellow tram)? On a clear day you can even see into Canada and New York. We've also enjoyed the Loon Mountain adventures. Me from the ground (I do NOT do heights!) and I've enjoyed the gondola ride up. It's very neat to see a lake at the top of a mountain. There is the biking trail through Franconia Notch which is a beautiful paved trail all the way through Franconia Notch. And so many hikes to do for all skill levels. There is even a hike to Lonesome Lake, which I have yet to do with my family, but I hear that with no light pollution the stars are supposed to be breath taking! For more adventures, there's of course Santa's Village in Jefferson and Story Land in Glen, NH – both are great for all ages. They are kind of a rite of passage for my family. Although my favorite is still Squam Lake Science Center - if you have an animal lover in your life it's a must see. One of the great things though that I have yet to check off my list, is the Cog Railway. I've sat on the veranda at the Omni Mount Washington Resort and watched it climb up Mt. Washington. But the fear of heights thing - but I can say, it's on my bucket list. As is tubing down the Pemigewasset River from Livermore Falls to Plymouth for a leisurely float. I just wish summer lasted a few more months!