Thinking about summer vacation? When you live in a place as wild and beautiful as the White Mountains and surrounding areas, you don't have to go far. In fact, some of our real estate agents' favorite summertime destinations are right here in our own backyard.

This summer, instead of booking a ticket to some far-flung destination, consider a staycation right here in New Hampshire. With attractions like these just beyond our doorstep, every day can feel like a vacation. 

• Explore Squam Lake - NH-113, Holderness, NH 03245
  Part of the New Hampshire Lakes region just south of the White Mountains, Squam Lake is a picturesque natural body of water spanning nearly 6,800 acres. It's a beautiful destination for boating and watersports, with dozens of bays and islands ripe for exploration. It's an excellent fishing lake, too, especially for smallmouth bass in summertime. The public boat ramp on Squam Lake is just 10 minutes east of Plymouth on the waterway that connects Squam Lake with Little Squam Lake, making it easy to launch your boat not far from these Holderness homes for sale.
  
  
• Drive the 157 Kancamagus Hwy - NH-112, Conway, NH 03818
  The Kancamagus Highway has been called the most scenic drive in the white mountains. This 34-mile portion of NH Route 112 is a great place to spend an afternoon on the open road with the windows down. The eastern end of the route is in Conway, a stone's throw from numerous Conway homes for sale, and it extends westward through the heart of White Mountain National Forest to Lincoln, passing through some of the most striking scenery in the state. 
  
  
• Visit Franconia Notch State Park - Flume Gorge, Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH 03251
  Many adventures await at Franconia Notch State Park. Nestled in the mountain pass between the Kinsman Range and Franconia Range in the White Mountains, this wild, rugged park offers dozens of hiking trails, including routes that lead to the secluded Lonesome Lake and the open ledges of Mount Pemigewasset's 2,557-foot summit. Other notable features include the spectacular Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and the dramatic granite walls of Flume Gorge. With many Lincoln homes for sale nearby, Franconia Notch State Park definitely warrants repeat visits.
  
  
• Paddle the Pemi River - 2458 US-3, Thornton, NH 03285
  The Pemigewasset River, often referred to as "The Pemi" by locals, is a perfect paddling destination that flows through the heart of the White Mountains. The Upper Pemi is known for its surging whitewater, but the middle and lower portions of the river through Woodstock and Thornton are mostly flat and calm, especially in summer. It's ideal for a river canoe or kayak trip, and several local guides in the area lead group paddles. Pemi River Campground is a great place to start near these Thornton homes for sale, offering gear rentals, guided trips, and riverside camping.
  
  
• Hike and Bike at Pondcherry Wildlife Sanctuary - 289 Airport Road, Whitefield, NH 03598
  Just minutes away from these Whitefield homes for sale, the wild, picturesque landscape of Pondcherry Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place for outdoor adventure close to home. The sanctuary has 9 miles of trails that are open to bicycles as well as foot traffic. Weaving through woods, wetlands, and meadows near the shoreline of Cherry Pond, the trails are easy to moderate in difficulty and have great views of the Presidential Range. 

Contact us today to see Franconia homes for sale and learn more about life in New Hampshire. Countless families have found their dream homes in the White Mountains with help from our real estate agents, and we're ready to help you find yours.