WOMENS FUND OF RHODE ISLAND – Women Leading Change: Our Voices Matter
Auction Ends: Oct 1, 2020 09:00 PM EDT

Travel

Two Night Escape in NH Lakes Region

Item Number
246
Estimated Value
650 USD
Opening Bid
450 USD

The winning bid will go to FrontStream Global Fund (tax ID 26-3265577), a 501c3 nonprofit organization, which will send the donation to WOMENS FUND OF RHODE ISLAND (tax ID 061741539) on behalf of the winner.

Item Description

Meredith, NH
2 nights / 1 Bedroom / Sleeps up to 2
 
Valid September 1 - May 15

 
About this Vacation
Located in Meredith, NH, The Ballard House Inn offers a serene and picturesque backdrop for your home away from home. Just minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee, downtown Meredith, Gunstock Ski Area, and centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Lakes Region, you'll have access to plenty of activities. The Inn sits on over 10 acres of rolling meadows and private forest and is directly accessible to Waukewan Highlands hiking trail from the backyard. Each morning you will start your day with a full country breakfast, consisting of homemade items such as baked apples, Paula’s cheese bread, blueberry ricotta loaf, cooked to order omelets or pancakes. Which ever it may be, we are confident you will start your day feeling refreshed. Feza will be on hand in the morning to assist you in planning your day, and helping you make the most of your stay.

INCLUDES:
- Two Night Accommodation
- Gourmet Breakfast Each Morning
- Access to Over 200 Acres of Hiking Trails
- Storage for your Motorcycle, Bicycle, Snowmobile, or Skis/Snowboard
- $50 Voucher to Laconia Local Eatery Restaurant (pending availability)

TESTIMONIAL: "My husband and I had a wonderful experience at the Ballard House Inn. The owner and staff truly exceeded our expectations with their kindness, recommendations and hospitality. I strongly suggest this Bed and Breakfast!" -Ivana K

Testimonials and Reviews
This was a fantastic home stay. The house itself is absolutely beautiful and super clean and comfortable very close (a few minutes drive) to Meredith and Lake Wiinnipesaukee. My husband and I really wished we’d booked a longer stay and won’t hesitate in rebooking if we visit the area again. Fez is an amazing host! Do not plan a lunch because breakfast is superb, plentiful and enjoyed over wonderful conversations with Fez about the area, local walks and generally putting the world to rights! Nothing seemed too much trouble. I highly recommend!

- Nicky W



LOCATION
Meredith, New Hampshire. Location is just 1 hour from Manchester and any easy drive from Boston.

ABOUT THE RESORT
Editors’ Picks for Lake Winnipesaukee | Yankee Magazine May/June 2018
Lake Winnipesaukee Hotels & Inns | Yankee Editors’ Picks Nov 2017
Best NH Historic Inn – Yankee Magazine May/June 2017
The historic Wilbur W Ballard boarding house was built in and around 1784. The Ballard House was built to house some of the many local travelers and students that attended and visited The Belknap College. As time went on The Ballard House has been the home to many different families over time. In 1946 Helen Hegarty purchased the home for her family. As years went on the house was then sold to the John Dever family in the early 1980’s this is where Meredith Tire Company was established and run out of the barn adjacent to the family home. Then in 1989 Townsend Thorndike of Annalee Doll Company purchased the home and manufactured the world famous Annalee Dolls right out of the barn as well. In 2002 the Houle family purchased The Ballard House, and today the Ballard House sits fully restored to its original charm it once had. It is easy to understand why The Ballard House Inn is so popular with tourists and locals alike.

ACTIVITIES NEARBY
HIKING
Our property is 10.25 acres and we border theWaukewan Highlands Conservation Area which is about 200 acres in size. We have our own trail that connects to the conservation land trails that access a variety of hikes as well as a wonderful pond for swimming. West Rattlesnake hike – this one is a easy 1.5 mile hike with wonderful views of Squam Lake. Mt Morgan hike – This one is rated anywhere from easy to moderate and it takes most about 4+ hrs roundtrip. For my taste, it has the best views of the Lakes Region providing a view of Squam, Winnipesaukee and most other lakes in the region. Red Hill Fire Tower hike – This one is rated as moderate and has wonderful views of Squam, Winnipesaukee and on a clear day all the way to Mt Washington. Mt Major – also a wonderful hike rated anywhere from easy to moderate.

BOAT TOURS
Squam Lake: This particular one is a guide tour organized by the Squam Science Center, is scheduled for 2-3 times a day and lasts about 90 minutes. Information on the tour and reservations (highly recommended) available through their website. Mail Boat: This is the actual mail boat that delivers the mail to the island communities on Winnipesaukee. It is a nice tour and runs around 11-11:30 daily. Information and reservations can be made on their website. Mt Washington Tours: This is a large boat that runs both during the day, as well an evening dinner cruise. Information and reservations can be accessed in their website.

SCENIC TRAIN RIDES
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad: Enjoy a nostalgic scenic excursion along the shores of the lake. The train travels between Meredith and Lakeport always within view of the lake. The railroad line was built in 1849 which was well before development on the then remote lake. Mt Washington Cog Railway: Scenic train rides to the Summit of Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast.

SCENIC LOCATIONS
Kangamacus Hwy – The Kancamagus Highway is a 34.5 mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing areas in the country. The Kancamagus Highway is now designated an American Scenic Byway for its rich history, aesthetic beauty and culture. Castle in the Clouds – Castle in the Clouds is a 16-room mansion and 5,500-acre mountaintop estate in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, opened seasonally to the public by the Castle Preservation Society. It’s unique history, architecture and views from its on-grounds trails makes this a popular destination.

PUBLIC BEACHES
Waukewan Beach – Located on Lake Waukewan – Waukewan, St. Leavitt Beach – Located on Lake Winnipesaukee – Leavitt Park Rd. off Route 25, Ellacoya State Park – Located on 266 Scenic Road Gilford, NH.

KAYAKING & PADDLEBOARDING
You have multiple choices here depending on the lake you choose to go on. Squam was recently chosen one of the top 10 lakes for kayaking; it is also about 20 minutes from the inn. You also have multiple choices on Winnipesaukee with the closest rental location being about 5 minutes away. Wild Meadow Canoe & kayak, Experience Squam, EKAL Activity Center at Mill Falls.
 
Restrictions
*Subject to availability
Must book package within 12 months of purchase.

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