A Perfect Holiday Season in Newfound
It’s the holiday season and there’s a festive spirit in the air! Bristol Square is beautifully decorated and our shops, restaurants, and lodging establishments are serving holiday cheer. Come celebrate the season with these fun things to do! And be sure to mark your calendar for NLRA’s First Day Hike on January 1 — see details below!
Bristol Decks the Halls with Holiday Fun
December is a busy time in Bristol — see a list of upcoming events. Some highlights include:
- December 8: Friends of Minot-Sleeper Library Cookie Buffet at Masonic Hall, 3-6 pm
- December 8-10: 63rd Annual Santa’s Village & Christmas Craft Fair. December 8, 6-8 pm; December 9 and 10, 2-5 pm. Please bring canned good items for the Bristol Community Services Food Pantry
- December 9: Breakfast with Santa at Masonic Hall, 8-10 am; Friends of Minot-Sleeper Library Cookie Buffet at Masonic Hall, 8 am-noon
Great Holiday Gifts at Twin Designs Gift Shop
Do your holiday shopping locally! Visit Twin Designs Gift Shop, where brothers Brad and Jim feature all kinds of gifts for the young and young-at-heart. There’s original artwork, children’s books (written and illustrated by the brothers), cards, Newfound Lake souvenirs and memorabilia, gourmet treats for your favorite furry friends, soaps, socks, and so much more. Bring the kids to visit with Bristol’s favorite turtle — Diane the Turtle. Diane’s 49th Birthday party is tomorrow (December 2) from 9 am to 2 pm, with cake being cut at noon. Come wish Diane a Happy Birthday! Twin Designs Gift Shop is located at 8 Central Square in Bristol.
Cozy Dining at the Homestead Restaurant
Wide pine floors greet you as you enter the Homestead Restaurant on Route 104 at 1567 Summer Street in Bristol. Take a step back in time as you sit by one of the original wood-burning fireplaces and enjoy a delicious dinner in one of their three dining rooms. The original home was built in 1788 and the Homestead Restaurant has been in business since 1979. Open Monday to Saturday starting at 4:30 pm, with specials Tuesday through Friday. Sunday dinner starts at noon. Come for Happy Hour, Monday through Thursday. Gift certificates are available. To make a reservation, call 603-744-2022.
One-Stop Shopping at Hannaford Supermarket
Hannaford Supermarket at 505 Pleasant Street in Bristol has everything you need for your holiday gatherings. They have party platters, decorations, cakes, and they’ll even steam your shellfish in house. Hannaford’s convenient location makes your life easier with one stop shopping for all your holiday needs.
Perfect Way to Start the New Year: Hike Wellington State Park
Hiking at Newfound is a great way to kick off the new year. Join the NLRA, NH Parks and Recreation, and the Lakes Region Conservation Trust for a free, self-guided hike starting at noon on New Year’s Day. This 1.5- mile, round-trip hike on the Elwell Trail starts at Wellington State Park, crosses the summit of Little Sugarloaf with fabulous views of Newfound Lake, and passes pristine and quiet Goose Pond. See the trail map here. Last year we saw two soaring eagles — maybe we’ll be lucky again this year!
Plan to join us — please register online here. You can also register that day at Wellington State Park. Parking, bathrooms and warm drinks will be available at Wellington also. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Owners are responsible for all pet waste.
Protect Newfound Lake: Please Give to NLRA’s Annual Fund
Help us protect the lake and land that we love by donating to the Newfound Lake Region Association’s Annual Fund. Your donation will be used to support our water monitoring, land use planning, education, and community outreach programs. Your donation, of any size, will make a difference.
Please make your gift online or send a check to Newfound Lake Region Association Annual Fund, 10 North Main Street, Unit 1, Bristol, NH 03222.