Explore Grey Rocks this Memorial Day Weekend!
NLRA’s Grey Rocks Conservation Area, located at the north end of the lake, holds different meanings for different people. The property has been used by Native Americans as a fishing camp, young women attending Camp Grey Rock and most recently by boaters as the Newfound Marina. At its peak, the Newfound Marina operated 6 buildings and dozens of boat slips, with heavy use of roads, walkways, and the surrounding water. Before the property was donated to NLRA in late 2011, structures were demolished and most of the evidence of decades of commercial use was removed.
Since that time, trails have been cleared and viewing platforms installed. Hundreds of plants were installed last year and we are looking forward to watching them become established and thrive. A damaged shoreline was returned to natural conditions, with fishing coves, benches and picnic tables added to the site. We will continue adding plants and trees, including American Elms and American Chestnuts.
Grey Rocks is a beautiful place to welcome our feathered friends as they return to Newfound, making Spring a perfect time of year for bird watching. Easy trails lead to three viewing platforms, where you can set up your camera and observe nature, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. It’s a great place to be where water and land meet, and reconnect with nature.
Please be respectful of the native critters and keep your distance. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are allowed, but owners are responsible for removing pet waste. Please remember, Grey Rocks is a Leave No Trace, carry-in/carry-out property.
The Blue Moon Motel – A Beautiful Place to Stay in the Newfound Region
Owned and operated by the Joyce sisters, Mary, Anne and Melissa, the Blue Moon Motel is open from Memorial Day weekend until the end of October. There are few places in this world where one can truly relax, and the Blue Moon is one of them.
When you arrive at the Blue Moon Motel, the cares of the world roll off you. The Joyce sisters transformed and redecorated the Blue Moon in 2013, while keeping some of the 1950’s vintage decor.
Conveniently located between the towns of Bristol and Plymouth, with easy access to mountains, hiking trails, outlet shopping, and Newfound Lake, they have ten rooms, including kitchenettes and one dog friendly space! All rooms have A/C, Cable TV, Free WiFi, a private bath, beautiful linens, and daily housekeeping. Access to a beautiful, shared, private beach on Newfound Lake is right across the street.
You’ll be greeted with warm hospitality and a charming place to stay while you experience the beautiful Newfound region. Call the Blue Moon Motel at (603) 744-2433 or visit their website to learn more.
Emma’s Perennials is a Gardener’s Delight
Emma’s Perennials, located on 398 Borough Road in Hill, (603)744-3805, is the place to buy plants, shrubs, trees and beautiful garden pottery and sculpture.
It’s a little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip – a must-see stop for any gardener, and one of Newfound’s hidden gems. Open daily 9am to 5pm.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Summer 2019 is chock-full of fun for everyone! With Tapply-Thompson Community Center programs and events, Bristol’s Bicentennial celebrations, and NLRA’s 3rd annual “7 Weeks of Summer”festivities 2019 will be a banner year for Newfound! For more information about upcoming events in Bristol, visit their website.
- June 22: Bristol Bicentennial Committee, Community Dance
- June 23: Bristol Bicentennial Committee, Celebration Dinner
- June 24: Bristol Bicentennial Committee, Birthday Party with cake and music
- June 28: NLRA Annual Meeting 4-6pm, @ Red Barn, Hebron
- July 2: Red Barn Series: NH Astronomical Society @ 7:30pm, followed by Stargazing @ Ash Cottage, dusk – 11pm
- July 11: Bristol Bicentennial Committee, Ice Cream Social and Summer Concert Series
- July 13: Swim With A Mission (SWAM) @ Wellington State Park,
- July 16: Grey Rocks Guided Paddle with Rick Van de Poll, PhD, 1-4pm
- July 20: Around the Lake Sailing Race, 1:30pm, meet at Grey Rocks
- July 20: Bristol Bicentennial Committee, Rockin’ Rotary Block Party hosted by Bristol Rotary Club,
- July 27: Hebron Fair, 9am-3pm, and Music in the Mountains @ Ash Cottage, 1:30-3pm
- August 1: Celebrate Bristol’s Bicentennial with the NLRA! Free hotdogs @ Kelley Park concert
- August 20: Mushroom Foray with Rick Van de Poll, PhD, 1-4pm, meet @ Grey Rocks
- August 24-25: Bristol Bicentennial Committee, Pancake Breakfast, Old Home Day, Games, Music, Old Time Artisans & Crafters, Historical Reenactments, Community Service @ Inspiration Point, Old Time Baseball, Community Photo, and more!
- August 31: Run Your Buns Off @ Basic Ingredients
Grey Rocks Sponsorship
Become a part of Grey Rocks by sponsoring a bench, picnic table, or tree. Sponsors make a visible and lasting contribution to our mission to protect the Newfound watershed, and receive recognition for their contribution though engraved plaques with text of your choosing. Please contact the NLRA for more information and prices at info@newfoundlake.org.
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