Alton Travel Guide

This guide offers information on the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and what to eat in Alton, New Hampshire.


Introduction to Alton

Welcome to Alton, a charming town located in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. This beautiful destination boasts a serene atmosphere, with an abundance of natural beauty, quaint local shops, and plenty of fun activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re looking to relax on the lake, explore the outdoors, or learn about the local culture, Alton is the perfect vacation destination for you. Read on to discover all the best things to do, see, and experience in Alton.

List of Places to Visit in Alton

Alton is full of fun and adventurous places to visit, from cultural landmarks to natural attractions. Here are some of the top places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Alton Historical Society Museum: This small but charming museum showcases the town’s rich history and culture, with exhibits on local industry, historic artifacts, and tribal history.
  • Hiram Piper House: Dating back to the 1700s, this historic home showcases the charming architecture and rich history of the region. It’s open to the public and offers a glimpse into life in Alton during centuries past.
  • Gilman Garrison House: Built in 1769, this garrison house was used to protect the local residents from Native American tribes during wartime. Today, it’s a preserved historic site open to visitors.

Natural Attractions of Alton: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Major: Located just outside of Alton, this mountain offers some of the most breathtaking views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding area. Visitors can hike to the summit, which boasts panoramic vistas, and relax in nature.
  • Alton Bay: A popular spot for visitors and locals alike, this beautiful bay offers swimming, boating and fishing opportunities.
  • Dixie Cove Campground: Located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, this beautiful campground is a great place to experience the local wildlife and scenery. Visitors can rent cabins, pitch tents, or stay in RVs and enjoy the many offerings of the area.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Alton

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love Alton’s scenic trails and challenging hiking routes. Here are some of the best:

  • Mount Major Trail: This 3.8-mile trail is popular for its panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s a moderately difficult trail that offers a great workout with spectacular views as a reward.
  • Barnes Preserve Trail: A 1.5-mile hike, the Barnes Preserve Trail is a peaceful and scenic walk through beautiful meadows and forests.

Best Things to Do in Alton: Activities and Tours

From lake adventures to cultural experiences, Alton has plenty of fun activities to offer. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Alton:

  • Boating on Lake Winnipesaukee: Alton Bay is a great starting point for a day exploring the lake. Boats can be rented from local vendors, or visitors can bring their own.
  • Fishing on the lake: Alton Bay is also a great spot for fishing, with both cold and warm-water fish species found in the area. There are plenty of charter fishing companies available for hire in the region.
  • Horseback Riding: Visitors can experience the scenic views of the local countryside on horseback with various local companies, including the High Meadow Farm.
  • Craft Fairs: Alton is well known for its craft fairs, taking place throughout the year at various locations in town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Alton

Here’s a sample week-long itinerary to enhance your Alton vacation:

Day Activities
Monday Hiking at Mount Major
Tuesday Horseback Riding
Wednesday Visiting the Alton Bay Farmers Market
Thursday Exploring the Alton Historical Society Museum
Friday Boating on Lake Winnipesaukee
Saturday Visiting the Dixie Cove Campground
Sunday Relaxing at Alton Bay

Food and Drink Scene of Alton

Alton has a fantastic food and drink scene, with plenty of local bakeries, local food vendors, and restaurants offering delicious cuisine. Here are some of the best places to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster Roll: Freshly caught and expertly prepared by local vendors, these rolls are a true delight to the senses.
  • Maple Syrup: A staple of New Hampshire cuisine, this locally-made syrup is a perfect topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
  • Apple Cider Donuts: A local favorite, this treat is the perfect breakfast or snack during your visit.

Local Beverages

  • Local Beers: The local beer scene is thriving in Alton. Check out Burnt Timber Brewing or the Copper Kettle Tavern, among other places.
  • Wine: Visitors can sample local wine at Sap House Meadery, a small winery near the town.
  • Coffee: If you want a quick pick-me-up during your visit, grab a cup of coffee from Sunflower Natural Foods or Bailey’s Bubble.

Where to Stay in Alton: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Alton has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget, from affordable hostels to luxury resorts. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • The Wolfeboro Inn: This inn offers charming rooms and fantastic views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
  • The Naswa Resort: A waterfront resort featuring a full-service restaurant, live entertainment, and water sports rentals.
  • The Lake Shore Farm Inn: A cozy bed and breakfast in the heart of Alton, complete with a friendly staff and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Alton: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

No visit to Alton is complete without some local souvenirs to bring back home. Here are some of the best places to buy souvenirs and local products in Alton:

  • Alton Bay Farmers Market: A great place to purchase local produce, crafts, and gifts.
  • Sue’s Space: A gift shop featuring locally-made items, including pottery, jewelry, and art.
  • Jewett Farms & Co.: A company that produces high-quality furniture that makes for a perfect souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Alton

Alton has a rich history and culture, celebrated through its various museums and cultural events throughout the year. The town is also popular for its local sports teams and outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting, and boating.

Best Time to Visit Alton

Alton is a year-round destination, with each season offering a unique experience. The spring and summer months are perfect for outdoor recreation, while the fall offers stunning foliage views and charming fall festivals.A perfect time to visit would be from June to August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Alton

Do:

  • Do explore the natural attractions of Alton, including the scenic hiking routes and beautiful boating opportunities.
  • Do visit the various museums and cultural landmarks to learn about the local history and culture.
  • Do try the local cuisine, such as lobster rolls and maple syrup.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in the natural areas. Alton’s beautiful scenery is a precious gem, so make sure to keep it free of any rubbish and debris.
  • Don’t visit during the high season only. Alton is a year-round destination, so make sure to check out our various festivals and events happening throughout the year, like the Alton Bay Boat Show or the Winter Carnival.

Safety and Health

Safety in Alton

Alton is a safe town, with low crime rates and a friendly and welcoming population. Visitors should always be aware of their surroundings, especially when exploring natural areas, and take precautions like wearing proper footwear and bringing appropriate gear for their activities.

Health in Alton

Alton has several medical facilities available to visitors. Local urgent care centers include the Huggins Hospital and Proctor’s Lakehouse Cottages. Visitors should always have the necessary medication, especially if pursuing outdoor pursuits.

Getting to Alton: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Alton

The nearest commercial airports to Alton are Portland International Airport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport and Boston Logan International Airport. From here, visitors can take a car, or public transportation to get to Alton.

Bus Stations Near Alton

Concord Trailways is the nearest bus station to Alton, with daily services coming to Alton. Visitors can also take the Greyhound USA services, which runs between Boston and Montreal every day.

Other Options

Visitors can rent cars and bicycles, charter private planes and helicopters, or hire a private car or taxi to get to Alton. There are several car rental agencies available at the airports and bus stations that will make logistics easy.

How to Get Around in Alton

A car is the easiest mode of transport for visitors in Alton. However, a bike can be a great way to explore the town and take in the natural beauty, especially during the summertime. Local taxi services such as Bluebird Taxi, and Moultonborough Taxi also operate locally.

Where to Go Next from Alton: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Alton Bay is a great starting point for visiting other destinations in the region. Here are some of the great nearby destinations for tourists.

  • Portsmouth: A livelier town that offers museums, shops, and great restaurants, perfect for a day trip.
  • Concord: The state capital of New Hampshire, this town is rich in history and culture, and offers plenty of historic landmarks and tourist spots to explore.
  • Lake Sunapee: A beautiful lake region with many water activities and hiking trails to explore, this area is ideal for nature lovers.

Conclusion

Alton is a great vacation destination, offering a range of experiences for visitors year-round. With its stunning natural scenery, fascinating history, and welcoming community, Alton is sure to be a memorable trip for all who embark on an adventure in this scenic and charming town.