Madison, New Hampshire
Madison, New Hampshire has the best of both worlds. Located in lake country, Madison is a quick car ride from the White Mountains, making the choices of holiday fun seemingly endless for the active vacationer. Historically, Madison was named for James Madison, fourth President of the United States. This quaint little village has long served as a vacation respite for wealthy citizens trying to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. Today, a day's itinerary in Madison can include golfing, fishing, hiking, skiing, white-water rafting, and mountain biking.More than 200 lakes spread out over New Hampshire like an aquatic blanket, weaving their way past 39 towns and 3 cities. Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest in the region. The lake covers more than 70 square miles and has over 280 miles of shoreline. There are some 270 inhabitable islands in the lake, giving the impression of many small lakes instead of one large body of water. Anglers flock to the lake for the lake trout, large and small mouth bass, and salmon. One of the most popular places on the lake is Weirs Beach, which is both a town and a beach area. The town's boardwalk buzzes with activity, and has an arcade, bumper cars, souvenir shops, and plenty of shore side restaurants. The Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad offers excursions from Weirs Beach. Ride through the forest and take in the magnificent views of the lake.
