The calendar may be inching toward fall, but summer in the Lake Sunapee Region isn't over yet!
There are still plenty of warm days ahead and time to fit in a few more of the experiences that make this season here so special. Whether you've spent your summer on the lake, exploring the trails or enjoying everything happening throughout our local communities, consider this your reminder to make the most of these last few weeks.
From ice cream and lake cruises to live music, hiking and one of the area's favorite late-summer traditions, here are 10 things to add to your list before we say goodbye to summer.
1. Get Ice Cream at Sanctuary Dairy Farm
Is it really summer without at least one trip to Sanctuary Dairy Farm Ice Cream?
Located on Route 103 in Sunapee, Sanctuary makes its ice cream right on the farm, with plenty of flavors to choose from. Grab a cone and find a spot outside to enjoy it while taking in the farm setting.
It's an easy stop to pair with a day at Mount Sunapee, Lake Sunapee State Beach or Sunapee Harbor. And if one visit isn't enough, there's still time to go back and try another flavor before the season ends.
2. Ride the Scenic Chairlift at Mount Sunapee
We're used to seeing Mount Sunapee covered in snow, but summer offers an entirely different way to experience the mountain.
Take the scenic chairlift to the summit for views of the surrounding mountains and lakes along the way. Once you reach the top, spend some time exploring, taking in the scenery and snapping a few photos before riding back down.
Looking for a little more adventure while you're up there? That brings us to number three...
3. Hike to the Lake Solitude Overlook
Once you're at the summit of Mount Sunapee, why not keep exploring?
The hike out toward Lake Solitude is a fun way to add a little adventure to your day. Pack a light lunch and make your way out to the overlook, where you can stop for a bite while taking in the view before heading back.
It's one of those spots that feels tucked away from everything and a good reminder that some of the best views in the Lake Sunapee Region take just a little extra exploring to find.
4. Catch a Concert at a Local Bandstand
Few things feel more like summer in New Hampshire than an outdoor concert on the town green.
Throughout the Lake Sunapee Region, local bandstands and town greens come alive with music during the summer months. Pack a lawn chair or blanket and spend an evening at the Ben Mere Bandstand in Sunapee, the Mary D. Haddad Memorial Bandstand in New London, the Newport Town Common, the Wilmot Bandstand or another local venue.
With performances continuing throughout August, you haven't missed your chance to catch one.
Looking for a concert near you? Check out our 2026 Summer Events in the Lake Sunapee Region guide for remaining dates, performers and locations.
5. Pick Your Own Bouquet at Spring Ledge Farm
Here's one summer activity you can take home with you.
Head to Spring Ledge Farm in New London and wander through the pick-your-own flower garden to create your own fresh bouquet. With thousands of blooms to choose from, you can pick your favorites and put together a colorful mix to bring home.
While you're there, stop into the farm stand for locally grown produce and other seasonal favorites. It's a simple way to spend a summer morning or afternoon and enjoy what's growing locally while it's at its peak.
6. See Lake Sunapee from the Water
Even if you've spent years around Lake Sunapee, seeing it from the water gives you an entirely different perspective.
Head to Sunapee Harbor and climb aboard one of the Sunapee Cruises boats for a trip around the lake. Sit back, take in the scenery and learn a little more about the lake and the communities along its shoreline.
Leave some extra time before or after your cruise to walk around the harbor, grab a bite to eat or simply watch the boats come and go.
7. Watch a Show at the New London Barn Playhouse
Summer theater has been part of life in New London for generations, and August offers another chance to experience it.
The New London Barn Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating summer theaters in the country, bringing professional theater to its historic barn on Main Street.
Check out what's playing this month and make a night of it. Grab dinner in New London before the show, then head over to the Barn for an evening of live theater.
8. Spend an Afternoon at The Fells
Gardens, trails, history and Lake Sunapee views all come together at The Fells.
Located along the eastern shore of Lake Sunapee in Newbury, the historic John Hay Estate is an easy place to spend a few hours on a summer day. Wander through the gardens, explore the grounds, walk one of the trails or step inside the historic Main House.
Even if you've visited before, the gardens and landscape change throughout the season, giving you a good reason to make another trip before summer winds down.
9. Play a Round of Golf
There's plenty of golf season left!
Late summer is a great time to get out on the course, and the Lake Sunapee Region has several options to choose from. Play a round at Eastman Golf Links in Grantham or head to the Country Club of New Hampshire in North Sutton, set at the foot of Mount Kearsarge.
Whether you're fitting in a quick round or making an afternoon of it, there's still plenty of time to enjoy a day on the course before the season changes.
10. End the Month at Farm Days at Muster Field Farm
We couldn't think of a better way to round out our summer list.
Muster Field Farm Museum in North Sutton will hold its annual Farm Days on August 29 and 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The two-day event celebrates the region's agricultural history with exhibits, demonstrations and activities throughout the farm's fields and historic buildings.
You'll find farm animals, hay rides, ice cream making, a kiddie tractor pull and the daily car and tractor parade, along with plenty more to explore throughout the weekend.
Farm Days is one of those end-of-August traditions that feels like a fitting way to celebrate the final days of summer.
Make the Most of What's Left of Summer
We may be starting to see hints of fall around the corner, but there's no need to rush the season.
Pick something from this list you've never done before, revisit an old favorite or see how many you can fit in before September arrives. There are concerts to hear, trails to hike, flowers to pick, shows to see and, of course, plenty of ice cream to eat.
Looking for even more ways to explore the area? Check out our Lake Sunapee Region Visitors Guide for local attractions, outdoor recreation, places to eat and more ideas for enjoying the region year-round.
The last few weeks of summer can be some of the best in the Lake Sunapee Region. Get out there and enjoy them!
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