A Road Trip Through The Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee Region of New Hampshire

The Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region is home to some of New Hampshire’s prettiest road trip options! This route winds through the region’s quiet back roads, weaves past historic stone-walled villages, offers a glimpse of a frozen Lake Sunapee, and provides views of the slopes on snow-covered Mount Sunapee. I hope you enjoy this journey through a true slice of Granite State heaven!

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Gibson Pewter has been on my New Hampshire bucket list for years. Located in a beautiful barn workshop and showroom, second-generation pewterer Jonathan Gibson carries on a family tradition that dates back to 1966. John was gracious enough to allow me to snap pictures and chat with me about the history and craftsmanship of Gibson Pewter.

If it is made of pewter, it seems John has it on display in his showroom. Gibson Pewter has been featured in Yankee Magazine, New Hampshire Chronicle, and more. I would encourage you to visit the Gibson Pewter website to appreciate the amazing pride and craftsmanship in each piece. This is a must-stop if you are anywhere near Washington; you won’t be disappointed.

Gibson is a state-juried member of the League of N.H. Craftsmen and he also creates their annual Christmas ornament.

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A Treasure Hunter’s Dream: Tintagel Antiques

Tintangel was the first of two U-turns during the day. Furthering the town’s reputation as a haven for history lovers is Tintagel Antiques. Tucked away in this scenic corner of the state, Tintagel mirrors the town’s own character: authentic, well-preserved, and full of stories.

The antique bottles in the window and the sign by the road lent themselves to two of my more satisfying pictures of the day.

Newport

Head west to Newport, a vibrant community centered around a massive town common. The crown jewel is the Newport Opera House, a brick Victorian structure built in 1886 that still hosts performances today. The town is known as the “Sunshine Town” and features a rich industrial history along the Sugar River.

The historical marker below celebrates Sarah Josepha Buell Hale, a proud point of interest for the town of Newport.

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Croydon

The Little Red Schoolhouse

Education in Croydon isn’t just a budget line item; it’s a point of pride and history. The town is home to the Croydon Village School, one of the few remaining multi-age, “one-room” style schoolhouses in the state.

Springfield

From “Protectworth” to Springfield

Springfield didn’t start with a common name. When it was first chartered in 1769, it was known as Protectworth. It was a rugged, slow-to-settle hill town where early pioneers braved rocky soil and isolation.

By 1794, the town was incorporated as Springfield, and it grew into a community of subsistence farmers and millers. Today, that history is preserved at the Springfield Meeting House at Four Corners. Built in 1799 and moved to its current spot in 1851, it remains the heart of the town, a standing testament to the generations who gathered there for town meetings and community socials.

New London

A Tale of Three Lakes

While many towns are lucky to have one waterfront, New London is spoiled for choice.

• Lake Sunapee: The “big lake” touches the western edge of town at Blodgett Landing, offering world-class sailing and deep-water fishing.
• Little Lake Sunapee: Home to the resident-favorite Bucklin Beach, it’s a quieter, crystal-clear alternative for a family swim.
• Pleasant Lake: Located on the east side in the village of Elkins, this 600-acre glacial gift is famous for its Fourth of July fireworks and the iconic Inn at Pleasant Lake.

Home to Colby-Sawyer College, the town boasts a bustling Main Street with unique shops and fine dining. A must-see is the New London Barn Playhouse, one of the country’s oldest continuously operating summer theaters, housed in a historic converted barn.

Blodgett’s Landing

Established as a Spiritualist camp meeting ground in 1876, this lakeside community in Newbury was once a bustling stop for steamships like the Armenia White. Today, it offers a glimpse into the golden age of Lake Sunapee tourism.

Blodgett’s Landing is a community where the sound of a slamming screen door serves as a timeless welcome to summer.

This picture was a fun catch, contrasting ice fishing on Lake Sunapee with a backdrop of Mount Sunapee, one of my favorite places to ski.

Sutton

Sutton is a town where time seems to slow down. Known for its rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes, and a deep-seated pride in its local history, it is a quintessential New England escape.

Sutton is arguably one of the most historically conscious towns in New Hampshire. It is divided into four distinct villages—North, South, East, and Sutton Mills—each retaining its 19th-century charm.

Sutton has a surprisingly global reach for a small town:

• Pillsbury Connection: John Sergeant Pillsbury, the founder of the Pillsbury Flour Company and former governor of Minnesota, was born right here in Sutton.
• Paintball Origins: The world’s very first paintball facility opened in Sutton in 1981, operated by one of the game’s inventors.

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Bradford

Bradford is a paradise for those who love to be outside, no matter the season.

Lake Massasecum is the town’s crown jewel for summer recreation. Whether you’re looking for a pristine swimming hole or a place to launch a kayak, this lake is the heart of Bradford’s summer fun.

Bradford Bog is an ecologically significant site, home to the Atlantic White Cedar bog and a wildflower sanctuary. It’s a “highest-ranked” wildlife habitat, making it a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Explore the Sunapee Ragged Kearsarge Greenway (SRKG), which features trails through privately conserved lands. Guild Hill offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.

Bement Bridge

Built in 1854 for just $500, the Bement Covered Bridge spans the Warner River. As one of only 25 remaining Long Truss bridges in the U.S., it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Following a $1.6 million restoration, Bement Bridge continues to stand as an amazing example of historic preservation.

Nebizonbi Medicinal Waters

This was my second fun U-turn of the day! My wife challenged me to stop for something I might not usually stop for during the day. It was getting dark, and I was getting close to ending things when I drove past this curious pull-off along East Washington Road. 

Long before European arrival, the Abenaki brought their sick to these springs because the water never froze and was believed to have sacred healing properties.

• Early Colonial Record: The springs were first recorded by settlers around 1750, with stories from 1770 describing native groups camping nearby to use the curative waters.
• The Resort Era (1840–1915): In 1840, entrepreneur General Sam Andrews built a small hotel called The Hermitage near the spring. By 1858, it had become a formal health resort. 

If you’re looking for more fun content that showcases the wonders of the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region, don’t miss my post on The League of New Hampshire Craftsman Fair. This annual event features juried artists and craftsmen from around the region and is always well attended. 

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This post was created in collaboration between the author and the AI Tool Google Gemini.

Until we meet again, Live Free and Explore!