Edition #44, 15 June 2009

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. Thank you for visiting my collection of articles on coastal New England. This and selected other articles are currently available for sponsorship.

Look for other articles in this series on the home page.

This year's Motorcycle Week began on June 13th and runs through June 21st. Motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country and around the world meet in Laconia each year for this event. This year marks the event's 86th anniversary.

Downtown Laconia is the site for the Fourth of July celebration hosted by the Laconia Parks and Recreation department and the Kiwanis Club. Fireworks will be launched from the top of the parking garage.

The first Saturday in September is the date for the annual Multicultural Market Day in Laconia. This event features food and musical entertainment provided by local residents representing countries from around the world.

Laconia offers five beaches, perfect for releasing one's inner mermaid: Bond Beach (residents-only), Weirs Beach, Opechee Point, Opechee Cove, and Bartlett Beach. Beaches are open from 9am to 5pm daily, but are closed on rainy days. Bond Beach and Opechee Point Beach are also closed for general swimming during the hours that swimming classes are being held. See the Laconia Parks Brochure for more information.

Be sure to take the kids to Logs of Fun and The Daytona Fun Park at Weirs Beach. They are sure to enjoy the Mini-Golf, Climbing Walls, Go Karts, Arcade Games, and other activities. The adults can get in on the fun there, too. This is also a great place for that special birthday party that the kids won't soon forget. Logs of Fun is located at 36 Endicott Street East in the Alpenrose Plaza.

The Prescott Farm Audubon Center is open daily at 928 White Oaks Road. This 160-acre historic farm features hiking trails, heritage gardens, bird and wildlife viewing, maple sugar programs, and more. In the winter, come back for the snowshoeing and cross country skiing!

The Winnipesaukee Playhouse offers off-Broadway style theater in the heart of New Hampshire. The Playhouse was founded in 2004, and became a non-profit in 2006. Their aim is to provide a fun and challenging theatrical environment for Lakes Region locals and visitors in both performance-based and educational areas.

For a casual breakfast or lunch, give the Soda Shoppe at 30 Beacon Street East a try. People are also raving about the Brick Front Restaurant and Lounge at 134 Church Street, and the Prime Rib and Chicken Parmesan at Rigione's Galley at 405 Union Avenue. Tell them that a nice mermaid sent you.

The top rated motel in Laconia according to Yahoo Travelers is Bay Top Motel, located at 1025 Weirs Blvd. Amenities include outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, whirlpool bath, air conditioning, cable/satellite television, microwave oven, and more. In addition, Bay Top is within walking distance of Weirs Beach!

Find out more about Laconia at www.cityoflaconianh.org, www.laconia-weirs.org, and www.americantowns.com. If you should see me in the water, be sure to wave!

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