A perfect evening in Sunapee Harbor…
Our perfect summer evening in Sunapee Harbor began with a 
dinner cruise on the MV Kearsarge, a replica paddlewheel steamboat that has traveled the lake for thirty years.
The all-you-can-eat buffet was superb, as was the scenery, and with top notch service as well. Our two-hour cruise covered the entire lake with Captain Dave Hargbol narrating the history of the area and pointing out places of interest. Standing on the upper deck after dinner and taking in the beautiful views was a memorable experience!
After the MV Kearsarge docked at 8:30 we were able to catch the last set of the concert at the Ben Mere Bandstand.
As the sun went down, our local favorites, The Squids, played a tasty set of blues-flavored rock and roll. What a lovely setting and the band rocked!
There are so many things to do while spending a day in Sunapee Harbor. You can peruse art at the Harbor Gallery … take the Sunapee Harbor Riverwalk down to the new Sunapee Information Center … visit the various shops … take a tour boat cruise at 2:00 P.M. on the M.V. Mt. Sunapee… visit The Anchorage for an awesome dinner, drinks and live music … get a bite at Fenton’s Landing … get a yummy ice cream treat at The Quack Shack … visit the Sunapee Historical Society Museum … or just relax in the park and enjoy watching the boats on the lake.
Boaters can put their craft in at the public boat launch or rent
or charter almost any type of watercraft at Sargent’s Marina. There is a reasonable amount of free parking right next to the waterfront and there are the all-important public rest-stations nearby.
Sunapee Harbor Nightlife
The shops in the Harbor close at 9:00 P.M. during the summer but the Anchorage Restaurant stays open later on weekends. On Friday nights the Sunapee Methodist Church hosts the Sunapee Community Coffeehouse Concerts.
Every night is a party at the Anchorage and they are the area’s only adult nightclub featuring a variety of live music – country to blues, folk to alternative.
For a complete schedule of events in the region see our Events Calendar page.
Sunapee Harbor Cruises
| Cruise on the MV Mt. Sunapee II Relax in your deck chair and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Sunapee while your Captain narrates the history, landmarks and lore of this crystal clear lake featuring spectacular mountain views! Bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket. Sailing daily from Sunapee Harbor, Memorial Day thru Columbus Day. 603-938-6465 |
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| Dinner buffet cruise on the MV Kearsarge The boat operates seasonally from May to October and departs Sunapee Harbor at 6:30 Tuesday-Sunday for scenic dinner cruises. Each cruise is narrated by the Captain and lasts for two hours. The outstanding roast beef buffet is prepared by the Appleseed Restaurant. We loved the fantastic dessert selection. 603-938-6465 |
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Sunapee Harbor Places
| Lake Sunapee Protective Association LSPA, founded in 1898, is a member supported nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the special environment of the Lake Sunapee Region through education, research and collaborative action. LSPA hosts many events and its Speaker Series in the Harbor Room at The Learning Center overlooking Sunapee Harbor. 63 Main Street, Sunapee, (603) 763-2210 |
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| The Anchorage Located right on the water next to the marina, this excellent restaurant/bar/nightspot offers food with their own special touch and most tables offer a fantastic harbor view, especially the outdoor patio. The Anchorage often features local live music on the weekends. |
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| Fenton’s Landing Good food, deli and provisions. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are also your harbor stop for groceries, beer and wine. Mon-Sun: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm (603) 763-6032 |
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| Wildwood Smokehouse Authentic slow smoked barbecue including pulled pork, pulled chicken, ribs, beef brisket, smoked chicken & sandwiches with scratch-made trimmings. 45 Main Street, Sunapee 603-763-1178 |
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| Sunapee Harbor Cottages The only waterfront lodging on Lake Sunapee! This unique property offers nightly lodging with distinct amenities and convenient access to year-round lake and mountain activities. 4 Lake Avenue 866-763-5052 |
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| Quack Shack Ice Cream Sunapee Harbor’s old fashioned ice cream stand serving Gifford’s hard ice cream, soft ice cream and fresh squeezed lemonade. Open mid-June until Labor Day. |
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| The Sunapee Harbor Riverwalk A scenic trail built along the historic Sugar River. The newly created Riverwalk offers an interesting and scenic stroll from Sunapee Harbor (Behind Marzelli’s Cafe) to the Sunapee Welcome Center. |
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| Sunapee Historical Society Museum Learn about the history of the steamboats, the grand hotels, boating, and the Town of Sunapee. Summer hours are 1 to 4pm on Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun, also 7 to 9pm on Wed, closed Mondays. Fall hours are 1 to 4pm on Sat & Sun until Columbus Day. 603-763-9872 |
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| The Harbor Gallery 51 Main Street, Sunapee Exhibiting outstanding art & crafts from our region Gallery is open: Tuesday – Sunday, 12:00 – 6:00 Friday and Saturday: 12:00 – 8:00 603-763-7364 |
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| Sargents Marina Leasing and docking of power boats, sailboats, ski boats, pontoon boats and personal watercraft. Also located in Georges Mills. Hourly, daily and weekly rentals. Call Dori Sargent at 603-763-5036 |
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| Stacy’s Smoothies Healthy food and beverage choices featuring salads, wraps, nuts & seeds, snacks, boaters lunches, smoothies & acai bowls. Monday – Closed, Tuesday – Sunday 8-4 Music Nights Wednesday, Friday, Saturday open until 8pm |
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| Wild Goose Country Store They have “country/lake” style items, decent prices and every year at the end of the season have a fantastic sale on most of the items in the store. A great view of the harbor and Flander’s Stage next to it where you can hear live music in the summer. |
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Where to park cars and boats in Sunapee Harbor:
Watch our video so you will know the available parking areas for parking your vehicle and/or your vehicle with boat trailer.
Directions to Sunapee Harbor
Coming up from the south take Rt. 89 to Exit 12A. Take a left at the end of the exit ramp.
Coming down from the north take Rt. 89 to Exit 12A. Take a right at the end of the exit ramp.
At the first light take a right onto NH Route 11, follow for three miles. Take a left at the blinking light, go up and over the hill.
Parking
When you see the harbor on your left, look for a parking space. You will see the Ben Mere bandstand up on the hill to your right. If you don’t see a parking space near the water turn right up Burkehaven Hill Rd. where there are more spaces next to the bandstand.
Interactive Map
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