Laconia

The arrival of the railroad in 1848 turned the sleepy hamlet of Laconia into the Lakes Region's chief manufacturing hub—downtown's 1823 Belknap Mill still stands as a monument to this legacy. At the north end of town, Weirs Beach is a hub of summertime arcade activity, with souvenir shops, fireworks, the Bank of NH outdoor concert pavilion, and hordes of kids. Cruise boats also depart from here, and the refurbished Winnipesaukee Pier has family-oriented restaurants and other amusements. In June, bikers from around the world arrive for Laconia Motorcycle Week.