Experiencing New England Year-Round

How the Seasons Shape Life at Cottage Place

Hello from Cottage Place on Squam Lake! One of the greatest joys of living and welcoming guests here is experiencing the full circle of New England’s four seasons. Each season brings its own character, traditions, and natural beauty that shape life at Cottage Place in unique ways. Whether you visit in summer’s warmth or winter’s quiet snowfall, you’ll find something special waiting for you.

Spring: A Season of Renewal
Spring in the Lakes Region is a time of gentle awakening. After the long winter, the landscape begins to soften, buds appear on the trees, wildflowers peek through the forest floor, and the air carries the fresh scent of new growth. It’s a quieter time here, perfect for peaceful hikes, birdwatching, and discovering the subtle colors of early spring.

One of the highlights of spring (and fall) here at Cottage Place is Squam Fest, a lively and eclectic event held right on our grounds. Squam Fest showcases a carefully curated mix of vintage treasures, handcrafted goods, and unique artisan creations. It’s a wonderful celebration of local creativity and community spirit, bringing visitors and locals together in a charming lakeside setting.

At Cottage Place, spring also means opening windows to the crisp air and listening to the songbirds welcome the new season.

Summer: Life on the Lake
Summer is when Squam Lake and the Lakes Regions of New Hampshire truly comes alive. The warm sun invites endless days on the water: swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or simply floating and soaking up the sunshine. The docks buzz with activity, and evenings are filled with laughter around campfires and cookouts. Summer is also when the local towns host farmers markets and festivals, bringing the community together. At Cottage Place, summer means long daylight hours, refreshing dips in the lake, and nights spent stargazing by the water.

Summer is our busiest season at Cottage Place, and many of our guests reserve their stays a year in advance to secure their favorite accommodations and dock space. We encourage you to do the same—don’t miss out! We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable summer getaway.

Fall: A Burst of Color and Tradition
Fall is perhaps the most iconic season in New England, and at Cottage Place, it’s nothing short of magical. The trees explode into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, painting the hillsides in fiery hues. This season invites cozy sweaters, apple picking, local fairs, pumpkin festivals, and scenic drives along country roads.

Fall also brings back Squam Fest, a much-anticipated event that fills Cottage Place with creativity and energy. With vintage finds and artisan goods lining the grounds, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and discover unique treasures to take home.

The air turns crisp and clean, perfect for hiking or sitting by the fire with a warm drink. Fall here reminds us to slow down and savor the harvest of the year.

Winter: Quiet Beauty and Cozy Comfort

Winter at Cottage Place transforms the landscape into a peaceful, snowy retreat. The lake may freeze over, and snow blankets the woods, inviting activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. Each winter, the community comes alive with unique local traditions like the Ice Fishing Derby, a spirited competition on the frozen lake; the historic Ice Harvest on Squam Lake, which celebrates old-fashioned methods of collecting ice; and the magical Ice Castles, an enchanting display of frozen sculptures that light up the winter nights. Indoors, the cabins offer warm refuge — fireplaces crackling, hot cocoa steaming, and the simple comfort of being tucked away from the chill. Winter’s stillness gives space for reflection and rest, making it a deeply restorative time to visit.

Why Each Season Matters
Experiencing New England year-round at Cottage Place means embracing change and finding joy in every moment. The seasons shape our routines, celebrations, and connection to nature. They remind us of life’s rhythms — growth, warmth, harvest, and rest.

No matter when you visit, the Lakes Region offers an authentic, vibrant experience that goes beyond the typical vacation. It’s a place where you can feel truly grounded in the cycles of the natural world and create memories that last a lifetime.

If you haven’t experienced the beauty of New England’s seasons at Cottage Place yet, I invite you to come see for yourself — there’s always something new to discover, whatever the time of year.