Attractions & Things To Do

Immerse yourself in the tranquility of our spacious grounds, perfect for leisurely walks or quiet moments of reflection. During vacations at Dexter’s Inn in Sunapee, NH, take advantage of our many resort amenities. Cool off with a refreshing dip in our inviting heated pool after a spirited game of tennis. For those who prefer winter adventure, explore our snowshoe trails, and then unwind by the warmth of the outdoor fireplace. Whether you’re seeking an active day or a leisurely escape, our diverse amenities cater to a range of interests and seasons.

Onsite Activities Area Activities Trails Mount Sunapee

a woman lounging by a pool watching a boy jumping into the pool.

Onsite Activities

At our family-friendly resort in Sunapee, New Hampshire, numerous common rooms, spacious grounds, and on-site activities provide ample space and opportunities for socializing and recreation. Whether it is recreation or relaxation you seek, you’re sure to find something to satisfy you at Dexter’s Inn.

Two tennis courts
In-ground swimming pool (open May – September) with lounge chairs and a hammock for soaking up the sun
Hot tub (only available during winter months)
Volleyball, badminton, basketball, horseshoes, shuffleboard, croquet and bocce
Recreation room featuring billiards, ping-pong, air hockey, foosball and darts
Home entertainment room featuring a large-screen, high-definition, surround-sound television
Living room featuring a fireplace and a library of books
Family room featuring comfortable chairs and a fireplace
Free wireless Internet access
Extensive network of hiking trails that are marked and include distances and terrain suitable for a variety of ages
Beautiful gardens that enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings and attract local artists and photographers
20 acres of Dexter’s Inn land and hundreds of acres of adjoining conservation land that can be used for walking, hiking, and snowshoeing
Variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, squirrels, chipmunks, butterflies, numerous species of birds, and on a rare occasion bear and moose, which guests enjoy observing and photographing

In addition to these on-site activities, we are only minutes from the Mount Sunapee downhill ski area, three golf courses, and Lake Sunapee, which offers fishing, boating and swimming. With sufficient advance notice, we can assist you with watersport rentals. Shopping and cultural activities are also available nearby.

Four Seasons of Fun For All

a couple snow shoeing through snow covered trails with trees on either side of them.

Recreational

Engage in local attractions filled with adventure, fun, tranquility and variety.

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A brick building with white trim and a covered porch, with green grass in front and mountains in the background.

Cultural

Explore the cultural side of southern New Hampshire with our diverse museums, theaters, cuisine, art and historic estates.

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A burlap bag with handles full of fresh vegetables.

Shopping

Numerous antiquing opportunities are just minutes away, such as Prospect Hill Antiques.

Artisan’s New London is a veritable treasure trove of handmade jewelry and gifts, and the Simon Pearce Glassblowing center and Retail Store is just 30 minutes away. The Dorr Woolen Mill Store is still producing high quality fabrics on the same village site where it began in 1867. And for all of the outlet shoppers…the Lakes Region Outlet Center makes a nice day trip.

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3 sets of snowshoes propped up in the snow

Snowshoe/Hike/Bike Right from our Backdoor!

Dexter’s Inn offers an extensive network of trails that start right out the back door of the inn. These trails are a little-known gem in the Lake Sunapee region of central New Hampshire just minutes from Mount Sunapee and Lake Sunapee. These trails can be used for snowshoeing, hiking, fat-tire biking, and mountain biking. In addition to the trail network, Dexter’s Inn offers a commercial snowshoe operation with equipment rental. Users who wish to fat-tire bike or mountain bike need to bring their own bikes.

The trail system begins right at the inn’s backdoor, extends through our 20-acre estate, and continues into the surrounding conservation land. Approximately 15 miles of trails are signed & mapped. Snowshoe rental for all ages is available with advance reservation. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. If there is not sufficient snow to require snowshoes, the trails are available for hiking.

The inn’s trails wind their way through forests and fields with minimal road crossings and are designed to have that old-time natural feel. The experience is quite different from snowshoeing on a golf course, frozen pond, or public park. The trail network offers a variety of terrain that allows first-timers, novices, and experienced hikers to all find something to enjoy. The trails nearest the inn are usually packed after snowfall. The packed surface provides for easier walking than the unpacked snow. Those who like the natural snow surface can walk to the side of the packed surface and then venture to the outer trails which are always left in their natural snowfall state. The un-packed “back-country” trails that are signed & mapped offer a fun wilderness exploring adventure for those seeking that experience. We believe that we have snowshoe/hiking trails that can keep you busy for the full day if you so desire. Those who wish to explore the trails on their own fat tire bike or mountain bike are welcome to do so at their own risk.

During the winter months the trails are open from 9 am to 5 pm to both inn guests and the public seven days per week during school vacation weeks (e.g., between Christmas & New Years, February school vacation) and Thursday thru Monday on weeks when school is in session (i.e., closed Tuesday & Wednesday during winter weeks when school is in session so the staff can enjoy our trails and visit other facilities). Snowshoe rental and building access (for bathrooms & warming room) are available when the trails are open. Please feel free to BYOB for enjoyment after being out on the trails.

Overnight guests receive free trail passes. A daily trail pass for non-overnight guests costs $12 for adults & teens and $6 for ages 6 to 12. Children aged 5 or younger can use the trails for free when accompanied by a paying adult. Currently, there is no fee for dogs using the trails.

Snowshoe rental gear (including poles if desired) is available for adults and children. The snowshoe rental cost for adults & teens is $15 per day, and the snowshoe rental cost for children aged 12 & younger is $10 per day. Advance reservations are required for equipment rental. Contact us at least one day in advance via either email at info@dextersnh.com or via phone at 800-232-5571 to make a snowshoe rental reservation. We do not rent either fat tire bikes or mountain bikes. In the past we rented cross-country ski equipment, but we no longer offer cross-country ski equipment for rent.

Given the adage “if you can walk, you can snowshoe” we do not offer lessons for snowshoeing. We will, however, provide assistance with getting the snowshoes on your feet (they go over whatever boots you would normally wear to play in the snow) and assist with getting each renter who wants to snowshoe with poles the appropriate size poles. We can also offer tips on how to get the most of your snowshoe experience.

We are committed to providing a fun, non-competitive, affordable, family-friendly activity that allows you to enjoy some fresh air, experience nature, get low-impact exercise, and spend quality time with your family and friends. We believe that snowshoeing is a life sport that can be enjoyed by all ages. We also believe that it should be fun and low stress, and we will do our best to make it so for you. Hiking the trails when there is not snow provides similar physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits.

The inn has a charming warming room with fireplace where our human visitors can rest, eat, and hydrate (dogs are not allowed in the inn). Visitors who wish to bring their dog for an overnight stay can use a pet-friendly bedroom in one of our other buildings. Non-alcoholic hot & cold drinks and pre-packaged snacks are available for purchase. Guests are welcome to bring their own lunch. Since we do not have a liquor license we operate as a “bring-your-own” type establishment (BYOB). There is a refrigerator & microwave in the warming room that visitors can use to store their lunch and/or beverages. Weather permitting, there is an outdoor firepit that both humans & dogs can socialize around.

We believe that our facility is particularly well-suited for groups, given our ability to combine snowshoeing/hiking with meeting space, lodging, meals and other on-site activities. If you would like to discuss bringing your youth group, church group, business, or civic organization for a day-of-fun, meeting, retreat, or team-building activity, please contact us via either email or phone (800 232-5571) so that we can discuss what we can do for you.

Anyone who wishes to cross-country ski on our trails may do so if they bring their own equipment with the understanding that the trails are not groomed for cross-country skiing. If so, the daily trail pass fee of $12 per adult/teen and $6 per child aged 6 to 12 would apply for anyone who was not an overnight guest.

Alpine skiing and snowboarding is available at nearby Mount Sunapee, Ragged Mountain, Whaleback, and Pats Peak. Whaleback and Pat’s Peak offer night skiing and tubing. Shopping and other entertainment is available in nearby Sunapee Harbor, the adjacent towns of New London & Newport, and about 30 minutes away in Lebanon and Hanover (home to Dartmouth College).

a man with white ski pants and a yellow jacket snowboarding

Stay and Ski Mount Sunapee

Dexter’s Inn is located just 10 minutes from Mount Sunapee Resort, which offers downhill skiing and snowboarding in the winter and an Adventure Park in the spring, summer, and fall. The ski area is consistently ranked among the best for snowmaking and grooming. This attention to the snow conditions means that Mount Sunapee provides a great ski/snowboard experience regardless of what weather Mother Nature provides. The layout of the mountain, the ski school, the ease of the equipment rental process, and the friendly service make Mount Sunapee particularly popular with beginners and families. Because Mount Sunapee is truly a state park, there is no lodging on the mountain. So, Dexter’s Inn is one of the closest places for skiers/riders to stay.

In the spring, summer and fall, Mount Sunapee’s Adventure Park offers zip lines, an aerial ropes course, downhill mountain biking, an archery course, disc golf, miniature golf, a climbing wall, an airbag jump, and chairlift rides. Lunch and ice cream are available when the Adventure Park is open so you can re-energize yourself after a morning of activity and reward yourself with a treat at the end of the day.

Mount Sunapee also has several hiking trails that reward you with an amazing view at the summit. Once at the summit, you can continue on for a short distance to Lake Solitude, which is unique in that it is a lake at the top of a mountain. This lake was formed by glaciers millions of years ago and has the peaceful setting that its name implies. Add a visit to Lake Solitude to your bucket list.

The League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair takes place at Mount Sunapee each year from the first Saturday in August until the second Sunday in August. 300+ craftsmen offer high-quality glassware, pottery, jewelry, clothing, and furniture. Food, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions, and entertainment add to the experience. The Craftsmen’s Fair draws approximately 30,000 visitors annually. There is so much to see that some visitors will spend the night at Dexter’s Inn in order to get in two days of shopping and learning. You can get all of your holiday shopping done at the Craftsmen’s Fair and delight in the fact that you’ve gotten a unique, hand-made gift for each person on your list.