Lake-facing patios, west-shore tasting rooms, the dock at the right time of year. Bring a sweater after seven, even in July.
Newbury Harbor's deck restaurant, directly across from the town docks where the day-trip boats tie up. The seafood chowder has won enough local awards that regulars order it before opening the rest of the menu. Weekend brunch runs 11 to 2, with a pizza list deep enough to feed a group that can't agree on dinner. Closed Wednesdays — plan around it if a Newbury dinner is the goal, not a backup.
Under half a mile, moderate grade, and it delivers one of the better views of Lake Sunapee anywhere in the region — a clearing opening south down the lake and out toward the surrounding hills. The 14-acre property was once part of a carriage-road estate; a stretch of that old road is still the trail. Open year-round on foot; the Town of New London issues gate keys for vehicle access through the town office.
A small wooden vessel with two covered decks running sunset dinner cruises out of Sunapee Harbor, buffet-style, catered by a restaurant in nearby Bradford rather than a shipboard galley. The slower pace and sunset timing make this the better choice over the narrated tour boat for a couple wanting quiet water time rather than running commentary. Reserve ahead — the dinner seatings are the smaller-capacity of the company's two boats and sell out on summer weekends.