Ashland

A sculptor's studio and gallery housed in a restored 1849 Boston & Maine railroad freight depot on Depot Street. Bill Bernsen creates whimsical found-object sculptures from old farm equipment and industrial artifacts scattered across the property. The artist is often on-site with his friendly dog, and visitors can explore both his outdoor metal works and indoor wooden assemblages for free.

Built in 1990 by master craftsman Milton Graton and Sons, this relatively new covered bridge spans the Squam River where it flows from Little Squam Lake. Though modern, it replicates traditional covered bridge construction with town lattice truss design. The bridge features a sidewalk and offers views of the marina and boats below, making it surprisingly photogenic despite its youth.

The 1837 brick birthplace of Nobel Prize winner Dr. George Hoyt Whipple, who revolutionized our understanding of pernicious anemia and liver function. This Cape-style house museum showcases Victorian-era rooms and local history displays. Open only on Saturday afternoons in July and August, making it a true insider's secret that most visitors miss entirely.

A 577-acre community forest with over two miles of trails leading to South and North Peak summits. South Peak offers panoramic views of Squam Lake and surrounding mountains from a picnic table perch. The trails honor local legend Reuben Whitten, who saved neighbors from starvation during the 'year without a summer' in 1816. Recently expanded with mountain biking trails, but the hiking paths remain peaceful.

A stunning 1859 Gothic Revival church designed by New York architect J. Coleman Hart, featuring unique half-timbered brick construction. This is the only church of its architectural style in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, with distinctive cinquefoil-arched stained glass windows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it's an architectural gem hiding in plain sight on Highland Street.