Lake Sunapee is the town’s compass, crystal water ringed by green hills, a harbor of ice-cream strolls and the M.V. Mt. Sunapee tour boat, and a state beach that makes summer feel timeless. Population swells with the seasons, but the vibe stays steady: historic camps beside polished lake homes, privacy respected, community intact.
When the lifts spin, Mount Sunapee Resort takes over, 66 trails, big views, and quick access from the cities. Off-season, the Monadnock–Sunapee Greenway strings 50 miles of ridge walks and quiet woods. Year-round, Sunapee’s rhythm is simple and rich: boat wakes at dawn, chairlifts at noon, porch light at dusk, a small, tight-knit place where nature leads and life follows.