Bridgewater sits on the southeastern shore of Newfound Lake on Route 3-A, and was named after the town of Bridgewater, MA, as many of its early settlers had connections there. In the early days, run ins with Native Americans were common.

The town of about 1,000 people offers a country setting, the beautiful lake and convenience to I-93 and Route 3-A. The college town of Plymouth is about 15 minutes to the northeast.

Dining in Bridgewater includes Shacketts, which has been offering their seafood specialties for nearly 70 years. The also run a large supermarket across the street. The Bridgewater Inn Steakhouse, 367 Mayhew Turnpike, is a Japanese steak house that gets high marks from online reviewers.

The Inn at Newfound Lake has been offering upscale hospitality since its days as a stagecoach stop in the 1840s. The Bridgewater Inn and Motel is also available, as is Sandybeach seasonal homes and housekeeping cottages. The town is also home to Newfound RV Park, with almost 50 sites.

More extensive lodging and dining is available in nearby Bristol and Plymouth.

While you are in town, if you are into minerals, tumbled stones, fossils, geodes, healing crystals, massage wands, stone & sterling jewelry, Native American jewelry, or wind chimes, check out North Star Gems. If you are visiting in the winter, and would like to experience something different, call or visit Barking Brook Sled Dog Adventures.

A little village on the lake, Bridgewater is an appealing stop for those wanting a diversion from I-93.