Tuftonboro is small, only about 2,300 people, and includes the villages of Tuftonboro Corner, Center Tuftonboro, Melvin Corner, Melvin Village and Mirror Lake plus some 27 islands in Lake Winnipesaukee. The town is located on Route 171, west of Ossipee and east of Moultonborough.

Abenaki Tower, an 80' fire tower built in 1929 and rebuilt in 1979, is located just off Route 109 and has stunning views of the eastern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. It's free and maintained by volunteers.

Dan Hole Pond has salmon, trout, smelt, chain pickerel, yellow perch and horned pout. At 443 acres and depths reaching to 130 feet, this body of water offers some excellent fishing.

The Pine Cone Café, Route 109, Melvin Village, offers steaks, chops and sandwiches in a homey, rustic atmosphere.

Lodging includes Mirror Lake Bed and Boat, Sunset Lodges, and additional lodging and dining are available in nearby Ossipee and Moultonborough.

Life in Melvin Village was captured in the book, Sunny Meadows, by Thomas Dreier.

If you want to see a charming snapshot of America, Tuftonboro is a good choice.