- Play: Kayak rental at EKAL Activity Center
First, Max and I rented a kayak at the EKAL Activity Center for one hour. We got to explore the lake via kayak. They provided a life vest for me and I brought one for Max. We did a lap around a small island and back. Max jumped off the kayak and swam to shore, but thankfully we were close to where we would beach the kayak and he was on his long lead. There is a little park right next to the EKAL center where I walked Max right before and right after we kayaked. He was also able to go for a swim in the lake here before we got on the kayak, which helped cool him down before we got out in the full sun.
2. Shop: Mill Falls Marketplace
Right across the street from EKAL is the Mill Falls Marketplace. We drove over and parked, only because the pavement was very hot that day and I wanted to protect Max’s paws. Ideally, you could just walk across the street, though. There is a small waterfall in the middle of a few shops and restaurants. A must- see is the 603 Paws pet shop. They had so much to offer and I bought Max some treats here, as well as a life vest for my brother’s dog. They took his picture and posted it up on their instagram!
3. Eat: Surfside Burger Bar
A very short drive from Mill Falls Marketplace is Surfside Burger Bar. The outdoor patio is dog-friendly and they even have a dog menu! I got grilled chicken for Max and the chicken tacos for myself. Max got a lot of attention here, as it was Bike Week and the patio was packed with motorcycle riders and their friends. Someone even offered Max a shaded spot at their table!
4. Stay: Campton Cabin
The best place to stay is the dog-friendly AirBnB Campton Cabin. It is located in Waterville Estates, which gives you access to a community center that has indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, a game room, a sauna, a gym, a swimming/fishing pond, walking trails, a restaurant and bar, and more! Waterville Estates even has its own little ski mountain. The cabin itself offers three bedrooms and two full bathrooms, as well as a pull-out sofa. There is a wood burning stove for the winter and they have thought of everything for the dogs, including water bowls and toys. Outside, there is a large deck, a picnic table, a grill, and a firepit. I used the dog gates to keep Max on the deck, where he would spend hours sunbathing and watching the surrounding nature. If that hasn’t sold you, the location itself is perfect: within 30-60 minutes is Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, Bretton Woods, and Waterville Valley. You are also close to all the best hiking: Kancamagus Highway, Franconia Notch State Park, Crawford Notch State Park, the White Mountains, etc. Check them out on instagram @CamptonCabin
