If you didn't have family in NH before, you do now…read more
Loch Lyme Lodge - or LLL, as it is known - is a gorgeous property that makes its home beside Post Pond. It features cabins of all shapes and sizes, some lakeside, some mountainside, all tucked into the trees with views of rolling hills and countryside. The proprietors, Jay and Amy, are warm, amenable and kind. The cabins are cozy and well-appointed for couples and families, with fireplaces, day beds and fridges for leftovers. Don't expect luxury; this is rustic living! Part B&B, LLL offers cabins with inclusive breakfasts, ranging from standard continental to omelettes and pancakes (don't miss these... I think they're the best pancakes I've ever had). Activity options abound: soccer (there's an entire field), badminton, tetherball, basketball, two tennis courts, and a lovely grass volleyball court. In case that isn't enough, there's also an "activity cabin" with board games, toys, books, foozball, and TV for kids' movies (see photos). Post Pond, the lodge's central feature, is a glorious place to swim - the water is warm and lovely, as ponds are meant to be. There are rowboats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards for guests who want to paddle, as well as a fleet of bicycles. If you're into cycling or running, take a meander down N Thetford Rd half a mile from the lodge to River Rd, which takes you all the way to the winding Connecticut River. Birds, butterflies, and peacefulness abound. (Pro tip: take your first right from N Thetford onto Breck Hill Rd for the most idyllic country scene you've ever seen.)
LLL's head chef, Janet, cooks up amazing, healthy fare like kale Caesar salad, pesto linguini, grilled chicken, burgers, corn on the cob, steak, jambalaya, zucchini fries, and other fresh cuisine. There's always a kids menu with hot dogs and mac n' cheese, and you can order lunch - and ice cream cones! - through the side kitchen window to dine lakeside. Twice a week there are delicious summer buffets - on Wednesdays and Sundays, LLL is hopping with BBQ, music, juggling, swing sets, see-saws and watermelon. They are also open for dinner on weeknights in their dining room, which is classy without pretention (think tablecloths and napkins, but in a cozy, homey setting). If you ask nicely, they'll set up the most glorious outdoor table under the spreading oak trees with a view of the lake, and you'll think you're in heaven. (Warm rolls and salted butter come gratis.)
Amazingly, everyone who stays here manages to become friends, and it starts to feel like home. If you come during summer, prepare for the occasional thunderstorm with raincoat and umbrella... or, better yet, just live in your swimsuit! Sunblock essential, water bottle and flashlight helpful. Cell service is spotty and no WiFi in the cabins, but that feels like a blessing. If you need to plug in, grab a couch in the main lodge or barn. Whether solo or traveling with family, LLL is an amazing place to vacation, have dinner with the kids, or relax for a weekend. This place is a godsend. Thank you LLL!!
*Important note: If you smell sewage, don't panic - this just means that your cabin's septic tank needs to be pumped. Tell Jay and it'll be solved lickety split!
