An Insider’s Guide to Bronco Off-Roadeo New Hampshire

I’ve had the privilege of visiting each location and driving at Bronco Off-Roadeo Texas, Nevada, and New Hampshire (and on other trails in Moab). I love Moab for the Mars-like scenery, Nevada for the relentless rocks, and Texas for a taste of it all.

Then there’s New Hampshire — lush, shady, vibrant. Being from Michigan, a hiker and kayaker, to me, the woods and lakes of the area felt comfortably familiar, yet the mountainous landscape and technical trails of Gunstock made me instantly aware this was something new and exciting. 

At the first three locations, I had pocketed new driving skills. New Hampshire was no different. Which of the four locations should you attend? There is no wrong choice. All will turn you into a more prepared and confident driver, off road and even on.

If you pick New Hampshire for your epic adventure, here are some insider tips on making the most of this fun trip.

Getting To and From

Those close enough –– or who enjoy road trips –– may want to drive in. While you won’t take your own Bronco on the trails, you can show it off in the Basecamp parking lot and maybe head to some trails after your day to practice or explore (more on that below). If you’re flying in, the closest major airport, Boston Logan International (BOS), is two-plus hours away. Traffic can be heavy, especially returning to the airport, so leave enough time to not feel rushed.

Where to Stay

I’ve been to New Hampshire Off-Roadeo several times, and each time I’ve stayed in Gilford, a 10-15 minute drive from Off-Roadeo. While the TownePlace Suites are perfectly fine and what you’d expect for a work trip (technically, I am coming in on business), the immediate area isn’t walkable and would not be my first choice for vacation. Off-Roadeo has several recommended inns and resorts that look really beautiful and may better capture a “getaway/I’m doing something special for myself” feel.

Best Season

Bronco Off-Roadeo NH is located at Gunstock Mountain Resort, which means in the winter, off-roading must take a backseat to skiing. I’m sure visiting the area during the snow months is amazing, but I’ve been there in May and June, and those late spring/early summer months are great. Pack bug spray and a raincoat if you go around then, and if you’re lucky enough to be able to schedule your trip for when the leaves change, then you’re really in for a treat.

Two dates to note:

• May 18, 2024 is the 10th Annual May It Forward event. If you’re already established in the Bronco community –– or want to be –– you might want to plan your Off-Roadeo visit to accommodate attendance. Two hours away, in Gardner, MA, this meetup raises funds for veterans and is filled with some of the nicest people. I first met Bronco Off-Roadeo Trail Guide Hank there, and I look forward to making it back. Highly recommend!
• June 8-16, 2024 is Laconia Motorcycle Week. Expect heavier traffic and hotels to fill up faster.

Food Around Town

Coffee will always be a priority for me on trips! Whenever I’m in town, I visit Wayfarer Coffee in Laconia. There’s a location on Main St. and one on Union Ave. The BN team introduced me to it, and local Bronco Off-Roadeo Trail Guide Evan Liotta, who grew up in NH, cosigns the choice. Breakfasts are great here.

For food, we regularly stop at The Village Store in Gilford. Order from a wide menu of fresh food and pick up snacks from the general-store-type selection. Good luck being able to choose which fresh-baked dessert to save for later!

Evan supplied tons of other places, plus insight on what makes them great and where you can find them:

BREAKFAST

• Winnipesaukee Bay Gulls (Gilford and Center Harbor) – Fresh handmade bagels and egg sandwiches. Get there early for the best selection. The Gilford location is next to the Laconia airport; watch small planes glide in overhead as you eat.
• George's Diner (Meredith) – Traditional sit-down breakfast. Located downtown near the docks.
• Yum Yum Shop (Wolfeboro) – 1940s sweet treats bakery. Doughnuts, croissants, cookies, coffee.

LUNCH

• Shibleys at the Pier/Drive-In (Alton Bay) – Seafood sit-down restaurant on the water or drive-up window service. Great stop after hiking Mt. Major.

DINNER

• Ellacoya Barn and Grill (Gilford) – Five minutes from Gunstock. In an old barn, good atmosphere.
• Canoe Restaurant & Tavern (Center Harbor) – Excellent menu and lake-life atmosphere. Sister restaurant  is O’s Bistro (Wolfeboro).
• Birch & Vine (Melvin Village) – Off the tourists’ beaten path but has a fun atmosphere with an excellent menu. Melvin Village is a “frozen-in-time” town that represents the vacation era of the 1920s and 30s.

DRINKS

• Witches Brew Pub (Weirs Beach) – Variety of local craft beers on tap. Outdoor seating with views of the lake.
• Lone Wolf Brewery (Wolfeboro) – Local brewery with live music most nights.
• Hermit Woods Winery (Meredith) – Just up the hill from the town docks.

ICE CREAM

• Yum Yum Shop (Wolfeboro) – Tons of flavors. Combine it with a cookie from the bakery for a custom Ice cream sandwich.
• Sawyer’s Dairy Bar  (Gilford) – Ice cream made onsite.
• Town Docks Ice Cream (Meredith) – Have ice cream on the town docks and watch the different boats come and go.

At your meal stops, try some of the famous cuisine in the area. Evan recommends ordering Maine lobster rolls hot with butter, Boston crème pies or doughnuts, and apple cider doughnuts in the fall. If you come across a Fluffernutter (peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwich), get it toasted with a glass of milk: “Fluff is to New England what Vegemite is to Australia or Nutella is to Italy,” says Evan.

One more staple to take home? Local maple syrup, picked up at a sugar shack or local country/farm store.

Things to Do

From hiking Mt. Major and Roberts, kayaking to Rattle Snake Island, mountain biking in Highland Mountain Bike Park, and off-roading in Jericho State Park, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun.

Evan, who has spent decades in the area boating, hiking, and snowboarding, helped me out with first-hand suggestions here as well.

HIKING

• Mt. Major – NH’s most popular hike due to its accessibility to all ages and skill levels, plus stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee.
• Mt. Roberts – Less crowded than Mt. Major and still has stunning views of the big lake. It’s considered by many to be the finest “undiscovered” hike in the Lakes Region.
• Rattle Snake Island – Kayak, canoe, or boat to the island, then hike the ridgeline down the middle. The island is only accessible when the dock is staffed by Lakes Region Conservation Trust staff. Check the website before going. 

MOUNTAIN BIKING

• Highland Mountain Bike Park – Lift-access mountain bike park with cross-country trails, an indoor training center and a bag jump.

ACTIVITIES

• Bank of NH Pavilion – Outdoor amphitheater located near Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford. Relatively intimate venue for big-name musical and comedic talent.
• Vintage wooden boat rideson Lake Winnipesaukee
  • The “Millie B” departs from Wolfeboro town docks (Tell Captain Chip Evan sent you.)
  • “Miss Meredith” departs from Meredith (check Mills Falls website)
• Mount Washington cruise – Scenic large boat cruises from port to port on the lake.
• Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad – Departs from Weirs Beach and cruises along the lake.
• Weirs Drive-In Theater: Drive your Bronco down to the boardwalk and watch a double feature at this historic movie theater.

RAINY DAYS

• Wolfeboro Museums
  • Wright Museum of WWII History (hidden gem for history buffs)
  • Libby Museum of Natural History
  • New Hampshire Boat Museum
• Fun Spot: Huge arcade with vintage and modern games, plus ten-pin and Candlepin bowling.

He also recommends checking out Mt. Washington Auto Road. You can drive, hike, or take a train ride up to the top of NH’s tallest peak. It’s home to the highest recorded windspeed on Earth, 231 MPH. Don’t forget to get your “This car climbed Mt Washington” bumper sticker for your Bronco.

Additional Off-Roading

If you’ve brought your Bronco, you might want to get off-road in it after your day at Off-Roadeo. Unfortunately, the Northeast is limited on full-size vehicle trail access. Evan recommends you check out New Hampshire’s “Class 6” roads for your best chance at off-roading in the state:

“Class 6 roads are old public access roads that were never paved and are no longer maintained by the town/state. Class 6 roads are not well marked or mapped. Please do your homework before venturing out and be respectful by following the Tread Lightly! principles. Check out Exploring NH, an excellent resource for off-roading responsibly in the state.

“There is also an off-road park two hours north of Gunstock. It was an ATV/MX-only park but has recently added full-size 4x4 trails. I haven’t personally been there yet but heard it’s worth exploring. It’s within Jericho Mountain State Park." 

Your Turn!

Dates for Bronco Off-Roadeo New Hampshire will open soon, so be sure to check the Bronco Off-Roadeo Calendar. Enjoy your epic adventure, and if you’ve already attended, tell us about where you went on your trip!