What Stays the Same. What Changes
A 2026 Reflection from the Ames Farm Family
Every winter, as plans for the next summer begin to take shape, we hear the same thoughtful question from our longtime guests:
“What’s staying the same—and what’s changing?”
It’s a fair question. After all, for many families, a week at Ames Farm Inn isn’t just a vacation. It’s a tradition. It’s the week where everyone finally slows down, reconnects and settles back into rhythms that feel familiar and relaxing.
As we head into 2026, here’s our updates.
What Stays the Same
Some things are simply too important to change.
4th thru 6th Generations managing the Inn
In 2026, Peter, Peggy, Patrick & Shea will continue to be actively involved in day-to-day activities.
Our return guests
We value those of you who continue to choose Ames Farm for your vacation spot on Lake Winnipesaukee.
The mornings and the views
The same east-facing gorgeous sunrises spilling across Lake Winnipesaukee. Coffee by the water or on the dock. That quiet moment before the day begins.
The beach and the fields
Our uncrowded shoreline, open green fields and room for kids to roam freely are still at the heart of the Ames Farm experience.
Your cottage week
The familiar cottages, porches and simple lakeside vacationing remain exactly as you remember. Our cottages are still meant for unplugging, slowing down and being together.
The annual traditions
Blueberry pancakes in the restaurant
Kellerhaus ice cream in the store
The Wishing Well in the country store
Jumping off the dock
Shuffleboard, Ping Pong and Paddle Board.
Tractor Beverages
These small moments are often the ones families talk about for years. What’s yours? Let us know.
Welcoming guests
Five generations in, our commitment to hospitality hasn’t changed. We still greet you like family, because for many of you, you are.
What’s Changed
While the tradition of Ames Farm remains the same, we do believe in taking care of the place—and of you.
An honor in 2025
We were deeply grateful to be named NHLRA Boutique Lodging Property of the Year. While the award itself is new, it reflects something long-standing: a commitment to service, stewardship and a family-run tradition that stretches back generations. Many kudo’s to our staff who work hard so you can enjoy your stay.
Comfort upgrades in the accommodations
For 2026, cottages 1-8 are now air conditioned, offering added comfort during warm summer stretches while preserving the familiar layouts and charm you love. Several cottages also received new windows and carpets were replaced. In the apartments, we continue making upgrades by restoring the hardwood floors.
Restaurant improvements behind the scenes
We refreshed parts of the restaurant with much-needed upgrades -equipment upgrades, including new windows to keep those lakeside views front and center, updated stainless steel tables and a larger freezer—making room for all the essentials like blueberries, infamous sausages, angus steaks and more. These updates help us serve you better without changing the experience you come for.
Maybe more changes for the Restaurant…. We will keep you updated on this blog.
Ames family - staffing updates
Patrick retired from his healthcare IT career. You may have seen him behind the grill, in the restaurant or checking on cottages this past Summer. You will see more in 2026 as he helps Peter, Peggy and the rest of the Ames staff. Also, Shea is graduating from UVM, so maybe we’ll recruit her for one more summer before her next adventure.
Also, our extended Ames family members Angie and Kelli will not be with us this Summer. New opportunities and experiences await them both and we wish them well!! We’re certain they will make a cameo appearance when in the Lakes area!
New outdoor games
Bucket Golf was a late season field game that was introduced and was a popular hit.
New local partnerships
In our off season, we look for partnerships with local companies that complement our multi-generational traditions and enhance your annual experience. We hope to add one or two local experiences that will create new memories.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Whether you’ve been coming for decades or are just discovering us for the first time, our goal remains the same:
To give you a place where life slows down.
Where mornings matter.
And where your family’s story has room to unfold, year after year.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to the lake.
Keep your tradition going.