What Stays the Same. What Changes

January 13, 2026

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.

 

Turning a Concert into a Weekend Getaway

May 29, 2026
From One Night to a Full Escape: Turning a Concert into a Weekend Getaway OK. So, you bought your tickets for the Bank of NH Pavilion for this Summer. We already know that the Pavilion has a good scene for pre-show festivities. Why not extend your experience after the show? Going to a concert offers more than just live music. The energy of the crowd, the sound of music played live, and the connection with others who share your taste is always a good time. But too often, it’s over in a few hours, followed by a late drive home and a quick return to routine. What if you stretched that one night into something more memorable? Just minutes from Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion, Ames Farm Inn offers the perfect way to turn a concert evening into a full weekend escape that blends the excitement of attending the concert with the relaxation of spending time on Lake Winnipesaukee. Why Ames Farm Inn for your concert weekend? First, we are only a ten-minute drive to the Pavilion. However, we know that finding transportation back and forth to the concert can be a challenge. Bar Hoppah is one transportation service that is locally available to guests to safely travel to and from concerts. By staying at the Inn, you can either do the short drive or secure transportation and skip the stress of having to get in and out of a concert. That way, you can enjoy the Courtyard, the Hazy Little Stage bands or one of several craft brew or snack stands. After a concert, the last thing you want is traffic, long drives, or the abrupt end to a great experience. Instead, you can trade those blinding headlights for the view of the stars from our field and beaches. A concert by incredible artists like James Taylor may be the highlight, but it doesn’t have to be the whole story. At Ames Farm Inn, your weekend can include lakeside mornings drinking coffee on the dock, afternoon swimming/paddleboarding, and time spent outdoors. A weekend getaway at Ames Farm Inn is focused on simple, outdoorsy fun with a beautiful view of Lake Winni. Our open fields make space for classic activities like volleyball, horseshoes, and casual lawn games. Our beaches are the perfect spot to sit back and sunbathe or to take off from one of our rental kayaks/paddle boards. Unplug and Reset After the high energy of a live show by Jack Johnson, Jason Aldean or Lil Wayne, the quiet, unplugged setting of Ames Farm Inn creates the perfect contrast. Without TV or Wi-Fi, you’re encouraged to slow down, be present, and relax. It’s a natural reset that will make your entire weekend feel more complete. Make It Social Concerts are often shared experiences. You can expand that time together by turning your evening at a concert into a weekend getaway. Whether you’re traveling with friends, a partner, or family, staying the weekend at Ames gives you the chance to connect. You can join us for breakfast in the morning after the concert wearing your concert T-shirt. We would love to hear about your experiences at the concert over a plate of blueberry pancakes. There’s a good chance another concert fan is dining at a nearby table nodding with their approval with your merch purchases. And, yeah, we have free coffee refills. Ames Farm Inn is surrounded by a mix of natural beauty and local attractions that make it easy to make your visit last another night. New to the area? For a more laid-back outing, Weirs Beach is a classic spot for strolling, arcades, dining and lakeside sunsets. Gunstock Mountain Resort provides hiking trails and outdoor adventure in warmer months, along with gorgeous views of the lake. Last year, they opened the Panorama Pub on select weekend days. Mount Washington has many cruise offerings if you have not been on the lake in awhile. Together, these nearby attractions make it easy to balance relaxation with a bit of activity during your concert stay. An Authentic Way to Experience Live Music Turn a concert night into a weekend getaway at Ames Farm Inn. When the music ends for artists like Mumford & Sons or Jelly Roll, you will have had a meaningful escape that you’ll remember long after the final encore.