The Sunapee region, with its lakes and mountains, has been a vacation mecca since the late 1800s. In the early days, vacationers took the train from Boston, New York, Washington, and beyond. They disembarked at Newbury Harbor and hopped on a steamboat for the last scenic leg of their journey. Grand hotels dotted the shoreline and visitors stayed for at least a month.

Along with the hotels, this golden age of tourism brought a multitude of opportunities to Sunapee. Restaurants and tea rooms flourished, a bowling alley opened on Little Island, marinas rented small boats for the athletically inclined, and the Livery rented horses and wagons to transport hikers to Mounts Sunapee and Kearsarge. Steamboats carried summer visitors from one fun activity and destination to the next.

The post-World War II economic boom, a growing middle class, and the creation of a vast interstate highway system changed all that. Vacations were no longer reserved exclusively for the wealthy. The family station wagon transported Mom, Dad, and the kids to self-catering lake- and mountainside cottages. The big fancy hotels were replaced with individual homes and vacation developments. The steamboats were retired . . . but not for long.

 

Bringing Steamboats Back

In 1950, a group of investors decided that, even on vacation, you couldn’t go to the beach all day, every day. Tourists needed attractions, a little nostalgia, and so they decided to bring back the steamboats. Or at least one. They found an old rumrunner that had been confiscated off the Maine coast during Prohibition. From rumrunner to patriotic vessel, the boat was drafted into the Coastal Picket Patrol during World War II. Also known as the Hooligan Navy, these boats were stationed up and down the Atlantic coast to keep watch for German U-boats, protect merchant ships, and rescue seamen. The investors bought the steamboat, shipped it to New Hampshire, refurbished it, and renamed it the Mount Sunapee.

Neither a success nor a failure, the business limped along for 10 years until John and Steve McGrath took over. Sunapee Cruises flourished under their ownership. The Mount Sunapee II replaced the old rumrunner and Mount Kearsarge joined the fleet. Sunapee Cruises became and continues to be one of the finest examples of New Hampshire’s family-run and -operated businesses. These businesses provide jobs, support local charities and nonprofits, and help build strong communities.

 

A Family Affair

John’s son, Dave Hargbol, bought the business in 1980 and Sunapee Cruises continued to thrive under his leadership. Not just the business—many now-grown local kids worked for Captain Dave and they are forever grateful for the life lessons he taught them and the values he instilled.

The Fenton family bought the boats in the early 2000s. The longtime owners of the Appleseed Restaurant in Bradford, Big Pete and Marybeth Fenton were very familiar with the business. Along with the restaurant, they catered dinners and parties throughout the region—including the evening cruises on the Mount Kearsarge. Their sons now run the business; Pete takes care of the food business and Captain Tim steers Sunapee Cruises. 

In addition to the boats and Appleseed Restaurant, the family owns Fenton’s Landing in Sunapee Harbor. This store-café provides breakfast and lunch in the newly refurbished dining room as well as to go. You will also find key provisions for your boat or picnic—and maybe even save yourself a trip to the supermarket. Last year’s popular Taco Truck is back but has moved out of the trailer and into new digs at 74 Main Street with outdoor seating and an expanded menu.

Captain Tim shares that the McGrath-Hargbol-Fenton families are well-connected and intertwined. Various McGrath and Hargbol siblings and cousins still work on the boats. Moreover, Tim is married to Captain Dave’s daughter Lacey. Tim and Lacey have four children. Although still in elementary school, perhaps one or all will continue the family business. 

 

From Leisurely Cruises to Celebrations

Every year, the first boats of the season set off from Sunapee Harbor on Mother’s Day weekend. They run weekends until Father’s Day. Then, the scenic afternoon cruise runs daily until Labor Day. The delicious dinner cruise runs every evening except Monday. After Labor Day, both boats transition to a Wednesday, Friday, and weekend schedule. 

The Mount Sunapee II handles the afternoon cruise. The boat can hold 100 sightseers. No need to pack a picnic—drinks and snacks are available for purchase during the tour. The Lake Queen serves a buffet dinner and can seat 100. Both cruises are ably narrated by the boats’ captains. With their deep knowledge of the lake and surrounding towns, they provide a wealth of historic information, point out interesting landmarks, and share local legends and lake lore.

Both the Lake Queen and Mount Sunapee II are frequent venues for private parties. Celebrating on the water is a popular choice for milestone anniversaries and birthdays, retirement parties, and rehearsal dinners. The steamboats have even hosted a few weddings. All of the captains are licensed to officiate and solemnize the I-dos. Whether public cruise or private charter, the Lake Queen can seat 100. The Mount Sunapee II has plenty of room for a cocktail party with 70 of your closest friends and family or a seated dinner for 45.

Both the Mount Sunapee II and Lake Queen are popular settings for fundraising events and galas. Many local groups and nonprofits have held events on board, including a history cruise, a winetasting on the water, and a brewer’s pairing dinner. Three don’t-miss events will take place this summer.

 

Summer Fun on the Lake

There’s no better way to kick off the season than an Independence Day fireworks display on Lake Sunapee. They’re even more spectacular when viewed from the water. The Sunapee Recreation Department is hosting a Fireworks Cruise to raise money for their many great programs. The event will take place on July 5. Opera North will once again sponsor a fun-filled, musical dinner cruise on July 14. Not to be outdone, the Newport Opera House hosts a Murder Mystery Cruise. This popular program will cast off on July 26.

For many locals, vacation residents, and tourists, summer would not be summer without a trip on either the Mount Sunapee II or the Lake Queen. Captain Tim says, “We have many repeat customers, people who come back year after year for a cruise. We love it that we are part of their Sunapee stories.” 

 

Sunapee Cruises

1 Lake Avenue

Sunapee, NH

(603) 938-6465

www.sunapeecruises.com