July Street Smarts: A quickie guide to summertime shopping on Lake Sunapee

Great stores — and restaurants — surround the harbor that still has the old-fashioned feel of its heyday in the 19th century.

1. The Anchorage, the only restaurant right on the lake (there are even dock spots for hungry boaters), offers more than an up-close view of the beautiful Sunapee harbor and hearty American fare (leaning toward seafood) — it gives a large helping of rock ‘n’ roll history. Steve Tyler, of Aerosmith fame, met the group’s future guitarist, Joe Perry, at the restaurant. Perry was working in the kitchen. Today both have homes on the lake and, no doubt, they’d be happy that the restaurant, now owned by Karlie Shaw, has live music every Saturday, giving fledgling bands, like Tyler’s once was, needed exposure. www.theanchoragerestaurantatsunapeeharbor.com, (603) 763-3334

2. A short walk west of the harbor brings you to Tattered Pages at 31 River Rd. Walk downstairs to the riverside store and you find yourself surrounded by stuff that kids would love — books, games, dress-up clothes, bug houses, finger puppets, dinosaurs, lots of adorable clocks and much more. The store was the dream of retired teacher Brenda Holt, who wanted parents to be able to buy high-quality educational items at reasonable prices. (603) 763-2539

3. Go into the Wild Goose Country Store at 77 Main St. and you feel like you’ve entered a time machine. On the shelves in the 1830s-vintage building, once a farmhouse, is the stuff of childhood and long-ago kitchens — wooden toys, Slinkys, stuffed animals, preserves, pot holders and pottery, among lots of other things. Need a lamp finial? They’ve got it. Painted tissue box? Got it. Grab some old-fashioned popcorn while you’re there. (603) 763-5516

4. The dinner cruise aboard the M/V Mt. Kearsarge is no plastic-fork-paper-plate affair. For its roast beef buffet, there’s real china, real flatware and a white tablecloth. Diners on the two-deck boat sit next to a lace-curtained window that makes it easy to sit and watch as the boat plies the waters of the mountain lake (check out the gorgeous houses along the way). Reservations are suggested for the two-hour cruise. www.mvkearsarge.com, (603) 938-6465

5. You’ll find three upscale stores in one at 75 Main St. At one end of the large space is MoRae Jewelers, where you can buy items like the hand-painted bronze necklace shown above. Walk a few steps and you’re in Natalie’s Boutique, where you can buy hip clothing, mostly casual like Red Engine jeans, but also cashmere and silk. A few more steps take you to Wire Whisk, which sells everything from handmade pottery to coffeemakers. www.nataliesboutique.com, (603) 763-3322

6. Owners Bob and May Henry have supplied the Harborside Trading Co. at 81 Main St. with clothing and accessories that appeal to all ages because of the short selling season, but mostly there is fashionable and affordable (“nothing over $36,” says Bob) sportswear for teens to 40-somethings. There’s also a great selection of everything from T-shirts to Vera Bradley bags. Lots of novelty items, too. Don’t miss the “Magic Boxer Shorts” — just add water. (603) 763-9506