A few years back, we visited Wolfeboro, N.H., for Memorial Day Weekend and the memories will last forever.

Granted, we didn’t hit all the major area tourist attractions and take out a second mortgage to shop the shops and dine out on upscale food. We couldn’t, as our budget mandated otherwise.

Instead, we extensively walked the area, taking in the incredible beauty of the placid eastern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. This scene provided the “million dollar” view that people come to expect when visiting a New Hampshire lake town. Quite honestly, we could have just stayed by the lake all day, sat on a bench in the lovely gazebo, and the memories would have still been at the top of our New England list. Add a nice lunch at the waterfront Dockside Grille (11 Dockside St.), some yummy ginger bread men cookies at the Yum Yum Shop bakery, a great free Memorial Day Weekend art show at the lovely town park area (at the water), and some budget shopping at Black’s Gift Shop (8 South Main St., with lots of nice souvenirs here), and Wolfeboro instantly became a best New England friend. We did all this for under $75 for four people.

The downtown is small, but packed with stores and restaurants, and the feeling is so friendly.  The Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce people are so nice ( the Chamber is housed in the stunning historic Wolfeboro Station building), as are the locals we met that clearly love their town. Wolfeboro, could, in fact, look your your own town. It has more of a “townie” feel — not some place that is all built up just for the tourists. It’s really a great walking town with the pleasant downtown and side streets that lead to the water. You’ll also find some great parks, playgrounds and beaches here!

Unlike some other lake towns that are more honky-tonk or became too “Hollywood,” Wolfeboro is humble, laid back and, as they say, as comfortable as an old shoe. Yes, you’ll find some crowds here, but it’s generally of a more well-behaved kind, so, it’s unlikely that the six-pack party crowd will choose Wolfeboro as their number one destination. Rather, it’s more of a traditional, family-oriented New England destination.

Before leaving Wolfeboro, we checked out the Piping Rock Resort, a historic but modernized inn overlooking Wolfeboro Bay (you’re still downtown here). Now, the Inn at Wolfeboro doesn’t fall into our “Thrifty New England Traveler” category as it is somewhat expensive. But it’s worth a mention, if you are inclined to leave the budgeting temporarily behind and splurge a little. The rooms are so nicely appointed and the Inn just seems like an ideal place to relax on the nicely landscaped grounds. sit by the fireplace (well, maybe not in the summer) or eat at the cozy Wolfe’s Tavern.

For a more budget-friendly hotel, you might want to check out the Piping Rock Resort , situated directly on Lake Winnipesaukee and close to downtown Wolfeboro.

All in all, we suggest you visit Wolfeboro and start the unofficial beginning of summer off right in this wonderful, little New Hampshire town.

For more information on all there is to see and do in Wolfeboro (including major tourist attractions!), visit the Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce Web Site.

Editor’s note: the Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce announces on its web site the following free event on Sat. May 28…

The Sandy Martin Gallery, 15 S Main St., Wolfeboro, invites the public to an Open House-Meet the Artists, on Saturday, May 28, 4-6 pm. Sandy Martin’s 2011 original paintings and photographs show life in the lakes region. Ashton Woodhouse’s photographs bring back the great live music that has played in Wolfeboro over the years. Bruce Taylor enjoys a huge following of fans for his panoramas, and sensitive photographs often thought to be watercolors. George Paton is a new arrival this year to the gallery with his large format film photos showing the abstract beauty of nature. Charles Hahn is continuing to capture special moments in his beautiful bronze sculpture. Music will be performed by young composer Alex Brackett. Refreshments are created by Lauren Taylor. Come and meet the artists. For more information call (603) 569-9890 or email studio2w@hotmail.com