Lake Massabesic is the trophy in Manchester's fishing line-up, offering some of the best shore-fishing around. Because the lake is also a town water supply, there is no wading or swimming allowed. At the Front Park access area, there is a large park with plenty of shoreline. The best fishing is at the south end near a drainage culvert.

At Deer Neck Bridge, try fishing the channel connecting the two sides of the lake. Take time to hike nearby nature trails. Clair's Landing in the village of Auburn is a great spot for a family outing, with excellent fishing and more good spots just down the river.

Local ponds include Stevens, Little Massabesic and Tower Hill, all of which offer perch, chain pickerel, sunfish, bass and more. North of Manchester at the Piscataquog River, anglers will find trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and other fish.

New Hampshire has 1,300 lakes and ponds and 40 rivers that flow a total of 41,800 miles.

For information about where the fish are biting, check the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Web site at www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm.

The advantage of seeking a family camping experience near a metropolitan area is that you get the best of both worlds. Enjoy the bright city lights or not. Auburn, a village with fewer than 5,000 people, is six miles outside Manchester. Camping, boating, biking, the McIntyre Ski Area and the Massabesic Audubon Center are all at hand for family fun.

For more information about family activities, visit www.visitnh.gov.

VERMONT
The Northern Kingdom
Vermont's state record lake trout, a 35-pound, 3.2-ounce giant, was pulled from the quiet depths of Lake Willoughby in 2003. The lake is the jewel of the tri-county region of Vermont known as the Northern Kingdom. Lake Willoughby, a national natural landmark, covers 1,653 acres to a depth of 300 feet, the deepest in the state. In addition to lake trout, rainbows, browns and landlocked salmon may be found here.

There's plenty for on-the-go families to do in the region. Willoughby State Forest covers 7,300 acres. Take to the South Trail, a 3.5-mile hike of moderate difficulty, for sweeping views to Mt. Hor and beyond. Nesting falcons and alpine flora may be observed along Willoughby Cliffs. Diversions include boating, fishing, hiking, swimming and scuba diving. Good fishing ponds include Newark and Bald Hill, east of the forest. To the west are Crystal Lake and Crystal Lake State Park.

The Connecticut River, New England's longest and most powerful, winds through New Hampshire and Vermont. The Connecticut River valley is well known for its rich farming and railroad heritage, as well as the network of highways, byways and waterways that make up the Connecticut River Scenic Byway.

Vermont's Brunswick Springs was named "The Eighth Wonder of the World" by Ripley's Believe It Or Not in 1984. Six springs bubble forth here, allegedly containing nine separate minerals. The springs have a history rich with tales of curses, miracles, greed and sorcery. The springs flow into the Connecticut River 65 feet below.

Learn more about these and other Vermont ghost stories and offbeat activities at www.vermonter.com and click on the "Weird Stuff" link.

Vermont has no shortage of scenic spots, with more than 100 covered bridges, most built prior to 1912. Fox Hall Bed and Breakfast, a circa-1890 cottage revival structure listed in the national registry, is nestled along the shore of Lake Willoughby.

The state has no shortage of campsites. Of 52 state parks, 39 offer camping. There are also nine Green Mountain National Forest campgrounds and 75 private campgrounds to choose from.

For more camping information, visit www.travel-vermont.com or call the Vermont Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation at (802) 241-3655.