Newbury has attracted residents and visitors to its unspoiled landscape since its incorporation in 1778. Early settlers found sustenance in Sunapee's lake and mountain as they tamed the wilderness, and later visitors found relaxation and recreation as they came to lakeside destinations by railroad and steamboat. Today Lake Sunapee continues to provide fishing and water sports, while Mount Sunapee Resort draws more than 250,000 skiers seasonally and is host to the oldest annual craftsmen's fair in the country. Nearby is the Fells, former statesman John Hay's historic home, offering art exhibits, extensive gardens, and hiking trails. Newbury Harbor hosts a train station and museum with a collection of railroad memorabilia. Newbury also offers the unique architecture of the Center Meeting House, historic buildings in timeless South Newbury village, and cheek-to-jowl cottages in Blodgett's Landing that evolved from Spiritualist campsites.
