As the warmer months arrive and we’re looking ahead to summer and its promise of unplugging a bit, we’re yearning for travel that’s more about nostalgia, the great outdoors and simple pleasures. A raft of hotels, perched on some of the most glorious lakes across the States are embracing this vibe of good, old fashioned summer camp—with much better dining options. In these places, waking up late in a stylish log cabin, rowing on kayaks through early morning waters, heading out for a day of trout fishing and watching the sunset around a fire pit are noble pursuits. And out here, there’s no wifi necessary.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
Canandaigua, New York
As the first hospitality project from Bill and Lyndsay Caleo, the brother and sister co-founders of Brooklyn Home Company, The Lake House on Canandaigua is a contemporary ode to classic lake house style: four-poster beds, desks, and floors are done in light woods; white linen sofas make way for lounging in the suites; and dashes of jewel tones pop up throughout the main lodge and the Rose Tavern restaurant. The 124- room property, which is located in the heart of the Finger Lakes and roughly five hours from New York and Boston—or a quick jaunt on a seaplane from Manhattan’s Hudson River— offers something for everyone. Visit the Willowbrook Spa for a purification ritual in one of the creekside saunas; have a lobster roll and local craft beer at the lakefront Sand Bar; time a trip to coincide with one of the monthly Finger Lakes wine pairing dinners. Check the property’s ever-rotating calendar for daily activities that range from early morning stretching and meditation to ice skating, live music, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Lake Shore Resort
Saugatuck, Michigan
Those only familiar with Lake Michigan from its Chicago coastline may not recognize the same lake that fronts the Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck, Michigan, located just 2.5 hours northwest of the city. Immersed in nature, and delightfully undeveloped, the scene here is all about being outdoors. Each of the rooms in this revamped mid-century motor inn has lake views. Explore the shore by beach cruiser, wake up with the sun for a yoga class on the deck, kayak across the water or watch the sunset from the fire pit. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the town of Saugatuck is just three miles away and offers a variety of options with small-town authenticity, including the Southerner from chef Matthew Millar.
Blackberry Mountain
Walland, Tennessee
A collection of stone cottages, treehouse, modern homes, and rustic cabins all set on 5,200 acres within the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee (just 15 minutes northeast of its sister property Blackberry Farm) create the kind of tranquil setting conducive to breakfast in bed, afternoon naps and evening wine tastings. But this countryside retreat also offers hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, archery, and a culinary program featuring local ingredients. There's also the Valley, a recreational area with a freshwater pond fed by nearby streams, as well as dock hammocks, a floating swim-platform, tennis and pickleball courts, and a 60-by-24-foot pool.
The Resort at Paws Up
Greenough, Montana
Many think of the Resort at Paw’s Up as the ultimate rustic ranch experience, complete with luxury tents that feature claw-foot tubs as well as log cabins that would fulfill anyone’s western fantasy. Among the more popular activities are horseback riding, navigating the ropes course, axe throwing, and shooting at the rifle range. But one of the more unique offerings is the ranch’s Island Lodge at Salmon Lake. Hop on the property’s Wakesetter 23 LSV Malibu Boat with room for up to 15 people, and head 15 minutes to the private island for all sorts of summertime lake activities: wakeboarding, waterskiing, wake surfing, and tubing on the boat’s custom waves, which can be sized from beginner to “Hawaiian pro.” At the end of the day, head back to the main camp to enjoy the 37,000-acre property’s two restaurants, each highlighting elevated Montana fare as well as a hand-picked wine list.
Lake Austin Spa Resort
Austin, Texas
It’s rare to find a destination spa that also feels like luxury resort, and while the 19-acre Lake Austin Spa Resort does offer rigid weekly programs filled with intense movement classes, nutritional counseling, healthy menus, and a range of detoxifying and rejuvenating spa treatments, guests can also treat the property as a plush retreat and won’t be judged should they prefer sleeping instead of a pre-dawn hike. However, it is hard to resist the countless daily activities offered, everything from canoeing, sculling, water meditation, and Hydro-biking to Tai Chi, forest bathing, and Crystal Bowl Sound Bathing. An organic garden features more than 1,000 species of plants, herbs, vegetables, and spices, many of which are used for Chef Stephane Beaucamp’s nutrition-focused menus. Up next: a new water taxi for excursions off-property as well as a new cluster of private cabanas along the main pool, which hovers just above a quiet stretch of Lake Austin.
High Hampton
Cashiers, North Carolina
High Hampton, the beloved 100-year-old property nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, was recently taken over and revamped by Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain teams. The 18-room inn and three cottages (with 40 more rooms) have been upgraded with rustic-luxe style. Here, a swimming pool and hot tub overlook the 15-acre Hampton Lake, with a beach, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and fishing equipment that’s available for rent. Off the water, there’s tennis and pickleball, a kid’s camp, and expansive culinary programming featuring everything from mixology classes to seasonal tasting menus.
Lake Placid Lodge
Lake Placid, New York
There’s a reason the Lake Placid Lodge, nestled within the Adirondacks, has earned its reputation among America’s Great Camps. Originally constructed in 1882 of shingles and stone as a private retreat for a German family to enjoy the area’s 46 rugged mountain peaks, it was sold and turned into a hotel in 1946. A fire in 2005 destroyed the original property but having risen from the ashes, its new buildings have the soul of the original structures. The main Arts-and-Crafts-style lodge has five large rooms, with additional others spread throughout several ancillary buildings. All have working fireplaces, well-executed cabin décor (plaid drapes, plush leather club chairs), and stunning lake views. As the only lakefront hotel on Lake Placid, the Lodge is ideally situated for lake exploration on canoes, kayaks, and electric boats, as well as fishing.
