THE MOST FUN SMALL TOWNS FOR A LAKE TRIP

Oswego, New York

Named for an Iroquois word meaning “place of the pouring out,” this town located near where the Oswego River and Lake Ontario meet, is overflowing with gorgeous architecture, cute eateries (Rudy’ Lakeside Drive-In will have you craving its Texas hots and fried scallops long after you leave town), and dreamy summer sunsets (see: Historic Fort Ontario). We’d recommend a kayaking tour with Oswego Expeditions, but if you’re more of a landlubber, check out the annual Oswego County Hospice Cup Regatta in June. For July visitors, don’t miss Harborfest, July 27-30, 2023, with free music, fireworks, and more. Shack up at Merriam Barrett Guest House, just a hop, skip, and a jump from Lake Ontario and the Oswego River.

For more information, visit oswegony.org.

Vallecito Lake, Colorado

Jesse Wray

If you want a secluded vacation, good luck finding a spot to outshine this “little valley.” Nestled in a beautiful and isolated mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level, Vallecito Lake is the ancestral home to many of Colorado’s Ute Indians. About 18 miles from Durango, it’s tough to narrow down what lake activity to start with. Our vote? Stand-up paddle boarding on the gentle North shore, followed by a kayak session. Don’t miss spending a day exploring the San Juan National Forest, with a quiet beauty unlike any you’ve ever seen. Book your stay at the inviting Elk Point Lodge and be sure to grab a bite at The Weminuche Woodfire Grill with lake views that no camera could do justice.

For more information, visit colorado.com.

Greenwood, South Carolina

OLD 96 DISTRICT TOURISM

Lake Greenwood in Lake Greenwood State Park, located right outside the towns of Ninety Six (yes, real name) and Greenwood, offers 11,400-acres of floating fun. Kick up your feet at the Inn on the Square between grub sessions at Good Times

Brewing at The Mill House and the Cheeseburger House. Got a hankering for a good old fashioned festival? Consider the SC Festival of Stars, Wednesday, June 22 through Saturday, June 25.

For more information, visit visitgreenwoodsc.com.

Vergennes, Vermont

BASIN HARBOR

Perched on scene-stealing Lake Champlain, this lake has an impressive history of battles, which you can learn about at The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum As the sun sets, relax at Basin Harbor Resort & Boat Club. If you prefer to swap the sea for land, their craft workshops and guided biking excursions are a must, as well. (Note: cottages and guest rooms are certainly options, but you can also stay aboard your boat in an overnight slip!) When yo get hungry, head to Vergennes Laundry where you’ll definitely want to save room for indulgences like gingersnaps and pâtes de fruits.

For more information, visit vergennesdowntown.org.

Lake Waccamaw, North Carolina

Animal species you can’t find anywhere else on Earth? You betchya. Perfect picnics under oak trees? But of course. If you’re visiting this idyllic lake in North Carolina’s Eastern region, stay in nearby Whiteville, North Carolina at The Madison House. While in town, you’re definitely going to want to spend time kayaking the largest freshwater lake in the state, and scoping out Lake Waccamaw State Park (park rangers regularly hold educational programs for visitors). When you’ve worked up a sufficient appetite, slurp up some swoonworthy oysters at Dale’s Seafood on the shores of this glimmering natural wonder. For more information, visit ncparks.gov.

Breaux Bridge, Louisiana

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The town of Breaux Bridge, founded in 1829, sits on the shores of Lake Martin, which has the largest nesting area of wading birds in the United States. Many residents here are of Cajun descent (and still speak Cajun French) and their enthusiasm for living in the “Crawfish Capital of the World” is contagious. Le Pont-Breaux offers boating, fishing, kayaking, bird watching and air boat tours, but we’d urge you to spend a day antiquing, especially at Langiappe Antiques Market, a 17,000 square-foot hub for art and other treasures. Bring your loot back to the spacious Bayou Cabins, and enjoy your private porch with a pile of magazines. At Buck & Johnny’s, treat yourself to Cajun-Italian fusion, and if you can, hit up their famous Zydeco breakfasts on the weekend.

For more information, visit lafayettetravel.com.

Olcott Beach, New York

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We’ll never tire of the views on the 45-minute drive from Niagara Falls to this old-timey hamlet. Ditto the jumbo popcorn from Bye’s Popcorn, a family-owned roadside popcorn stand. The whole fam will swoon for Olcott Beach Carousel Park, which features a 1928 Hershell-Spillman two-row carousel, a collection of fun kiddie rides, and a 1931 Wurlitzer band organ. If your crew is mostly adults, venture to the allegedly haunted Winery at Marjim Manor for guided ghost tours, a yoga class, or, you know, vino. As the moon rises, retreat to The Old Olcott Beach Fire Station Guestrooms & Suites, within walking distance of Krull Park, Olcott Beach, and the Olcott Beach Carousel Park. Another favorite? Golden Hill State Park and the Thirty Mile Point Lighthouse, where you can hit the hay in the lighthouse’s guest suite.

For more information, visit niagarafallsusa.com.