Vermont’s Best Kept Vacation Secret – Basin Harbor

There is a place along Lake Champlain that emits the childhood sentimentality of summer. Here you are greeted by cheerful faces that seem instantly familiar and people whom eagerly discuss their plans for the day. This summer sanctuary in Vergennes, VT, is known fondly by its patrons for it’s picturesque views and variety of activities. From camp, to tennis, sailing, and swimming – Basin Harbor undoubtably is a summer paradise. It’s easy to see why 50% of their patrons return year after year.

If you are from New England you are familiar with the long drive up route 89 and the tall pines kissing the winding roads. The hours flew by as I navigated my way up to the quiet belly of Lake Champlain.

Something about the independence of traveling alone always seems to energize me. I had no idea I would come to regret coming my myself – Basin Harbor is a place you instantly want to share with your family, and then tell no one else. I am lucky to know a few places like that.

Even after arriving post night shift, I could sense a wave of relaxation coming over me. I enjoyed kindling new friendships and new adventures. All of which – I can’t wait to share.

Accommodations at Basin Harbor

Cozy cabins pepper the wooded grounds, many overlooking Lake Champlain. Basin Harbor has a long history that fosters vacations that span generations. The owners, the Beaches, have grown the over five generations. This is precisely why each of the cabins is different – when building them, the Beaches asked each of their revisiting guests what they would want in their ideal vacation house. So, each cabin is dreamed up from the requests of the guests that have cherished Basin Harbor.

I stayed in one of the renovated cabins, a cozy one bedroom with a wood burning fireplace. Each accommodation has the quiet luxury of shaded trees, but the closeness to drop off a coffee to your neighbor in the morning.

The resort also offers two bedroom cabins as well as guest rooms in one of the historic houses on site. With a variety of accommodations, there’s a fit for every family here.

Many of the cabins overlook Lake Champlain, so there is a good possibility you might see a native bald eagle from your bedroom. On our tour of the harbor on The Escape cruise we saw a bald eagle’s nest. On the cruise around the harbor, lead by Captain Marty, we learned that eagles, like the guests, also return to Basin Harbor every summer. The eagles return to the same nesting site every year, and mate for life.

Things to do

The resort has so many activities and events. During the day, kids run to camp while their parents head to grab a coffee on the lawn overlooking the boat slips. Afternoons are spent sailing, kayaking, playing tennis, or perfecting the golf swing. As the long summer sun sinks below the Adirondacks, families come together again for dinner. Some picnic in their cabins, others dine at Ardelia’s, while others enjoy American fair while the kids hang from the monkey bars of the playground outside. Every Tuesday evening is Harbor Fair. Provisions are served on the dock, and the fun slips into the evening with s’mores by the campfire.

If you aren’t outdoorsy, there are colorful chairs strategically placed for your leisure to curl up with that novel you always said you’d finish. Additionally, massages are offered on property to ensure you properly relax.