Though Summer in Boston is one of the only times the weather somewhat cooperates, it’s also the time of year everyone wants to get out of town.
While the majority heads to Nantucket, the Vineyard or Cape, I was excited to truly feel like I was escaping somewhere new where I wouldn’t bump into my neighbors yet again.
Here are only a few of the reasons Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain should be on your weekend getaway list.
The Food
You know me and how important food is to my existence. So sitting down to a dinner prepared by Vermont’s Chef of the Year Christian Kruse was an exciting prospect.
Locally sourcing his ingredients directly from Vermont, his dishes demonstrated flair without pretension, full of flavor while maintaining a surprising level of heartiness.
The History & It’s Story
We were provided a lot of history regarding the area during a beautiful cruise on Lake Champlain by Bob Beach and all types of interesting insider background from the Beach family themselves who have been running Basin Harbor for over 100 years.
Pennie Beach still maintains her late husband’s hive and honey apiary while her daughter Sarah can often be seen walking the grounds with her lovable dog or taking a swim with guests turned friends.
Their genuine warmth and hospitality are what set them apart, making us feel more like visiting family than pesky guests.
The Ability to Try Something New
Whether it was renting bicycles to head to Button Bay, or viewing the lake via sea plane, the club has a bit of everything for everyone.
We were never bored, packing our days with a DIY session with noted designer Joanne Palmisano and wine tasting with the most delicious (and plentiful) pairings!
The Nostalgia
BHC has a way of incorporating (and accommodating) the more modern amenities while maintaining it’s historic charm.
Guests are transported around the property via golfs carts requested at the touch of a button and dinners are charged to your room, relieving you from carrying around wallets and cash.
Evenings are spent relaxing in Adirondack chairs, fireside roasting marshmallows and the dock and water trampolines at the waterfront will transport you back to your fondest childhood camp memories.
The Landscape
When I say BHC has something for everyone, it was proven during our weekend stay while they hosted a wedding, massive party and several other events. Swiftly treading water while not letting any of their guests see them sweat.
Everything about the club is calming and guests tend to say hello when they walk by, wholly in vacation mode.
There is even an on site bar that turns into a nightclub (with DJ) Saturday evenings if you’re in the mood to dance. Pro tip: he is very open to requests!
The Drive
We drove through a national park while in pursuit of our destination, making stops whenever the moment called for it.
Waterfalls, farmers markets, idyllic general stores and ice cream shops. Our drive to and from Basin Harbor Club was every bit a part of the Vermont experience as was our stay.
Another massive thank you to our auto partner Chevrolet for providing the perfect vehicle to literally climb mountains, provide in cabin wifi and the most comfortable ride.
To the Beach family and Basin Harbor Club crew, thank you for an incredible experience to kickoff the Summer. I cannot wait to return.
Below, a compilation of all the photos and video from our trip.
Stephanie
July 24, 2016So beautiful, and the food looks yummy.
Judy Thomas
August 13, 2016OMG! I would stay there just for that cheese platter! Yum!