Most beautiful lake for a family vacation?

[bawkbawkbawk]

Thought I'd ask this here because it seems there are BYC folks from all over the place.

DH grew up on a lake in Minnesota. Many fond memories of summers spent boating, fishing, swimming. Now that there are grandkids, we're thinking of renting a place for a month in summer 2010 and inviting everyone to come as they can. It would be hard to leave my chickens for that long, but unfortunately, the grandkids take priority over my girls.

MN is probably top sentimental candidate, but geesh, there's 10,000 lakes to choose from. Where do we start? Michigan and Wisconsin are possibilities, as well. I've heard Door County is great. Maybe even other places I haven't thought of?

In my fantasy, I want one of those houses with 5 or 6 bedrooms/baths, two-story atrium windows looking out on the lake. I've seen photographs of such places and they look idyllic. At any rate, we're willing to spend more for comfort and location. We know enough to know we need a sandy beach - little kids hate wading through weeds. Has to be a lake that allows speedboats. Good fishing would be a huge plus, as would be a "village" atmosphere with grocery store, etc. nearby.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Lake Lure, NC

http://www.townoflakelure.com/

Just a jump and a skip from Chimney Rock, too.

 

[debilorrah]

http://junelakeloop.com/

June Lake, CA. Also nearby us Gull Lake, Grant Lake, Silver Lake all within about a 45 minute loop. Close to Mono Lake and Mammoth Lakes too. Nothing is like the California Sierras.

 

[australorpchick]

June Lake! I love June Lake. It's funny reading someone else talk about it. Usually everyone stops at Mammoth or drives on to Tahoe. My great grandparents summered in Lee Vining, so we spent a week every summer out at June Lake. My husband and I spent our honeymoon at June Lake too. We stayed at the Gull Lake Lodge. Too bad they closed the Schat's bakery in bustling downtown June Lake, I love their Maple donuts.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
That was going to be my vote too.

 

[sparkles2307]

Bungo Lake, Juggler Lake, Clearwater Lake, Elbow Lake, ... we live smack in the middle of lake country here in MN. Those are some that are close enough to civilization for comfort, but no big resorts or over crowding on the beaches, just like, you and 5 other people and the loons. Bungo Lake has the Hoot Owl resort on it. Very nice secluded place.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
I try to get there every year. That is the most peaceful community even at the height of the season. To me it's ok they closed Schat's. I used to live in Bishop and know Eric Schat - what a butthead!!!! His son isn't much better either.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

We always liked Kelley's Island on Lake Erie. Have to get there by ferryboat.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I just spent most of last week at my brother's cabin on Stalker Lake in MN.
It is a fishing lake, though. No beach. I took my GD to Battle Lake to go swimming.

sparkles2307 could give you the best places to check out....they really are in Lake Country!

Jean

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Quote:
That was going to be my vote too.

3rd vote for Lake Lure. Hubby still talks of the one day we spent up there 8 years ago.