Summer Escapes! The Great(est) Lakes
Vermont’s Lake Willoughby, framed by the twin peaks of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor. (Photograph by Bob O’Connor)
The coast is fine, if you’re into jellyfish, lugging around your own shade, and paying peak-season superpremiums for overnights. But we’re thinking that this is the summer to bag the ocean in favor of New England’s other liquid attractions—namely, its lakes. Well, certain ones of them, anyway: For every shimmering pool, there’s a dozen mucky swamps with pesky phosphorous “issues.” (You’ll want the former.) So to very literally test the waters, we dispatched our reporters to search out the best inland destinations within driving distance of Boston. They came back with these nine freshwater gems, and, for each, an itinerary for the perfect stay. Lake neophytes, rest assured: You’ll never miss the salt.
CONNECTICUT
Lake Waramaug: The Classic
Photograph by Bob O’Connor
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Squam Lake: The Anti-Winnipesaukee
Lake Winnipesaukee: The All-in-One
Photograph by Bob O’Connor
MAINE
Rangeley Lake: The Wild One
Damariscotta Lake: Maine Without the Pain
Photograph by Bob O’Connor
MASSACHUSETTS
Long Pond: The Best of Both
Photograph by Bob O’Connor
VERMONT
Lake Willoughby: The Looker
Lake Champlain: The Big One
Silver Lake: Mayberry Redux
Photograph by Bob O’Connor