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| With the mercury rising, many of us dream of getting away to enjoy a great beach vacation. But maybe you don’t have enough time off work. Is your budget tight? Are you planning the trip last-minute? These are reasons why a lake getaway can be the ideal solution to quench your desire for a fun-in-the-sun trip. Since there are numerous lakes in every state, they are easier and closer to get to than a faraway destination. I would like to highlight a few that stand out to me and have been recommended as being outstanding. For many travelers, it’s as easy as packing up your family and getting on the road. For others, traveling solo is the way to go. If the latter is the case for you, check out Canyon Calling Adventures for Women (www.canyoncalling.com), which is a company that offers multi-activity adventure trips just for women. Its summer and fall “Arizona Spectacular” trips offer some incredible lake outings. Here is a description: “Boating on Lake Powell to striking Rainbow Bridge leaves one awestruck at the stark beauty,” the Web site says. “It’s a great night’s camp under star-filled skies sharing stories around the fire. The Grand Canyon is much bigger and more breathtaking than we anticipate. After a challenging hike, we find ourselves in a lush oasis at Havasu marveling at the travertine pools and turquoise waterfall. Lake Powell is one of the most wonderful places in the West to get away from it all…Watching the sun set the canyon walls ablaze with its last light is one of those indelible lifetime travel memories.” Does this sound good to you, or are you interested in going north? Calling Adventures also has an excursion for those who want to take in the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and their glacial lakes. These all-inclusive trips seem to be ideal for single travelers who want to see something new and participate in a variety of activities for one price. Speaking of Lake Powell, it is the second-largest manmade lake in the United States. It is home to nearly three million visitors annually, and it lies partly in Arizona and mostly in Utah. It is 186 miles long and has 1,960 miles of shoreline (longer than the entire West coast). With 96 major canyons to explore, it would take you decades to see it all. You might want to rent a houseboat or camp on the beach. The nearby city of Page and its four marinas have just about everything you can imagine available to rent. Another great destination is Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. It is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the United States. There are plenty of great activities here, including lake kayaking tours (read more at www.rowadventurecenter.com). You might want to enjoy the atmosphere of the City Beach and numerous water activities, including water skiing, wakeboarding, fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, boat cruises, seaplane rides, and more. Historically, Lake Coeur d’Alene was used as the major method of transportation for the lumber industry that flourished in the area. It is now home to several sunken Model T’s and steamboats that rest at the bottom of the lake. If you’re a diver, you’ll probably love exploring these sunken historic treasures. Today, with 135 miles of shoreline, the lake is a major tourist attraction, bringing thousands of visitors during the summer months to explore its beauty and recreational activities that it offers. The Lake of the Ozarks is another one of my favorites. The shoreline of this massive lake measures greater than the coastline of the entire state of California! With so much space, visitors and residents can enjoy a plethora of activities in and out of the water. There are two scenic state parks: Lake of the Ozarks State Park (the largest in the state of Missouri) and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Many areas on the Lake of the Ozarks offer restaurants, shopping, golfing, and more. You can also have a great time just cruising around on your boat. The Finger Lakes in New York are a must for wine connoisseurs. With over 100 wineries in the area, you might want to take a day-cruise to a few of them. The Finger Lakes offer an opportunity to view numerous historic sites, mansions, museums, and parks. Whether you want an active lake getaway or an educational one, the Finger Lakes have much to offer. Must-see attractions are listed at www.fingerlakes.org. Here’s a new one for me: Have you ever heard of Isle Royale? It’s way off the beaten path in a remote location in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lake Superior. The only way it is accessible is by water or air. Rock Harbor Lodge has the only accommodations on the island, and 99% of it is designated wilderness and is protected from development. Whether you prefer to enjoy wildlife viewing, scuba diving the many shipwrecks, or taking sightseeing tours, Isle Royale is a treat for nature-lovers. It is open seasonally. If you’re starving to get out of the country, consider going way down south to Argentina. You can hike through lush subtropical vegetation to gaze at one of the greatest waterfalls, Iguazu Falls, which is in Patagonia’s Lake District. The Lake District is considered the most picturesque area in Patagonia. Kayak the unadulterated lakes and take as many pictures as you can when you reach the intensely blue Perito Moreno Glacier. Going on this lake getaway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So now that you have some ideas of where to go, ask around about who has been to which lake and what they enjoyed about it. Your travel agent will have some great ideas and will help you plan a successful trip. Whether you stay near home, travel across the country, or leave the country altogether, a lake getaway is a perfect way to get that sunny break you are looking for. Editor’s Note: Jackie has been a freelance writer for three years. She specializes in luxury, sports, and adventure travel, health and fitness, and product reviews. Her work has appeared in publications including Colorado Golf, Desert Golf, and Canadian Architecture & Design. |
Fantastic Lake Getaways |
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