A few of my American favorites

Lake Chelan is the perfect spot for a summer vacation either as a romantic spot for two or adventure with the entire family, the dramatic landscape, direct access to water and warm summer temperatures make it an ideal destination. Take a ferry to Stehekin where the population is a mere 75 permanent residents, a short ride up Lake Chelan, and stroll through the historic district, the Stehekin Pastry Company, and the one-room Stehekin School.

 

Forest Grove is located in the Tualatin Valley, Oregon a short drive from Portland. One of the largest giant sequoia trees of the state of Oregon can be found in Forest Grove. Hagg Lake, just a few miles away, is a great fishing spot is filled with Rainbow Trout, and is also great for waterskiing, and kayaking. Downtown is a history buff's haven lined with ancient iron streetlamps, restored boutiques and wine bars.

Pyramid Lake is just northeast of Reno, Nevada and is named because of the rock formations peeking through the surface. The lake is completely within the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation. Whether your visit to Pyramid Lake is incited by the guarantee of outstanding fishing, the allure of the warm, salty water, or simply to satisfy curiosity about the primitive lake, this is one Nevada gem that simply can't be ignored.

 

Fountain Point is an historic landmark located in Suttons Bay Township, Michigan. Its name is derived from a fountain of sparkling artesian spring water, situated on a large point on Lake Leelanau, which has been continuously gushing since 1867. Fountain Point includes smaller private residences and a large resort called Fountain Point Resort. It is open to the public, reservations only, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and features swimming, boating, tennis and numerous other indoor and outdoor activities.

 

Dillon Reservoir, sometimes referred to as Lake Dillon, is a fresh water reservoir bordered by the towns of Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon in Colorado. During ski season, thousands of people flock to the Dillon Reservoir area. Dillon Reservoir is close to four ski-resorts. The reservoir is also a center of attraction for the area. During the winter months, ice fishing and snowmobiling are common activities. For the warmer months, the Dillon Lake marina is open and hundreds of sailboats can be seen docked or sailing.

 

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in the state of New Hampshire. The lake contains at least 253 islands and has been a tourist destination for more than a century, especially for residents escaping the summer heat of Boston and New York City. Lake Winnipesaukee is a popular getaway for celebrities, politicians, and families alike.The area is home to numerous summer theater troupes and offers a variety of land and water recreational activities. There are numerous hiking trails in and around the surrounding mountains, which include the Ossipee Mountains to the east, the Belknap Range to the west, and Red Hill to the north.

 

Watkins Glen State Park is located on the edge of the village of Watkins Glen, New York, south of Seneca Lake in Schuyler County. The main feature of the park is the hiking trail that climbs up through the gorge, passing over and under waterfalls. Watkins Glen is in New York's Finger Lakes region, which has developed a reputation for crisp white wines, and there are many wineries to be explored. We recommend at least a 3 day trip when heading this way, as there is so much to see and do!

 

Lake Lure is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina. The Lake Lure area has been used frequently as a filming location for major motion pictures, best known in Dirty Dancing (the dance scenes at the Lodge). It is also a common recreational area for residents and those within 100 miles of the Lake from four states to come visit, picnic, water ski, boat and fish or spend the summer. Dotted with small businesses Lake Lure is a town that will make you feel right at home with its friendly people and picturesque setting.

 

Mammoth Lakes is a town in Mono County, California. Mammoth Lakes resides on the edge of the Long Valley Caldera. The area around the town is geologically active with natural hot springs which are great after a day of skiing. The town is best known for its lakes, a soda springs, and an obsidian dome. Mammoth Lakes is north of the Owens Valley, a beautiful scenic area with extensive hiking opportunities and adventure tourism.

 

Wallowa Lake is a ribbon lake one mile south of Joseph, Oregon. On the south end of the lake is a small community made up of vacation homes, lodging, restaurants, as well as other small businesses. Wallowa Lake has been used for recreation since at least 1880. Located near the lake is an aerial cable gondola lift. It runs from the bottom of the valley to the top of Mount Howard. From the tram car, the passenger can see spectacular views of Wallowa Lake as well as the surrounding mountains.

 

The Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve is a U.S. National Park in Alaska. It is the northernmost national park in the U.S. (the entirety of the park lies north of the Arctic Circle) and the second largest, about the same size as Switzerland. The wildlife is spectacular with moose, barren-ground grizzlies, Dall sheep, black bears, wolves, and caribou calling this park home. The park also features six Wild and Scenic Rivers.

 

Zippel Bay State Park is a state park in Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota in the United States. It is on the white sand beach shoreline of the Lake of the Woods, near the United States border with Canada. The park is open for year-round recreation including camping, hiking, fishing and cross-country skiing. The park is a great family destination and the kids will love picking choke cherries, blueberries, cranberries, Juneberries, pin cherries, and strawberries as well as catching glimpses of moose, deers, minks, otters, eagles and marine birds!

 -Tracy Smith