Classic New England
Highland Lodge Some of the 11 cottages at this lodge run by third-generation innkeepers are made of tidy white clapboards and boast clawfoot tubs and porches. Others are miniature versions of the summer homes hidden on winding, leafy driveways in these parts. Most cottages overlook Caspian Lake, where a private beach beckons kids to swim, canoe, and kayak. The menu reflects the region's strong locavore movement with dishes such as the Vermont beefalo burger with Cabot cheddar. Located in Greensboro, Vermont; from $3,500, including activities and two daily meals; www.highlandlodge.com.
Great Lake Lodge
The Inn at Watervale Built as a boarding house for loggers in 1892, this lodge became a summer retreat for Chicago ophthalmologist Oscar Kraft in 1917. Today, the main house and 17 cottages tucked among sand dunes along the Lake Michigan shoreline and Lower Herring Lake are run by Kraft's great-grand niece Dori Turner, who proudly promotes the resort's lack of TV, landlines, Wi-Fi, and decent cell phone coverage. Instead of poring over their smartphones, families hike the 300-foot-high Old Baldy dune, comb the beach for fossils, and savor the sunsets over the lake. Located in Arcadia, Michigan; from $2,502, including two daily meals; www.watervaleinn.com.
Summering in Maine
Migis Lodge Founded in 1916, this lodge on Sebago Lake inspires cult-like loyalty among families who've been summering here for generations (many book next year's vacation when they check out). Scattered on 125 acres of pine forest, the lodge and its 35 wood-and-stone cottages are full of homey touches, like hand-sewn quilts, fieldstone fireplaces, and private porches. Hobnob with other guests lakeside over blueberry pancakes and maple syrup in the morning, the weekly lobster bake, or on a spin aboard the resort's classic Chris-Craft. Located in South Casco, Maine; from $6,500, including meals and activities; www.migis.com.
Pick Berries, Fish for Minnows
Milford House For the better part of its century-old existence, Milford House was a hunting and fishing camp, thanks to its proximity to nature (preserved in the massive Tobeatic Wilderness Area). These days, the resort lures families whose idea of fun is swimming in the property's two lakes, catching minnows with nets, and picking berries. The lodge puts on workshops by local artists. The 27 lakeshore cabins have working, hand-built fireplaces. Located in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia; from $1,680, including two meals daily; www.milfordhouse.ca.
Canadian Cottage Country
Pow-Wow Point Lodge Set in the lake country north of Toronto, the 90-year-old resort features a sandy lakeshore for swimming and canoes, pedal boats, kayaks, and mountain bikes at guests' disposal. Too much sun and fun? Recover in your lakeview cabin's whirlpool. Located in Muskoka, Ontario; from $3,239, including meals and activities; www.powwowpointlodge.com.
No-Frills Lake Winnipesaukee
Three Mile Island Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) members first camped here after the rocky spit of wilderness was donated to the club in 1900. Since then, 47 rustic cabins—off the grid and without indoor plumbing—and a handful of wood-framed tents have sprung up. The pleasures are simple: Guests awake to reveille played on a bugle, congregate at a central lodge for meals, and swim, canoe, and hike. Highlights? The daily visit from the mail/ice cream boat and a weekly square dance. Located at Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire; from $1,712 for AMC members ($2,072 for nonmembers), including meals; www.3mile.org.
