This summer we returned to Basin Harbor Resort, one of our favorite New England kid-friendly resorts, as a family of five. Here is a recap of our Vermont family trip to Basin Harbor Resort.
Basin Harbor Resort is located on Lake Champlain in Vergennes, Vermont. It is an easy four hour drive from our home in Connecticut – even with a baby and two kids in tow! We made one big stop at the Putney Food Co-op Grocery and Deli to use the restroom and pick up a few snacks.
Read about our first trip to Basin Harbor in 2019.
The Wilderneath – Basin Harbor Cottages
I remember admiring the Wilderneath Cottage the first time we visited Basin Harbor for it’s proximity to the Main Lodge and view of Lake Champlain. Imagine my surprise when I discovered we would be staying in the Wilderneath during our vacation?!
The Wilderneath Cottage is a charming one bedroom – one bathroom cottage with an incredible view of Lake Champlain. Our oldest daughters used the pull-out couch in the living area, while Brandon, Arbor and I shared the bedroom. We found our beds to be incredibly comfortable!
Perfect for a family of five, the Wilderneath Cottage is so spacious. With a seating area, living area, small kitchen and deck, there is plenty of room to move around. I appreciated the mini refrigerator for storing drinks and snacks, as well as the sink for rinsing out the baby’s dishes.
One of the amenities I LOVE at Basin Harbor is the absence of a television. I believe it forces the little ones to explore outside, the grown-ups to have conversations, and for everyone to enjoy one another’s company. If you MUST connect to the outside world, Basin Harbor has wireless internet in the cottages and all over the property.
Basin Harbor Activities
My family always has a wonderful time visiting Basin Harbor because there is so much to do and see on the property. From biking to hiking, scenic boat cruises on the lake, tennis to art class – the activity options are endless. Our daughters BEGGED to visit the Kids Club on both days during our stay. While they had fun making new friends, Brandon and I spent time walking the property and swimming with the baby in the pool.
Fishing on Lake Champlain
Annabelle caught EIGHT fish during her first fishing experience with the Kids Club. She had so much fun learning how to fish with her new friends and camp counselors.
Note: The Kids Club is an additional fee, but it includes lunch and lots of fun activities!
Swimming
We spent a lot of time swimming in the pool at Basin Harbor – and jumping off the diving board! The girls spent hours taking turns with other kids at the resort doing cannonballs and silly jumps. The pool is heated for cool days and life jackets for little swimmers. Brandon, Arbor and I enjoyed floating on the noodles while the girls played on the diving board.
More Fun at Basin Harbor
Another perk of staying in the Wilderneath Cottage is the Smores fire pit is right outside our door! There are twinkly lights strung from the trees and Basin Harbor’s signature Adirondack chairs placed around the fire. We had the BEST S’mores one night with homemade marshmallows and fancy chocolates from the Breezeway Cafe in the Main Lodge.
Dining at Basin Harbor
Speaking of delicious food, we loved EVERYTHING we ate while at Basin Harbor. I love the Meal Plan options at Basin Harbor because it makes eating with children EASY. We chose the Modified American Plan with breakfast and dinner included.
There are multiple dining options at Basin Harbor for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We started each day at the breakfast buffet in Ardelia’s- it is one of the best I’ve ever had! You must try the different kinds of local bacon – our girls ate big plates of bacon every day!
North Dock Dinners are one of the options for dinner at Basin Harbor (check out our experience in 2019 here). Unfortunately, our Lobster Dinner at the North Dock was rained out! Thankfully the staff at Basin Harbor didn’t miss a beat – moving the lobsters and live music indoors to Ardelia’s! The food was just as spectacular – especially the homemade dessert table!
All of the food options at Basin Harbor are fresh and made with attention to flavor and detail. If you study the menus you will see a lot of the food ingredients are local to Vermont!
On our last night at Basin Harbor we went to dinner at Red Mill Restaurant. I love the restaurant’s option to eat outdoors at picnic tables. Our daughters were able to play on the playscape (and even made a few new friends!) If you visit during the summer, I highly recommend the fried cauliflower and the lobster roll! It’s not your average New England lobster roll – it’s unique and delicious!
More Basin Harbor Moments
We had such a special time making wonderful memories at Basin Harbor as a family of five. One of my favorite parts of the trip was surprising my daughters by jumping off the dock into the lake! Another favorite moment: watching the sunset every night! The staff at Basin Harbor is so kind and friendly, making everyone feel family. We hope to return to Basin Harbor next summer!
Thank you Basin Harbor for inviting us to stay at your resort! All opinions are my own.
Leave a Reply