Travel Talk: Beach vs. Lake. The ongoing debate.

Maybe it’s because I am a Jersey girl that I love a good beach. I was born here, grew up here, and spent my summers going “down the shore.”  It’s also the first type of vacation that comes to mind when I want to go away. My husband, on the other hand, grew up in the Midwest and spent his summer vacations on a lake. The word “shore” was never part of his vocabulary until he moved to The Garden State. 

With spring is in full swing, I know it’s only a matter of time before the annual debate in our household begins. What’s more fun...a beach or a lake? 

When we first married, there was no debate in my mind. A beach. Period. Even when the kids were babies & toddlers, I could not be swayed. The kids could play in the sand for hours, jump the waves while holding your hand, eat ice cream on the boardwalk and then sleep like a champ that night. A lake was more complicated with little ones -- life vests (but which one to choose?), opague water, sitting still on a boat, and of course, the fear of nibbling fish. The kids always agreed with Mommy - the beach was more fun.

However, annual lake trips (encouraged by my husband), seem to sway opinions. Our last trip to Lake Norman in North Carolina was a banner vacation. The kids weren’t afraid to jump off the dock, tried kneeboarding, pretended they were Tarzan on the rope swing, and even tried to catch some fish. Perhaps the time has come to give some other lakes a try. Here are a few that may actually get me off the beach:

1) Lake George, NY - This family-friendly lake is both beautiful and fun. And I love that it’s driving distance, albeit five hours away. Adults and kids alike will find no shortage of watersports. And for those wanting to sightsee versus waterski, a steamboat tour may be just your speed. After a day on the lake, head to Lake George Village for arcades, mini-golf and a wide-variety of restaurants. 

2) Lake of the Ozarks, MO - With 1,100 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks is one of the largest man-made lakes in the world. Not to mention, very family-friendly. Aside from boating, water sports, and swimming, there are lots of attractions and towns the whole family will enjoy. And if your sea legs need a break, you’ll also find a State Park with gorgeous views and hiking trails.

3) Lake Powell, UT - Staying in a cabin on a lake is nice, but having the option of staying in a houseboat could be a lot of fun. Not to mention something a bit different. The warm water is also a big bonus, at least with my family. Explore various canyons while enjoying swimming and jet skiing.

So while I can’t imagine voting for anything other than “the beach” during our annual debate, the family consensus may actually change this coming August. As long as no one releases prematurely from the rope swing, that is.

Danielle Meeker is a Travel Consultant with Liadis Travel, Ltd. in Newtown Square, PA and a Haddonfield resident. Danielle@Liadis.com.