Summer lake vacation

[Anonymous]

We are looking for a lake with a beach area for a weekend trip this summer. Shortest possible drive. We want to stay overnight for one or two nights in a hotel or condo. Where should we look?

[Anonymous]

Lake Anna is closest. Or Deep Creek depending on where you live.

[Anonymous]

I live in Arlington. Do they both have Sandy beaches for the kids to play in? And condos we can rent (rather than whole houses)? I assume neither has a hotel but I will look.

[Anonymous]

Lake Anna is closest, but the last few summers, the western arms of the lake have had algae issues, so watch the area you want to stay in.

[Anonymous]

Lake Anna has a state park with a beach area, but it does get crowded. There are condos/partial houses with access to docks.

[Anonymous]

Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

This is OP. I didn’t realize this was an issue! We went to a bay beach last year and couldn’t swim because of the jellyfish. We have one family member with a disability, and longer car rides aren’t possible, so I don’t think we can make it to an ocean beach.

As between bay beach and lake, which is our best bet if we’re doing this for elementary aged kids? They want to play in the sand and get in the water. They also like a nice pool with a water slide or diving board, but I think that might not happen either place. Adults like a clean place to stay that’s not absurdly expensive.

[Anonymous]

Lakes are awful in the summer. Generally stagnant water. Heat, bugs, no coastal breeze.

They aren't idilic or what you picture from '80s movies and generally awful food/dining options.

Just go to a beach on the Ocean. No need to search for something that doesn't exist, unless you have a Bigfoot obsession.

[Anonymous]

Could you handle the drive to the finger lakes? I haven't been but I think those are the closest nice lakes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Could you handle the drive to the finger lakes? I haven't been but I think those are the closest nice lakes.

This is OP. No, not even remotely. We can drive about 2.5 hours, and that’s hard, but doable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lakes are awful in the summer. Generally stagnant water. Heat, bugs, no coastal breeze.

They aren't idilic or what you picture from '80s movies and generally awful food/dining options.

Just go to a beach on the Ocean. No need to search for something that doesn't exist, unless you have a Bigfoot obsession.

Or unless one of your children has a serious disability.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lakes are awful in the summer. Generally stagnant water. Heat, bugs, no coastal breeze.

They aren't idilic or what you picture from '80s movies and generally awful food/dining options.

Just go to a beach on the Ocean. No need to search for something that doesn't exist, unless you have a Bigfoot obsession.

Or unless one of your children has a serious disability.

I disagree. Ocean beach hotels are going to be a significantly easier option than any lake or bay option in this region.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are looking for a lake with a beach area for a weekend trip this summer. Shortest possible drive. We want to stay overnight for one or two nights in a hotel or condo. Where should we look?

No hotels nearby, but Shannondale Lake in Harpers Ferry is awesome and has a club with a beach. About 1 hour from NOVA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not to be a downer but the lakes around here are gross and I wouldn’t let my kid swim in them. Warnings for toxic contamination are not uncommon. I’d try for an area on the bay instead or just go to the beach.

This is OP. I didn’t realize this was an issue! We went to a bay beach last year and couldn’t swim because of the jellyfish. We have one family member with a disability, and longer car rides aren’t possible, so I don’t think we can make it to an ocean beach.

As between bay beach and lake, which is our best bet if we’re doing this for elementary aged kids? They want to play in the sand and get in the water. They also like a nice pool with a water slide or diving board, but I think that might not happen either place. Adults like a clean place to stay that’s not absurdly expensive.

So, if it's a private lake with public swimming in WV they have to be tested by the health department before they allow anyone to swim. The lake I mentioned above (Lake Shannondale) is tested annually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lakes are awful in the summer. Generally stagnant water. Heat, bugs, no coastal breeze.

They aren't idilic or what you picture from '80s movies and generally awful food/dining options.

Just go to a beach on the Ocean. No need to search for something that doesn't exist, unless you have a Bigfoot obsession.

Or unless one of your children has a serious disability.

I disagree. Ocean beach hotels are going to be a significantly easier option than any lake or bay option in this region.

I know I should let this go, but I cannot believe the hubris of some people on DCUM to believe you know better than the OP what my disabled child is capable of or what would be easier for us/her. We cannot get her to an ocean beach. It’s too far in the car. She will stop breathing.

I cannot imagine a person who thinks he knows better than I do where we can take my child WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING MY CHILD.