On the southern shores of Lake Quinault, this historic gem takes you back to a simpler time. Play board games or curl up near the fireplace in the rustic lobby.

$$, olympicnationalparks.com

Lounging on the great lawn became our favorite pastime. After exploring the lake by boat (guided or on your own), hike through old growth forests right from the lodge.

More information at olympicnationalparks.com

Just north of Bordeaux, you will find an enchanting castle amidst 2,000 acres of natural beauty. The estate is designed to enjoy water views throughout, from the rooms in the restored 11th-century château, to the award-wining spa, to the pathways that meander beside it.

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Wander the manicured gardens and forest paths to follow the water as it flows throughout the estate. We spent an entire morning hiking the grounds. Guests are also invited to explore by boat.

More information at domainedesetangs.com

Experience southern charm at its best along the shores of Lake Oconee, just one hour outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Get out on the lake to fish, kayak or canoe, or hike the paths alongside it.

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The resort makes for an ideal girls weekend getaway, given its location within easy reach of a major airport hub like Atlanta and offering plenty of ways to relax. A dear friend of mine and I spent a leisurely fall weekend at the resort, enjoying the infinity pool, spa, and onsite restaurants.

More information at ritzcarlton.com

Escape the Old Faithful crowds to explore the pristine beauty of Lake Yellowstone. Take a one-hour scenic cruise or hop the backcountry shuttle boat taking hikers or boaters to distant spots along the lake for day-long excursions.

More information at yellowstonenationalparklodges.com.

Our campsite sat just beyond the shores of Lake Yellowstone at Bridge Bay, providing the unique opportunity to capture the surrounding beauty at first light. If luxury is more your style, book your stay at nearby Lake Yellowstone Lodge, a National Historic Landmark that was recently restored.

More information at yellowstonenationalparklodges.com.

This stunning home provides peace amidst the buzz and glamor of Lake Como. What was once a watchtower overlooking the village of Torno has been restored and converted into a modern four-bedroom home, available for weekly rentals. Friends of ours kindly invited us to stay here with them during their Italian vacation.

More information at airbnb.com.

Located 5km from Como and 15km from Bellagio, the house acts as a perfect jumping off point to discover the beauty of Lake Como. Or stay close to home and wander narrow cobblestone streets to reach the central town square on the lake, with plenty of local restaurants to tempt you.

More information at airbnb.com.

If you fondly reminisce about summer days at camp as a kid, you can relive them again at Camp Wandawega. Located an hour-and-a-half drive outside of Chicago, this is one of our all-time favorite getaways and a truly magical lakeside retreat.

More information at wandawega.com.

The charm of the place is in its rustic accommodation, ideal for groups large or small eager to go back to camp. Choose from cozy cabins ranging from one- to three-bedrooms, or rent out the entire historic hotel with twelve rooms and its own parlor. 

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While bonfires and boating are the norms today along the shores of Wandawega Lake, it wasn't always this peaceful. From Prohibition-era speakeasy to brothel to church camp, the property has had quite the history. In 2003, the camp was purchased by a Chicago couple and lovingly restored in their own vintage style.

More information at wandawega.com.

Activity choices are simple and plentiful. Pick up a game of tennis or basketball, test your archery skills, grab a vintage bike or nap in one of the many hammocks. Escape with your favorite book to the treehouse, shown here, or hike the short forest paths around the camp.

More information at wandawega.com.