Family-Friendly Resort Overlooking Lake Chelan

In 1901, C.C. Campbell opened his eponymous waterfront hotel as a way station for cattlemen and other travelers waiting to cross Lake Chelan via steamboat. Though it has grown quite a bit since these humble beginnings, Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan continues its tradition of providing comfort and hospitality to weary travelers—a commitment reinforced most recently by the completion of a $3 million renovation.

The onsite restaurant, 2nd Floor Pub & Veranda serves dishes crafted from organic Pacific Northwest ingredients; try the granola waffle for breakfast or the wasabi-encrusted ahi for dinner. Amid an atmosphere with wood paneling and a crackling fireplace, you can also enjoy drinks such as malt scotch, microbrews, and the specialty Hot Absolut Winter, made with hot cranberry juice, Absolut Kurant vodka, and a splash of 360 Mandarin Orange vodka. For a little more indulgence, there’s River Room Spa, which offers massages and manicures.

Each of the resort's 170 guest rooms comes equipped with a balcony or porch overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Chelan. There’s a rustic, mountain-lodge feel to the rooms, which are decked in warm earth tones and feature carved wooden armchairs with red cushions.

Chelan, Washington: Lakefront Community in Foothills of Cascade Mountains

Chelan is sandwiched between the eastern Washington desert and the Cascade Mountains. The mountains are filled year-round with hikers, nature lovers, and feral landscape artists. In the winter, cross-country skiers flock to nearby Echo Ridge for 25 miles of trails, and snowmobilers and downhill skiers take to the powder at Echo Valley.

Chelan's small downtown area encompasses unique boutiques, gift shops, bookstores, and homey pubs offering varietals from emerging local wineries. For a closer look at the vineyards, 13 of the area's wineries offer tastings and tours.