Duluth Minnesota. Its a beautiful city on a thousand foot hill on the largest lake in the world. Its not a tourist town and it boarders a northern forest with 1000 lakes. No need to go to the east or west.

Hey Sheesh,

Maybe Kathy has done her homework and is now seeking opinions to see how those in the know feel about her conclusions. Maybe she did not want to influence any responses by disclosing what she already has found out.

Warner, NH is a good one. Close to Dartmouth College, Vermont, but a drive to the coast will take closer to 2 hours.

Kathy, there are actually many lakes in New England that are not too touristy. Many have nearby inns or b&b's. Here are some lakes I know of:
Vermont - Lake Morey, Lake Fairlee, Caspian lake, Echo Lake, Silver Lake
New Hampshire - Lake Sunapee, Newfound Lake, Goose pond, Winapasaukee (the north shore is less touristy)
I'm sure there are many in Maine also.

Folks -- sorry not have responded sooner, but was away. Thank you all for your guidance. Warner, St. Andrews and oother places mentioned have all been noted. Yes, I am a first time user, and was frankly taken aback by the angry response. Why a detailed question about lodging in a particular town somehow has greater import than querying about a vanishing way of life seems peculiar to me. We've traveled a fair amaount, and more often than not those spots noted in the guidebooks are overrun with tourists. Therefore, I decided to turn to many of you out there. Frankly, the "where" of it is less important than the sensibility of the place. And that's why I asked the question so broadly. I appreciate your help and your support. Kathy

Two of our favorite places are The Bay View Inn in Petosky Michigan and the Castine Inn in Castine Maine. Both are near water, small towns with wonderful shopping nearby and great dining in the inns.

I think the OP probably completed her trip about 4 years ago.

Hi Kathy,

I'm sure you'll get many helpful suggestions.

Don't be concered about rude posters. This happens ever year when school get out.

Dayle, school wasn't out in January 2003 when Kathy posted this thread.