We're planning a four-day trip in late July with our two year old, and looking for recommendations on an area and hotel in upstate New York or Vermont. We want somewhere with access to water, hiking, nice walks, near a town with some things to do. We're quite flexible with budget, would definitely prefer something on the higher end of the scale. Any ideas, anyone? Thanks for your help.

mohonk mountain house isnt really upstate new york. Its sortof in the middle. I think only an hour and half away from new york. But it feels like another country when you are there.

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. A unique adirondack style castle on a mountain top lake. Wonderful views, swimming (fishing and canoeing in the lake), fabulous hiking/walking (miles and miles of trails), horseback riding, and lots of nightly "family-style" activities in the lodge.
It is near New Paltz, New york which is a very quirky town with a lot of shopping, crafts, art exhibits and funky restaurants.
Mohonk is definetly on the high end of the price scale though. I think rooms start somewhere around $300 a night.

What about the Sagamore on Lake George? Or The Hedges in Blue Mountain Lake? (Both in the Adirondacks)

Please help soukmon. What's the name of the resort on Lake Champlain just south of Burlington, VT. It would be perfect!

Are you referring to the Basin Harbor Club near Vergennes?

Thanks bm - you got it!

My wife, 9 months old daughter and myself went to VT last year (Champlain Region) and there is NOTHING to do there...and we had nice weather.

It's a great place for R&R, but not very kids friendly, all the stores, restaurants, etc. close by 7 PM (some stay open "late" until 8), and we had a hard time going out with our baby (no high chairs).