[arabidopsis]

Hi,
We are thinking about renting a small house for a few days vacation in South Vermont or in New York state. Ideally it would be somewhere in a pretty place near the lake where we could do swimming and kayacking. We have a 3 yo son, so it has to be "safe and easy" .
We live in New Haven, but we are not really familiar with the area. It would be great if someone could recommend some places (lake names, town names). Like this we would be able to search for rental opportunities nearby.
Thanks a lot!

[Flashback]

Manchester Center has lots of great "outlet" shopping. It is close to the Long Trail with some really great hiking. Bromley has a summer "Fun Zone". Bromley Vermont's Summer Adventure :: Vermont's largest family amusement park (alpine slide, water slide, zip rider)

Emerald Lake State Park is close by and is very kid friendly.
Vermont State Parks - Emerald Lake State Park

Finally, we have a horse show running for six weeks in the summertime.
Vermont Summer Festival Horse Shows, Manchester, VT, hunter, jumper, equestrian jumping competition

[harry chickpea]

The area mentioned above does have a lot going for it. The little hamlet of Arlington is where Norman Rockwell did a lot of his work. Really good energy around there.

[OhBeeHave]

Flashback -- good ideas. And the OP can always pop over to Lake George for an overnight from there, too.

[Ellwood]

Saratoga Lake, Moreau State Park in upstate NY