If you are looking for the sun and fun beach scene then Thayers Beach in Malletts Bay is your best choice. Nice sandy beach with good access but very popular. It is where the "in crowd" goes and can get pretty crazy on a nice day. Most go home at dinner time though. We have spent a couple of nights there and were alone by sunset and the sunsets are the best. Not the best spot in a North wind. The land is owned by the town so going ashore is no problem but dogs are not allowed. There are many other good anchorages around the bay as well. The bottom holds an anchor well pretty much anywhere in the bay.
Shelburne Bay offers several nice spots to anchor out for a quiet evening and we stay there often. What it is lacking in the beach scene it makes up for in comparative peace and quiet. North beach in Burlington is close by as well. The bottom is varied and not the best holding in some areas.
The I guess it depends on what you are looking for. It's hard to go too far wrong with either. Where are you comming from?
Thanks Frank...we're from Montreal but our boat is on the lake (treadwell) for the season (first season on the lake)...We might try Malletts bay if the beach is nice, I'm sure the kids will like it!!! Do you know if there's sandy beaches in Valcour ? Do you know any good guide/books that gives good information about the lake ? I already have maps and marina guides but it does'nt tell much about good spot for achor and beaches....
There are sandy beaches both North and South of the lighthouse on the West side of Valcor Island. Gives you options depending on wind direction. Nice walking trails on the island too. There are several bays on the East side of the island that are popular that I have not tried yet.
Deep Bay North of Plattsburgh is another popular spot but I've never been there.
"The Cruising Guide to Lake Champlain and the Hudson River" or something like that is decent and available at most marinas on the lake.
We spend most every weekend on the boat. We are headed to Kingsland Bay this weekend.