One of my favorite things about spending a summer weekend at Basin Harbor Local favorite: Red Mill Restaurant at Basin Harbor is that you can park your car when you arrive and have very little reason to use it again. Between the waterfront, outdoor activities, beautiful grounds and several restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. And, perhaps more importantly, plenty to eat.
I’ve been visiting The Red Mill at Basin Harbor for years, long before I stayed overnight at the resort. It’s one of my favorite casual restaurants in this part of the Champlain Valley, particularly on a beautiful summer afternoon when I can settle in with a lobster roll and a Vermont craft beer.
But The Red Mill is only one of several dining options at this historic lakeside resort in Vergennes.
From breakfast overlooking Lake Champlain at Ardelia’s to sushi on the lawn, pizza, waterfront cookouts and an afternoon creemee, Basin Harbor has embraced the summer camp experience in more ways than one.
And here’s something you might not realize: you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy the restaurants. They’re open to the public, making Basin Harbor a fun dining destination even if you’re just passing through the area.
The Red Mill: Come for the Lobster Roll
If I were sending someone to Basin Harbor for lunch, The Red Mill would be my first recommendation.
Housed in a historic sawmill near the resort’s grass airstrip, The Red Mill has a rustic, relaxed atmosphere, with exposed wood, historic memorabilia and a lively bar. It’s popular with resort guests, boaters, golfers and locals who have been coming here for years.
And my favorite thing to order? The lobster roll.
During my stay at Basin Harbor, I’d spent the morning exploring Fort Ticonderoga before returning to the resort for a late lunch. After several hours walking around in the summer heat, I was more than ready for a good meal.
I ordered a lobster roll overflowing with lobster meat and a cold Vermont beer. I can still remember how good that tasted after a morning outdoors.
The menu goes well beyond seafood, with burgers, chicken wings, salads and plenty of comfort food. The Champ Burger, made with Vermont beef, is another popular choice, and the fried cheese curds are pretty tempting.
I also love the atmosphere here. It’s casual enough to stop in after boating or spending the day at the beach, and there’s usually a good mix of locals and visitors.
I’ve returned for dinner, too, enjoying everything from burgers to chicken and waffles.
If you’re planning to visit during the busy summer months, I’d make a reservation, particularly for dinner.
Ardelia’s: Breakfast & Fine Dining Overlooking Lake Champlain
For a more traditional resort dining experience, head to Ardelia’s in the Main Lodge.
Named after Basin Harbor founder Ardelia Beach, the restaurant overlooks the harbor and offers some beautiful views of Lake Champlain.
Breakfast here is part of the Basin Harbor tradition. The menu has featured omelets, pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles and Vermont maple syrup, along with seasonal fruit and other morning favorites.
I’m a big believer in a leisurely breakfast on vacation, particularly when you have a full day of outdoor activities ahead.
In the evening, Ardelia’s becomes the resort’s fine-dining restaurant, with a seasonal menu featuring Vermont ingredients, regional seafood and a thoughtfully selected wine list.
It’s a lovely option for a special dinner, particularly if you’re celebrating an anniversary or spending a romantic weekend at the resort.
And while the dining room is more formal than The Red Mill, you don’t need to pack a jacket and tie. Resort-appropriate evening attire is encouraged.
I’d recommend requesting a table with a view of the harbor when making your reservation.
Sushi on the Lawn: A Summer Favorite
Sushi might not be the first food that comes to mind when you think about a historic Vermont summer resort, but that’s part of the fun.
Basin Harbor has offered fresh sushi on the Lodge Lawn, allowing guests to enjoy rolls and other Japanese-inspired selections while taking in the views of Lake Champlain.
I love the idea of ordering sushi on a warm summer evening and finding a spot outside rather than sitting down for another traditional restaurant meal.
It’s also a nice change of pace if you’re staying at the resort for several nights and want to mix up your dining options.
Sushi offerings are seasonal, so check the current activity and dining calendar to see when they’re available during your visit.
Pizza at Basin Harbor: An Easy Summer Dinner
Some nights, particularly after a full day swimming or boating, all I want is a good pizza and something cold to drink.
Basin Harbor has offered wood-fired pizza through its seasonal Hattie’s Pie concept, giving families another casual dinner option.
Pizza is particularly convenient when you’re traveling with kids or a larger group and don’t want to coordinate a formal restaurant reservation.
Grab a pie, find somewhere outside to eat and enjoy the evening.
The pizza program has varied by season, so I’d check what’s being offered during your stay rather than counting on a dedicated pizza stand being open every night.
North Dock Dinners: A Summer Evening on Lake Champlain
One of Basin Harbor’s longest-running traditions is its North Dock Dinners, held outdoors along the waterfront during the summer.
The resort hosts themed dinners featuring seasonal menus, with past offerings including lobster dinners, barbecues and other family-style meals.
The setting is a big part of the appeal. You’re dining right beside Lake Champlain, with views across the water toward the Adirondacks.
I love the idea of finishing a day on the lake with an outdoor dinner, particularly when there’s no need to drive anywhere afterward.
North Dock Dinners are generally scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays during the summer, although menus and dates vary. I’d make reservations early, especially during peak vacation weeks.
The Flagship Food Truck: Casual Food by the Beach
If you’re spending the afternoon at Basin Harbor’s waterfront, the Flagship Food Truck is a convenient option for lunch or an early dinner.
Located near the beach, the truck serves casual comfort food so you don’t have to change out of your swimsuit and head to one of the resort’s sit-down restaurants.
It’s perfect for families who want to grab something between swimming, paddleboarding and boating.
I’d check the menu when you arrive, since food truck offerings can change throughout the season. Previous waterfront menus have included lobster rolls and other summer favorites.
Creemees, Coffee & Afternoon Treats
A Vermont summer vacation isn’t complete without a creemee. At least, not in my book.
Basin Harbor’s Harbor Store has historically been a stop for soft-serve creemees, along with snacks, cold drinks and those little necessities you inevitably forget to pack.
I love having somewhere to grab an afternoon treat without leaving the property. After a few hours swimming in Lake Champlain, a creemee sounds pretty appealing.
For coffee and something quick in the morning, the Breezeway Café in the Main Lodge area offers brewed coffee, pastries, breakfast items, sandwiches and grab-and-go snacks.
It’s a convenient alternative to a full breakfast at Ardelia’s, particularly if you’re eager to get out on the lake.
Creemee availability and flavors can change, so check at the Harbor Store during your visit.
Where to Grab a Cocktail at Basin Harbor
Of course, food is only part of the experience.
The Burgee Bar is my pick for a summer cocktail, thanks to its open-air waterfront setting. Order something refreshing, find a seat overlooking Lake Champlain and enjoy the view.
There’s also the Champlain Lounge in the Main Lodge, which offers a more traditional resort bar atmosphere, and the bar at The Red Mill, which is a favorite gathering spot for guests and locals.
During the summer, the resort also operates a seasonal pool bar.
I love having different options depending on the afternoon. A local beer at The Red Mill after lunch, a cocktail overlooking the water before dinner, or a glass of wine back at the cottage.
What to Know Before You Go
- Location
- Basin Harbor is located at 4800 Basin Harbor Road in Vergennes, Vermont, on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain.
- Open to the Public
- You don’t have to stay at Basin Harbor to dine at its restaurants. The Red Mill, Ardelia’s and seasonal dining experiences welcome outside visitors.
- Season
- Basin Harbor generally operates from May through October. Dining options vary considerably between spring, peak summer and fall.
- Reservations
- Make reservations for The Red Mill, Ardelia’s and North Dock Dinners, particularly during summer weekends.
- Dining Options
- The main options include The Red Mill, Ardelia’s, North Dock Dinners, the Flagship Food Truck, Breezeway Café, Burgee Bar and Champlain Lounge. Sushi, pizza and creemees have also been offered seasonally, but their availability should be confirmed.
- Meal Plans
- Overnight guests can choose packages that include breakfast, breakfast and dinner, or three meals daily. Some cafés and market purchases are excluded.
- My Recommendations
- Start with a lobster roll at The Red Mill, enjoy breakfast overlooking the harbor at Ardelia’s, and plan at least one meal outside near the water.
- Phone
- 802-475-2311
For me, dining at Basin Harbor is as much about the setting as the food. I love being able to spend the morning on the lake, grab lunch without leaving the property and finish the evening with a leisurely dinner outdoors.
And while I’d happily try every dining option during a longer stay, I already know where I’d be heading first.
The Red Mill. Lobster roll. Cold Vermont beer. Some vacation traditions are pretty easy to establish.
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