Located just east of Epworth Forest towards the northeast end of the lake, Treehouse Island gets its name from the tree growing through the middle of it.

As the weather heats up and the school year comes to an end, thoughts turn to possible vacation spots for this summer season. Even as fuel prices continue to hover at levels significantly lower than last year, traveling for a family can still be expensive and time consuming, especially if traveling anywhere in an automobile is required.

If taking a full day or weekend to travel to your favorite warm weather destination doesn’t sound like the most ideal way to kick off your vacation, you might consider flying. However, the savings in time is quickly gobbled up by the price of airline tickets, leaving one in a conundrum when trying to determine the best spot for a family getaway.

Fortunately for families and groups alike, there are two options in our own backyard. When planning a vacation sounds too stressful, you might consider a “staycation” at these two North Webster properties located on Webster Lake and save yourself not only time but money as well.

Treehouse Island

Located just east of Epworth Forest towards the northeast end of the lake, Treehouse Island gets its name from the tree growing through the middle of it.

A manmade island created when this area was just a swamp, the house on Treehouse Island went through a complete renovation nine years ago. Consisting of three bedrooms and two baths, the house can sleep seven adults comfortably or up to 10 persons for families with kids.

As would be expected from an island destination, you’ll need a boat to access it — a new pontoon is available for use to rent by the week or by the weekend.

Once you arrive on the island, you’ll have at your disposal a fully equipped kitchen, large screen TVs with cable, a gas grill, private beach with fire pit, a paddleboat and kayaks among other amenities.

Weekly rental rates for the summer season start at $325 per night. Reserve your getaway early, though – Treehouse Island typically books out a year in advance as its many repeat customers can’t resist the charm of this island escape in the middle of the land of the lakes.

Dixie Haven Resort

Consisting of just five units, Dixie Haven Resort, located at the top of a hill on the west side of Lake Webster at 338 Himes St., in North Webster, won’t give you the over the top resort experience you’ll find in more popular destinations.

What it lacks in size, however, it more than makes up for in intimacy as this local family owned resort continues to welcome customers with open arms and a “welcome home” as longtime customers become more than just bookings — they become family.

Featuring kitchenettes in each lake view unit, a pool, nightly fires in the fire pit and boat rentals, the Dixie Haven Resort’s location also offers a public beach, free concerts on Friday night, the only Pizza King location that I know of with lakefront dining and the Dixie Stern Wheel, all just across the street.

With convenient shopping and family friendly activities in close proximity, it’s no surprise that most of the Dixie Haven Resort’s business is repeat. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better value for your staycation.

Consisting of just five units, Dixie Haven Resort, is located at the top of a hill on the west side of Lake Webster at 338 Himes St., North Webster.