Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant is a Hidden Getaway for Romantic Lakeside Dates

The Short Version: Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant in North Hero, Vermont, has been in the business of making people happy since 1951. Even as the lakeside property changed hands, its core values and mission have not changed. Shore Acres is currently expanding to offer more events services and dining options for guests seeking a fun escape. Couples can book a stay or plan a wedding at Shore Acres to make beautiful memories on the shores of Lake Champlain.

The story of Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant began in 1951 with a married couple who wanted to share the beauty of the shores of Lake Champlain with visitors. The inn sits on waterfront property with expansive views of North Hero, Vermont.

Over the last 70 years, Shore Acres has changed ownership a few times, passing from one family to another. Yet, from the guest’s perspective, the inn has maintained continuity and tradition throughout the years. Its legacy can be found in its friendly and competent service, not the name on the deed.

Neil and Kelly Gillespie bought the Shore Acres property in January 2021 to add their own chapter to this long and beautiful narrative.

Shore Acres offers guests a slice of paradise in North Hero, Vermont.

Shore Acres General Manager Jason Hanny has opened 17  restaurants in his career, but he told us he never met a team quite as passionate and dedicated as the one at this long-standing family-owned inn.

“They all want to do the next right thing regardless. It transfers to each other and to the guests,” Jason explained. “I’m like a proud father. The culture is simple — teamwork. We all survive on each other and do what it takes.”

Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant has an experienced team that does its utmost to support relaxing vacation experiences. From the tennis courts to the wedding spaces, Shore Acres can set the scene for a romantic day full of love and warm family feelings.

Couples at the inn have direct access to half a mile of private lakeshore, and they can enjoy many dates exploring north Vermont at their leisure.

“There is nothing like the view from anywhere on this property,” Jason said. “Once you arrive, you are treated like someone famous, and you will be hooked.”

Shore Acres officially opened in 1951, and its commitment to world-class hospitality has never wavered. Its team’s spirit of friendliness and inclusivity has kept people coming back year after year.

Some guests have been vacationing at Shore Acres since they were children or young adults, and now they bring their own children or even grandchildren with them to the inn and restaurant.

“Our guests are extremely loyal,” Jason told us. “ Many have been coming to Shore Acres for decades with their families.”

Shore Acres has 19 lakeside rooms and four lakeview rooms that rest on 46 acres of rolling hills and flowery fields. You can check the availability online and book a stay at this picturesque getaway in northern Vermont.

Shore Acres gives guests the opportunity to escape from bustling cities and crowds. Plus, if they’re looking for a romantic dinner date, they don’t even have to go off property. The lakeside restaurant features a view of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain. The menu changes with the seasons and is expertly crafted by a culinary team.

Shore Acres wins over guests with its beautiful views and excellent hospitality.

Shore Acres is a dog-friendly property without any restrictions regarding dog breed or size, so it’s not unusual to see a few pups running around along the lake’s shore. Couples can bring their fur baby along for their vacation and go on daytime dates in the outdoors.

Guests can rent kayaks, go fishing, play lawn games, or simply walk through the grounds and take in the beautiful scenery. Other local date activities include boat tours, swimming, and day trips to Burlington or other sightseeing destinations.

Whether couples wish to get active on the lake or take it easy in lounge chairs, they can vacation at their own pace at Shore Acres Inn and Restaurant.

The new leadership team at Shore Acres has big plans for expansion in the upcoming year. The first priority is to add to the property’s wedding services to allow for more happy nuptial celebrations by the lake.

As a wedding venue, Shore Acres has a natural appeal because it can offer a gorgeous backdrop and on-site accomodations. It can accommodate up to 350 guests and has catering and bar services available. Couples can email events@shoreacres.com for assistance in planning a memorable event.

Every wedding package is customized to suit the needs of the brides and grooms who entrust their special day to this experienced team.

The team is working to expand its wedding services and dining options.

In 2021, the Shore Acres team will also open a new lakeside bar and restaurant called Bravo Zulu — or BZ for short. Bravo Zulu is a nautical term meaning “well done.” The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. It will have boat slips and mooring lines available for folks who are on the lake and want to grab a quick bite to eat.

Bravo Zulu will be located on the north end of the Shore Acres property away from the main building. It will have inside seating under a retractable roof  and outdoor seating on the beach and grass.

Even though the restaurant has not yet opened, a Bravo Zulu gift card option is available for those who know they’ll want to frequent this lakeside destination.

Shore Acres can provide a lovely backdrop for a date night or wedding, and it is still growing to accomodate more couples, families, and friends on vacation.

“Shore Acres has been rebranded, remodeled, and now reconstructed to attract a younger crowd, but in a way to not forget the older crowd that put Shore Acres on the map,” Jason said. “Much more will be revealed in the future.”

Shore Acres is a long-standing waterfront property with a tradition of excellent hospitality. The quiet inn invites calm and relaxation in a beautiful setting. Now under new leadership, Shore Acres has expanded to improve its event services and add more spaces for visitors to make memories.

When it opens, the Bravo Zulu restaurant will host many fun date nights and family meals, giving people a taste of luxury in northern Vermont.

Shore Acres is a serene place where families and couples can let go of their daily stress and enjoy each other’s company. Some guests stay for weeks or months at a time, and some return year after year for family reunions, anniversary celebrations, and other vacations.

“It makes me feel wonderful getting up in the morning and realizing where I am and what I will be doing that day,” Jason said. “The satisfaction on the employee’s face, as well as the guest’s face, is why I do what I do.”