Favorite old resort has new look at Lake Chelan

What's the draw?

Scenery, water sports and wine. Canoe, parasail, scuba dive, water ski or wakeboard. Fishing is big, for chinook and lake trout. (In 2001, the two state records for lake trout were caught in Lake Chelan.) More than a dozen wineries surround the 55-mile-long lake.

What's new this summer?

A $3 million renovation at Campbell's Resort on Lake Chelan, 104 W. Woodin. Campbell's celebrates by hosting a party June 7 including wine tasting, a concert, beach volleyball and other activities along the water. Guests attend for free; visitors pay $10 to $20 for some activities. See campbellsresort.com. The party coincides with CruiZin Chelan, Chelan's second annual classic and muscle car show downtown.

If you go

Miles from Seattle: 183

Round-trip gas cost for Prius hybrid*: $30.50

Round-trip gas cost for Navigator SUV*: $76.25.

Lodging worth a look:

• Best Western Lakeside Lodge & Suites, Chelan. One of the chain's nicest hotels with breathtaking water views. $259-$329 for August Saturday; 509-682-4396 or book.bestwestern.com (search for "Chelan").

• Darnell's Lake Resort, Chelan. A family-vacation-style waterfront resort spread over four acres. Swim with the kids in the lake or get some peace and quiet in the hot tub. Four-day minimum in August. $160-$485; 509-682-2015 or darnellsresort.com.

• Wapato Point Resort, Manson. The area's largest resort, with 116 acres of groomed grounds and about 1.5 miles of waterfront. Seven outdoor pools, an indoor pool and hot tub, six lighted tennis courts, miniature golf and more. Condos with kitchens, fireplaces and private decks or patios. Maid service included. $210-$360 for August Saturday; 888-768-9511 or wapatopoint.com.

Dining you won't likely regret:

• Alex's Hungry Belly. Informal and unpretentious local hangout. Family style with everything from burgers to Thai Food. 119B Woodin Ave., Chelan; 509-682-8630.

• Winemaker's Grill at Wapato Point Cellars. Fine dining. Food-and-wine pairing including dry-aged steaks from Nebraska cornfed beef. 200 Quetilquasoon Road, Manson. 509-687-4000 or wapatopointcellars.com.

More information: Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Information Center, 800- 4CHELAN (424-3526) or lakechelan.com.

-- Tan Vinh, Seattle Times staff reporter