csuss

Hi All -

I got so much help on the Africa forum last year planning our big trip I've turned to all you guys for suggestions on our next (slightly smaller) adventure.

This year is my parents 60th wedding anniversary (amazing, I know). We want to plan a celebration trip with our whole family and there are a few guidelines I have to stick to.

My folks are 83. THey live in FLorida. THey do not want to go on a cruise or go on an international trip - too far from doctors. Also - between all the different people in my family we've been alot of places.

There will be 10 adults and 2 kids (6 & 8).

Most of us live in CA. LA & SF. My folks can fly here, either LA of SF, but I don't want to do too much driving after that.

It will be a splurge but we are not going on the cheap either.

No ranches as my little niece has very bad allergies.

We want to do this the end of June or first week of July - 3 or 4 day weekend.

Ojai Valley Inn is gorgeous but might end up costing too much.

I would llike some suggestion in Santa Barbara area, Napa or Sonoma area, Tahoe, or San Diego. Don't know much about Northern Northern California but would consider it if acess is easy.

Golf & Spa is good but should have alot of kids activities as well.

We really just want to spend time together -
we are a family that actually likes each other but we are so spread out and we know that we won't have too many more opportunities to celebrate their big anniversaries.

THanks All!

Carol

BillJ

Carol: May I suggest Incline Village, the northeast corner of Lake Tahoe, Nevada side. We live in central Cal and this is one of our favorite family reunion places. You should still be able to find a reasonable priced house to rent, usually for the week. Most that are close to the lake are part of the Incline Assoc, which has beach and lakeside pool, picnic, park priveleges. Kids would be happy with that. Google house for rent in north lake tahoe, incline village, Nevada.
Also, try the Truckee River Rafting for a real adventure for all but probably your parents. We had a 3 year old with us the last time. There are two operators. You can google and find them. Our family usually rents a couple of rafts, fill up styrofoam coolers with beverages of our choice, and off we go for a couple of hours of great fun.
The Nevada state beach, Sand Harbor is arguably one of the finest beaches on the lake.
The outdoor Shakespeare festival is fun for the family, sitting around on the beach at Sand Harbor in the evening.
The fire works are wonderful if you are there for the 4th.
Restaurants galore there and nearby.
This is not a big gambling mecca, like south shore, but is considerably more serene and quiet, in our opinion.
One of our favorite areas in the whole world. Check it out. Be glad to answer any questions you may have.

BillJ

Forgot to mention, cause its not high on our list, but many folks find it fun. The Ponderosa Ranch is near Incline, with the old west, etc, and the Cartright house. Horse rides for the little ones. I am told the best burger on the lake (The "Hoss-burger")

enzian

BillJ beat me to it. I was only halfway through your post and I kept thinking, Incline Village. Golf course right there, nice homes to rent, beautiful Lake Tahoe for beach and swimming (we used to body-surf on little waves at Sand Harbor!)

Ike

Here Ya Go..........Have a Great trip.


http://www.montagelagunabeach.com/index.html

moneygirl

Tahoe is beautiful no matter what time of year. Also, if Carmel isn't too far of a drive, Asilomar or Mission Ranch might be good for your group. I think at this date you'd have more luck finding something in Tahoe.

MBnancy

We just came back from a ski vacation in Incline Village, and are Hyatt Timeshare owners for July 4th week there. It's a great time to be there. The Fireworks over the lake are fun. Check vrbo.com for a vacation rental house for all of you.

Your parents could fly into Reno airport. There is transportation for the 40 minutes over to Incline, or one of you could pick them up.

Bill, Pondersoa Ranch closed three years ago.

BillJ

Oops! Ponderosa closed!! Zounds, how could they? Is nothing sacred?

Told you it was never high on our list.

TrvlMaven

I would second Asilomar. Great accommodations for a group--you could probably get your own building--set of room suites with a common living area. Lots of activities nearby.

csuss

THanks for the help - some great ideas here but I am very upset about the Ponderosa - what about the Cartwrights?

trippinkpj

With Asilomar/ Pacific Grove area, it's an easy drive from the SJC airport (San Jose) of about 80 - 90 minutes (not during rush hour).

MichelleY

We all miss the Haywagon Breakfast at the Ponderosa! Hoss's flapjacks & HopSing sausage!! Yum!!

Fond memories.

MY

csuss

Has anyone been to the SIlverado Resort in Napa lately? Wondering about the rooms.

J_Correa

We've done group events at Lake Tahoe as well. Lakeland Village worked out very well for us - it is in South Lake Tahoe, so it is close to the casinos, shows, etc. Also right on the lake with a nice beach. I think there is a pool too. We rented several condos. Another place that has worked well for us is Zephyr Cove. This is more rustic - log cabins right on the lake. It has a nice beach, a bar, restaurant, a dock with small boat and water toy rentals. Also the Tahoe Queen or the Dixie Queen (paddlewheeler) docks right there.

TTess

Tahoe is a lovely idea. I would make sure your folks can tolerate high elevations, though.

Asilomar is such a nice idea. They book way in advance, though so you might not have much luck with 12 people but it's worth a try.