aebd

I am in charge of planning a family reunion for July of 2008. My family is large (more than 100 people will come) with ages from 80+ to newborns. I am looking for a fun location where I will be able to secure lodging for all the families as well as find locations to host 2-3 family dinners/parties. We have held past reunions in Hilton Head, SC and Jackson Hole, WY. I'd like a beach location, but if something else sounds interesting, I'd definitely consider it--but I'm not interested in Disney (too big and there's not much chance of "running into" family during the day.

Any ideas for the perfect location??
Thanks for your help!

virginia

help us help you. any budget restrictions? would you like an all-inclusive or do ppl want to cook or dine out? ai, vs condo, vs hotel.
does everybody come from one general area thus making certain destinations more optimal?
what do ppl like to do? mostly outdoor or indoor things. be as specific as you can.
how long is the reunion to last?
in that you have mentioned the beach - it may be of interest to know that all of the caribbean and mexico are on low-season pricing in july. someplace in the bahamas, or turks and caicos, or in the playa del carmen area of maya riviera might be manageable for your group.
what a task. you are oh so brave. but how lucky you are to have a family so large that wants to get together this way.

1JAR

When I planned my husbands 50th Birthday get togethor we had people who needed a variety of lodging from handicapped and expesnise to cheap tent.

I choose Yosemite..they had the Ahwanee 4 stars, park tents to B&B to RV to bring your tent

you mentioned beach..not sure if you mean beach as in warm swimmng but..

Washington State has some great state park accomodations..some for lots of people

www.parks.wa.gov
or Oregon state parks
www. Oregon.gov
or California
www.parks.ca.gov

aebd

A few more details---ok. Obviously when working with 100 people, I am dealing with a variety of budgets. I'm trying to find something in the middle--nothing too extravagant but not cheap either. (I am also well aware that I can't please everyone so I will do the best I can.) I would prefer condos/rental homes rather than a hotel. We will plan a stay for about a week and it is nice to have kitchens, etc. that come with a condo/house. Also, it is nice to have larger accommodations for families (ie. my family can stay with my sisters family and my mom and dad---10 people together). My family is from all over the country so there is no ideal location for convenience. We like to do outdoor activities (swimming, water sports, hiking, etc.) but there are also some older folks who like to stay indoors and do some shopping.

I liked beach locations in the past because the family would "run into" one another on the sand. And it doesn't cost extra to hang out on the beach which is good for those on a tighter budget. It becomes difficult for some if everything they want to do for the week costs more money. Also, a beach is usually good for all ages. The babies like to play in the sand and the older kids like to rent wave runners and play. Everyone seems to be happy.

Thanks again for all the help you can give!

sheri_lp

San Diego is a great area for a variety of accommodations as well as tons of beaches - parks, and the bay - plus not too hot in July but perfect water. Have fun!

cmcfong

Wild Dunes resort, Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

Gretchen

Myrtle Beach, as much as I hate to say it. There's a conference center there--SpringMaid? (someone help me) with accomodations and meetng rooms.
In Wrightsville there are two resorts that could handle such. Sunspree and Blockade Runner.
Litchfield by the Sea has all kinds of accomodations and a beachfront "party house" that could be rented.

Gretchen

Add--Litchfield Inn has hotel type accomodations. Then Litchfield by the Sea has condos and houses, some that might accomodate several families. And there is a suite hotel.

aebd

Thanks for the help! I'll start checking out some of your ideas. If anyone has others, feel free to add them. I am in the beginning stages of planning.

Thanks again!

coldwar27

It's July and in Florida so it is hot but another consideration is the Colony Resort on Longboat Key, Florida. We have had family reunions there before. It has been several years now so I cannot quote rates for you but it might be worth checking out. Another place that we have had family reunions is in Alexandria, Minnesota at the Arrowood Resort. Here is the link: http://www.arrowwoodresort.com/. Yes it is a hotel but there might be other places nearby. Good luck!

gail

Have you ever considered a cruise - something for everyone, cost is about the same as hotel/meals on many of lower cost lines, and I would guess you could get some sort of deal for that many people. Great for older people who can't get around that easily, not as great for the babies, but not much is.

GoTravel

I'll second Myrtle Beach. The accommodations run across the board and there is something for everyone to do.

Call the Myrtle Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau and they'll do all the leg work for you.

aebd

Thanks again for all your help! I'll start checking out several of your suggestions!

TxTravelPro

Great suggestion, cmcfong!
Here's the website: http://www.wilddunes.com/
Great thing about this place is that it is close to so many great places for shopping and touring but it has lots of room for beach and outdoor fun!
destinationhotels.com is like the parent company or something. They have lots of great resorts. This winter I went to the Vail Cascade property and it was just heaven!

lucygirl

aebd,

I just read an article you might be interested in. Check out the June 06 issue of Family Circle magazine. There are tips for how to organize a family reunion along with suggestions of locations.

lslx5150

I can help! I am a Regional Manager for a company called HelmsBriscoe! We assist planners in negotiating with and choosing hotels for their meetings and events!and the best part is my services to you are complimentary! I would love to talk with you! Please email me at [email protected]

starrsville

YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Colorado

lizziea06

New Jersey and Delaware have really great shore points that work well for family get-togethers. We do this each year for our family reunion (20-30 people), and everyone is able to get a house on the same block. It's also very easy to run into each other on the beach.

momjay5

A trip to Myrtle Beach, SC would be a great place for a family reunion. We have stayed in a resort that caters to families it is Sea Mist Resort. They have cottages that be rented especially for family reunions. It is right on the beach, they have their own water park, miniture golf course, store, restaurant and ice cream parlor on the premises. The prices are fairly reasonable. The location is away from the summer crows but are able to walk or take a trolley to other places if needed. Their website is www.seamist.com

kswl

Not sure if they even do this type of thing any more, but near Lake Placid, NY the presbyterian church has a conference center/camp called Land's End, which has a lodge that will accomodate many, a boathouse for rent separately and some cottages, I think. It is a great place, the lake is fabulous, canoes and hiking abound, the catering should be (was for us) wonderful and the lodge is nicely rustic/Adirondack without being really primitive. Our extended family spent Thanksgiving there one year when we were living in NYC. DH only got two days off so the family came up to see us and the rest of us stayed a week. It would be worth checking into, IMO.