Tell me about YOUR favorite Family Reunion location!!
Feb 8th, 2007, 05:58 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tell me about YOUR favorite Family Reunion location!!
We need ideas!!!
We are a family of about 30+ of all ages, from babies to seniors. We come from all over, CA, MA, TX, OH, FL... and even Japan! We are looking for a new family reunion destination for summer '08. In past past we have spent time in Arkansas, Eastman, NH and most recently, Rough River, KY.
We are looking for a cluster of cabins/houses that we could rent that would be in walking distance from one another. We need a golf course in the area, and a lake or river with activities. A pool would be a plus!
Many of us like to just chill and play cards while other like to be more active and hike, fish, or raft/tube. We'd like to keep the cost at around $150-200 night. We do cook most of our meals, but it might be nice to have the option to grab a chicken sandwich out. We enjoy having a common area where we can all eat together, whether it is someone's cabin or a pavilion.
Since many would be flying, the airport needs to be no more than 2 hours away.
Tell me where YOU have been and why you love it so much!!!
~T H A N K S !
We are a family of about 30+ of all ages, from babies to seniors. We come from all over, CA, MA, TX, OH, FL... and even Japan! We are looking for a new family reunion destination for summer '08. In past past we have spent time in Arkansas, Eastman, NH and most recently, Rough River, KY.
We are looking for a cluster of cabins/houses that we could rent that would be in walking distance from one another. We need a golf course in the area, and a lake or river with activities. A pool would be a plus!
Many of us like to just chill and play cards while other like to be more active and hike, fish, or raft/tube. We'd like to keep the cost at around $150-200 night. We do cook most of our meals, but it might be nice to have the option to grab a chicken sandwich out. We enjoy having a common area where we can all eat together, whether it is someone's cabin or a pavilion.
Since many would be flying, the airport needs to be no more than 2 hours away.
Tell me where YOU have been and why you love it so much!!!
~T H A N K S !
Feb 8th, 2007, 06:46 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,989
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My husband's family had a great reunion at the Double Arrow Resort and Lodge in Seeley, MT. We waterskiied, went swimming, fishing, hiking, and played golf. It was great for us, but we could all drive to the location. Flying into MT could be very expensive for your group.
Feb 8th, 2007, 07:11 AM
#6
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have a family that sounds similar to yours in terms of number, ages, etc. - our reunions only include the "immediate" family (my parents and their children and grandchildren)- 38 people ranging in age at various reunions from new babies to 90-somethings. We also live all over the states - Seattle, LA, DC, SF, FL, etc.
Anyway three places that have worked well for us:
Jackson, Wyoming: Condos just outside the Tetons and Yellowstone. Beautiful area. I forget the exact name of the ones we stayed in, but I'm sure there are quite a few to choose from - I think in the winter they are used for skiing. Ours had a nice pool and other amenities and the largest ones were big enough for us to gather. We cooked and ate together for dinners. The more active of us took day trips to the Tetons, rafting and fishing on the Snake River, etc. and to Yellowstone for hiking and wildlife viewing. Don't know about golf courses, but I'd be very surprised if there weren't any nearby.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida (haven't been since the major hurricanes a year or so ago - check on condition of beach): Condos right on the beach, an hour from Orlando - some of us did day trips to Disney, etc. Pool, ocean fishing, surfing, and other beach activities. Some of us also went canoeing on a river about 25 miles away, complete with big alligators, etc. I'm sure golf is around somewhere.
Oh another idea - We haven't done Lake Tahoe, CA for a reunion, but I've done it with other groups. It would be a great place too - although not sure it meets your airport criteria.
This last one isn't exactly what you requested, but it was great for us as we all have gotten older and tired of shopping and cooking for 38 people or trying to find a restaurant able to seat 38 people at short notice -
Cruise to the Bahamas: Something for everyone on board - nursery with experienced caretakers and lots of activities for babies and toddlers and older children, and teen room for teens. We could all eat together and we didn't have to shop for food, cook, wash dishes, etc. nor worry about finding a restaurant. The youngest kids could even stay on board coloring in the kids' room during port stays, thus freeing the parents to explore without a tired 3-year old in tow, or you could take them with you - various of us chose different approaches. My parents could just relax (they were in their 80's for this trip) but still see lots of different sights with only one packing, unpacking to do. All of us loved it and it was probably the reunion that suited everybody's stage of life the best.
Cruise lines do lots of family reunions and if you tell them that's what you are planning, they will help you plan the whole thing and you can get some good group discounts. We were surprising my parents and taking them on the cruise for their 50th anniversary and the cruise line helped us plan an anniversary party in one of ship's private rooms.
Good luck with your reunion wherever you go!
Anyway three places that have worked well for us:
Jackson, Wyoming: Condos just outside the Tetons and Yellowstone. Beautiful area. I forget the exact name of the ones we stayed in, but I'm sure there are quite a few to choose from - I think in the winter they are used for skiing. Ours had a nice pool and other amenities and the largest ones were big enough for us to gather. We cooked and ate together for dinners. The more active of us took day trips to the Tetons, rafting and fishing on the Snake River, etc. and to Yellowstone for hiking and wildlife viewing. Don't know about golf courses, but I'd be very surprised if there weren't any nearby.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida (haven't been since the major hurricanes a year or so ago - check on condition of beach): Condos right on the beach, an hour from Orlando - some of us did day trips to Disney, etc. Pool, ocean fishing, surfing, and other beach activities. Some of us also went canoeing on a river about 25 miles away, complete with big alligators, etc. I'm sure golf is around somewhere.
Oh another idea - We haven't done Lake Tahoe, CA for a reunion, but I've done it with other groups. It would be a great place too - although not sure it meets your airport criteria.
This last one isn't exactly what you requested, but it was great for us as we all have gotten older and tired of shopping and cooking for 38 people or trying to find a restaurant able to seat 38 people at short notice -
Cruise to the Bahamas: Something for everyone on board - nursery with experienced caretakers and lots of activities for babies and toddlers and older children, and teen room for teens. We could all eat together and we didn't have to shop for food, cook, wash dishes, etc. nor worry about finding a restaurant. The youngest kids could even stay on board coloring in the kids' room during port stays, thus freeing the parents to explore without a tired 3-year old in tow, or you could take them with you - various of us chose different approaches. My parents could just relax (they were in their 80's for this trip) but still see lots of different sights with only one packing, unpacking to do. All of us loved it and it was probably the reunion that suited everybody's stage of life the best.
Cruise lines do lots of family reunions and if you tell them that's what you are planning, they will help you plan the whole thing and you can get some good group discounts. We were surprising my parents and taking them on the cruise for their 50th anniversary and the cruise line helped us plan an anniversary party in one of ship's private rooms.
Good luck with your reunion wherever you go!
Feb 8th, 2007, 07:47 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,518
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I mentioned Sunriver, Oregon (near Bend) in response to someone else's similar question, but it would work even better for you. The resort is a community of homes built around several excellent golf courses, with tennis courts, swimming pools, bike paths, a riding stable, a small shoping center with shops, grocery, and restaurants. There are many homes to choose from for short-term rental, many with views of Mt. Bachelor. It should be no problem to fine 4 or 5 in the same cul-de-sac for your group. A river winds through the property for canoeing, and there is great hiking and mountain biking nearby. Those who wish a little adventure can go rfting on the Deschutes River. And there is fly fishing in the river and in nearby mountain lakes and streams.
The area (central Oregon)is known for warm sunny weather in the summer.
There are a number of agents who handle rentals; they have long lists of homes for rent. Many are 3 or 4 bedrooms; most are vacation homes that the owners rent out whenever they aren't there themselves. We've generally paid $250 to $300 per night for a home that sleeps 8.
The nearest airport is Redmond (might be called "Bend"), but it's actually at Redmond, about an hour from Sunriver.
Here is a link to the golf course page; you can navigate to the other information from there.
http://www.sunriver-resort.com/sunriver-golf.php
The area (central Oregon)is known for warm sunny weather in the summer.
There are a number of agents who handle rentals; they have long lists of homes for rent. Many are 3 or 4 bedrooms; most are vacation homes that the owners rent out whenever they aren't there themselves. We've generally paid $250 to $300 per night for a home that sleeps 8.
The nearest airport is Redmond (might be called "Bend"), but it's actually at Redmond, about an hour from Sunriver.
Here is a link to the golf course page; you can navigate to the other information from there.
http://www.sunriver-resort.com/sunriver-golf.php
Feb 8th, 2007, 07:51 AM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A few years ago we had a family reunion (about the same size and ages) in Sun River, OR. We had such a great time we are going back again this summer. You can rent houses, there is a golf course and nearby water activities of all kinds.
Feb 8th, 2007, 07:59 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,749
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Another vote for Sunriver. We do the large family gatherings there every summer. They do have a specialist for these reunions, but unless you want a lot of structured activities, you don't need to use them. Just check out all the various activities in the area and then you can do them if/when you please. The only thing to really sign up for in advance is white water rafting as those trips fill up fast in July and August.
Feb 8th, 2007, 08:27 AM
#11
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've also stayed in Sunriver although we didn't do one of our reunions there.
While the area is fantastic (I used to live in Eugene and think the Sisters/Bend, etc. part of Oregon is wonderful), I didn't really enjoy the Sunriver development that much. It's hard to say why exactly - just somehow seemed very suburban and sort of crowded. No offense of course - I must be in the minority. Maybe I was just in the wrong part.
While the area is fantastic (I used to live in Eugene and think the Sisters/Bend, etc. part of Oregon is wonderful), I didn't really enjoy the Sunriver development that much. It's hard to say why exactly - just somehow seemed very suburban and sort of crowded. No offense of course - I must be in the minority. Maybe I was just in the wrong part.
Feb 8th, 2007, 08:32 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sunriver sounds amazing!!!!
However, I know we were hoping to stay east of the Rockies... only one family is from CA... the rest are mostly east coast (or central like us Texans!) and that would make for a looong trip out west.
However, I know we were hoping to stay east of the Rockies... only one family is from CA... the rest are mostly east coast (or central like us Texans!) and that would make for a looong trip out west.
Feb 8th, 2007, 08:47 AM
#14
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,963
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I personally haven't been there, but my brother couldn't stop raving about the Wisconsin Dells:
http://www.wisdells.com/places.cfm
I see there are quite a few cabin/ cottage properties to choose from. I don't know about golf, but is is a waterpark mecca!
http://www.wisdells.com/places.cfm
I see there are quite a few cabin/ cottage properties to choose from. I don't know about golf, but is is a waterpark mecca!
Feb 8th, 2007, 09:27 AM
#15
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some US State Parks have quite remarkable cabin resorts with all kinds of activities and low prices. Some of the best are Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, Mississipi, Ohio and West Virginia. Go online to check them out. Nebraska has a dude ranch style state park resort, South Carolina has cabins on the beach in one of their state parks... Many state park cabin resorts are on bodies of water. Familytravelforum.com has suggestions for family reuniuons on their website - you might look there too.
Feb 8th, 2007, 10:56 AM
#16
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Like the others we have a family like yours. We have enjoyed reunions in Missouri at the Lake of the Ozarks (lots of cabin rentals), A trip to Jamaica to an all inclusive, The Wisconsin Dells, Colorado (Frisco area. It's always an adventure and there really are a lot of great places out there. Let us know what you decide!
Feb 8th, 2007, 11:25 AM
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,728
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned yet: the Outer Banks!
We've done 30-40 person family reunions quite a few times, Myrtle Beach, Maggie Valley, Long Beach Island NJ, but everyone's favorite is the big mansions in the Nag's Head, NC area. Mostly because there are huge kitchens/lounging areas that we can fit the whole crowd in, there is always a pool, and the beach is right outside the door. We've done multiple condo's and cabins, but it's kind of a pain to get together for meals, because the individual units are too small to cook/seat the crowd.
Love the cruise idea too.
Not sure what you mean by "$150-200 night", but if you go off-season you can get a 14 bedroom mansion for $4K, well within your budget. THe price shoots way up "in season". Here's the house we have booked for this year:
http://www.carolinadesigns.com/cdfin...es/oneprop.asp
We've done 30-40 person family reunions quite a few times, Myrtle Beach, Maggie Valley, Long Beach Island NJ, but everyone's favorite is the big mansions in the Nag's Head, NC area. Mostly because there are huge kitchens/lounging areas that we can fit the whole crowd in, there is always a pool, and the beach is right outside the door. We've done multiple condo's and cabins, but it's kind of a pain to get together for meals, because the individual units are too small to cook/seat the crowd.
Love the cruise idea too.
Not sure what you mean by "$150-200 night", but if you go off-season you can get a 14 bedroom mansion for $4K, well within your budget. THe price shoots way up "in season". Here's the house we have booked for this year:
http://www.carolinadesigns.com/cdfin...es/oneprop.asp
Feb 8th, 2007, 11:31 AM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
We didn't do this for a family reunion, but did it for a big birthday for DH. In the Great Smokey Mountains. There is a wonderful place called Oak Haven Resort. All cabins with 1-6 bedrooms. Check out the website at oakhavenresort.com
Also read the reports on trip advisor for this place.
Good luck and happy planning!
Also read the reports on trip advisor for this place.
Good luck and happy planning!
Feb 13th, 2007, 12:06 PM
#19
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are great! We stayed in Duck, 34 people, ages 6 mos. to 87 years, rented 6 houses within walking distance of each other (within 2 blocks) and loved it! The larger houses hosted catered dinners; cookouts with everyong bringing a dish were popular; one restaurant gave us their upstairs. Realtors include Stan White Realty; there is also a new hotel in Duck. NOTE: Houses have steps. Fly to Norfolk - 90 miles.
