Ideas for Family Reunion

[aidansmommy]

I posted this a couples days ago in the travel forum and I didn't get a single view so I'm hoping to get some ideas here...

I've been put in charge of planning next summer's family reunion and could use some ideas on a great place that will make many people happy. I'm trying to find something in either Virginia, West Virginia, or maybe Maryland because it's pretty central to all our family. We'd like to be on the water, whether it's a mountain/lake or ocean/beach. We'll have every age with us, from infants and preschoolers, to adults without kids and grandparents so activities for many ages (swimming, pool, boating, golf, shopping, kiddie parks) are ideas of things we'd like nearby. We'd like to rent either a cabin, house, condo, villa, with a kitchen. We're hoping for something nice but reasonably priced because I know some members of our group are on a pretty tight budget.

I'd appreciate it if you have any suggestions to help get me started. It's tough finding someplace to please so many people!
Thanks!


Heidi
Mommy to Aidan 11/03 and Amelia 12/06

[BeachBum]

I'm not familiar with that part of the country so I can't help there. But I did want to mention that the forums at Fodors.com are very active and the people there are helpful.
Overall, they get annoyed with general questions so I would be as specific as you can about where you might be considering, what types of activities, how many people you need to sleep and if you all want to be just at the same town, or in the same house or what exactly.
HTH

[aidansmommy]

I'm laughing because I know exactly what you mean about Fodors, which is why I don't post there anymore, even though they are so knowlegable about this sort of thing. I got blasted a couple of times there before. Once I was looking for some trip ideas and I thought I was being painfully specific about what we were looking for,and I got a response something like "how can we help you if we don't know how old you are?" Another time I was looking for family trip ideas when ds was a baby and more than one person told me to please stay home, don't bring a screaming baby on a plane etc...

Heidi
Mommy to Aidan 11/03 and Amelia 12/06

[BeachBum]

HA! It really is funny how message boards can have such a different tone. Hope you find some helpful info somewhere!

[luvmypeanut]

Wow, that's a tall order. I don't know if this will be much help because although I grew up in Northern VA, we never had vacations like the one you're planning. But what about:

- Annapolis, MD. A lovely little town. I've only been for a day trip so can't give you much more info.
- Rehobeth, DE. I went for the first time 2 winters ago to visit a friend and thought it would be a great place in the summer.
- The Greenbrier Resort, WVA or The Homestead, VA. These are pricey but I was thinking that there must be other housing options in these areas.
- Maybe there is something in the Shenandoah Mountains? Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive? Don't know if there is a lake there but you can fish in the river.
- Outerbanks, NC. I think we used to go down to Duck for a week and rented a condo. But there are a lot of rental properties there and I'm sure you can find a huge house for your family.

What states are your family members coming from?

[aidansmommy]

Thanks for the suggestions--I'm off to look them up right now. It's tough because my family is so spread out, also add in the different ages, budgets, interests and it's going to be quite a challenge. Most of us will be coming from Ohio or New Jersey, but we also have family in North Carolina, Florida, and Arizona who will be attending.
Heidi
Mommy to Aidan 11/03 and Amelia 12/06

[luvmypeanut]

We spent a few days this summer on the Indiana side of Lake Michigan. I rented a a 3brd townhouse on the lake and it was nice. We went in August and the water was as warm if not warmer than it is here in Hawaii. Michigan City is a smaller town with a zoo and casino and outlet mall, but I really liked the looks of New Buffalo, MI. We went there for a burger at Redamaks and the town had a nice feel to it. And I've heard Mackinac Island, MI is great for the kind of vacation you're planning.

Hope I've helped!