Seeking resort destination for family reunion 2010

Hello, all

We have a tri-annual reunion for our extended family of about 25 and growing. The next is the summer of 2010. Yes, next year.

Our grammas and grampas are in late 60%26#39;s. The youngest grand child will be one, total of 8 kids ranging up to 8 years of age.

Water is a main attraction for us. Golf for the grampas. Hiking, canoing, rafting, kayaking and beaches would also be of interest to our family members.

We would be looking for condo type accomodations, or a couple of houses close together, where we would all be closely located.

We are mostly on the west coast, but also some in midwest and east.

I know absolutely nothing of the Great Lakes and have not started any research. Our previous reunions have been at Lake Tahoe and Whistler.

Any ideas from the Great Lakes region of this great country?

Seeking resort destination for family reunion 2010

I suggest The Homestead in Glen Arbor. It is a resort with all kinds of accomodations, from hotel rooms to large luxury condos. The beach is beautiful as is the pool that sits right on the beach. You are in close proximity to wineries, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes (a must see destination!), the quaint village of Leland and numerous wonderful restaurants. Check them out online! Moms

Seeking resort destination for family reunion 2010

I forgot to give you the link. Here it is:

http://thehomesteadresort.com/

Here is a link with a list of local golf courses:

http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/city.aspx?dest=glen+arbor+mi

We have enjoyed a couple of family reunions at The Homestead. It is a lot of fun. Also, check out the www.vrbo.com or www.homeaway.com for condo rentals. There are a number of wonderful condos right on the water that are in close proximity to each other that might work for your gang. You will need to enter the town of ';Glen Arbor, Michigan'; to get to these condos.

I also recommend that you spend at least one overnight on Mackinac Island, for a uniquely Michigan experience. I would stay at the Inn at Stone Cliffe and golf at the Grand Hotel%26#39;s course. Everyone else can enjoy a bike ride around the island (they have tag alongs for little ones), a carriage ride through the island to learn its history and shopping in the lovely shops on Main Street.

Take care and have fun planning! Moms

You can also check out Traverse City while staying at the Homestead, as that will be the biggest town near you. They have a lot of festivals, shopping, dining, scenic drives, etc. Let us know if you want more info.

Rental houses on Glen Lake in Glen Arbor are also in a great area. The Homestead and other Glen Arbor rentals are pricey. You are near Sleeping Bear dunes national lakeshore.

The closer to Aug 1 you visit the Great Lakes, the better the trip.

Something on Lake Charlevoix would also be great.

HI Bill,

I just enjoyed your South America photos ( I%26#39;m planning our trip there for this summer) and noticed your post regarding MI. I%26#39;m from Michigan (now living in CA) and still have family there. I%26#39;m familiar with Glen Lake and Lake Charlevoix - both great spots for a reunion. The beaches are beautiful on Lake MI, but in terms of an inland lake, Lake Charlevoix is the best. You are close to Traverse CIty, which has the cherry festival every year, the bridge and Mackinaw, which is not to be missed. ALso, do visit Sleeping Bear Dunes - it%26#39;s incredible. Just don%26#39;t let the grandkids run down the dune - you%26#39;ll be there forever waiting for them to hike up. Check on VRBO for cottages to rent and/or condos but make sure you rent well in advance as people book them yearly.

Glen Lake is a more sedate lake and there isn%26#39;t a big town to hang out in whereas Charlevoix has more of a bustling downtown and a great vibe. You sometimes have to be careful with Swimmer%26#39;s Itch at Glen Lake as well. Swimmer%26#39;s Itch is carried by ducks - it%26#39;s disgusting.

Also, be careful about poison ivy which is very prevalent in Michigan. Stay on paths and learn what the plant looks like if you stay in a wooded area.

You%26#39;ll enjoy Michigan.

Because Lake Charlevoix is mentioned, I just have to reply. I think Lake Charlevoix would be perfect as well. The Homestead just came to mind because of the dunes and the close proximity to the Leelanau Peninsula. Lake Charlevoix is my favorite place in Michigan. It is, IMHO, the most beautiful inland lake in Michigan. Three quaint towns sit on different parts of the lake. There are miles of sandy shoreline on Lake Charlevoix and on Lake Michigan. The town of Charlevoix is lovely with quaint shops, restaurants and lots of activities. The weekly band concert in the bandshell is lots of fun, especially when followed by an ice cream cone at Kilwins.

I have not stayed in these log cottages before (there are two next to each other), but they regularly advertise for large family reunions. They are located on the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix and offer ample space, boats, a sand beach and just about anything else a family could want. They are a short drive to the narrows and The Landings restaurant (a very fun place to watch the Ironton Ferry cross with cars and also watch the boats pass by). It is also close to East Jordan and the town of Charlevoix. Again, I have never stayed here but I have always found it intriguing....

www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p100644

Moms

While we haven%26#39;t been up there recently, we have rented a house on Walloon Lake before and it was wonderful. We also rented a pontoon boat for the week and had windsurfing. A photographer came and did a group photo as well as some other shots. We enjoyed going to Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs as well as Mackinac Island. We have friends whose family is gathering at Torch Lake this summer, and we may head up there too! Just a little more to consider!