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USA: Mountains West, Beest Places for Family Reunions and Gatherings.  Thinking of a family reunion? We have a few suggestions with one thing in common; they are family friendly and ready to create the best reunion ever. Anytime and any season togethering is worth the effort, just to add to the family memories. From Idaho and Montana’s Gold Country to the hot springs of Colorado we have discovered the a few terrific reunion spots.
Idaho: Mill Valley, Whitewater Eco Family Adventures. The Middle Fork of the Salmon provides the ideal setting for a family adventure. Wild and scenic, it flows 100 miles through the largest wilderness area in the USA. The adventure includes whitewater rafting, exploring, hiking, wildlife viewing, swimming and relaxing on white sand beaches. Explore ancient Indian caves and a hermit's homestead; fish for blue ribbon trout; soak in natural hot water springs. Our guides are expert river runners, magnificent cooks, great story tellers, and knowledgeable, helpful outdoorsmen. There are three ways to do the river: in an oar boat, by paddle raft, or solo in an inflatable kayak. Bonus points: Their child "Activity Director" program allows parents to relax and enjoy while the kids learn about these fascinating new things. Need to know: This trip is ideal for families with children six years of age or older. (Whitewater Eco Family Adventures, 38 Miller Ave. #270, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Toll-free 1- 866-472-4441, (415) 389-1000 or www.ecofamilyadventures.com)
Idaho: Ashton, Squirrel Creek Guest Ranch. Not far from the Grand Tetons and within 20 miles of the rugged and remote southwestern section of Yellowstone National Park, the Ranch provides quality affordable accommodations including log cabins, a ranch house and the lodge. Perfect for family reunions, they have options for all ages year round from kayaking, horseback riding and mountain biking to elk watching, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, fly-fishing and hiking. Bonus points: Onsite you will find a children's sandbox, volleyball area and horseshoe pits. Reunion benefit: The Old Opera House located downtown Ashton, Idaho is a historic and spacious building that is ideal for your large group gathering. The Opera House offers your gathering a full service bar in the basement, a kitchen, and a stage. (Squirrel Creek Guest Ranch Ashton, 83420. 1-208-652-3972 or www.idahoranch.com)
Montana: West Glacier, Glacier Outdoor Center Cabins. They're conveniently located just half a mile from the Park's western entrance with breathtaking views of the mountains of Glacier National Park as a backdrop the log cabins provide all the comforts of home. Each unit provides separate sleeping and living areas, complete kitchen, full bath, television (local stations only), covered deck, gas grill and gas fireplace to warm a cool Montana night. All cabins are non-smoking and the units sleep between six to 16 bodies. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available nearby at Glacier Outdoor Center. Handicap accommodation is possible, just ask. Need to know: Included with each cabin are bed and bath linens, dishes, glassware, pots and pans, eating and cooking utensils, microwave, coffee maker (with a small supply of coffee to get you started your first morning!), dishwasher and detergent, refrigerator, range/oven, kitchen linens. Bonus points: Onsite test your skills with a game horseshoes or try playing a game of volleyball. This is the perfect launch pad for a Flathead River rafting adventure. Reunion benefit: There is also an outdoor pavilion for larger gatherings and a trout pond to perfect your fishing techniques. (Glacier Outdoor Center Cabins, 6 Going to the Sun Road and Highway 2, West Glacier, 59936. Toll-free 1-800-235-6781, 1(406) 888-5454 or www.glacierraftco.com)
Montana: Polaris, Montana High Country Lodge. Adventure, luxury and relaxation with traditional western ambiance, the Lodge has 12 oversized guest bedrooms and suites all with private baths, a huge grand room with stone fireplace, dining room, hot tub room, and a game room. The Lodge is surrounded by stocked fishponds, pastures with grazing horses and gorgeous mountains. They know from experience that time spent in the mountains is premium time for families and they are able to customize the perfect multiple activity vacation for your entire family. From stream fishing to casting lessons or trail rides and gem hunting, they know what it takes for families to create memories. Dig for amethyst crystals at Crystal Park; visit the ghost town of Bannack; soak in the hot springs at Elkhorn or Jackson. Bonus points: As an Orvis Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge, they offer guests the use of A-1 top-notch equipment and the best professional guides in the business. Reunion Benefit: Russ and Karen will take care of the details for any gathering. There is a cookie jar with no bottom and the lower level of the lodge not only has family rooms but a recreation space for congregating in a casual way. (Montana High Country Lodge Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway north of Polaris. 1(406) 834-3469, 1(406) 683-3469 or www.mhct.com)
Colorado: Vail, Destination Resorts. If meeting in the mountains makes sense then Vail is the perfect location, great shopping, terrific hiking, biking or skiing, and a comfortable village atmosphere. The friendly staff at Destination Resorts will make it easy to put it all together with no hassles. They offer variety of properties in all price ranges. With accommodations ranging from one bedroom to four-bedroom/loft combinations, they have something to fit every budget and every family combination. Select from individually decorated condominiums which include a fully equipped kitchen, fireplace, balcony, free covered parking, separate living and sleeping areas, and Cable TV/VCR. Many locations include pools, hot tubs, saunas, and meeting spaces. High service levels ensure smooth check-in/check-out process. Need to know: Daily concierge services are available for group dinners, activities and events. Space available group rates - you do not have to guarantee or pay for unused rooms. Bonus points: Once you land in Vail you will find little need for an auto until your departure. Located just steps to Vail's Gondola, all properties are an easy walk to Vail Mountain and Donovan Park. Reunion benefit: Whether you're planning a do-it-yourself family reunion or need extra help coordinating the details our event planners offer services from one-hour consultations to several months of help that can take the stress away. (Destination Resorts Vail 610 W. Lionshead Circle, Vail, Colorado 81657. www.destinationresortsvail.com)
Colorado: Steamboat Springs, Steamboat Springs Resort. A family reunion at a ski resort, why not? While Steamboat in Northern Colorado is known as a ski resort yet it offers families fun year-round and encourages family reunions. Located in the Routt National Forest of the beautiful Rocky Mountains, the area is known for its mineral hot springs, most noted of which is the Strawberry Park Hot Springs located seven miles outside of town. The town is energetic yet relaxed and provides a friendly western atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. In addition to the mid-point location between the two coasts, the town ahs a variety of affordable lodging options, outstanding summertime weather. Reunion benefit: Reunion planning at Steamboat Springs means a coordinator will help with lodging and travel, group meals, photographers, special events, horseback rides, chuckwagon dinner rides, rafting trips, and tours. (Steamboat Resorts 1847 Ski Time Square Dr Steamboat Springs, CO 80487. Toll-free 1-800-525-5502, (970)879-8000 or www.steamboatresorts.com)
Researched and created by Travel Communications Inc. Copyright 9/2011.
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