USA: Northeast, Family Reunions and Gatherings. Time does not stand still and family time is more precious when miles and often time zones separate daily lives. 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 Smugglers’ Notch in Vermont to West Forks in Maine we have discovered the best reunion spots.

Maine: West Forks, Maine Professional River Runners & Grand View Lodging. Maine Professional River Runners and Grand View Lodging have been hosting family reunions for years. PRO offers an array of outdoor activities while Grand View acts as your home-away-from-home. With a 5-bedroom house, four modern apartments and a campfire area, Grand View Lodging can host 35+ people in a private and informal atmosphere. Added to this private setting the spectacular panoramic mountain views with crimson sunsets and sunrises. The large maintained lawn is perfect for football games or Frisbee. Group activities such as funyaking, whitewater rafting, guided moose safaris, swimming and picnicking, mountain biking and guided fishing trips will make your family reunion unique and memorable. Reunion benefit: Grand View offers family reunions a selection of accommodations which can host up to thirty-five people. Grand View’s five-bedroom house is also available for exclusive rental and sleeps fifteen people, with a full kitchen, two dining rooms, a large private deck, fireplace, two TV rooms (with video library and games), a BBQ grill and more. (Professional River Runners of Maine P.O. Box 92 - Route 201 National Scenic Byway West Forks, ME 04985. 1-800-325-3911, info@proriverrunners.com or www.proriverrunners.com)

Vermont: Smugglers’ Notch, Smugglers’ Notch Resort. Each year this resort adds more benefits for families. That progressive attitude is encouraging. They love families and it shows. Located in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains in a spectacular natural setting, stress free and mountain fresh, this resort has everything for your family’s ideal vacation. On site are fully equipped condos that range in size from efficiencies to five-bedroom units. Everyone can be separate but together when it counts. Mountain Resort Village has award-winning children’s programs that fit all age groups. Reunion benefit: But the main one starts with a well-trained staff ready to assist with all aspects of making the event memorable. They understand level of detail that must go into planning a reunion. Finding the time to coordinate all the details when you're working or busy with the kids is difficult. So Smugglers' is ready to help with all of your planning and travel needs. For more details or a Customized Reunion Plan e-mail one of the Smugglers' Notch Reunion Planners at reunions@smuggs.com (Smugglers’ Notch Resort. 4323 Vermont Route 108 South Smugglers’ Notch, VT 05464-9537. 1-800-521-0536, 1(802) 644-8851 or www.smuggs.com)

New Hampshire: Holderness, Rockywold-Deephaven Camps. Located among the pines along serene Squam Lake, the film location for On Golden Pond, the 104-year-old complex contains 60 pine-walled cottages that have sleeping room for up to 14 people apiece. In addition there are two 15-room lodges with single and double rooms. All meals, served cafeteria-style are included with the stay. Guests enjoy the use of eight Har-Tru tennis courts, a ball field, basketball court, toddler playrooms, swimming floats, and library/reading rooms. Recreation staff members will organize square dances, talent shows, tennis tournaments, picnics, boat and bicycle tours, spectacular hiking, swimming and sailing events, nature walks, and ecology boat tours. Reunion benefit: The resort offers discounts in June, August, and September for stays of more than four nights (P.O. Box B Holderness, 03245. 1(603) 968-3313 or www.rdcsquam.com)

Maine: Windjammer Sail. Maine is filled with lovely crafters markets and beautiful rocky shorelines. If the idea of cruising off into the sunset appeals to your family there are options to suit. One unique idea is to reserve a schooner from the Maine Windjammer Association. They have a variety of vessels suitable to family adventures. Passenger capacities range from 20 to 40 per vessel and the association members will work to accommodate families. Reunion benefit: To get an idea of what will be included in such an adventure they are willing to send videotape along with the descriptions of vessels. The best thing to do is order the video. This is an experience of a lifetime. Some boats even take handicapped people. The lobster bake is worth the sometimes cramped sleeping quarters. (1-800-807-WIND or www.sailmainecoast.com)

Researched and created by Travel Communications Inc. Copyright 8/2009.