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)

Massachusetts: Lenox, Eastover Resort in the Berkshires. Families looking for a carefree vacation experience that allows everyone time to unwind, have fun and rejuvenate; Eastover Resort has the answer. All-inclusive and family friendly, the seasoned staff pays attention to the details making it easy for guests to relax. Sleeping choices include 130 rooms, with 20 of them on the upper floors of the mansion, the balance located in surrounding motel-like cottages. The accommodations have a home spun comfortable feeling that enhances the stress free atmosphere. Dining selections span all tastes and selections are plentiful. Bonus Point: Each day for two hours in the morning, two hours in the afternoon and one hour each evening there are staff-supervised children’s programs. Reunion Bonus: Year round there is nightly entertainment that includes dancing. The former stable, known by guests as Tally-Ho, has a big dance floor, a stage, tables and chairs, and a snack bar. The music, provided by a D.J. or band, is eclectic, and selected to encourage use of the dance floor by all ages. At Eastover there is time to do everything or nothing. Editor’s Note: This is the perfect example of one resort that works for all ages and lifestyles. The resort caters to families, singles, and couples – but not at the same time. There are many weeks throughout the year reserved exclusively for families. (430 East Street P.O. Box 2160 Lenox, 01240. 1-800-VACAFUN (1-800-822-2386) or www.eastover.com)

New York: New Paltz, Mohonk Mountain House. Gracefully perched on a rocky bluff and surrounded by 2,200 thousands of acres of woodlands and fields, Mohonk is one of the unique natural wonders of the northeast. It is nature at its best a peaceful a resort for all seasons. Centering the resort’s dramatic beauty is Lake Mohonk, a half-mile long, 60-foot deep mountain lake, perfect for a swim and ideal for embracing tranquility. Polished woodwork, inviting period furnishings, and cozy fireplaces await guests making it easy to feel at home. The organized programs for children relate directly to pre determined age groups and allow children to share time with age peers. Reunion benefit: They provide family reunion options that make the idea of getting together at the “lake in the sky,” easy and memorable. They offer hospitality with a soft touch, enabling family members to enjoy time together without worrying about the details. To assist in the planning and hosting, the resort provides a Family reunion coordinator to do the details. Options include a private dining room or outdoor setting; social rooms for family private time; organized sport activities; a scavenger hunt or family camp fire. (Mohonk Mountain House. 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, 12561. 1(845) 255-1000 or 1-800-772-6646 or go to www.mohonk.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)

Pennsylvania: Scotrun, Caesars Brookdale. Located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains this resort is the perfect setting for groups, especially family reunions. Plenty of oversized family suites and daily planned indoor and outdoor adult and kids activities take all the worry out of planning your get together. The all-inclusive 250-acre resort offers lots for groups to do year-round. Reunion packages include the space and luxury of a suite. Stays also include daily all-you-can-eat breakfast and dinner, Kids Kamp everyday, Kids Klub, live nightly entertainment, free access to tennis, fishing, roller-skating, snowmobiling, snow-tubing, paddle boating, boating, water-skiing, bicycling, billiards, indoor/outdoor pools and indoor/outdoor miniature golf. Reunion benefit: Caesars has two unique experiences that guests may add to their reunion plan. Because they are only 1 1/2 to 2 hours from the Big Apple it is possible to do a day excursion to see well-known sites like The Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, see a show, shop or enjoy a museum. Too boring for grandpa and junior? How about a NASCAR adrenaline rush at the nearby sanctioned 2.5 mile Super Speedway - Pocono Raceway. Need to know: For convenience reunion groups may be booked through our Group Booking Hot Line at 1-800-257-3201. (Caesars Brookdale Resort is located at Route 611, Scotrun, PA 18355. 1(570) 839-8844 or toll free 1-800-233-4141 or www.CaesarsPoconoResorts.com)

Researched and created by Travel Communications Inc. Copyright 8/2008.