When I was growing up, my grandmother, aunt, uncle and two cousins lived down the block from me.  Within walking distance, or maybe a short subway or car ride away lived many other relatives, and it was quite common for us to all get together for dinner on Sundays, especially while my grandmother was alive.  While the grown-ups chatted, gossiped and complained, the cousins would play games (usually made-up ones), tease each other and make mischief.  When I told my son about these get-togethers, he couldn’t imagine what it was like to have so much family nearby.  Of course, many of his relatives live in Florida, North Carolina, Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado and California, so visiting with them is a rare event.  Today, the concept of "extended families" is somewhat unusual and due to jobs, climate and just personal preference, we find ourselves spread out across the country, or even in foreign lands.

In answer to this phenomenon, family reunions have become increasingly popular and, according to the Travel Industry Association of America, 34% of American adults have traveled to a family reunion in the past three years, and 22% have done so this past year. These events can range in size from a multi-generational trip with a few relatives to a genealogist’s fantasy of a few hundred people. If you choose the right location, everyone can reunite while enjoying favorite activities as well as a break from their normal routine.

Planning such an event can be a large undertaking.  While there’s lot of practical information out there about the logistics of organizing the group, dividing the tasks and setting a budget, perhaps the biggest question is "where should it be."  Considering several criteria such as geographic location (35% of reunion attendees travel 500 or more miles from home), available transportation, the variety of accommodations in different price ranges, activities to please every age, unique attractions, dining options and group discounts, FTF has selected the following as the “Top Ten Getaways for Family Reunions."  More detailed information about each venue is available elsewhere on FamilyTravelForum.com.

TOP RECREATIONAL GETAWAY

Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, Missouri
417/335-2777

Why should you hold a reunion in Ridgedale?  Because that’s where, in the beautiful Ozark Mountains on Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge is located, and it’s a great top-value resort to host an old-fashioned reunion. 

While bass and trout fishing, and boating on the lake are the focus of most guests, horseback riding, basketball, swimming, and a good game of horseshoes are some of the many other possibilities.  For Uncle Charlie, there’s a beautiful golf course, the ladies can play tennis and then be pampered at the spa, and others can enjoy walking and jogging on the paved trail system.  In summer, teens can attend fly-fishing clinics while the youngest family members enjoy the playground and the Little Cedar Kids’ Club (for 4 to 12-year-olds.)  During the mild winters many facilities remain open so you can still fish and golf.

Time for togetherness?  Don’t miss a tram tour of nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre private reserve where you are likely to meet up with some unusual animals.  Or, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy a chuckwagon cookout, or roast marshmallows around a bonfire.

Although you may not have heard of Ridgedale, Missouri before, you probably are familiar with the city of Branson, known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World, and home to 30 theatres, theme parks and other attractions.  Branson, a mere 10 miles from Big Cedar, offers musical revues, magic and acrobatic shows to delight everyone in your group on day or evening excursions.

With three to six months’ notice in the summer, and a year’s notice for holiday periods, you can contact a vacation planner at Big Cedar to help you make your arrangements.  There is a variety of lodging, and adjoining rooms and suites are available, as are some handicapped-accessible accommodations.  Group discounts are available if at least 10 rooms per night are booked, and rates, depending on size and season, range from $70/N for standard rooms to $509/N for rustic two-bedroom cabins (a real favorite for families with children). Private meals and other celebrations can be arranged at the lodge, and a photographer is onsite to provide you with a memento of your reunion in the Ozarks.