USA: Southeast, Family Reunions &
Gatherings. Thinking of a family
reunion? We know each family has its own personality so we a have a rich
variety of 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. We have discovered the
best reunion spots from Virginia Beach to Pigeon Forge and Scott Valley Ranch.

Tennessee: Pigeon Forge. In addition to being a
family friendly, beautiful place on the planet, Pigeon Forge literally has
something for everyone from 9 months to 109 years. It can be a do nothing, rock
on the porch experience or a high energy hiking, rating biking adventure. Add
nightly entertainment and terrific shopping to the list and you will need more
vacation days. The city has the right attitude about families. They have Funnel
Cakes; Krispy Kreme and Krystal Burgers as well as all night coffee stops and
mountain flavored BBQ. “Sweet!” They know that no two families are the same and
that reunions need to be fun and effortless. Reunion benefit: They have
vacation consultants and reunion coordinators to make the perfect family get
together happen in Pigeon Forge the “first time” or “the same time” next year.
They have a form at their website that makes it easy to start the process. The
“Request for Proposal” form allows them to narrow the options making it much
easier to plan your meeting, reunion, or retreat specifications. (Department of
Tourism (PFDOT) toll-free 1-800-286-7557 or www.PigeonForgeReunion.com)

South Carolina: Myrtle Beach, The Breakers Resort.
On the edge of the brilliantly blue Atlantic Ocean, an invigorating sea breeze
blows through the family friendly Breakers Resort complex located right off of
one of the best spans of beach on the Strand. It is an ideal family vacation
spot offering not just sun, sand, sea and golf but live entertainment within
minutes of the resort and plenty of terrific shopping options. The beachside
resort contains three distinct buildings from which to select: Paradise Tower,
North Tower and the original Resort Tower. Each has its own personality but all
are just footsteps from the sand and the Atlantic Ocean. Bonus points: Under
the Paradise Tower there is a 418′ lazy river that meanders both inside and
out. There are hot tubs for the sedentary and buckets that dump water on those
tubing the course of the lazy river channel. Reunion Bonus: Relaxation and
convenience go hand-in-hand from the beach and the pool, to easy parking and
trolley service laying all of Myrtle Beach at family’s fingertips. Guests may
enjoy the complimentary children’s activity program that is conducted during
the busiest vacation times. Myrtle Beach has a wonderful trolley service. Much
like Galveston or Pigeon Forge, the beach trolleys use reserved lanes and
provide connections to the most popular spots within the destination. It is in
full swing for the summer, providing visitors with flexibility and easing
stress. (Oceanfront at 21st and 27th Avenue North. Toll-free 1-800-952-4507,
(843) 444-4444 or www.breakers.com)

Georgia: Serenity Cove. Four pastoral acres on a
lake, and in the mountains, what could be finer? The resort, on the shores of
Lake Chatuge in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers families four cozy cabins with
all of the amenities of home. In addition there is the Lake House which is the
perfect central gathering place for the family reunion. Daily activities
include swimming, boating, fishing or maybe just relaxing. Reunion Benefit: During
certain times of the year it is possible to rent the whole property for a
private gathering. (834 Lower Bell Creek Road, Hiawassee, 30546. 1(706)
896-1465 or www.serenity-cove.com)

Georgia: Greyfield Inn. Secluded Cumberland Island with 18 miles of
beach (no condos, hotels or houses) is tranquil place for a family
reunion. The Inn is the only public
facility on the island that is the size of Manhattan. They provide guests with
round-trip ferry transportation from Amelia Island, Florida and three meals each
day. Breakfast is a hearty Southern style experience. Lunch is provided picnic
style to be enjoyed whenever and wherever guests choose. The evening meal,
preceded by hors d’oeuvres, is served by candlelight. Families have use of
bicycles, kayaks, beach and fishing equipment and unlimited snacks and
non-alcoholic beverages during their visit. Bonus points: They provide a
wonderful three-hour wilderness tour led by a staff naturalist in a Land-Rover
type vehicle. Reunion benefit: Best of all they offer an event coordinator to
assist families in planning their reunions. (For reservations contact the land
side office, 8 North Second Street, Box 900, Fernandina Beach, Florida.
32035-0900. 1(904) 261-6408 or www.GreyfieldInn.com)

Georgia: Brunswick and the Golden Isles. Brunswick
and the Golden Isles sit on the edge of Georgia. Brunswick a historic mainland
community anchors the four dramatically beautiful barrier islands - St. Simons
Island, Sea Island, Little St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island. About 20 minutes
by land or sea separates the five locations within this unique vacation
cluster. Most visitors stay on one island and make excursions to the others.
The largest and most developed island is St. Simons, tethered to the smaller
Sea Island by a narrow strip of land. A laid-back vacation atmosphere prevails
in the small seaside community inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the moment.
Reunion Bonus: Each island offers its own family friendly experience and all
work together creating hundreds of exceptional ways to have They have the good
stuff for family reunions. (1-800-933-COAST (2627) or Brunswick Golden Isles
Chamber & VB at www.bgivb.com)

Arkansas: Scott Valley Resort & Guest Ranch.
This ranch is located in the Ozark Mountain Region. Sleeping places include a
variety of options from cozy to secluded. There is also “special”
lodging if your group chooses. They have 50 years of experience providing
memories for families. Activities include three golf courses in the area along
with fishing, horseback riding, canoeing, and exploring caverns. The rates
include not only all activities on the ranch but also your meals. Dining is
always a pleasure at Scott Valley Resort and Guest Ranch, where meals are
“down-home, good cookin”. It’s all you can eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bonus points: The children will love our full playground complete with slide,
swings, rocking horse and sandbox. Of course, they have just the thing to
thrill kids from 1 to 100 - a petting zoo! Here, they will truly have a
“hands on” experience. Reunion benefit: They have a family reunion
specialist on staff to ensure that the reunion arrangements and expectations
are met with ease. They are flexible and attentive to special food or dietary
needs of guests. (Scott Valley Resort & Guest Ranch, 223 Scott Valley Trail
Mountain Home, 72653. Toll-free 1-888-855-7747, 1(870) 425-5136 or
www.scottvalley.com)

Alabama: Doublehead Resort. Offering families a
choice of 35 waterfront wood-and-stone cottages each accommodating a maximum of
10 people, the resort is ideal for gathering. Each unit contains a kitchen,
washer/dryer, TV/VCR, grill, a porch and hammock. The towering cedar lodge has
meeting rooms and a professionally staffed kitchen. Possible reunion activities
include sporting clays, pontoon boat, water sports, canoe and paddleboat
rentals, softball, swimming, hiking, tennis, playgrounds, volleyball on the
beach, and fishing. Reunion Benefit: To assist in planning they have a Reunion
Information Kit available and coordinators to assist with onsite preparations.
(Doublehead Resort. 145 County Road 314, Town Creek, 145 County Road 314, Town
Creek, 35672. 1-800-685-9267, 1(256) 685-9267 or www.Doublehead.com)

The Redneck Riviera: 7 Unexpected Reasons it Beats St. Tropez

The Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida get a bad rap. Known as The Redneck Riviera some travelers turn and run instead of giving it a try. It certainly isn’t St.Tropez but it’s not all mullet tossing either.

1 - Luxury boats vs. Fishing boats

Boating in the French Rivera is expensive. Luxury yachts and beautiful sailboats cost a lot of money. Fishing charters or Jet Ski rental is downright cheap in comparison.

The Gulf Coast is home to a vast fleet of fishing boats and almost any waterfront view will include at least one or two in your field of vision.

It’s not as sexy as a sailboat skimming over the water but it makes for some great deals on fresh, local seafood in restaurants and fish markets.

2 - Beaches full of beautiful people vs. Your own private beach

Beaches full of beautiful people in tiny swimwear might be the norm on the French Riviera but on the
Redneck Riviera things are a bit different. There are fewer hot bodies and almost no celebrity sightings.

Some of the tiny swimwear choices seem questionable and you’re likely to see people covered up in garish tourist T-shirts but if you go off the beaten path, you can find yourself on a beautiful beach with no one else.

Head towards Fort Morgan – the actual Fort, not the town – in Alabama, and just before you enter the gates, make a left turn. Down the very bumpy road there is a great beach that almost no one goes to. Just don’t get all four wheels off the pavement or you will get stuck in the soft sand – not good when no one is around to help you out.

3 - Finely tuned motorcars vs. Hot, loud go-karts

Want to see an Aston Martin or a Bugatti? Go to the French Riviera. If you want to drive on the track yourself, go to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

One of the most popular evening activities is buckling up in a go-kart at The Track. This is no kiddie ride either. There are 4 different tracks including one for adults only. There’s a mini-track for little ones, a standard go-kart track, a slick track with faster karts for adults and then, there’s the Woody; a three-story wooden go-kart track that you have to drive to believe.

You spiral up the levels then whoosh down, teeth chattering from the constant fact of wheels on wood. Before you know it, your turn is over and you want to get back in line. Anyone can ride double, even two adults, or there are plenty of karts for those going it alone. You’ll have more fun than you ever expected.

4 - Fine dining vs. Throwing food

While on the French Riviera you might find restaurants with linen tablecloths and crystal glasses or cutting edge cuisine. The Redneck Riviera offers ice cream shops, fast food, an amazing variety of fresh seafood – all fried and throwed rolls.

If you go to Lambert’s in Foley, Alabama expect a roll of paper towels on the table in place of napkins, servers with big bowls of fried okra, fried potatoes and other side dishes walking amongst the tables dishing them out and giant yeasty dinner rolls flying through the air. That’s right, as you eat the hot roll cart comes through.

At the call of “Hot, fresh rolls” hands go up and a guy wearing oven mitts starts tossing them out. Diners close by get an underhand lob; those across the room get more of a baseball pitch. Portions are huge and sides and rolls are unlimited.

5 - Designer style vs. Surf Style

Souvenirs of the French Riviera might include designer handbags, stylish sunglasses or some stunning jewelry. The Redneck Riviera offers T-shirts, boogie boards, bikinis and tacky souvenirs at dozens of Surf Style stores. Of course you can get several T-shirts for under $10 if you need to bring home something for your friends.

And if you’re looking to expand your surf wear or beach attire, you’ll find some great bargains. If you get off the main drag you can find some unique places to shop too.

Fairhope, Alabama is known as an artist’s haven and offers a wide variety of unique art at affordable prices if T-shirts aren’t your thing.

6 - Elite Hotels vs. Options for Every Budget

Luxury hotels with impeccable service are to be expected on the French Riviera. You won’t find a Motel 6 in St. Tropez.

The Redneck Riviera offers lodging at just about any price point you could want. Primitive camping, budget motels, RV Resorts and mid-range hotels and beach house rentals are all possible. You should be able to find a place that fits your budget without too much work.

One thing to keep in mind though – if you aren’t staying on the beach, you’re going to want to find out where the best beach access is. In Gulf Shores the waterfront is packed with hotels and there is one little sliver of public beach. If you’re not in those waterfront hotels, ask around where you are staying for advice on the best beaches to visit.

7 - Unique and Fabulously Trendy vs. Unique and Fabulously Tacky

Along the French Riviera you might spot some great new trends you want to try out back home or a great outfit by a new designer. On the Redneck Riviera you’re going to see a lot of tacky. T-shirts with a bikini-clad silhouette in size 3XL, souvenir shops that you have to enter through the jaws of a giant fiberglass shark and beer cozies in an amazing array of designs are just a few sights along the way.

There are two options if tacky isn’t your thing. Go to the beach, eat fresh seafood, charter a boat and just ignore all the shops. Or have a little fun and embrace the weirdness. Take a silly photo in the shark’s mouth, but some off-the-wall souvenir that will always remind you of the Gulf Cost, albeit in a weird way and just give in a little. C’mon, you know you want a water globe full of glittery crabs to take home.

Photo credits:
Fishing boat photo by LA Lassie on flickr, surf style store by argusfoto on flickr, giant shark at Souvenir City by argusfoto on flickr, all others by Robert Clark

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