West Virginia offers much for family reunion

Q. My mother gave me one of your recent columns and suggested that I contact you for location ideas for a family reunion. We are planning a family reunion for July 30 through Aug. 3. We have family in the Northern suburbs of Chicago, upstate New York, the Washington, D.C., area, Florida, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

I initially thought that Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wis., would be good since my grandparents owned a cottage on Lake Elizabeth for many years (and we all have fond memories of it). I also thought that it would be good since so many of the Midwest families have college students who will have summer jobs. The East Coast families are retired or have young children (thus, fewer commitments).

However, now I am thinking we might be able to find something that would be midway between Chicago and the East Coast. Ages range from infant to upper 70s, with a large group in the 50-60 range, and another large group ranging from upper teens to lower 20s. We would like to find a location that we could have group events (meals, games, etc.), but also allow people to go off on their own excursions if they wish. We like water, swimming and the outdoors.

Any help or resources you could point me in the direction of would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

A. I can recommend what might be the perfect spot for your far-flung family: West Virginia. It's an easy day's drive, or less, for all of you and it offers some of the most beautiful scenery east of the Mississippi as well as things to do.

West Virginia has an excellent state park system, complete with lodges, cabins and campgrounds. The parks have well-marked hiking trails, nature programs and summer performances by storytellers, magicians and dancers.

I assume you're looking for a lodge or cabins, not a campground. Largest of the lodge/resort parks are Stonewall Resort with 198 lodge rooms and 10 cabins and Pipestem with 142 lodge rooms and 26 cabins. Stonewall is northeast of Charleston, near Weston, off I-79; Pipestem is in the far southern part of the state off I-77.

But wait. There are eight more such lodge/resort parks and seven others with cabins only. All of the lodge/resort parks have restaurants and swimming pools or lakes. Some offer boat rentals, horseback riding, white-water rafting, golf and other activities. For complete information, go to www.wvstateparks.com or www.callwva.com or call (800) 225-5982.

If you're interested in New River Gorge National Park, call (800) 927-0263.

Then there's my reliable standby that I always recommend for a solution to an accessible reunion location: the Kentucky State Park system. Seventeen resort parks are located throughout the state, and most of them specialize in reunions. You'll find golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, lakes, winding trails and relaxation. Check www.kystateparks.com or call (800) 255-7275.

Send your questions at leastsixweeks prior to travel toMadelynMerwin in care ofTravel,Daily Herald, P.O.Box280, Arlington Heights, IL60006, or e-maildpmerwin@sbcglobal.net.