Wisconsin Dells add several new attractions

If you haven't had time to take a trip this summer, it's not too late to get away. After last year's flooding of Lake Dalton, the Wisconsin Dells are back in full swing and high spirits. Families and couples throughout the Midwest have been flocking there this summer to hit up the massive list of attractions. Whether you're heading up for a week or a weekend, here are some tips on new and classic ways to enjoy your vacation.

Where to stay?

Sundara Inn and Spa, 920 Canyon Road, (888) 735-8181; sundaraspa.com

Sundara caters to vacationers in need of serious relaxation. The building is designed with feng shui principles, resulting in curved walls and structures that mimic the pine trees outside. Every room has a king-size bed, fireplace and either a tub or shower with massaging jets. Some rooms feature patios overlooking the pool. Others look out on the woods where you can occasionally spot deer and wild turkey. The in-room soaps are from the spa and additional products are available for purchase. They've also done a brisk business in selling robes and bedding to guests who want to take a little luxury home.

"We've found that people are looking for a really good night sleep," said communications director Carla Minsky.

A stay includes a buffet breakfast and access to the pool, hot soak and a reading room featuring Zen sand gardens that often becomes a napping spot. Even if you're not staying there, you can purchase a treatment ranging from a pedicure to a couples massage and gain access to the spa's facilities for the day.

Glacier Canyon Lodge, 45 Hillman Road, (800) 867-9453; glaciercanyonlodge.com

If you're looking for a place to stay with your family, Glacier Canyon offers plenty of space and includes tons of activities with your nightly rate. With two queen beds and a sofa bed, rooms can sleep four to six people. They also feature free Internet access, a DVD player and a deck where guests can relax with a snack or a drink.

Glacier Canyon is part of Wilderness Lodge Resort and shuttles will take you throughout the property to check out the indoor and outdoor water parks. Highlights include a huge wave pool, plenty of tube and body slides, and the Hurricane raft ride, which blasts riders into a funnel cone and is well worth waiting in line for. While the water rides might not keep your attention for a full day, the Extreme Fun Pass will help keep everyone busy. The $20 pass includes go-kart and bumper boat rides, a game of laser tag, arcade tokens and games at all three of the resort's miniature golf courses. If you don't have time to hit them all, make sure to check out the new Wild Abyss course. Players wear 3-D glasses as they putt around black-lit images of aquatic creatures along with actual sharks, eels and other fish swimming around in tanks.

What to do?

MagiQuest at Great Wolf Lodge, 1400 Great Wolf Drive, (800) 559-9654; greatwolf.com/dells

Newly opened this season, MagiQuest is a fantasy-themed scavenger hunt that spans four stories and 20,000 square feet. Players take on the role of magi, using their magic wands to trigger video and sound effects, light up crystals and open treasure chests. Players are sent on quests, which typically involve gathering up items in order to be awarded with new spells. Items are tucked in unlikely places throughout the space, some of which require scaling rope ladders and then sliding down once a prize has been claimed.

"It's really taken off," said Michael Borum, director of sales and marketing at Great Wolf Lodge. "My kids love it. I think Harry Potter's kind of a hot topic right now and it's kind of got that kind of appeal to it."

Tourdot Winery, 3619 13th Ave., (608) 253-4400; tourdotwinery.com

While it just opened in 2009, response to Tourdot has already exceeded co-owners Jim and Susan Tourdot's expectations. Their vineyards are still growing what will be the winery's first retail batch, but for now you can try free samples of three bottles mixed on-site. Their merlot was so popular it sold out. Their pinot grigio, riesling and zinfandel are best paired with a plate of Wisconsin cheeses, served with crackers, grapes, dried fruit and nuts. By next year, the Tourdots hope to have eight wines. If you want to visit with someone who isn't a grape fan, the spot also sells 18 microbrews that can be enjoyed while sitting on the log cabin's porch and taking in the view of the surrounding woods.

"We plan on putting in a path in the fall so you can tour and dine by the vineyards," Jim Tourdot said. "We want to keep it rustic."

Where to eat?

Marley's Club, 1470 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, (608) 254-1800; marleysclub.com

If you're looking for something a little different than the steakhouses and burger joints that fill the Dells, you can get some Caribbean flavor at Marley's Club. Yes, the place is filled with the kitsch you'd expect like hanging neon-colored flip flops, palm trees, a tiki bar and Bob Marley music. But the menu is reasonably priced and features great eats like jerk chicken, sweet rum shrimp, lightly spiced French fries and key lime pie. Two-for-one rum cocktail deals make it even easier to relax and enjoy the summer heat.

Northwoods Bar & Grill at Spring Brook, 242 Lake Shore Drive, (608) 254-1464; spring-brook.com

While it's well off the main strip, Northwoods is worth the drive. Looking over the Spring Brook Golf Course, the restaurant provides a secluded atmosphere where you can dine on generous helping of lake perch and lobster ravioli or something else from the menu of steaks and sandwiches. When the weather is nice, sitting on the patio can make dinner even more serene. Service is excellent and they also offer a full menu of specialty cocktails to suit almost any taste.