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Lots of Places
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Warm welcome plus cool costs = great reunions
by Jacky Runice
Like the cinematic formula of the perfect beau or babe who has been right there under your nose, Pensacola, Florida, may be overlooked as a reunion destination because the town’s flashy southern neighbors dazzle us. Sure, it has sugary white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico surf to lull us into relaxation, but this Florida hamlet also struts its rich history, museums and festivals, visual and performing arts, genuine Southern hospitality and advantages you won’t find in other spots in the state: little traffic, fewer crowds and open spaces at a lower cost to reunion groups.
The Florida Panhandle’s lush vegetation, thick with Spanish moss and the scent of magnolias, is more closely related to the Deep South than what we typically think of as Florida. Pensacola is just ten miles from the Alabama border. You won’t find unnatural smiles on the faces of “castmates” here, but an unaffected hospitality peculiar to America’s southern states. Pensacola’s settlement dates back more than 400 years, so consider taking your group to see Historic Pensacola Village for a taste of the city’s Spanish, British and French history. Fort Pickens, with its cannons and installations, tells the area’s Civil War story amid seven miles of unspoiled gulf beaches.
Visitors don’t commonly connect Florida with world-class museums. But, Pensacola is known as the “Cradle of Naval Aviation” and is home to one of the world’s best air and space museums. The National Museum of Naval Aviation displays more than 170 aircraft, a re-created World War II town, a walk-through ship replica and an IMAX theater. It’s a fitting home base of the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Visitors can watch weekly practice just around the corner from the Naval Museum.
Pensacola’s rich and varied military history makes it a winning setting for a military reunion. From the mid-1700s when British and Spanish explorers established forts, to today’s personnel stationed at Pensacola’s several military bases, the city pays respect to those who have served. Veterans Memorial Park features the nation’s only permanent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Pencil in a visit to Fort Pickens, built in 1834 and in-use until 1947. A self-guided tour takes visitors through the fort’s history as a Civil War fort and prison for famed Apache leader Geronimo. Fort Barrancas, dating back to 1763, still stands at Pensacola Naval Air Station and is open to the public for tours. Call 850-934-2600 for information about both forts. The fourth tallest lighthouse in the nation also stands at the Naval Air Station and is open for tours. The Civil War Soldiers Museum houses a private collection of medical artifacts and hundreds of items soldiers used during the war. Call 850-469-1900 for details.
Pensacola is brimming with African American history, too. African Americans were among the first non-native Americans to set foot in the US in 1559 when they accompanied Don Tristan de Luna to what is now Pensacola Beach. A battalion of African Americans helped build Fort San Carlos. You can see the 1804 cottage of Julee Panton, a free African American at Historic Pensacola Village. Johnson Beach on Perdido Key is named for Rosamond Johnson, an African American Pensacolan who died in the Korean War. The area also produced the first African American four-star US Air Force general.
When it comes to the beach life, Pensacola boasts nationally ranked beaches reminiscent of American beach towns before rampant development. Pensacola Beach is part of the federally protected Santa Rosa Barrier Island and a happy, family-friendly area where water tower tops are painted like beach balls. There are chowder houses and beachside cafes, shopping opportunities and entertainment with minimum travel, traffic or cost. The Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier and Observation Post is the longest pier on the Gulf of Mexico, with views of emerald green water and lovely sand glistening in the Florida sunshine. Explore the different personalities of lively Casino Beach and Quietwater Beach, a calm sand beach on the bayside that’s perfect for little ones. A fleet of charter fishing boats await walk-on and private charter to troll for grouper or deep-sea it for sailfish. Kids can enjoy sport at Fort Pickens pier in the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Run by the National Park Service, the Gulf Islands National Seashore provides Pensacola 16 miles of shoreline without commercial development. Some areas, like Santa Rosa Sound, render perfect sailing and windsurfing conditions, with lessons and rentals available nearby. Plan a morning at Naval Live Oaks to enjoy 1,400 acres of dense woods, nature trails, picnic spots, animals, birds and a sense of old Florida. Rent bikes and enjoy all or part of a 40-mile path winding around the Santa Rosa Sound.
One wouldn’t think the first reunion of the Old Antarctic Explorers Association (OAEA) would choose a beach community, but Pensacola was first on their list. Pensacolan Bill Blackwelder, a group member who worked or served in the Antarctic, thought his town was a good bet because the plane that made the first Antarctic landing is on display at The National Museum of Naval Aviation. Perhaps it was also a coincidence a Pensacola Visitor Information Center’s employee who helped with the group’s November 2002 reunion was an Army guy who also spent time in the Antarctic. “The Visitor Information Center is made up of great people,” Blackwelder said. “Our reunion was Wednesday through Friday before Veterans Day,” he explained, “and we had a speaker from the National Science Foundation talk about present-day Antarctic operations and a Naval Air Station tour. We saw the Blue Angels perform, too.” Many of the 400 attendees stayed a day or two longer to tour Pensacola.
Pensacola, Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key (about 15 miles from Pensacola) offer an array of lodging alternatives at reasonable prices. The Hampton Inn, with 600 feet of pristine beach, is just four stories high and has two heated beachside swimming pools. The in-room microwave, mini-fridge and location near restaurants and family attractions make it a good family choice. Contact 800-320-8108, or www.hamptonbeachresort.com. Pensacola’s yearly average temperature is a mild 77 degrees and winter months hover in the mid-60s, so pack accordingly. The Pensacola Convention & Visitor Information Center is ready to help reunion groups find comfortable and affordable accommodations and suggest fun itineraries. Contact 800-874-1234; www.visitpensacola.com.
About the author
Journalist Jacky Runice pens the "Family Travel" column for Chicago's Daily Herald as well as hotel/spa and restaurant reviews for AOL. She is a member of the Midwest Travel Writers Association and mother of three young adventurers who love travel as much as she does.
Rocky mountain high
Donna Talabock, Loveland, Colorado, leader for the Cochran Family Reunion first visited the YMCA of the Rockies by happenstance when she passed it on her way into Rocky Mountain National Park. Her small detour introduced her to the Estes Park Center YMCA where she was amazed by the number of options available. Considering the interests of her diverse family, this seemed like a match made in heaven for the Cochran reunion. It was close to the Front Range and offered lodge rooms, facilities, dining choices, activities, proximity to the city of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Donna reserved space at YMCA of the Rockies three years ahead and began planning her family reunion. Working with the guidance of Sara Kleiber, Assistant Group Sales Director, Talabock was able to customize her family reunion to accommodate the needs of 165 different people of all different ages.
Family from Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, California, and Idaho drove, flew, and rented cars to meet near Estes Park, Colorado. They reserved forty-three lodge rooms and Donna arranged a meal plan. She could also have chosen reunion cabins with the option to cook their own meals. Donna said, " It was nice not to have to cook and clean up." The Continental plan permitted them free time during the day to explore. Dinner brought the family together for evening activities. They had the freedom to plan their own activities and included such things as a reunion Olympics, a golf tournament and talent night. The family used a conference building to host most of their gatherings. During scheduled free time members took advantage of the many different activities at the YMCA including the indoor swimming pool, craft shop, library and horseback riding. Other adventurous family members took advantage of shopping in Estes Park and rock climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park. When asked what was the most memorable part of the reunion, Donna said, "it was just being together with my family . . . it just made it extra special to be in a place that had such nice facilities and that was so beautiful." Donna and her family's wonderful experience at YMCA of the Rockies is just one result of a mission geared towards the guests who visit here. YMCA of the Rockies accommodates groups of all sizes. The YMCA of the Rockies is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It is made up of Estes Park Center, near Estes Park, Colorado and Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park, Colorado. Contact 800-777-9622; info@ymcarockies.org; www.ymcarockies.org.
Reconnect in New England
by Jacky Runice If nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning, then there’s nothing better than getting your letter informing reunion go-getters that it’s fall in unfettered New England. Fall is nature’s way of telling us good things — like summer— don’t last forever, but don’t fret — great things may be right around the corner. A fall or early winter reunion far from the madding crowd is more peaceful and economical. The explosion of scarlet and gold leaves, or the gently falling snow while snuggled in your favorite sweater is that much better when you can share it with your family. That’s not to say you shouldn’t consider New England for a spring or summer gathering – all seasons are glorious in the Northeast. Maine Coast Experience (MCE) is the combination of a lovely resort on Eggemoggin Reach in Brooklin, Maine, and adventures as relaxing or invigorating as desired on the Atlantic shore. Reunion members may engage in activities from whale-watching expeditions to sea-kayaking tours, or simply relax and reconnect in the post-and-beam lodge with ocean views. The Eggemoggin Lodge invites families and other groups to warm up by the fieldstone fireplace to share the day’s adventures or a lifetime of memories. Three full meals a day are served, created by the on-staff executive chef, scrumptious picnics are created for daily adventurers. Guestrooms are comfortably furnished in traditional New England style and many overlook the mighty Atlantic. Large enough for reunions, the lodge welcomes groups to Maine Coast Experience. You can fish for lobster, hike on beautiful outer islands, or enjoy the ocean and natural resources on Eggemoggin Reach’s picturesque shores. Have a family boat cruise or fishing charter, try birding, bicycling or mountain biking. Each season brings different festivals to the area — the annual Holiday Craft Market, scarecrow festival and harvest celebration are a few autumn treats. Many groups enjoy this impressive stretch of land in early summer, when the crowds are also scattered. Doris Klauson brought her family of 13 to Eggemoggin. “MCE accommodated all ages, from 12 through 75 years,” she said. “This reunion was one of the better experiences we’ve had and we would recommend it to everyone. And the food was wonderful.” Paul Spicer and his family were looking at locations around the world to have a special reunion. They researched Maine on the Internet and thought MCE would be “a cool place to go.” Last June they took the plunge and loved the lodge location because it was close to Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park and golfing, a favorite activity of many family members. Of all the activities, however, the lobstering adventure came in first on the enjoyment scale. Visitors glide on Blue Hill and Jericho Bays while lobster fishing with seasoned fishermen and US Coast Guard-licensed captains. You may discover lobsters, rock crabs, starfish and sea urchins among other creatures. Where else can you band and size lobsters while watching seals and sea birds try to snatch the bait? The Spicer family liked having the lodge to themselves, relaxing and catching up with friends and family. “The service was excellent, the staff was terrific. We would certainly recommend MCE to anyone who is looking for a great place to have a family reunion.” Becca Orchard and her crew came in on their boat and booked eight rooms at the lodge. While searching for bed and breakfasts on the Internet, they discovered MCE and locked in on it because it looked “different” from all the other places and the boat could be docked on property. Even though the trip wasn’t a particular occasion, the group was thrilled with the friendly, casual atmosphere and the fact they had the whole area to themselves. Orchard and crew recommend MCE for “large group functions and as a place where the purpose is to gather.”
Eight years ago, David Bialoglow surprised his wife Jodi and daughter Lauren with a trip to Mystic, Connecticut, and the Inn at Mystic. “When we pulled up I loved it,” Jodi beamed, and she has been bringing family to the Inn ever since. It has become a tradition for a dozen or so family members to reunite at the Inn on Easter weekend and have brunch at the Inn’s Flood Tide restaurant.
A perfect place to gather with family and friends, the Inn at Mystic is about a mile from the famous Mystic Seaport and Aquarium and a brisk walk from downtown Mystic’s uncommon shops and famous pizza parlor (which made America’s darling, Julia Roberts, a star in her first film, Mystic Pizza). Choose one of five suites in the 1904 Colonial Inn (ask for the one where Bogey and Bacall honeymooned) or take over some or all of the Gate House’s five rooms. The Motor Inn, close to the pool and restaurant, boasts comfortable rooms individually decorated in Colonial style. During summer’s high season, rates range from $135 to $295, but start at $65 other times of year. Treat the family to proper tea and pastries (complimentary) every afternoon with accompanying views of Mystic Harbor and Long Island Sound. The Inn at Mystic offers free use of its boats, canoes, kayaks, tennis court, putting greens and walking trails. And you must dine at the awarding-winning Flood Tide restaurant. Old-fashioned tableside preparation of classics like rack of lamb and flaming bananas Flood Tide are memorable treats to top off a spectacular family reunion.
Connecticut boasts many picture-postcard towns with church steeples poking into the sky, charming inns and folks with thick Eastern accents. Mystic is not really a town with its own government, but a place packed with charm and history between its less famous neighbors, Stonington and Groton.
Your first stop should be Mystic Seaport, which is not only the nation’s largest maritime museum, but also holds the largest collection of boats and ships (500) and maritime photography in the world. A re-created 19th century whaling village complete with historians, musicians, craftspeople and storytellers, makes the Seaport worthy of exploration for all ages. Visitors can help set the sails on a tall ship, take a steamboat ride on the Sabino and hop aboard the Charles W. Morgan, the last American-built wooden whaling ship on the planet and a National Historic Landmark. Little cruisers head over to the Children’s Museum to swab the deck, dress-up as grizzled seafarers and cook in the galley. Learn to tie proper knots and sing a sea shanty at the Discovery Barn and visit Mystic Seaport’s Planetarium that explains celestial navigation basics. Other noteworthy stops include “Voyage to Freedom,” an exhibit about the Amistad (watch Speilberg’s movie before your trip) and “Voyages: Stories of America and the Sea” which explains the sea’s role in our national identity. Call 888-973-2767 or cruise over to www.mysticseaport.org for details.
The American characteristic of exploration and discovery continues at the fabulous Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration. Dr. Robert Ballard, the oceanographer who found the Titanic’s wreckage in 1985 and most recently discovered the remains of JFK’s PT-109, makes his research home right here. Ballard’s research and the exhibits help us understand sea life and the rigors of searching the ocean floor. The Aquarium is a delight with beluga whales, walruses and more than 6,000 fish and sea creatures www.mysticaquarium.org.
Stonington Borough, jutting into Long Island Sound, is awash with history and attractive for family and military reunions. Check out Cannon Square and its memorial to locals who fought off the British twice with the town’s two cannons. At the end of Tony Water Street, the state’s oldest lighthouse (1823) is now a museum illustrating the townsfolk’s spirit and bravery. You can also visit the home of Captain Nathaniel Palmer, the gallant captain who discovered Antarctica in 1820. And see the impressive Mashantucket Pequot Museum that traces the tribe’s history (the state’s first residents more than 10,000 years ago) through interactive exhibits, a re-created Pequot village and dioramas. Gamers will want to know that two casinos are within a 20-minute drive of the Inn. Jodi Bialoglow, Ridgefield, New Jersey, escorts family members new to the Mystic experience to the aquarium and seaport as well as quaint shops in town replete with twinkling streetlights. “There are cute restaurants in town, a small-town movie theater with two screens and, of course, you have to have a slice of Mystic Pizza,” she explained. She gathers family and friends at the Inn at Mystic two to three times every year. “It’s cozy, with beautiful floors so spotlessly clean, each room is decorated with different florals and we love the white bedspreads fringed with fabric balls you haven’t seen since you were a kid,” she laughed. “You feel like you’re actually in a house, not a hotel, and prices are so reasonable.” During one family trip, Bialoglow’s sister-in-law had to bring her dog and the Inn at Mystic welcomed the pooch, too. Although they have visited Mystic in all seasons, Bialoglow is a self-described “cold-weather girl” and enjoys the cooler months at the Inn. “We were there one New Year’s Eve, I love the winter there and fall is just magnificent with the cool air coming off the water,” she explained. “ I’ve been fortunate to have traveled to all 50 states, but I love Mystic – it’s our place. They have the right name for it because there’s something really wonderful and different about it.” Contact 800-237-2415 or stop by www.innatmystic.com for brochures, rates and information.
All inclusive is all that
by Jacky Runice During these insanely busy times, many fantasies involve others doing it all. If you’re the knighted reunion organizer, your dreams can come true: delicious meals served, close together accommodations, daily activities for adults, teens and children, nightly entertainment and shopping and sports excursions. You’re the brilliant organizer who chose an all-inclusive resort for the next gathering. When you talk all-inclusives, Club Med, the grandmama of them all, is the best. Just over 50 years ago, Club Med invented the all-inclusive concept when 300 free spirits attended the first village’s opening. Since then, they’ve created 120 worldwide Club Med villages each with unique ambience, activities and offerings. There are adult exclusive villages and others with incredible children’s clubs. Some clubs offer specialized golf and tennis clinics while others teach scuba diving or snowboarding. Club Med activities vary by village so you’ll have to check your pulse if there’re not at least five things that would enthrall your group. Choose from archery, arts and crafts, biking, bocce ball, casino excursions, dance classes, deep-sea fishing, downhill and cross country skiing, fitness classes, golf, snow shoe walks, horseback riding, in-line skating, kayaking, spa treatments, night club, Ping-Pong, billiards, rock climbing, sailing, shopping, snorkeling, soccer, softball, tennis, trapeze, volleyball, water exercise and wind surfing! Club Med, the world’s largest sports school, offers more than 60 land and water sports. Of course, you can “veg” on the beach, taking time to get reacquainted while kids are occupied and dinner plans are a fait accompli. When settling into a Club Med village, you’ll soon talk the language. “GOs” (gracious organizers) are the team of hosts and hostesses who teach classes, perform in nightly shows and run children’s programs. Guests are called “GMs,” (gracious members). No matter what the ages of your clan’s kids, Club Med has engaging programs with activities ranging from circus school (think Cirque du Soleil) to fashions shows. Children can show their talents at an evening show, making wonderful Kodak moments. GOs and GMs hail from all points of the globe making your Club Med experience multi-cultural as well as fun.
George Drake and family visited the Club Med village in Ixtapa, Mexico, for spring break and realized the location would make a wonderful reunion site. Over Christmas 2001, 19 Drake clan members celebrated the 80th birthdays of both parents at Club Med Ixtapa. George Drake, from Kenilworth, Illinois, wanted a convenient travel destination for family from across the US. As children, Drake and his siblings froliced in the waves of Lake Michigan, so water was vital. Drake requested clustered rooms in a building close to the beach and dining room with terrific views. Drake knew the ocean was perfect for sailing, kayaking, body surfing and reliving childhood memories as their parents watched. “We wanted to go somewhere with something for everyone,” explained Drake. “Some kids went to the kid’s club and others wanted to go to the beach and lie in the sun. Teenagers found groups to hang out with. My parents loved seeing their kids grown and enjoying the water again.” Older folks relaxed in the sun, read books, walked along the beach and played golf. Drake and his wife took a cab to Zihuatenejo to poke around the Mexican markets. The extended family played beach volleyball. The 10 adults and nine kids reconnected for dinner and the nightly show “By chance, my Dad was chosen as an audience participant and we got great photos,” Drake laughed. His parents bought the clan baseball caps with “LXXX” emblazoned across the front – the Roman numeral for “80” – to commemorate the birthday celebration. One of the most attractive aspects of an all-inclusive is dining. Three times a day, GMs “ooh” and “ahh” at famous Club Med buffets. Freshly baked breads and croissants, heaping bowls of tropical fruit, eggs any way plus local creations such as eggs scrambled with chorizo or chilaquiles for breakfast. Lunch and dinner could include sushi, fresh pastas, smoked salmon, international salads, continental entrees and heavenly desserts. There’s always pizza, hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese for younger palates. “Kids can eat alot or be picky,” explained Drake, “and there’s not a set eating time, but a two or three hour window, families can appreciate.” Club Med staffs its kitchens with classically trained, professional chefs and cuisine quality is superb. Drake and his immediate family have stayed at Club Med villages in Guadeloupe in the Caribbean, Huatulco (Mexico), and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. He settled upon Ixtapa for the reunion because of the friendly ocean and easy village navigation. “I would absolutely do a reunion at Club Med again!” Drake declared. “For a lot of reasons but also good value. My VISA bill surprised me because little was charged for extras.” Guests pay one price up front for lodging, meals, beer, wine and soft drinks at meals and most sports. The Drake family is returning to Ixtapa this year simply because they had such a great time. “The manager is magnificent and we truly enjoy the Mexican people,” Dr. Drake said. “The family tried a number of activities like kayaking and many trips to local towns.” The downside to the Drake family’s Club Med trip? “We all gained weight because the food was so excellent!” Dr. and Mrs. William Lake of Jupiter, Florida, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Huatulco, Mexico’s Club Med. Twenty-four family members had such a fine time, 22 reunited the next year in Ixtapa. They’ll be back in 2002. “It gave the family an opportunity to get away from the humdrum and freed parents from kids for awhile,” explained Dr. Lake. The children, ages four to 20, found plenty to do in Club Med “mini clubs.” “Our rule was breakfast and lunch on your own, and then we met at night for dinner, Dr. Lake said. “We were treated by the Huatulco manager to complimentary champagne and a big anniversary ceremony.” Others chartered boats and caught mahi mahi, which the kitchen prepared for the family’s dinner. Set on Florida’s St. Lucie River, Club Med Sandpiper is a great US destination. In addition to four swimming pools and many activities, the village offers Walt Disney World, Seaworld, Universal Studios and Kennedy Space Center excursions. Seven nights including airfare start at $990 for adults. There are also three and four night packages and frequent specials. Visit www.clubmed.com or call 800-CLUB MED.
Occidental-Allegro Hotels & Resorts chain is the largest all-inclusive resort company in the world. Occidental-Allegro has special group packages and currently discounts those traveling with children. Children 12 and under sharing a room with an adult stay free at the Occidental-Allegro resorts in Costa Rica, Mexico, and The Dominican Republic through December 21, 2002. A superior room at the Occidental Playa Real in Costa Rica starts at $56. According to Occidental-Allegro spokesperson Sandra Montenegro, groups choose Occidental-Allegro Hotels & Resorts for many reasons. First is price. “You can leave your wallet at home because all taxes and gratuities are included.” Families enjoy unlimited non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, exotic cocktails, juices and soft drinks and dine at restaurants offering local and international cuisine. The properties offer a variety water sports; kayaking, catamaran sailing, aqua aerobics, paddle boats and scuba clinics. The Kid's Fun Club supervises children. Occidental-Allegro has resorts in Aruba, Antigua, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico and St. Kitts. Two new properties open in 2002. Occidental Grand Flamenco Xcaret Resort is located next to Playa del Carmen, Mexico’s eco-archeological Xcaret Park. Occidental Grand Cozumel offers 90 person meeting facilities, making it an ideal reunion resort. For additional information, visit www.allegroresorts.com or call 800-858-2258.
David Victor, President of Beach Travel in New Jersey specializes in arranging group travel packages for 10 to 1500 persons. He is enthusiastic about the Hotel Occidental Flamenco Beach in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. About 50 New York College of Podiatric Medicine Alumni Association members enjoyed their reunion in 2001, they will return in 2002. Located on Playa Dorada beach, the 582-room resort offers five restaurants, three bars and a beach club. Choose from a variety of water sports or relax by any of three, lake-shaped pools. Enjoy golf in the nearby par 72 golf course. “People are looking inexpensive, tropical settings and accommodations meeting the group’s need,” Victor explained. “I go to each resort I book, meet with staff and peruse the grounds. The Occidental-Allegro has phenomenal resort and quality group services are accommodating. At many other all-inclusives,” Victor continued, the service isn’t as good, staff doesn’t speak English and the food isn’t as tasty as the Occidental.” Contact Beach Travel at 877-506-5721; www.beachtravel-inc.com.
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