We spent some time this past summer in Kelowna BC right on Lake Okanagan and surrounded by vineyards/tastings. This is a real up and coming vineyard area and we had a blast. Flights are via Vancouver or Seattle. We stayed just south of Kelowna at the La Punta Norte Bed and Breakfast. (while we were there the Hallmark Channel was filming “Autumn in the Vineyard” and filmed some scenes at our hotel)
Perhaps for a summer gathering you might look at any of the Colorado Ski resort areas or a dude ranch or something like Hilton Head.
^^^ Yes. Including Canada. I’m always surprised how many people in other areas of the country do not always realize that. Something for OP to consider checking w/friends about.
Ok then. Not sure why this is irking you but thumbs up. I personally have never taken a passport on a flight not out of the country. Call me unconventional.
If you are not a fan of hot, sticky weather, how about on a lake in a cooler climate? Locations like Lake Erie, Lake George, Lake Michigan, the Adirondacks, etc. would be nice in the summer.
For example, the Sagamore on Lake George has packages for small group gatherings:
Wondering if there are some good bargains in Puerto Rico? Their resorts are really nice…if there hasn’t been too much damage there. Maybe worth checking.
Is this for a long weekend? Are you planning to stay in the resort, or did you want to do some sight seeing as well?
Actually the TSA compliant license rule starts Jan 22, 2018 not next fall.
The fall part is if you do not have a compliant license but come from a state that is issuing them–you have an extension.
Sorry… I didn’t state that right.
TSA requires a passport for domestic flights starting Jan. 22, 2018 IF your state has not signed onto the new license standards (Real ID enhanced licenses). Some states are not doing it.
IF you come from a state that IS issuing new enhanced licenses but you do not have one yet then you have until fall of 2020. (which includes WA).
The new driver’s licenses require more documentation to get one and are harder to fake (double images etc). We have a gold star at the top of ours to indicate a new license.
Looks like some states have very recently been granted extensions but only until fall of 2018.
Just have everyone look up to see what they need since it varies state by state.
We spent a week at this resort in Midcoast Maine and loved it. Simply phenomenal scenery and climate. Heated salt-water pool on the bay, sailing, kayaking, SUP, swimming, photography expeditions to lighthouses, great shopping in Boothbay Harbor, all kinds of wonderful food. I believe it’s the only all-inclusive sailing resort in the country.
We also had a cabin that was pet-friendly so we could bring our dog.
Granted, there are families staying here, but I don’t think it was all families.
It wasn’t cheap - about $4k for four. But everything was included - all meals, watersports, entertainment (think rustic, in a Nantucket Island kind of way, not YMCA camp kind of way).
If money is an issue you might search for timeshare promotions that are super cheap by virtue of the fact that you’re forced to endure a timeshare presentation. If you have the ability to play the game you can get a great deal. Once we got a five day all inclusive deal in Cancun for $249 or so per couple.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions - now I have work to do to check out all these options. I really appreciate the responses - it gives me a great starting point.
I second abasket’s idea to look at Michigan, and suggest that in addition to Traverse City (Mario Batali spends summers in that general area Leelanu Peninsula)—look at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. It’s one if those grand old resort hotels set on a small island that’s in the waters between the Upper Penninsula and Lower Penninsula of Michigan. No cars on the island—except emergency vehicles. You get around by foot, bike,or horse-drawn carriage. The hotel has a golf course, swimming pool and an amazing porch with drop dead views. Lots of historic sites on the island to visit. The town is crowded with day trippers who go over on the ferry during the day, but they don’t stay overnight. Plus, the hotel is just outside of town. I stayed there 8 years ago (took my youngest there for a few days after looking at colleges in Michigan and Chicago). Back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I also worked at the hotel and another place on the island in the summer (high school and college).
Not sure why this is irking you but thumbs up. I personally have never taken a passport on a flight not out of the country. Call me unconventional.
I am speaking re: effect on travelers, meaning no passport or other ID would be needed until then.