Meet me in...

Southern Living, Apr 1999

We've found some popular Southern places for reunions.

Town Creek, Alabama: Doublehead Resort, 1-800-685-9267. Take advantage of boat rentals and horseback rides. Rates: $200 per night for two people in a three-bedroom, twobath cottage Memorial Day-Labor Day; $10 for each additional person ( 10 people maximum).

Vero Beach, Florida: Disney's Vero Beach Resort, 1-800-3598000. Treasure hunts, kayaking excursions, and tons of fun at Walt Disney World are only two hours away. Rates: rooms and villas $140$450 per night.

Pine Mountain, Georgia: Callaway Gardens, 1-800-225-5292. Guests enjoy a wildlife preserve, golf, hiking, bicycling, and tennis. Rates: villas $210-$560 per night.

Jamestown, Kentucky: Lake Cumberland Resort State Park, (502) 343-3111. Pumpkin Creek Lodge offers a quiet retreat with full amenities. Rates: rooms and cabins $44$ 120 per night. Vacherie, Louisiana: Oak Alley Plantation, (504) 265-2151. Turnof-the-century Creole cottages, perfect for a small reunion. Rates: $95-$125 per night. Natchez, Mississippi: Monmouth Plantation, (601) 442-5852. Antebellum plantation on 26 acres, with croquet and fishing. Rates: rooms and cottages $140-$355 per night. Ridgedale, Missouri: Big Cedar Lodge, (417) 335-2777. A fishing paradise, with miniature golf, swimming, and tennis. Rates: rooms and cabins $79-$349; varies with season.

Maggie Valley, North Carolina: Cataloochee Ranch, (828) 9261401. Horseback rides through the Smoky Mountains and shopping in town. Rates: $95-$275 per night. Kingston, Oklahoma: Lake Texoma State Resort Park, 1-800-5280593. Golf, fishing, and a variety of children's activities. Rates: $57$ 150 per night.

Nashville, Tennessee: Opryland Hotel, (615) 889-1000. Visit the Grand Ole Opry or ride on the General Jackson riverboat to restaurants and shops. Rates: $165-$205 per night. Bandera, Texas: Mayan Dude Ranch, (830) 796-3312. Tennis and tubing on the Medina River. Rates: $104-$130 per night.

Pembroke,Virginia: Mountain Lake Resort, (540)-626-7121. Open May through October. Fishing, boating, golf, and tennis. Rates: $135$650 (latter rate for eight guests) per night. ,

REUNION SURVIVAL TIPS

Simplify bookkeeping by choosing one person to pay the deposit in advance and the balance upon arrival.

Spread the fun around; have each family prepare a meal and bring a snack and dessert to share.

Find out what special events are in the area. Also, family talent shows and sing-alongs help pass the time. And don't forget the baseballs and mitts for outdoor games.

A group that arrives early can call others to request lastminute or forgotten items.