We knew FamilyFun readers were a loyal bunch, but when we asked them to reveal their favorite vacation spots, we wondered if we'd gone too far. After all, who'd want to share their special island hideaway, mountain retreat or seaside camping spot? We shouldn't have worried. "This place is so good, I almost don't want to tell you about it," began many of the letters, "but I will." In fact, more than 250 of you responded, praising destinations that, in some cases, have been family secrets for years.

How on earth did we choose the 20 winners? We looked for travel ideas with a spark, the kind that made us want to pack up the car and hit the open road. We looked for letters that described new ways to enjoy classic spots or those that tipped us off to places rarely celebrated in guidebooks, such as the old-fashioned resort that hosts family reunions, or the little-known state park where the river and natural pools are just right for floating. In the process, we discovered the Mountain Lake Hotel in Virginia where your family can experience this historic retreat just as they did in the movies.

VIRGINIA

MOUNTAIN LAKE HOTEL
The Jones family calls its annual reunion a "chat-fest." And they know that to get 17 people, ages two to 78, to sit around and chat, you have to be in a place where everyone is comfortable, relaxed and happy. Enter Mountain Lake Hotel, the historic family resort in remote western Virginia where was filmed. Breakfast, dinner and entertainment are included in the nightly fee, so Mountain Lake is affordable (and that spells relief). For daily pursuits, there's a life-size outdoor chessboard, horseshoes, tennis, paddleboats, fishing and hiking the Appalachian Trail (Grandpa Jones' favorite pastime). Every night after dinner, there's music, dancing, a magic show, a campfire--and always the stars to count before you fall asleep. Accommodations at Mountain Lake Hotel vary from cottages to plush suites; package rates begin at $180 per night. Call 800-346-3334 or click here.



Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.