FTF's annual Top 10 survey of award-winners highlights Big Cedar Lodge as one of 2004's best places to host your family's next reunion.

In 2004, FTF evaluated businesses in the hospitality, cruise and tour sectors that excel at satisfying the needs of children and adults participating in family reunions. Winners were determined from more than 100 nominations made by travel experts, contributiong editors and 80,000 site visitors. By considering and evaluating their location, available transportation, variety of accommodations in different price ranges, activities for all ages, unique attractions, dining options and group discounts before making site inspections, FTF discovered the top value reunion destinations.

Top Recreational Getaway

Big Cedar Lodge
Ridgedale, Missouri
417/335-2777

Why should you hold a reunion in Ridgedale? Because that’s where, in the beautiful Ozark Mountains on Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge is located, and it’s a great top-value resort to host an old-fashioned reunion.

While bass and trout fishing, and boating on the lake are the focus of most guests, horseback riding, basketball, swimming, and a good game of horseshoes are some of the many other possibilities. For Uncle Charlie, there’s a beautiful golf course, the ladies can play tennis and then be pampered at the spa, and others can enjoy walking and jogging on the paved trail system. In summer, teens can attend fly-fishing clinics while the youngest family members enjoy the playground and the Little Cedar Kids’ Club (for 4 to 12-year-olds.) During the mild winters many facilities remain open so you can still fish and golf.

Time for togetherness? Don’t miss a tram tour of nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre private reserve where you are likely to meet up with some unusual animals. Or, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, enjoy a chuckwagon cookout, or roast marshmallows around a bonfire.

Although you may not have heard of Ridgedale, Missouri before, you probably are familiar with the city of Branson, known as the Live Music Show Capital of the World, and home to 30 theatres, theme parks and other attractions. Branson, a mere 10 miles from Big Cedar, offers musical revues, magic and acrobatic shows to delight everyone in your group on day or evening excursions.

With three to six months’ notice in the summer, and a year’s notice for holiday periods, you can contact a vacation planner at Big Cedar to help you make your arrangements. There is a variety of lodging, and adjoining rooms and suites are available, as are some handicapped-accessible accommodations. Group discounts are available if at least 10 rooms per night are booked, and rates, depending on size and season, range from $70/N for standard rooms to $509/N for rustic two-bedroom cabins (a real favorite for families with children). Private meals and other celebrations can be arranged at the lodge, and a photographer is onsite to provide you with a memento of your reunion in the Ozarks.