We have not been on a vacation with our kids in forever, matter a fact not in the past 11 years since DS Brett was born. Between DH's mom and dad being sick and passing away and my mom being sick and passing away it just seems as tho we can't get away.
My Dad mentioned that he wants to get away just for a week, but he won't go far from home because of his age and not being in the best of health. He wanted to rent a cottage at a lake. So I have a friend who hooked me up with a cottage next to hers the week of July 15th to the 22nd. Dad is thrilled and so are the kids. Its only 20 minutes from our home, but still a get away. And a really nice lake. I can't wait! The only downfall is no computer access But I will survive. Not a great vacation, but something we will cherish with Pa.
Just had to share!

By Trina~moderator on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 06:53 am:

We have rented cottages on different lakes for the past 3 summers and they have all been the best vacations! This summer we're doing it on a lake in NH. Have FUN!

By Karen~moderator on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 07:42 am:

Have fun!!!!! It will most certainly rejuvinate you!!!

By Vicki on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 08:02 am:

We also rented a cottage in the past and you will have a great time. Funny thing is, the cottage we rented was only about 20 minutes away too! LOL We have a pontoon boat and we keep it docked at a lake and that is where we rented the cottage. Thing that was nice about it was that we could run home for something if needed. The campfires at night are the best part!! Have a great time!!

By Conni on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 08:29 am:

You desreve it! Have a great time!!

You wont even miss the computer if you are at the lake- you'll be too busy enjoying nature.

By Kernkate on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 08:55 am:

Just curious for any of you who have rented a cottage, what is the going rate for a weeks rental where you are at?

By Rayanne on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 09:07 am:

Have an awesome time sweetie. You definately deserve it.

By Trina~moderator on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 09:34 am:

There are a lot of factors that determine rates, including how the real estate market is doing in the area. Size, age and condition of cottage, lake front vs. lake rights (not right on lake but nearby) private sandy beach, boat dock/no dock, AC, appliances, linens, etc.. The cottages we have rented have been anywhere from $1000 - 1500 a week. They were fairly new or refurbished, directly on the lake with private beach, boat dock, 3 or 4 BRs, dishwasher, etc..

You can check out cottage rental prices at CyberRentals.com

By Pamt on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 10:06 am:

Kathy, you will have the best vacation EVER!!! I think renting a cabin at a lake is waaaaay better than Disneyworld or other popular spots that are so over-rated. My kids are pretty well traveled (including a cruise to Mexico) and their 2 favorite vacations that we have ever been on are when we stayed in a log cabin in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina and the week we spent last year in a lake cabin in northern Arkansas. We just hang out, read, swim, fish, nap, and enjoy being together. We come home rested and NOT needing a vacation from our vacation. In NC the boys' favorite activity was when we spent 4 hours picnicking by the river and then they threw rocks in the water for hours. In AR we swam in the pool, fished every day, grilled out every night and ate in the gazebo, and had a campfire with a German family we befriended there and introduced them to S'Mores.

We usually pay $400-500/week. However, in N. AR near Bull Shoals Lake houses were overbuilt, so the market is somewhat depressed and the rates are lower. Also though, we don't go for luxurious accomodations because we aren't in the cabin anyway, except to sleep. We spend our money on getting there and doing stuff while we are there. Here's where we stayed last year. If we had to spend over $1000 for lodging alone there in no way we could ever afford a vacation---yikes!

Hope you guys have an incredible time full of fun family memories!

By Mrsheidi on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 10:14 am:

OMGOSH! HAVE FUN!!!!! Bring a good book!!

By Kernkate on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 10:46 am:

Pam that looks like a nice vacation place.
Around here I checked different rates and they were between $400-$600 a week. I called this lady that our friend referred me to and she wanted $750, but dropped down to 700 because of our mutual friend. For our area thats very expensive for a rental. So I told the lady I would have to get back to her. She called me 3x's yesterday when I was out and told me to quote her a price. I said well I know some places that are going for $400 a week, so she said how about $450?? I said we will take it. She said she is use to renting to big city and out of state people and thats the going rate for them to pay is the $750. I said well we are in NEPA now and thats alot for a rental. So $450. it is for a week.
The cottage does sleep 10 comfortably she said, and all I have to bring are the sheets and towels.
I have seen the cottage from our friends and the outside does look nice. Grant it they are older cottages, but will work for us
I have 3 weeks to figure it all out, I think I will make a dinner menu, so that I know exactly what food to bring and of course get enough goodies for the campfire!

By Dana on Monday, June 20, 2005 - 11:54 pm:

Oh, that sounds just too fun! I think a vacation so close to home is just the best type to have. You don't have the wasted time getting there not to mention the stress that goes with traveling. Have fun.

By Fraggle on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 - 09:02 am:

You will have a great time. We are renting the same lake home that we used last year-it was such a great week. So relaxing, I can't wait to get there in July.