Family reunions can be a lot of fun. You get to see family members you may not have seen for a couple of years. Perhaps, there are ‘new’ family members you haven’t met. The good news is there are plenty of family reunion locations throughout the U.S. The possibilities are endless!

It’s important to make arrangements early and find a place that works for everyone. This is a good way to prevent family feuds! If you wait too long to plan your family reunion, your favorite hotel or resort could be booked solid. Also, family members may not be able to attend due to previous travel plans.

How to Plan a Family Reunion, Cut Costs, and Have a Good Time

Book Your Family Reunion Locations Early! Photo credit: Stock exchange-Sign-Helen Bobis

Book early

Beach family reunion locations are popular. The most popular beach vacation destination is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you have your heart set on having your family reunion in SC then you better book your location early. Otherwise, the entire family will be left out in the cold.

Tie your family reunion to an important date

If grandma and grandpa are celebrating 65 years of marriage, celebrate their special day at the family reunion. Building your family reunion around a holiday could be tricky. Big holiday’s like Memorial Day and the Fourth of July are during the travel ‘high season.’ You may not be able to find accommodations or someone may not be able to attend.

Hold your family reunion in the off-season

It may be cost effective to hold your family reunion in the off-season. Family reunion locations such as Florida, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and other popular destinations can be expensive during the ‘high season’ which is usually during the summer. Some family members may not be able to afford to attend. Take this into consideration when planning your family reunion. Holding in the off-season could work for everyone.

Meet at a family member’s home

Holding your family reunion at a family member’s home is another way to cut costs. Perhaps, a family member with five or more acres of land will be willing to host the family reunion. Everyone can bring something, a hot meal, desert, or soft drinks. Of course, cash would probably be accepted too!

Decide on the size of your family reunion

Your family reunion doesn’t have to be large. A small and intimate family reunion could be more inviting. First-time family reunion planners may want to plan a smaller affair. You’ll get a sense of what it’s like to plan reunion.

Raise money for your family reunion 

Send out an email blast and ask family members to have garage sales, silent auctions, raffles, car washes, rummage sales, etc. to raise money for your family reunion.

Plan cost-effective family activities

Ask family members what they like to do. Ask family members what their kids like to do. You can’t please everyone. But you can plan activities ahead of time to keep people entertained. Ideas are:

• Renting a karaoke machine.
• Set up a sound system outside (if you’re holding at your home).
• Booking golf outing.
• Swimming
• Hiking
• Going to the park.
• Renting a ‘bouncy castle’ or other inflatable rentals.

Now you know how to plan a family reunion, cut costs, and have a good time! Keep the lines of communication open. Correspond via email or Facebook. Keep in mind that everyone may not have a computer or Facebook page. Contact family members when you have the date, time, and location settled. Keep family up-to-date with the latest information. Happy planning!

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Decatur County, Indiana Has Something for Everyone

Visit Decatur County, Indiana - The Possibilities are Endless

Greensburg/Decatur County, Indiana offers endless possibilities for a getaway no matter what your interest.

FORE! Golfers love to hit the links as early and as often as possible. Three area clubs offer diverse options for all golfers ranging from beginner to pro. Package options are available. Biking more your thing? Check out our Bike Southeast Indiana guide, which offers trails and shops throughout four Southeastern Indiana counties.

Girls Getaway? Shopping options abound from our Shop and Stay packages with Premium Outlets of Edinburgh. Or maybe a crafty interlude, plan a visit to our Tree City Stitches Quilt Shop and a look inside Crafts and Occasions. Whatever you choose you’ll want to top it off with a stop for lunch or tea at the Gilded Lily Tea Room.

History. Begin with a stop at our Courthouse located in the heart of downtown Greensburg. See our world famous Tower Tree. Yes, we’ve had a tree growing out of our Courthouse tower since the 1870s. This large tooth aspen is believed to be the 11^th. Check the historic marker, which denotes that the Courthouse hosted a trial State of Indiana vs. Luther Donnell. A Kentucky slave owner sued Donnell for loss of property because of the escape of a slave named Caroline and her children. Venture down Franklin Street to the Decatur County Historical Society Museum and see his portrait and other artifacts from previous years. Stop by Art on the Square Gallery to see the latest exhibit of local and regional art. Take a jaunt down to Westport and see the restored Westport Covered Bridge! We offer Indiana Covered Bridge Loop brochures as well as Underground Railroad tour booklets to help you find your way!

Food…who doesn’t love to eat and try regional cuisine? Greensburg offers options for any member of your family. Two perennials are on the square. Stories Restaurant and the Dawg Haus. The Dawg Haus serves up dawgs in just about any way you can think of and a few you probably would never think about! Storie’s is a family restaurant that serves fresh pie and daily plate lunch specials. Chicken? Venture out to Milhousen and try Stone’s or Enochsburg to visit Fireside Inn.

Festivals….Our annual calendar is doted with events that offer something for everyone. From the Westport Covered Bridge Festival to Blues, Grooves and Spirits Blues Festival to Tree City Fall Festival and Applefest we celebrate things that make the community great! Power of the Past is a tribute to our areas unique agricultural heritage and brings people to visit from more than 25 states.

Families….Stop and check out the animals at Stapp’s Circle S Ranch. This 32-acre petting farm gives young and old alike a chance to get up close to camels, buffalo, emu, and even baby tigers. And then visit Highpoint Orchard for some cider and a chance to relax and unwind. In season, you may pick some fresh apples or peaches and pears.

Visit us online at www.visitgreensburg.com or call 877.883.5447.

DeKalb County, Indiana: The Hub of Transportation and Historical Sites

Visit One of the Eight Museums in DeKalb County Indiana

DeKalb County presently has eight museums: the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, with over 100 classic, vintage, antique and special interest cars all displayed in the beautiful 1930 art deco factory showroom of the Auburn Automobile Company; the National Auto and Truck Museum, features over 100 automobiles and trucks in two original factory buildings from the Auburn Automobile Company; the Kruse Automobile and Carriage Museum, is home to an impressive display of classic cars, NASCAR and Indy racecars, custom and show cars, plus a collection of historical carriages; the National Military History Center, depicts the victorious march of the Allies from North Africa to Berlin. This pristine collection features 147 vehicles plus 50 motorcycles and 279 uniforms; the Hoosier Air Museum, displays vintage and military aircraft, including a Cobra Helicopter Gunship and one-of -a-kind 1935 Speedbird, plus aviation memorabilia and artifacts; the Garrett Historical Railroad Museum, with its restored B&O freight house which displays local heritage and railroad memorabilia; the DeKalb County History Museum, which exhibits  pre-historic artifacts, early schools and libraries, and urban and rural home life; and the Early Ford V-8 Museum, focuses on cars from 1932 to 1953.

Besides its automobile heritage, DeKalb County offers many other sites including a 131-year-old covered bridge, a historical walking tour featuring forty-one homes which have architectural or historical significance, and the famous Sechler Pickles where three generations have processed pickles the old fashion way. DeKalb County is also home to the world famous Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival, where every Labor Day weekend owners of these classic cars return for their annual reunion and parade. Also held that same weekend are two Classic Car Auctions, with over 5,000 cars for sale. These three events bring in over 200,000 people to the county. DeKalb County is also host to many national and regional car clubs each year.

Dedicated in 2002, the William H. Willennar Genealogy Center is a beautifully designed building that compliments and enhances the historical district in which it resides. With it’s incredible collection of resources, including extensive archives, new technology, and a learning center, the Genealogy Center offers a fresh environment for gaining new perspectives on county and family history.

DeKalb County invites you to enjoy many of our other festivals and events, and visit our County Courthouse in downtown Auburn with its Ionic Greek architecture, rotunda glass dome and mural paintings. The downtown is also a historic main street community with a park and several antique and specialty shops.

DeKalb County is located in Northeast Indiana on Interstate I-69, and 35 miles from the Michigan line and 15 miles to the Ohio state line. Plan on visiting us for a day, a weekend or a week, you’ll be glad you did.

Jackson County, Indiana Makes You Feel at Home 

Visit Jackson County Indiana

Jackson County, Indiana truly is a wonderful place to live and visit. Situated between Indianapolis, Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky, Jackson County is easily accessible from several roadways, including Interstate 65 and U.S. Highway 50. And once visitors have found their way to Jackson County, they will definitely want to return.

Because of Jackson County’s location in south central Indiana, trees, wildlife and gorgeous scenery are abundant. Lots of outdoor opportunities await guests, with everything from a large lake and beach area to horse and bike trails and even a wide variety of waterfowl. The Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is situated near Seymour, and offers more than 7,000 acres of wildlife, trails and a chance to get back to nature. Jackson-Washington State Forest is located near Brownstown and guests can see for miles from the vistas offered on the property. Camping and fishing are also available. Starve Hollow State Recreation Area is a great place to vacation with the family. Spend the day on the beach, enjoying the beautiful lake before returning to the campsite to sit by a crackling fire and roast marshmallows with the children. A portion of Hoosier National Forest also makes its home in Jackson County and features many hiking, camping, biking and horseback riding opportunities for the nature lover.

Rocker/Musician/Artist John Mellencamp was born and raised in Seymour, Indiana, and proves through his songs that his roots run deep. An exhibit of items from Mellencamp’s past are on display at the Jackson County Visitor Center and guests can purchase “The Roots of an American Rocker” audio driving tour and learn about his early days. The Southern Indiana Center for the Arts features the only permanent exhibit of Mellencamp’s artwork in the world and has very close ties to the rocker.

The Southern Indiana Center for the Arts is not only home to Mellencamp’s artwork, but also a variety of art from local and regional artists. The center offers permanent and rotating exhibits as well as classes for children and adults. A Pottery Barn and an Antique Printing Museum are also on the grounds, which makes it very easy to spend an entire day soaking up the arts in Seymour.

Jackson County is proud of our festivals and events! To celebrate the rich German heritage in the area, the Seymour Oktoberfest is held each October and brings thousands of people downtown for a homecoming of sorts. Fort Vallonia Days, held in Vallonia, each October, celebrates the early pioneer history of the area. Numerous small-town festivals are held each year and celebrate our livelihood and our people.

Jackson County is home to the Chateau de Pique Winery, which is nestled in a rustic barn on a beautiful hillside, near Seymour. Grapes grown on the property soon turn into a variety of mouth-watering, delicious wines. If beer lovers are looking to fill their bellies, then visit the Twisted Crew Brewing Company, also in Seymour. A variety of handcrafted beers are offered on tap and guests can fill a growler with their favorite.

Whether you are intrigued by the outdoors, art, festivals or the many other things Jackson County has to offer, we know our guests will instantly feel at home in our small towns.

Jackson County Visitor Center
PO Box 607, Seymour, IN 47274
888-524-1914
www.jacksoncountyin.com

Plan a Weekend Getaway to Dubois County in Southern Indiana

Visit Dubois County for a Fun Family Vacation

Dubois County hosts family-fun festivals for people of all ages! Plan a weekend getaway that will create memories to remember for a lifetime.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, Indiana, where the community works together to put on an unforgettable Irish experience! Enjoy kid and adult contests, games and activities March 16-18. Don’t forget to stop at The Shamrock Pub & Restaurant to enjoy a homestyle meal and green beer!

Ferdinand Herb & Garden Days & Chainsaw Carving Festival is a weekend full of fun, April 20-22! Enjoy demonstrations and admire the spring flowers and herbs in bloom. Be intrigued with wood carving professionals, revealing their artistic talent of creating trees into works of art! Shop at local stores for all of your spring gardening needs.

Feel the rhythm and enjoy the sounds of both traditional and Latin jazz near Huntingburg’s Historic 4th Street on April 21. Relax and partake in the wine and microbrew experience with area wineries and craft breweries exhibiting their finest to taste!

The JCAC Chalk Walk Arts Festival is a family-friendly event intended to inspire and stimulate the creativity and artistic ability in everyone! Enjoy the celebration of arts with hands-on activities, demonstrations, performances, displays and an Arts Mart all around the square in Downtown Jasper on May 5.

While in the area, don’t forget to explore our unique attractions that exhibit our passion for our heritage and hospitality.

For the history buff, must-see-stops include St. Joseph Church, built by the early parishioners in the 1800s; Holy Family Church, featuring the nation’s second-largest faceted-glass window; and Monastery Immaculate Conception, home to one of the nation’s largest communities of Benedictine women. Take a tour of the Jasper City Mill, recently constructed to resemble the former mill and watch the workings of the waterwheel or visit the Dubois County Museum, one of the largest county museums in Indiana. Dubois County is also home to the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame and Huntingburg League Stadium, site of the hit motion picture, “A League of their Own.”

Looking for a girlfriend getaway? Dubois County was chosen by the Indiana Office of Tourism Development for the 2012 girlfriend getaway destination. Spend the weekend strolling through Huntingburg’s historic 4th street, Main Street in Ferdinand and Downtown Jasper, featuring unique specialty and antique shops. In the evening, take a ride on The Spirit of Jasper Train, featuring the Jasper to French Lick express or a Ride and Dine excursion, serving a meal from the Schnitzelbank, offering authentic German cuisine.

Centered between caves, coasters, lakes and Lincoln (Abe), Dubois County offers a destination for all families. Enjoy a day at Patoka Lake, boating and jet-skiing on Indiana’s second-largest reservoir, followed by a day at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. Families can also enjoy a day touring Marengo Cave or Lincoln Boyhood and learn the life of Lincoln. Dubois County is uniquely positioned between many attractions, a majority of them within 25 miles of Jasper.

For visitor information, go to visitduboiscounty.com or call 800.968.4578

Switzerland County, Indiana

Located along the Ohio River Scenic Byway is the charming river town of Switzerland County, Indiana. 

The “Birthplace of the First Successful Winery in America”, its county seat of Vevay was recently named Budget Travel Magazine’s 4^th Coolest Small Town in America.”

Whether you’re searching for something fun to do, a place to sip wine along the waterfront, a unique place to shop or a delectable meal with all the trimmings, Switzerland County is sure to gratify.

Pick your pace—the gaming action of Belterra Casino and Resort and Spa or the small town appeal of Vevay with its cutting-edge atmosphere.

Plan a weekend getaway scrapbooking at Bear Scrap Retreat or relax at the Schenck Mansion B&B Inn overlooking Vevay. Kick back along the Ohio River at the Best Western Ogle Haus Inn.

Join us for Rural Cool happenings in Vevay/Switzerland County!

800-435-5688

www.vevay.com

Welcome to Jay County, located along historic US 27 in Eastern Indiana. Escape the city and find something to please every member of your family.

We are host to the world’s largest 46th Gas Engine and Tractor Show, and the nation’s largest 39th Vintage Bike Show held at our beautiful fairgrounds. 

Discover historical, glass and military museums with fascinating stories and artifacts.

Bearcreek Farms Country Resort offers unique shopping, dining, lodging and a variety of entertainment.

The famous Arch Bridge located along historic US 27 is the only concrete bowstring truss bridge in Indiana. Tour the Jay County Courthouse with beautiful dome historical paintings and Arts Place Cultural Center.   

Loblolly Marsh Wetlands Preserve has many nature and walking trails along with the bike trails at Hudson Family Park and new amphitheater for performing arts.

Mark your calendar for the Fiber Fest & Spin-In held March 9-10, 2012. Spinners demonstrate processing fibers into yarn and teach hands-on classes.  

Jay County Visitor & Tourism Bureau

118 S. Meridian Street, Suite C

Portland, IN  47371

877-726-4481

www.visitjaycounty.com