I don’t camp. I know it’s supposedly lovely to commune with nature and sleep under the stars, but all I can think of is bugs and dirt and having to use an outhouse. NOT my idea of a good time. Cottaging is fun. But in order to cottage, one must actually HAVE a cottage, or at least friends or family members who’ll invite you to their cottage. Yes, I know you can rent them. But usually that involves bringing up your own linens and groceries, and you spend all your time cooking and tidying up while you’re there, and piles of laundry when you get home. That seems like a lot of work for a mini-break or a long weekend.
But this summer we discovered a fantastic cottage-y experience that kept us busy outside, AND we slept in comfy beds AND I didn’t have to cook or really do any kind of chore all weekend. That place is called Fern Resort – and I think my husband and I are hooked.
The driveway is lined with huge willow trees that dance in the breeze. The grounds and gardens are lovingly manicured, but not so precious that you can’t romp in them. Fern Resort is a true family escape. There’s so many activities that you can do together, but the PlayVillage steps in to look after little ones aged 0-6 so mom and dad can have some grown-up time too. All the rooms are plenty spacious for a family of four, and your kids can choose to eat from the buffet, or choose a child-sized portion from the adult menu.
Speaking of the food, it was fantastic and it was plentiful. I always pack snacks for when we travel, and on this trip they sat untouched. For most packages at Fern, three meals a day are included, and in addition to the entrees, there was always plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables to enjoy with your meal or bundle up for a snack later. You sit at the same table for every meal, and our high chair was always set up and ready to go for when we arrived. There is a 24-hr complimentary coffee and tea service in the Main Inn, and we were always able to get milk for the baby there too.
My husband and I both came home from our weekend at the Fern totally rested and rejuvenated, and we didn’t even try out the spa. It wasn’t necessary – it just felt great to get out of the city for a couple of nights and spend some fun time together playing outdoors with the kids.
Fern Resort is open year-round, with new activities available as the seasons change. I’m already thinking how wonderful a hayride would be amongst the fall foliage. Maybe another mini-break will be in order next month!
Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel, your online guide for family travel with babies, toddlers, and young children. Connect with her online at www.havebabywilltravel.com or www.twitter.com/hvbabywilltrvl
©Corinne McDermott 2010
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