The following article appeared in the St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper on July 3rd, 2005. We think it captures what makes a family resort vacation so special.

While growing up in the Midwest, our typical summer vacation was a week spent at a northern Minnesota resort. Each year was a different resort: “Henry’s Perfect Beach” one year, “Anderson’s Resort” the next. These were wonderful family vacations. When my brother, sister, and I began our own families, it seemed only natural to continue this tradition. So in the summer of 1973 we headed to Brookside Resort near Park Rapids: 10 of us (7 adults and 3 young children), in one cabin with one small bathroom and too many child-size bunks. But what a wonderful family time it was! Despite a few bumps in the week, we all knew we wanted to go back.

And so we did. Now, more than 30 years later, we are still heading to Brookside. Our group now spans four generations with 15 adults and 4 small children. And our accommodations have grown to 3 very nice cabins with enough bathrooms and adult-size beds.

We have celebrated birthdays, and holidays together and have even enjoyed a lakeside wedding. The summer of 2002, our vacation week fell right between our 82-year-old Dad’s heart attack and his scheduled open-heart surgery. But our trip north went on as planned; Dad’s surgeon knew the healing power of families. Two weeks later, his surgery and recovery went off without a hitch. And today, Dad is already thinking about some new spot to hook that elusive trophy walleye.

Our annual week together is so much more than a simple vacation. It’s a special time for our family; a time for us to strengthen our connections and pass traditions on to our children.

Sandy Meyer Shoreview, MN