As we were packing up to leave after a weekend at Fern Resort, my son said he wants to come back “again and again and again”. It is easy to see why – everything is perfect for kids (mine are 2 & 4). We could check in early on Friday. The room had the bed rails we had requested – this is the first hotel I have been offered these – it was great to not have to push chairs up against the bed or worrying about my kids rolling off the bed. We went for a swim in the “warmer” pool – we brought puddle jumpers for our kids, but the resort life guards had some available to borrow. Again, this is not something that the hotel usually offers – it was so great to see. The kids then played in the kid’s pool – it is a gradual sloped pool, which is only a few feet deep at the deepest! They have the cutest little lounge chairs at this pool!
At dinner, we had intended to feed the kids the early buffet dinner, then to take them to Playville, but my son wasn’t feeling well, so we knew that wouldn’t be successful, so they stayed with us while we ordered off the menu! There were multiple vegetarian items on the menu, and items marked that could be made vegan! (At the BBQ lunch, they had vegetarian hot dogs, burgers, and Portobello mushrooms on the grill – I am not used to having that many choices!)
After dinner, we walked along the pier, and saw the paddle boats, and kayaks. We looked for the turtle, but only my husband found him! We saw lots of sun fish, crayfish, and ducks though. I had a quick meeting to go to but my kids and husband enjoyed the bonfire, shuffle board and giant chess!
The next morning, we explored the beach. The resort has a large bin of sand toys the kids can borrow. We were there early and watched the staff rake the beach, getting it ready for new sand castles and moats that were going to be built that day! We went to the boat dock, and were greeted by the staff who explained the time slots, and tried to sign us up! We did not go this year, but saw the ski dock, and the contraption on the boat that the skier can hold on to instead of the tow rope. It has been years since I tried skiing, and I was NOT successful, but I think these would have made it much easier!
After playing on the beach for a bit, I had to attend the work conference (for Life with a Baby Organizers and Community Managers). This was in the basement of the inn we were staying in, so it was very convenient. The conference room was equipped with a Keurig machine, fresh water and ice, and pop and juice in a fridge. They even had mints on the table for us!
My husband was with the kids while I was in the meeting. He took them to Playville, where he signed them up for the pony rides! The system for this was so well organized! All kids who were registered waited in the amphitheatre, and a staff entertained them with charades. Another staff member called on the kids who were next, and they had their turn on the horse. This is so much easier than trying to stand in line with a 2- and a 4-year-old, trying to keep them entertained, or from wandering off!
After the meeting, we went for a swim in the “colder” pool, and went for dinner. After dinner, we went fishing with some other families. The resort offers wood sticks (reclaimed wood) with fishing line and a hook. They will even put the worm on the line for you! We did not catch any fish, but were able to watch the sun fish nibble the worms on the lines from the dock. We also played mini putt, and at the trampolines. We watched an amazing sunset from our third floor hotel room balcony -where my daughter was singing to anyone walking by.
As I was packing up to leave, I was sad that we were leaving such a thoughtful and fun resort, but happy that I met a great group of moms and their families, and got to watch my children make so many new memories, I realized that I want to come back, again and again and again! Looking forward to next years #SummerAtFern!
~Allison
