ALL INCLUSIVE RESORTS – Mom or Dad at a conference in a tourist town? Why not stay, work and play together and maybe never have to leave the property. Consider Resort Conference complexes.

But are these resorts too elegant? At a maximum, we look for relaxed elegance. Here’s a rundown of all the family-friendly amenities we explored during a recent visit: (we never needed to leave the property for three days):

· Kids Nite Out (weekend evenings for ages 4-14 with extra hourly fee) offering a variety of supervised activities…play areas, group games, computers, arts and crafts, movies, board games, treasure hunts.

· Guest Rooms – include high-speed internet connection, modern flat screen TVs, mini-frig and spacious, high fluff beds.

· Full service Spa

· 18-hole golf course (golf camps for kids)

· Fishing dock and lake

· Many pools, including a lap pool, family pool, adult quiet pool and kiddie wading pool plus jacuzzis

· Hiking trails with interpretive signs

· Two lighted tennis courts

· Sand volleyball, bocce ball

· Video game room

· Horseshoes, ping pong

· Complimentary equipment available for some sports, by reservation thru the fitness spa area.

· Complimentary bus shuttle to major theme parks in the area

· Loads of restaurants on premises. The Cafés are our favorite because most are open 24 hours (late night or early morning eaters) and serve absolutely wonderful, freshly made in front of you, salads and sandwiches.

Our KIDS LOVE books for Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan and Florida all list recommended resorts like these. Family packages usually start at $200.00 per night and that cost may be taken care of by the business.