A Winter Retreat for the Family

(ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2004)

On this January day, a major storm is about to hit the Lake Erie shore. All the signs are there: the sky above the frozen harbor turns an ominous gray, cold winds cut deeper, and temperatures plummet, freezing a chilly rain on contact.

Yet, snowstorms also carry a romantic side, an excuse to hole up with family. Blizzards create visions of tucked-away scenic lodges, toasty warm under drifts of snow; crackling fires; hot delicious food; and indoor activities safe from the tempestuous storm howling outside. Then there's the magical newly contoured post-whiteout world that invites hiking, skiing or just a slow, quiet walk.

In short, winter is a refreshing time to check into a Midwest state park or other lodge resort. Such is the case at Ohio's Maumee Bay Resort and Conference Center, situated amid wetlands and woods in Maumee Bay State Park, 15 miles east of Toledo in northern Ohio. The rambling lodge along the shore of Lake Erie offers spacious, family-friendly rooms and dining, plus a host of things to do both inside and out.

Kids still fidgety from the drive have one idea: "When can we go to the pool?" Weary moms and dads have another: eyeing rockers in front of blazing fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

"You might get out a little more if it's nice, but guests always seem to end up spending most of their time here together," says Patrick Czarny, Maumee's general manager.

Little feet race down the hallways toward the game room, indoor pool under a massive skylight, and sprawling lobby area, where families settle in around Candyland or Monopoly boards (free games are available at the front desk). Throughout the weekend, kids hit the lobby for the lodge's activities, perhaps painting Mardi Gras masks and flexing into improbable positions for Twister.

While the youngsters are busy, parents get a chance to carve out a little time for themselves, reading or just reconnecting with each other.

Cora Patterson of New Philadelphia, Ohio, chose Maumee for her 70th birthday getaway, meeting her two grown sons and their families here. Cora watches her sons and seven grandchildren play a frenzied round of "wallyball" in one of the lodge's racquetball courts, viewed from upper-level windows. The game is much like volleyball, but played with a giant beach ball or volley ball.

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