There is so much to do at this resort, you literally never have to leave. You can purchase activity cards for $49 for 17 and under and $99 for adults. There are a few activities that you get for free with the card, and the rest are at discounted prices. Without the card, you pay full price. For example, we did not get the activity cards because we really didn't want to be a slave to the clock (97% are at specific times), the kids really just wanted to play at the pools, and we were looking to really relax and veg out. We went to the Jason Bishop Magic/Illusion show, which I highly recommend, as it was awesome and we paid $10 per person. Had we had an activity card, it would have cost nothing. But we figured out everything we wanted to do and basically, for us, found that we would have maybe broken even with the kids, but it was not worth it for ourselves. Here are a few things to do: Comedy show, karaoke, glycerin soap making, tie-dye T-shirt, decorative painted mirror, fishing, ballroom dancing, stress-reduction class, aromatherapy, hiking, glass sun-catcher...just to name a few. Check out their website at www.massresort.com for a complete list. The resort is huge and a car is a definite must to get around. There is no shuttle for teenagers, so that can be an inconvenience. The water park was nice. It was on the small side but was well put together, and the younger kids loved it.

This course is quite challenging in that it tends to be narrow and, naturally "hilly" (being that it is on the mountain). Lots of trees. Fairways are in fair shape. They are in the process of completely re-doing the course, upgrading the greens, upgrading the irrigation, etc. (summer of 2003). Expect to have full 18 holes completed by summer 2004. There is also an Activity Card available for purchase ($99), which provides unlimited golf during your week's stay as well as a variety of other activities.

The repaired front nine should be nice when finished (sometime in 2004?). The whole course is beautiful but the back nine can be a little frustrating. The course has a slope on holes 10, 11, and 12 so that a drive down the middle roles off of the fairway to the right. The good news is that if you hook your shot into the bush it will often role out to the middle of the fairway (2 for 2). It is a nice and reasonably challenging course!

We love the tubing at Massanutten. Unfortunately, this year it rained most of the weekend and by the time it stopped, we were too late to get tickets for the tubing. So the kids hit the ski trails instead. Some were beginners and others have quite a bit of experience ,but all of them seemed to enjoy it.

I played the executive nine hole course (soon to be 18). Considering it was the second day open, the course was in excellent condition. Most of the holes were straight with few hazards or trees. The holes with water in play demanded accuracy, especially the par 3 at the ninth hole that has a raised green over a water carry. The course does not change elevation drastically, and can be walked. I believe this nine will be closed and renovated this spring, but the new back nine will be in play.

I did not play the 18 up the mountain but, with the number of trees, you will need to drive it straight or bring lots of balls! With the elevation changes a cart is a must.