Visiting Grandma and Grandpa

Chula Vista Resort is a huge resort that also has a huge restaurant (currently home to my family Easter and Christmas dinners - my Grandma doesn't cook anymore and everyone else burns things).

I get lost every time I'm here. There's a lot packed in this building.

During the summer there's over 3 acres containing 14 waterslides. There's the 18-hole mini-golf course AND an 18-hole golf course. And a scenic area that has fountains, waterfalls and desert-esque surroundings. There's over 100 acres to go hiking and explore the grassy knolls.

If it's a bit cold out, they also have an indoor waterpark, a 75-capacity whirlpool, waterslides, water basketball and a kiddie play pool.

There's lots of room choices starting at about $70 a night. Beyond the basics (TV, microwave, etc.) they offer rooms with patios, balconies, fireplaces, whirlpools, bunk beds (??) and a separate room to keep the kids away. And I forgot to mention the themed rooms such as Southern Plantation, African Safari, Wild West (king size bed in a wigwam and two twin beds in a covered wagon) and Space Final Frontier (with moon crater whirlpool).

The food is good, but a bit on the pricey side. The Easter / Christmas buffet is about $20 per person but it's all you can eat. Things such as soda and coffee aren't included though. The regular food is also good offering everything from chicken cordon bleu to pizza to shrimp. Menu is decently priced as is the bar.

For more information go to www.chulavistaresort.com

I think some of my earliest memories in life are walking around this park. My grandparents love the outdoors and this is their favorite park.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, early Native Americans left behind petroglyphs and pictographs that are stunning to look at in Roche-a-Cri Park. Roche-a-Cri is derived from French meaning 'crevice in the rock'. It served as a natural landmark for French fur-traders.

Things to do...
Hiking: there are over 5 miles of hiking trails within the 605 acres. You can climb to the summit of the 300 foot rock via a wooden stairway that offers a 120 panorama view.

Fishing: Carter Creek offers a good supply of trout.

Camping: There's 41 campsites (1 is wheelchair accessible) available from May to mid-October. About 1/2 the sites can be reserved in advance. They offer toilets, water and picnic tables. You can reserve a space at 1-888-WI-PARKS.

Skiing: Whenever I go to Friendship, I'm always amazed by the amount of snow in winter. They always get the MOST snow of anyplace in Wisconsin. Therefore, cross-country skiing is good here. Most of the trail serves also as a snow trail.

The park is also very dog friendly. My grandparents always let Alex off his leash, but I'm pretty sure that isn't allowed. (he was happy though) And it's kid friendly too. There's a playground near the office, in the campground and at the kiosk area.

This site offers some good info and a map:
DNR of Wisconsin

You can contact their office 608/339-6881 or 608/565-2789 for more information and reservations.