Don't judge a book by its cover - Sunset Grill is a casual, friendly, good-value, fun restaurant/bar. A chef-owned eatery that features Certified Angus beef, fresh seafood, great pasta dishes, and at least six daily specials at both lunch and dinner. As you enter, a large easel lists the "off-menu" picks - including special wines, desserts, and appetizers. A two-room restaurant area to the left is quieter, and the lively bar is to the right - we chose the bar both times.

The long bar is encircled by high bar tables and booths. The friendly, warm greeting by the waitresses makes you feel most welcomed in this locally frequented bar. A personable bar tender makes good drinks, and there's a great selection of tap beers or microbrews.

Food: where do I start?? Lobster bisque, oyster stew, nachos, wings, mushroom caps - or - Caesar salad, Greek salad, fettucine, shrimp, Angus steaks, calves' liver, or turkey - and nothing disappoints. We especially will return for fried clams, fried scallops, ribeye steak, and a "daily special" of "all-you-can-eat" beef stew with salad and rolls for $8.95!! How do they do it?? A four-ounce burger with fries for $3.95 - not big enough?? Try 7 ounces for $5.95. Sandwiches and the lunch menu are available all day.

Not in the mood to cook, don't feel like dressing up, have kids to feed, or just want a fun, casual evening with excellent food and friendly surroundings? This is the place. You can even eat on the patio in warm weather.

During the month of July, teens went to Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market, and another Wednesday found them at Weirs Beach with Logs of Fun, arcades, mini-golf and wall climbing. Whitewater rafting and hiking have been featured. August found them on a trip to Canobie Lake Park in the evening or to Hampton Beach. A Boston trip takes them to the Museum of Science. On some days it may be as simple as the mall in Manchester and a movie.

The fee varies for each event depending on transportation needed and activities involved - you may be asked to bring lunch or spending money - maybe towels and a change of clothing for beach and lake trips.

Teens see this as a good opportunity to get together with new friends or old friends, explore another area, and feel a bit independent, all with supervision. The Recreations Department over the last few years has introduced innovative programs for all ages - they're into making this a fun place for teens, too, as they're often the overlooked ones.

You can reach the Recreation Department at 603-236-4695 to see what they may be planning during your vacation week.

W.V. is a resort 8 miles into the National Forest that is ideal for a multi-generational family vacation. Most accommodations are condo-style. This makes it convenient for a quick breakfast and between-meal snacks.

There is no lack of activity for any age group here. The center of activity is Town Square, just a short walk or free trolley ride from anywhere in town. All the shops, restaurants, bike and kayak rentals, educational programs, concerts, cookouts, and sometimes even fireworks take place here.

Grandma and Grandpa can enjoy morning coffee and read the newspaper while the young ones skateboard or bike ride in Town Square. Mom and Dad may sleep in or go for a short jog. Morning activities may be golf for the seniors, tennis for parents, and ice skating (an indoor rink), soccer, or open gym for the kids.

Lunch could be a shared pizza under a canopied area or sandwiches on the deck overlooking the babbling brook at "Latitudes". After noon, it's time to sit back by the pond while the young ones swim or kayak--then an ice cream treat!!

If you still have energy, a family bike ride on paved roads or trails or a walk through the woods along a fitness trail, with stations and instruction, will surely tire anyone.

Evenings may feature a concert, a marshmallow cookout, family bingo with prizes, or a "make your own sundae" social. Dining choices run the gamut from casual Italian, Mexican, burgers, and wings to New England fare overlooking the pond or even gourmet chef creations with occasional live music. And all of these restaurants have a children's section on the menu.

Come for the weekend, and you'll wish you were staying all week. Many activities are included in the rental package or available at reasonable cost.

SILVER FOX - managed by best Western

A charming inn with about 30 rooms, a good-sized public room with fireplace has complimentary wine/cheese/crackers/juice each afternoon. A complimentary continental breakfast is served in a cute dining room or on a porch during the summer.An excellent value if you are comfortable enough in a hotel room instead of a condo.

GOLDEN EAGLE LODGE

A grand resort style hotel - these one- and two-bedroom condo units are privately owned, individually decorated, and all have full kitchens and living rooms/dining areas. An indoor pool, sauna, and gameroom keep the kids happy. The location is perfect - overlooks Town Square and the pond.

NORTHSTAR INN

This dormitory-style hotel has a very large common area with a fireplace and game room. Rooms are on the small side, perfect for college students or young adults on a budget.

SNOWY OWL INN

This country inn has everything from hotel units to 2 bedroom condos with kitchen. It boasts large lounging areas with fieldstone fireplaces, indoor pool, free continental breakfast, wine and cheese each afternoon and sometimes on weekends or vacation periods there is a cash bar available. Next to Town Square - this appeals to lots of families.

TOWN SQUARE CONDOS

These are two and three bedroom condos (sometimes locked off into studios and one bedrooms) above the retail shops in Town Square. A good value - better suited to groups. Lots of conventioneers are housed here and it can tend to be noisy. No air-conditioning but you are in the midst of the action.

VALLEY INN

One of my favorites and a short walk to Town Square. This attractive inn has many parlor suites and only a few master suites that have a kitchenettes with decks and fireplaces. The attraction here is the indoor/outdoor pool that is heated year-round. The Red Fox Pub is in the basement and serves pub food and usually has live music on Saturdays. Good for couples but school vacations attract lots of families.

CONDO RENTALS

Many privately owned condos are rented through rental agencies in the valley. These range from 2-5 bedrooms with full kitchen, fireplaces, some have washers and dryers. Locations cover everything from streamside, in the woods or with dramatic mountain views. These are a great choice for your longer or special vacation. My favorites are Mountain Sun (all three bedrooms), Forest Knoll (newer and of high quality) and High Country for quietness and dramatic views. Make sure you ask for the "Activity Pass" - this makes your vacation "fun" - I have another entry explaining this pass. You can find more information about lodging at www.watervillevalley.com".

When you check in, each person is given a pass that entitles them to half an hour of canoe, kayak, or pedal boat rental, two hours of bike rental, including helmet and trail pass, unlimited mid-week golf and tennis, one child's recreational activity daily, and access to the athletic club and ice rink. These passes are valid for every day of your vacation. Usually bike rentals are $25 for two hours and boats are $9 to $15 for half an hour; the athletic club is $5 a day.

This pass saves you hundreds and makes the valley look alive with everyone enjoying and having fun! It is a great marketing idea that all benefit from.