Wine and Spirits Travel

It was the end of the trip to the new Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee,Illinois , but it was far from the end of fun for the weekend. The day started with a farewell breakfast for the journalists and their families. In my case, it was with Brittany, Shaun, and Kyler. The buffet filled with delicious food was in one of the resort’s convention rooms. In addition to the writers, the public relations staff, and the hotel’s management, we were greeted by Wiley the Wolf, who took the time to visit with all the kids. After breakfast, we had a chance to enjoy one of the cabana’s (which guests can rent) as we did our last round in the waterpark. (I stuck with the lazy river.) Then we headed around Great Wolf Lodge to see if there were any spots we missed. We never did make it to Ten Paw Alley. With just two lanes of bowling, there was always a wait and there seemed like so much else to do without waiting. We walked through the Build-A-Bear Workshop without a purcha...

I have always enjoyed trips initiated by a resort. This has been especially true since I’ve been dealing with health issues and don’t do a lot of walking. I can bring my scooter into the place and use it wherever needed – without having to worry to get me (and it) in and out of the car. Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee, Illinois , is made for those of us who like an all-inclusive experience in one place. There is never a need to get into your car, whether it’s Band-Aids, lunch, or activities you are looking for. A lot of the experience at the Illinois Great Wolf Lodge is about bringing the outside in – with the exception of the weather. The outdoorsy experiences and décor make you forget that you are inside a resort. After a hearty breakfast, Brittany, Kyler, Shaun and I toured the lodge, checking out the various suites (they have ones that are even big enough for 12) with the management and those from the public relations firm. Then we were off on our own. We...

When I received an invitation to bring my family to the opening of the first Great Wolf Lodge in Illinois , I was excited. I had never been to one of the chain’s properties and I’m always anxious for a press trip that keeps me in one place for food, lodging, and activities. The Great Wolf Lodge in Gurnee was actually not a new structure, but the brand updated the resort to be similar to their others-a family-friendly hotel with non-stop fun for everyone in the family. There was a check-in desk set up near the entrance for the press group, about a dozen of us with families. In my case, my “family” for the weekend was Brittany, Shaun, and Kyler. Since Great Wolf Lodge is meant for family groups, they have 13 different types of suites. The largest suite can sleep 12. Our had more than enough room for the four of us, with two queen size beds and a pull-out couch in the living room area.   We explored the property and found there was more to keep us busy th...