So I took the kids to Kellermans last weekend. Not the Kellerman’s, but our Kellerman’s: The Chesapeake Bay Hyatt.
Kellerman’s? Let me explain for those of you not in Generation X. Dirty Dancing , the summertime classic featuring Baby and her “Loverboy” dance instructor, took place at Kellerman’s Resort: the kind of place families used to “summer” while Dad toiled back in the city. While no one “summers” anymore, I still think every family should have a Kellerman’s: a resort you return to time and time again.
Certain aspects define a Kellerman’s:
- Scenic location: preferably with a water feature
- Tech-free activities
- Driving distance from home
- Isolated enough to give kids more freedom than at home
- S’mores. Must. Have. S’mores.
While the Chesapeake Bay Hyatt is an upscale version of a Kellerman’s, I don’t think one necessarily has to be to qualify. Heck, a campsite might even do it (although you won’t find me sleeping on the ground anytime soon).
I’d love to hear about your Kellerman’s. Please share your recommendations in the comments.
Love the Dirty Dancing reference! Our “Kellerman’s” seems to be turning into Hyatt Lost Pines right outside of Austin, TX, but it feels like the middle of nowhere. It’s like a luxury summer camp, smores included. They have a great pool with a wonderful lazy river. Our kids love the organized activities like arts and crafts, lawn games, glow in the dark golf and tennis, animal presentations, and storytelling. Every night they have an outdoor movie under the stars. There are also free bikes, tennis courts, and hiking trails. Our family has so much fun when we are there.
Hi AMJ,
I’ve heard good things about Lost Pines! Thanks for sharing.
(And the Hyatt Chesapeake does their evening movie IN the pool, which I love!)
I’ll see your Kellerman’s and raise you the Mountain Lake lodge – the actual hotel where Dirty Dancing was filmed!!! We just stayed there a few months ago – my brother got married there!
Cool! I meant to put that in the post…thanks for the reminder. I was there years ago. Do they still have the memorabilia?
I *love* the idea of having a Kellerman’s, and can’t say that I have one yet. My husband’s family has one (and I’ve been): it’s fantastic, with fishing, more active watersports, great scenery, and a huge firepit. It would be absolutely perfect if a) it wasn’t 14 hours away and b) we ever had it to ourselves instead of going with 20+ other family members (that’s a positive in his opinion and not exactly in mine despite the fact I like them). Alas, I’m still looking for a true Kellerman’s.
I hear you! I don’t think I could be with 20 of Deal Dad’s family and call it relaxing either. Nice to visit, but not quite the let your hair down of a Kellerman’s.
From Richmond, is Glade Springs an option? I’d seriously consider it for mine if it wasn’t farther away. Or maybe Massanutten?
Glade Springs is an option, certainly — it’s about 4 hours and a beautiful area though I’ve never stayed at the resort itself. I’m not a huge fan of the Massanutten area, though I know others love it.
I think glade springs may be up your alley.
It’s got to be Woodloch Pines in Hawley, PA. A resort where families come back every year, the place is staffed by college kids, on a lake in the mountains, etc. We always joked that the movie was based on Woodloch. The place has grown over the years and has lost some of its charm (and affordability) but still a great resort.
That sounds awesome! Another one I’d nominate is Glade Springs in West Virginia. Newer property, but similar vibe.