Tips for Family Reunion Planning by Twila Jones

Tips for Family Reunion Planning by Twila Jones
Sales Manager, Columbia Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau
Specializing in Religious, Social & Multi-Cultural Markets
(803) 545-0017
tjones@columbiacvb.com

Family reunions are a STAPLE among those with southern roots. Each year, thousands of families juggle commitments with school, church and work to come together to celebrate the FAMILY. All summer long shaded backyards, city parks and lake shores are filled with adults and children wearing their family T-shirts and enjoying lots of great food and fun.

Coordinating such an event can be exciting and rewarding. Some families plan years in advance and rotate to new destinations each year. Others opt for quaint backyard BBQ's or a picnic at the park. Either way, the rewards are endless and the memories last a life time.

Here are some ways you can enjoy your trip to Columbia and learn more about your family's heritage:
1. Schedule a time to sit down and talk candidly with the oldest relative in your family. Make sure to bring a pad and pen. You'll learn a lot about your heritage and take away some great stories to share with your children.

2. Hire a photographer (non-relative) to capture all of your reunion activities. Pictures are lasting and are a great way to reflect back on good times with family and friends.

3. Go back and tour the neighborhood where your grandparents or parents grew up. It's sometimes very humbling to see where you came from and how much progress your family has made over the years.

4. Don't just concentrate on playing and shopping, schedule times to tour museums, historic homes and other cultural attractions. Do something rewarding and make learning fun for the entire family. The Historic Columbia Foundation is one of many resources to help you enjoy the historical side of our city.

5. Spend a few extra dollars and select a host property that will give you everything you need. If you haven't traveled in a while, you may not have realized how much hotels have evolved. Many of our select and full service properties now offer amenities such as guest laundry, fitness rooms, flat panel TV's, elaborate dining areas, discounts to area attractions and much more.

6. Put a committee together to explore your family's genealogy or research the family name. Visit the Richland County Public Library or the SC Department of Archives & History to get started.

7. Don't just grill or slap your meat on a bun at mealtime. Gather the aspiring chefs in the family and put together a menu that's sure to wow everyone who attends. Mac's on Main is just one of our great restaurants that offer a cookbook of southern cuisine recipes. Learn more at http://www.macsjazznblues.com/

8. Use your resources. Don't just plan on a whim, allow the Convention & Visitor's Bureau to work for you. CVB's are a one-stop way of getting the best out of your visit without dealing with a whole slew of people.

We guide you through the process of locating a venue for family functions, locating hoteliers for lodging, providing guides and brochures and much more. But the best part is our services are complimentary. Contact us today!