We've been vacationing in the Alexandria lakes area for 10 years, and this was hands-down one of our favorite family trips. We came for a big family reunion with 16 of us--grandparents, parents, and grandkids--and it was one of those places where everyone could actually be together without ever feeling crowded.
The beach might be the best we've found in the area. It's sandy with a shallow, gradual entry that was perfect for the kids, while the grandparents could sit on the deck or beach and still be right in the middle of everything. The panoramic views of Lake Miltona are incredible, especially at sunset.
The new walkout Sandbar Suite was a huge hit. It has beautiful log-frame beds, lake views from both windows, and you can literally walk straight out the door onto the sand. Having that extra space downstairs was especially nice with three generations staying together because everyone had room to spread out and relax.
We also loved how private the property felt. It's on a quiet dead-end road in a really nice neighborhood, and every neighbor we met was incredibly friendly. There aren't cabins directly behind the house either--it backs up to natural woods--so even though you're in a neighborhood, it still feels peaceful, secluded, and surrounded by nature. It was great for the kids and gave us grandparents a little extra peace of mind with less traffic going by.
Definitely rent the pontoon! We rented it for all 7 days and used it constantly. Every evening became a family sunset cruise around Lake Miltona. We'd get the grandparents, parents, and kids together, turn on some music, and head out on the lake. Those sunset cruises ended up being some of our favorite memories of the reunion.
The pontoon is big and spacious, so it worked really well for our group. The new JL Audio sound system is fantastic, and the Sea-Legs made pulling up to the sandbar so convenient. Having the boat available for the entire week completely changed the experience--we weren't just staying at a lake house; we were out exploring the lake and making an adventure out of every day.
The house itself was very well set up for a large family. All 16 of us slept comfortably, the kitchen has new appliances and plenty of space for cooking together, and we loved using the Blackstone for big family meals. At night we played pool and hung out together instead of everyone disappearing into separate rooms.
The sauna and outdoor shower were another family favorite. The kids could rinse off right after coming out of the lake, and the adults loved doing a Finnish-style sauna experience--getting hot in the sauna, jumping into Lake Miltona to cool off, then finishing with the outdoor shower. It genuinely felt like having our own private lakeside spa.
Samantha was also wonderful. Anytime we had a question, she responded within minutes and made everything incredibly easy.
What made this place special wasn't just the house or the amenities--it was how well it worked for our entire family. The grandparents could relax and enjoy the views, the kids could spend all day on the beach and in the water, and we could all come together for meals, sunset cruises, sauna nights, and time around the lake.
For a multi-generational family reunion, it's hard to imagine a better setup. We made memories here that our kids and grandparents will be talking about for years.
We will absolutely be back! read more
