Let's look at some destinations where you could find the getaway that will have you counting down the next 51 weeks, yearning for that time when you load up the spouse, the kids and the necessities to keep everyone moderately amused on that once-a-year trip for some sun and fun.

LONG LAKE
Lakecrest Resort is a full-service family fishing resort with 17 units on 360-acre spring-fed Long Lake by Detroit Lakes. The lake is well developed, so it gets a lot of attention in the summer months, but it's a great place to take the family because it's what I call a family-friendly lake. There are a lot of small bluegills and northern pike in this lake, so the young anglers will never be without some action. There's also a respectable population of walleyes that are decent-sized for serious anglers.

For the golfers, Detroit Lakes has nine championship golf courses, so your hardest decision will be which course to play. Lakecrest has worked out discount programs at several local courses to make it even easier to enjoy Detroit Lakes golf.

Lakecrest has 500 feet of sand beach, and the water quality of this lake is excellent. The town of Detroit Lakes is always catering to visitors with some event going on, and if you schedule your vacations for early August, you can attend WE Fest, one of the country's biggest outdoor country music concerts.

For more information, visit Lakecrest Resort's Web site at www.lakecrestresort.com.

LAKE VERMILION
Lake Vermilion up by Tower is just big enough that there doesn't seem to be many people using the lake, even when there is. One of the prettiest resorts on the lake is Everett Bay Lodge. The anglers will like it here because the fishing is always good. If the walleyes don't bite, go chase the smallmouths up on the docks and rocks. If the smallies aren't accommodating, then hit the weedbeds for some largemouth bass and muskie action.

Everett Bay has something a lot of resorts don't, like an outdoor pool. With all that water in the lake, why a pool? Maybe it's because of the muskies, but more likely it's because people like clean, chlorinated water surrounded by concrete. It's a popular spot at this resort.

What about the non-anglers in the crowd? The resort is next door to Minnesota's first and richest underground ore mines, which is actually a great family tour. Pop up to Ely and visit the International Wolf Center. If you like slot machines and blackjack, check out Fortune Bay Casino, which has also opened a great 18-hole golf course called The Wilderness.

For more information, visit Everett Bay Lodge's Web site at www.everettbaylodge.com.

MOOSE LAKE
Moose Lake north of Cass Lake is an easy lake to fish. It's only 600 acres, so you can learn it in a day. There are plenty of walleyes, bass, pike. A lot of panfish, too. It's a clearwater lake, so some anglers find it a little tougher to fish. But there are plenty of spots and something is always biting, so don't be too particular about what you catch and you'll have fun.

Gamblers will like being close to the Cass Lake casino, and those who like to be in close proximity to a larger town can always head west to Bemidji. If you've never been to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, then that's a trip worth taking. Hikers have many options since there are miles of trails in the nearby woods.

Paradise Resort is a great vacation option. The resort has a big sand beach, paddle bikes and you can spend the afternoon on a tournament-sized volleyball court or enjoy a cool drink while pitching horseshoes. The cabins are right on the water and very comfortable.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.paradiseresort.com.