Where • 11712 East Windy Lane, Whittington, Ill.

More info • 1-800-633-3341, 618-629-2211, rendlakeresort.com

Nestled along the water in Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park in beautiful Southern Illinois, the resort is a paradise for camping, boating and swimming enthusiasts, or business groups looking for the ideal conference setting. Fine dining with a casual atmosphere was relaxing and delightful at Windows Restaurant situated on the water at the resort. Executive Chef Tommy Tucker, new to the resort, served up mouth-watering pastas, a one-pound New York strip and Cajun delicacies. I tried the scrumptious blackened tilapia sandwich with chips for lunch ($7.95), offering a savory blend of spices. For dinner, I loved the New York strip ($18.95) served with a potato and soup or salad (I skipped the potato and salad and had a side of shrimp pasta).

The setup • The resort is on eight acres and open year-round. The activities are endless. The resort has three launch ramps and more than 100 boat slips, all free with your stay. Pontoon boats and fishing pole rentals are available. Tennis courts are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day with racket rentals ($3 per hour). Mountain bikes are available for rental at $5 for four hours or $10 for eight hours. A gift shop located next to the restaurant has everything from live bait to hand-dipped ice cream.

The rooms • I stayed in one of the beautiful Boatel suites ($130 a night, summer rate) in the Flagship complex. It offered a private deck overlooking the lake, two queen-size beds, a gas fireplace, a small fridge, an ice machine, a sitting area with a couch and a flat-screen TV. A Jacuzzi tub, enclosed with glass blocks, was the highlight of my stay. Cabins ($108 a night, summer rate) are also located along the water, each with its own private deck as well. The cabins are a short walking distance from the outdoor swimming pool and children's playground. The hotel complex, located next to the Conference Center, offers average single rooms with a queen-size bed ($93 a night, summer rate), double rooms with two queen-size beds ($93 a night, summer rate) or spa suites with one king bed and a large Jacuzzi in the room ($108 a night, summer rate).

The extras • The resort offers a large unattended outdoor kennel free of charge. The weekend dinner buffet (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) includes steaks and pastas and is great for kids (ages 4 to 11) at half-price ($11.47). You'll find a free children's fishing pond, and they get free rentals on fishing poles.