This year we chose Lafayette Manor to gather with our two sons, their wives, and the five grandchildren. Everyone was thrilled with the "Mansion"--as beautiful as the pictures. On the second and third floor we had comfortable rooms for everyone, a kitchen and common area which got heavy use, and a hallway across the spectacular entry. Loved the view from the balcony. We used the basement exercise room with washer & dryer, the many TV sets (within limits),the lawn for soccer, and best of all, the great pool with a pool house. The owners were over-the-top friendly and helpful, even providing homemade treats. They made our stay relaxing and trouble free. Waynesville has a contemporary playground and splash pad, and nearby St Robert has restaurants.. For day trips about an hour each way, we did a float down the Meramec River (fun) and visited Onondaga Cave (impressive). The more adventuresome added the Crystal Cave to that. It was a treat to have a five-day vacation like this not too far from home (Oklahoma). It also allowed us to successfully personalize the vacation. One family added a week in St. Louis beforehand and we grandparents went home by way of a road trip to North Dakota..