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A weekend away doesn&Apos;t necessarily mean taking a trip. I just came back from a 2-day vacation in a woodsy cabin within feet of swimming, fishing, and a crackling fire. It left me refreshed, suntanned and with a new appreciation for the comforts of home.

It was the KOA Campground in Streetsboro right on Rt. 303. The cutest little log cabin with a front porch swing sat under a shade tree with our own picnic table and fire ring. There were even new curtains and a small table and chairs inside. We were surprised to find air-conditioning, a large full size bed and a set of bunk beds. It was so clean! I was expecting a lived-in look at best when checking in. I mean, it was a campground after all. We felt like it had been prepared especially for us.

After we left our gear - bags, drink cooler and food cooler, it was off to the lake. A beach, a slide and a lifeguard were all we needed to enjoy the sunny day. A mommy duck went about her business while her ducklings tagged along throughout the afternoon. KOA staff put up umbrellas along the beach while others picked up and kept the potties and shower areas stocked and spotless.

The traditional looking general store on the grounds stood at the ready for any items campers may have overlooked and also sold cute camping-themed picture frames, toys and statuary. It also rents pedal karts for the day while the game room down below offers different indoor activities from pool tables to Guitar Hero. My 2 year old especially liked the after dinner hayride courtesy of the campground and a local farmer.

Once darkness fell, the cabins just sort of sunk into the night and only the flicker of firelight could be seen. Evening is always telling at a campground, people like us gathered round their own little piece of wilderness roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. Funny how us "city folk" take this tiny, secret pride in rustling up fire by ourselves. Makes you feel like maybe you could get by without all the aptly named trappings that seemed so important during the rat race that consumes our week and sometimes our lives. Sure we couldn&Apos;t have done it without matches and yes we used the air conditioner, but it was nice to rough it and getaway without going away.

$63 for the whole family and just 19.5 miles away from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street.