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Metro-Detroit's nearest nudist experience: Whispering Oaks
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Whispering Oaks Nudist Resort is, quite possibly, southeastern Michigan’s best kept secret.
The resort is located just north of Oxford, Michigan, about an hour’s drive north of the city of Detroit via I-75. It isn’t difficult to find but, as is the case with many nudist resorts, you won’t just stumble across it. There are several reasons for this:
• Nudists don’t tend to talk about their recreational choice in casual conversation. People can jump to incorrect conclusions about others and nudists are often considered bizarre or deviant for choosing to enjoy their hours of relaxation without the encumbrances of clothing. So, unless you know a nudist well (and sometimes not even then), you probably won’t get a critique of their favorite resorts.
• Nudism is often confused with “swinging” or public sexuality. Neither could be farther from the truth, at least at AANR-approved resorts.. While there are resorts that admit visitors only over the age of 21 and allow activites that are far from "family-friendly", the behavior in the 260 AANR nudist (or "naturist") resorts in the U.S. is the type that would be acceptable in any social situation (aside from the fact that they're being done sans clothing) around people of any age. At the risk of sounding like a bumper sticker: Nude isn’t lewd.
• Nudists tend to be a laid back bunch. Advertising is done via word of mouth or in specific magazines and catalogs designed for nudists, not for the general public, so, despite the fact that nude recreation is one of the fastest growing niche markets in the travel industry (Valhouli,2), most people haven’t come across ads for these resorts.
• The folks who run nudist resorts like their places to blend in and become part of the communities in which they’re located. The vacationers bring business to the local shops and restaurants and in return, the citizens and business owners, at the very least, tolerate “those crazy nudists” at the resorts. In the best of circumstances, the locals welcome and encourage patronage of the resorts because they understand that, even if they don’t have pockets in which to carry it, a nudist’s cash is as green as anyone else’s.
So, you won’t see billboards for nudist resorts along the interstate and you won’t hear ads for them on television or radio. You can, however, find all the information you’ll need on the AANR (American Association for Nude Recreation) web site, including resort contact information, nudist etiquette, costs involved in membership, and more.
Back to Whispering Oaks…The resort isn’t large and perhaps that’s one of the best things about it. The small acreage and condensed layout of the recreation facilities and lodging areas make for quick acquaintances and easy conversation. While I’ve never been to a nudist resort where people are standoffish, Whispering Oaks’ citizens are friendlier than most. People approached me during my visit, offering their names and invitations to join their groups around the pool or in games of tennis. All were friendly and free with information about the resort and made introductions to other members and day visitors. I felt at home immediately and found that I had a great deal in common with others that I met.
The grounds and facilities at Whispering Oaks are maintained in beautiful condition. The landscaping is flower-filled and trimmed, but gives the appearance of a natural haven with lush greenery and plenty of water. The lake is large enough to provide space for paddle boats and there are hiking trails that run the perimeter of the resort. Restrooms, shower facilities, and campsites are in tip-top shape; obvious care and pride has gone into their maintenance. Members who stay at the resort all season have invested a great deal of time and energy in decorating their sites and landscaping so beautifully that each looks as welcoming as the people who occupy them.
The recreation provided includes a crystal-clear, refreshingly cool outdoor pool, an impeccably maintained hot tub, a sauna, pool table, pinball machine, dart boards, tennis courts, pentanque courts, dance floor and more. Additionally, there is a community fire pit around which members and guests gather after dark for bonfires and some casual music provided by those with guitars and harmonicas. These bonfires, plus the daily “cocktail hour” around the pool, give people great opportunities to get to know each other better and to find out more about others’ experiences with resorts around the world.
While the resort is close enough to metro-Detroit for an after work respite, the largest number of visitors arrives on the weekends. Because of this, the organized activities, from tournaments to pot luck to “drive-in movies” (on the tennis courts in golf carts) occur then. Whispering Oaks closes at the end of September each year and reopens before Memorial Day in the spring. My strong recommendation is, if you have the time, plan a day trip to Whispering Oaks before the end of this season. You’ll be glad that you did.
Just one side note: While several people commented on the “tight ship” that Greg and Kitty, the resort managers, run, I was somewhat surprised that, other than asking me to fill out a registration slip, I wasn’t asked for any kind of identification when I checked in for my day visit. Perhaps this was an oversight, or perhaps it was just part of the “laid back” attitude that I mentioned earlier. In either case, I hope that it isn’t standard policy as every resort, hotel, or campground should always know exactly who is staying on their property and have proof of that identity.
First time visitors to Whispering Oaks pay a $45.00 day fee, but with a coupon from the website, receive a credit for a free second day that can be used immediately (if their initial visit is longer than a single day) or during a return trip to the resort. The day fee is the same for a single person or a couple. Overnight camping fees are only $15.00 and discounts are available to members of AANR.
Valhouli, Christina. Forbes.com. 2006. <http://www.forbes.com/2003/01/30/cx_cv_0130feat.html>. 08-01-09.
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