Florida... Here We Come
When we first considered snowbirding, Florida was our top destination. Geoff has fond childhood memories of visiting extended family near Miami, his parents once owned a condo near Hollywood Beach, and we recently considered purchasing property in Pensacola. However, trying to book a waterfront lot in October for a January arrival proved impossible.
Once we discovered (and booked) the six-week stay at Sargent Beach, however, Geoff decided he did not want to return to Kansas until April so as to avoid any late-season snowfall. So... we extended our snowbird adventure and chose to explore inland Florida options.
Following our 2-2-3-4 rule, we will travel the 950 miles over the course of seven days. I will combine some genealogy research along the way, and we have one unique campground experience booked as well. This is our attempt at enjoying the journey rather than solely focusing on the final destination 😊
Itinerary: Sargent Beach, TX to Keystone Heights, FL
Day1: Sargent Beach, TX to Franklin, TX (221 miles)
While this is slightly out-of-the-way, I want to visit my mom's childhood home while in the area. I found a Harvest Host farm just outside Franklin where we will boondock for one night. I plan to walk around the cemetery where many relatives are buried, visit the Carnegie Library to do a bit of local history research, and take in the sights of the farmland where Mom grew up.
Day 2: Franklin, TX to Beaumont TX (193 miles)
I originally chose this area as a rest stop because Harvest Hosts listed a popular Brewery as a favorite place to stay. Apparently, it offered customers the opportunity to self-pour from a number of different kegs to create a unique pint of beer. Unfortunately, the brewery closed at the end of January (I believe due to finances) and that option is no longer available.
I did find a campground just off the highway, however, that will offer us full hookups and easy access on-and-off the highway.
Day 3: Beaumont, TX to Breaux Bridge, LA (150 miles)
While this is a short day's drive, it is for good reason.
First, let me explain Harvest Hosts. This is a unique membership program where customers pay an annual fee (less than $100) to stay at small business locations throughout the United States. These businesses can range from museums to farms to wineries/breweries and many other unique settings. Camping at these locations is free, but campers are encouraged to spend a minimum of $20 to help support the business. Sounds like a win/win to us!
Champagne's Swamp Tours is one of the most unique opportunities. We will stay overnight in the parking lot in exchange for taking one of their tours: either a swamp boat tour for $25/person that promises lots of waterfowl and giant alligators 😳 or an airboat ride for $40/person. I'm not sure I'll be brave enough to hop on board, but I know Geoff is looking forward to this experience.
Days 4 and 5: Breaux Bridge, LA to Mobile, AL (249 miles)
We will stay two nights at a full-hookup campground. While we will use this extended stay to rest and relax, I also plan to do some genealogy research in the area. Dad often told stories about life on Uncle Paul and Aunt Maggie's farm. Dad lived there in the late 1930s while his mother was trying to recuperate from tuberculosis. Unfortunately, she succumbed to the disease in 1941.
I'd like to find the area where I think the farm was located - visit the Whistler cemetery where several ancestors are buried - and perhaps do a bit of local history research at the Mobile Public Library.
Day 6: Mobile, AL to Chattahoochee, FL (211 miles)
It will probably require a lot of self-discipline not to stop along the Florida panhandle and visit our favorite beachside spots. But the scenery will be nice as we pass through to the other side of the Gulf. This spot is simply an overnight stay because it was too far to travel to our final destination.
Day 7: Chattahoochee, FL to Keystone Heights, FL (188 miles)
Our home-away-from-home for the next two weeks.
I discovered Keystone Heights RV Resorts when I was searching for long-term winter sites. They just completed the second phase of construction, so the place is new with lots of amenities, including: pickleball courts, swimming pool, miniature golf, and a dog park. Rates are good, but three-month rates are incredible! We are giving thought to a possible extended stay next year 😊
Keystone Heights seems relatively convenient to several popular destinations:
- 30 minutes to Gainesville, FL
- 60 minutes to St Augustine Beach
- 2 hours to Orlando
- 3 hours to Tampa
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