Couldn’t let 2021 slip by without documenting these special memories.
Paw Paw’s Pecan Plantation
Oh my gosh! This Harvest Host in Atkins, Arkansas off I-40 site was the sweetest. We nestled in between the rows of pecan trees and the sunsets were beautiful. The hosts gave us a tour of their Grand Home that is also a bed and breakfast, wedding venue, and quilt store. We tasted and purchased several flavors of pecans. Then, sat and visited for hours. It was so enjoyable! Wish we could have stayed longer!
Oklahoma’s Best State Park
When we first started glamping we discovered Bernice State Park on Grand Lake in Oklahoma. It quickly became our favorite spot. First and foremost, it’s the people! The camphost, Dan the Man, and like-minded environmentalist, Amanda, made us feel welcome. We quickly became friends. I have the fondest memories of sharing stories and enjoying campfires with them every time we visit. Second, it’s a beautiful lakeside campground with biking/hiking trails, a top notch nature center, and the best sunsets! Third, I love seeing the migrating white pelicans! Some call it the Red-neck campground on Grand Lake, we call it home!
“Mother’s Day” in Missouri
Short, but sweet. Not quite Mother’s Day, but it was a fun-filled day together playing in Springfield with my boy! Did you know Springfield, Missouri is known as the birthplace of Route 66? The Route 66 Visitor’s Center and History Museum were COVID victims and not open. ARGH! So, Matt and I ‘got our kicks’ snapping pictures while driving the Mother Road. We did find the perfect lunch at one of the 3 remaining Steak and Shakes along Route 66. The burgers and shakes were delish! The afternoon was spent strolling through the grounds at Matt’s favorite spot, the Mizumoto Japanese Garden. After dinner that evening I’m pretty sure I “whipped his butt” in cribbage! 🙂 Like I said, short but sweet!
I have to brag about Cooks RV Park. There motto is a “Small park with a Big Heart,” and this family owned park lives up to it! Fun was had visiting with them around the community fire pit (right next to our site). Definitely THE place to stay when we travel this way again!
Grand Design Michigan Rally
Hanging out with other Grand Design owners…happy hours and visiting, seminars and learning, sharing tips and stories…what’s not to like! We had a blast volunteering to host a Country Night campfire. Folks came dressed in their finest country hats and boots. There were trivia games (I won Margaritas!), smore’s and maybe a jello shot or two was passed around the circle! 🙂 These Michiganders know how to throw a great rally!
Itching for Itch-Kep-Pe
When you find a place that feels so welcoming, you want to go back. That’s Columbus, Montana and their city park on the Yellowstone River. Disappointed to find that our favorite restaurant, Beartooth Cafe, was closed 😢 due to staff shortages, (Darn COVID!) we ventured a different direction and found food and fun on the scenic (and scary) Beartooth Highway. The Beartooth Highway is an All-American Road on a section of U.S. Route 212 in Montana and Wyoming between Red Lodge and the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, passing over the Beartooth Pass in Wyoming at 10,947 feet above sea level. I discovered that it’s not a fear of bridges, gephyrophobia, that I have; rather, it’s the fear of falling off the edge! Be it an extremely tall bridge like The Mighty Mac in Michigan or the Ravenel in Charleston or off the edge of the road on these mountain passes, the anxiety is real!!
Sneaking into Washington
Didn’t get to share this incredibly beautiful location, not even on Facebook, because we were sneaking into Washington to surprise John’s parents for Father’s Day. How gorgeous is a lavender farm!! Trinity Gardens in George, Washington is a beautiful Harvest Host locale, with wonderful hosts that put thought into every detail. Each site had its own table and chairs where you can relax with a glass of vino and enjoy the sun setting over the hills. Magical! Plus, you can say you slept in George, Washington! LOL
Here’s to more adventures in 2022!