Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama is a favorite pit stop that we purposefully build into our travel itinerary Road Trip Prep: 60 Days Out Two Goals, It’s Not Just the Mechanics of Prepping for a Trip The first few years my husband and I wintered …
A huge part of the road trip is planning the stops, including the small town road side stands such as Papas in Brantley, Alabama Pre Check-In List for Snowbirds Avoid Surprises and Hassles by Verifying in Advance of Arrival As both an owner and a …
If you're like me, packing is a pain and a task I have yet to perfect and finesse despite years of travel. If it's a shorter stay of a long weekend or just a couple of weeks, it makes it even worse because I wrongly think "It's only a couple weeks," then forget items. My husband forgot to bring items related to our business, largely because of the "I've got this, no need to refer to my long-established packing lists." Everything is at risk of being forgotten, it's all about the details. Establish your systems, then stick to them.
Items I recently forgot were a food scale and cough drops. Typically, I don't get sick or need OTC types of products at home or anywhere else. However, while away I developed a cough that would not quit and was making me miserable. Cough drops are readily available at any pharmacy, that isn't the point. What is irksome is we literally have two one-pound bags of 500 cough drops and three food scales at our primary home -- there is no need to buy more. Our supplies will last for years. None of this is a major problem, it all adds up to minor inconveniences that no one wants to have to deal with while away, especially for a shorter stay. Shorter stays fly by as it is without searching and shopping around solving issues of forgotten items.
I purposefully didn't bring much cash, which turned out to be a poor choice. Cash is helpful just about everywhere including tipping your hotel staff, the cleaning staff at your southern place, beach and service attendants and small businesses who may or may not accept plastic. If you bring too much cash and don't spend it, terrific! It's not so convenient to get cash when you unexpectedly need it.
Overpacking is another common issue. Once again, I brought too many pairs of jeans and three jackets for a two week stay. Two of each would have been fine. Too many shoes is another common yet bulky item my husband and I both overpack. One pair of comfortable slip-on shoes, such as flip flops; one exercise or walking shoe and one versatile dress-it-up-or-down shoe is enough. The balance is to have an "heir and a spare" so that if it rains or an item gets dirty, you have an alternate option while the dirty/wet item is washed and dried.
I've included three areas to focus when packing for a minor time away such as a long weekend or a few weeks, but the same principles also apply to longer stays.
Examples include:
Toilet paper doubles as tissue paper in a pinch
Beach towels are, of course, great at the beach and they double as a throw blanket on a cooler evening as well as for the road trip
Olive, coconut or vegetable oil; butter or margarine. There's no need to bring every kind of oil/spread you own
Aluminum foil functions for both hot or cold applications, plastic only functions for cold uses
All-purpose seasonings: blend equal parts granulated onion and garlic instead of one container of each; bring one meat rub, specialty or all-purpose seasoning, not all of the individual ingredients to create your own spice blends while away
Animal crackers and dry cereal such as Cheerios double as snacks for you and your pet
Rice/Pasta: Long or quick cooking rice, not both. Pasta should be limited to one or two types that you consume most often
Beverages: Focus on the essentials such as coffee and purified water. If necessary, fill in with tea bags, lemonade mix or a two liter of soda
Wine/Beer/Liquor: Narrow it down to the basics such as one wine, beer and liquor, not the entire bar and every kind of mixer in your pantry
Examples include what you will wear from head to toe by time of the day:
Early Morning: Attire for taking the dog out, coffee on the patio
Morning: Breakfast at your place or in the highway hotel's common area
Mid-day: Work, shopping, errands, lunch, exercise, appointments, social or other activities
Late Afternoon: Beach or pool attire, sports wear, hobbies, exercise/hiking, work/online video calls, etc
Evening: Dinner at your favorite upscale or casual restaurant, nightlife, or just lounging around on your sofa for tv night
Bedtime: Sleepwear and everything needed for a good night's rest such as a robe and slippers, night creams and an eye mask
Don't overlook the items that accompany your attire:
Accessories: Belts, jewelry, purses, scarves, bags, canvas totes, etc
Hats: Sun hats, baseball hats, fashion hats and winter hats for the road trip to/from your destination
Jackets: Casual jackets such as windbreakers and lighter weight zip-up jackets as well as a trench coat for an evening out and cold weather jackets for the road trip
Examples include expensive items such as computers and electronics and travel-sized portions of bulk items
Vitamins and over the counter (OTC) wellness items purchased in bulk such as vitamins, supplements, energy/nutrition/fitness products, etc.
Vision: prescription eyewear, contacts, eye drops, sunglasses
Hearing: hearing aids, Q-tips, ear-related products
Rx items that may be seldom or occasionally used: aspirin, cough drops/cough syrup, tissues, cold/flu remedies, medications, etc
Jewelry: wedding rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, every day and special occasion pieces
Electronics: Electronics are such an integral part of our lives, there's a lot of components to remember to pack. Cables, connectors, computers, mini towers, monitors, printers (+ink and paper), surge protectors, the list is extensive.
Hobbies: Pickleball, golf, tennis, hiking, photography, picnics, etc. Whatever your thing is, don't forget to pack everything necessary to set up in your warm weather destination
Cash/Credit Cards/Checks: Although money is not a big ticket item, cash is king when traveling. You'll need to have plenty in small to large denominations for tips when on the road, cash-only vendors, parking and tolls and much more.
-- Unknown
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from or in connection with, the use of this website.
Through this website you are able to link to other websites which are not under the control of Midlife Snowbird. We have no control over the nature, content and availability of those sites. The inclusion of any links or advertisements does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
Prior to unloading anything, take extra precautions to sanitize the air and surfaces of your hotel room while in transit to your destination Snowbird Travel Precautions During A Pandemic Guidelines to Consider Prior to Your Road Trip Many snowbirds depart for their southern homes after …
Before becoming an RV snowbird, there’s many considerations including expenses and type of recreational vehicle [Miramar Beach, Florida] RV Snowbirds 21 Considerations Before You Buy a Recreational Vehicle Travel in recreational vehicles, known as “RV’s,” has always been a big thing, but with the 2020 …
For us, there's a long gap from the winter snowbird season until we begin again, so weekend getaways are an economical way to balance out the summer months. After many day trips to visit a gorgeous lakefront Midwestern resort, we decided to bring our dog and spend a weekend. Wow, was it impressive! I used to think it was necessary to drive further than an hour away to find paradise, but I've been proven wrong. This is why Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana is on our list of favorite summer places.
Snowbirds typically do not go on elaborate vacations during the off season, usually because they would rather invest the budget into more time in their snowbird homes. Weekend trips become a short-term way to balance the snowbird season.
This year, when planning our weekend getaway, I reasearched "glamping," which is luxurious camping with nicer accommodations than traditional camping. Generally, glamping involves a large beautiful tent set up with lamps, rugs and a real bed, so everything is ready upon arrival. I was looking for a safari-style camp site as seen on amazing travel web sites. However, in reality I couldn't find any nearby places that fit what I envisioned. Ironically, our visit to Oakwood Resort in Syracuse, Indiana became the perfect blend of lakeside resort-style glamping.
In the past, I thought it was necessary to travel by car at least four or five hours to feel a retreat is a true "getaway." In the past, this has included summer trips to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore; Four Winds Lakeside Inn on Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana; downtown Chicago, Illinois; and Lake Michigan including South Haven, Saugatuck, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City, Michigan. My husband has many fond memories at Lake Erie and Put-In-Bay, Ohio.
Now, I've changed my perspective about a summer retreat. I still want to visit places in surrounding states, but I'm more content considering places closer to home. And that is how our mini lake weekend came about.
For many summer celebrations and holidays, my husband and I sought out waterfront restaurants for day trips. After lunch we take a driving tour of the countryside, then return home. There have been visits to many charming places about an hour's drive away, but in recent years, we kept returning to one location in particular. And that is because not only does this lakeside restaurant serve delicious food, it is situated on the grounds of a beautiful resort hotel. After eating, we spent time next to the water watching the boats go past. It is a perfect way to spend an afternoon, but all too soon it is time to go home.
It was a natural progression to want to spend more time at this particular lake resort, so this summer we made that happen. You might find yourself in a similar situation. There may be a fantastic place within a relatively short drive that could potentially be your new favorite weekend getaway if you take a good look around. Search online and seek referrals. It could be a hotel resort, a bed and breakfast or perhaps a private home or cottage.
Oakwood Resort is located on upscale Lake Wawasee, Indiana's largest natural freshwater body of water. The full service resort is an hour's drive from our home and it features many amenities such as The Pier, a lakefront restaurant/bar; a salon and spa; boutique; sandy beach; tour boat; complimentary kayaks; firepit; tailgate games; game room; fitness room and marina slips for guests' boats.
Because the hotel is dog friendly, that was a significant factor in deciding to stay at Oakwood for our lake getaway. We requested and received a room that is well-suited for a pet.
We were assigned an over-sized corner room on the ground floor featuring an extra tall ceiling and extra large windows with fantastic dual views of the lake, a comfortable sparkling white king-sized bed, mini fridge and huge bathroom with two sinks, a separate lighted vanity area and Jacuzzi® tub. The floor is pet-friendly faux plank wood and has a full-sized white couch. The room is clean, inviting and conveys "home away from home" in a comforting way. It takes us back to our own lake cottage memories.
Outside the hallway door is a sun-filled game room with over-sized windows and an exterior door leading right to the water. Steps away are bright yellow Adirondack-style chairs in a grassy area, a beautiful gazebo, tailgate style games, a beach and a firepit with plentiful supply of chopped wood in a rack. This what makes it feel like "resort style" glamping -- being next to nature without all of the work. It truly is a carefree way to spend time.
At dusk, the staff builds a campfire and guests keep it well-stoked, roasting marshmallows for s'mores. Our bright, yellow and white room, with a great lake vibe, is comfortably furnished. Right outside the door is the right amount of connection with the great outdoors. We spread a large blanket on the grass for our Golden Retriever to unwind with us as we sip our beverages.
Sitting next to the peaceful lake in the afternoon and again under the stars on a clear night, takes me back to happy childhood memories of summer camp and weeks spent with my grandparents at their lake cottage in Northern Indiana. Our 24 hour getaway is just what we need for temporarily forgetting about work, enjoying breezy lakeside meals, mental and physical restoration and a sliver of time away from home. We plan to return again and again.
Even a short getaway requires planning and packing, which shouldn't be a big deal for snowbirds. Yet it's not always obvious to not pack too much, but enough to be prepared for anything. An overview of what we packed:
Small suitcase with rolling wheels
Extra tote bag
Camera with two lenses
Clothing for daytime and evening
Shoes
Sunglasses
Jewelry
Beach/pool wear
Jackets
Toiletries
Books/magazines
Cell phones and chargers
Blanket
Large cooler with ice packs
Small portable cooler, just in case
Beverages and filtered water
Plastic "champagne" glasses
Insulated travel cups
Insect repellent
Portable LED light
Hand sanitizer
Umbrellas
Tote bag
Collar with updated tags
Leash, short
Leash, long
Large water bowl
Small water bowl
Small food bowl
Kibble, portioned in plastic containers by number of servings
Travel water in a plastic jug
Dog bed
Chew bone
Vibration collar and remote control
♦ Morning of the trip, pack the vehicle
♦ Depart for destination several hours ahead of check-in
♦ Stop on the way for a leisurely outdoor lunch at a waterfront cafe; dogs are generally permitted on the patio of most restaurants
♦ Arrive at resort ahead of check-in for a leisurely stroll on the grounds, especially if travelling with a dog
♦ Check-in on time
♦ Unpack, unwind in the room, allow the dog time to get acclimated, especially if travelling is stressful for your pet
♦ Spend the rest of the afternoon outdoors, enjoying the water/beach/view/spa/tailgate games/amenities
♦ Dine with the dog on the patio at the resort restaurant
♦ Watch the sunset
♦ Enjoy the remainder of the evening stargazing outdoors next to the water/firepit/beach
♦ Retire to room
♦ Get up in time for breakfast at the hotel's restaurant
♦ Take another stroll around the resort and/or enjoy the amenities
♦ Pack, check out, load vehicle
♦ Dine with the dog on the patio at the resort's restaurant
♦ Depart for home
Summertime is the busiest season for resorts, so consider looking into alternate options to obtain better deals. Like everyone else, we would prefer a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night stay. However, the down side of that is everything is much busier and more expensive.
Two night minimums may apply to weekend peak season stays
By switching to a Sunday - Monday stay, our resort rate decreases by $100 per night and there are much better chances of a great room being available.
A Sunday or weeknight stay might mean a nicer waterfront table at the resort's restaurant.
Another incentive might be complimentary breakfast for weekday guests.
There will likely be less of a wait for resort amenities and less competition for basics such as outdoor lounge chairs during the week
Thirty minute tours of the lake on the resort's long boat are offered at no cost to weekday guests compared to $10 per person on weekends.
Look into special packages. Incentives might include extras such as a chilled bottle of sparkling wine, fruit platter and chocolate truffles delivered to your room plus an extended check out time.
Additional discounts may be available such as military, senior, pre-paid, etc.
Review all policies. There may be a cancellation clause requiring longer notice than a typical hotel, such as two weeks' instead of 48 hours.
Review the details so you are fully informed if any services will not be available during your stay. IE, some amenities such as weekday boat tours and reduced or no lunch hours at the restaurant may apply to stays during non-peak season.
Make a note of your room number if you like it so you can request it again.
Remember, not everything on your wish list will be available at your destination. Our favorite resort does not offer a swimming pool or outdoor jetted hot tub and that's ok. Per state law, we wouldn't be able to bring our dog into swimming pool areas anyway. It also does not have private balconies or patios, which mattered less to me after staying there and realizing the public green spaces are perfectly nice too.
It's worth changing your thinking to modify your mini vacation plans and get the best of the best for a much better price. The restoration of your mind, body and soul is worth every penny, not to mention creating priceless memories.
Note: No compensation or consideration was provided by any entity for this review. It is strictly for informational purposes.
-- William Langewiesche, American Author and Journalist
Our hosts’ welcoming front porch set the stage for their home which looks like it belongs in a magazine ROAD TRIP REPORT Road trips and summer are a perfect pair. And it only gets better when visiting snowbird friends in their Northern homes. So …