Snowbird Lifestyle, Cuisine, Entertainment and Travel
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When my twin sister first announced she was coming home to the Midwest from Hawaii, she invited me to go on a "mini vacation within a vacation." We have travelled together in the past and share a love of historical artsy places such as Laguna Beach and Pasadena in California as well as the historic home of beloved American children's book author, Laura Ingalls Wilder in Mansfield, Missouri. So it was no surprise when my twin said Saugatuck, Michigan was tops on her list.
Saugatuck, located adjacent to Lake Michigan is all of the things that I love about a vacation destination. It is artsy, walkable, nostalgic and a thriving water-centric community. It is romantic and charming with an assortment of downtown and waterfront boutiques, bed and breakfast inns, shops, gourmet restaurants and art galleries. Many of the stately grand Victorian homes have been converted to host guests and there's plenty of cottages, small hotels and rentals both on and off the water. At night, the trees glow from the twinkling white lights wrapped around the trunks, similar to another fantastic tourist destination, Naples on southern Florida's Gulf Coast.
Local businesses cater to tourists and are known for their appeal to pedestrian vacationers. You can park your vehicle and not move it again until time to go home. Although one place you can't always park is along the downtown streets because many of the right-hand lanes have been converted into beautiful outdoor seasonal dining spaces.
There are also numerous activities for the outdoor enthusiast with all kinds of water activities, boating, fishing, hiking, climbing massive sand dunes, golfing and of course, the majestic beach shoreline of Lake Michigan. If you love wineries and vineyards, the surrounding Fennville area is known for grape vineyards and fruit trees. There is no shortage of tasting rooms of all kinds: wine, cider and craft beer.
Once a lumber town, Saugatuck, also known by many previous names, was settled in 1830 by William Butler. By the late 1800's, city dwellers from Chicago came to escape the heat. The Art Institute of Chicago began offering summer school classes on the Ox-Bow lagoon, which was created when the river was rerouted in 1906. The Institute officially established the Ox-Bow Summer School of Painting in 1913. Saugatuck became known as a tourist destination and artist colony. Saugatuck and her adjoining sister community, Douglas, Michigan now primarily rely on tourism.
What you won't find is slick chain restaurants, national or regional hotels or retail stores, which is why Saugatuck-Douglas is so appealing to guests who come from Chicago and throughout the Midwest and beyond. It retains the timeless original architecture of establishments and residences in a beautiful, unspoiled natural setting. Massive old trees can be found throughout and hand-painted signs welcome guests to a community with just one stoplight. Summer is the most popular season for vacationers when visitors pack the beaches and twin towns, especially for the Independence Day holiday. My sister and I arrived in early October when the last heat of summer is fading, the air is crisper and the leaves are slowly turning.
Many of the area attractions operate on a reduced or weekend-only schedule in the shoulder and winter seasons, which is helpful to know when planning a trip. Outdoor dining and water activities may or may not be available based on weather conditions. Rental rates may be reduced and it is much less busy than peak season. Some establishments close entirely from January until March.
Below is an overview of Saugatuck which is intertwined with the history of the dunes, as well as highlights from my Autumn tour and details of what I consider two favorite local establishments: The Hotel Saugatuck and Coast 236 Restaurant and Bar.
Please let me know your own personal experiences in the Saugatuck area. Ms. Lantz, a longtime friend of my mother-in-law loves the area so much she wrote a privately published book entitled, "Saugatuck, A Love Story," an excellent 100 page chronicle of her lifetime of Saugatuck vacations dating back to 1969, the first time she stayed at the iconic Ship-N-Shore Hotel - Boatel on Water Street and fell in love with Butler burgers at the Butler, which is still operating on the riverfront.
In the past, I have wondered why there are no major port cities located on the Eastern Shores of Lake Michigan. Nor are there major structures, such as high or even low rises along the coast. Although Saugatuck is adjacent to Lake Michigan, it is physically impossible to stand on the streets of Saugatuck or Douglas and view Lake Michigan, even though it is only a short distance away.
Saugatuck (pronounced Saw-gu-tuck) was originally settled in 1830 and the Native American Algonquin name means "situated on a lake at the mouth of a river." In Saugatuck's case, it is the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. The river flows directly to Saugatuck-Douglas in a westerly direction where it eventually widens into Lake Kalamazoo and then empties into Southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, part of the largest fresh water system in the entire world, The Great Lakes.
To understand the layout of Saugatuck, you need a basic understanding of the area's geography and the impact of Eastern Lake Michigan's massive, living sand dunes. Some dunes reach heights in excess of 200 feet, including infamous Mount Baldhead, which towers 236 feet high and is situated in-between Lake Michigan and the town of Saugatuck. The twin towns of Saugatuck-Douglas share borders with a common waterway, yet both are physically separated from Lake Michigan by the substantial sand dunes and the Kalamazoo River.
The largest dunes date back 3,000 to 4,000 years during a period of high water. The dunes form because storm surges and prevailing Western winds continually blow sand onto the Eastern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Dry sand on the beach is picked up by the wind. Small rocks, driftwood, vegetation and other natural elements cause the sand to accumulate. The blowing sand forms successive layers on the leeward side, which causes the dunes to "move" inland. Because the dunes are living, always shifting and changing due to the wind, this makes them unstable. With time, even mature trees can be "swallowed up" by the large dunes. Growing concerns arose that the over-steeping and eroding leeward side of Mount Baldhead would encroach, causing the Kalamazoo River to fill up with sand. Mount Baldy was purposefully planted with vegetation in 1887 to use a natural means to stabilize the sand and implement erosion control. Wooden steps were constructed to the top of Mount Baldy in 1930 to block erosion from foot traffic. The dome sphere at the top of the dune was constructed in 1964 by the United States government as part of a DEW line radar station. Now, the dome functions as a landmark and tourists flock to Mount Baldy to climb the steep 236 foot incline for the magnificent view.
Originally a town named Singapore was established to the North of Saugatuck in 1836 near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. Unlike Saugatuck, it was located directly on the shores of Lake Michigan hoping to rival other port cities such as Chicago and Milwaukee. At Singapore's height of prosperity, it had 23 structures and two sawmills and also had its own bank currency.
However, after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 Singapore began deforesting the area, shipping lumber 90 miles southwest to help rebuild Chicago. Ultimately, with a lack of trees providing stability, Singapore was abandoned by the late 1800's due to being swallowed by the ever-changing dunes. Like a Shakespearean Tragedy, Singapore sacrificed her trees which ultimately sacrificed herself. Singapore remains one of Michigan's most famous ghost towns, long-ago buried under the sands. Local lore suggests one resident refused to leave his home despite the encroaching sand dunes. He entered and exited through a second floor window until eventually the roof was completely buried beneath the sand.
Until now, I never knew why large high rises, hotels or even any commercial establishments are not located on the Eastern shores of Lake Michigan. It's due to the living dunes.
![One of several sculptures in the Rose Garden [Butler and Mason]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0680-LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021-scaled.jpg "0_0680 LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021")
![At night, the trees glow from the twinkling white lights wrapped around the trunks [Looking down Butler Street from Culver]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0133-Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006-scaled.jpg "0_0133 Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006")
When I'm new to an area, I begin by solidly researching options of where to stay and then dive into the details of dining options as well as area attractions. I visited Saugatuck nine years prior with my husband, but we stayed in Grand Rapids and toured Saugatuck for just one day while also checking out other beach town areas: Grand Haven and South Haven along Eastern Michigan's coastline.
My sister previously stayed in a carriage house at Serendipity, a centrally located bed and breakfast three years prior for an Independence Day holiday and wanted to try something different. Something different is what was delivered.
With the help of online photos, we fell in love with and booked The Lakeshore Suite at The Hotel Saugatuck, a bed and breakfast on Lake Street just after you cross the bridge bordering Douglas and Kalamazoo Lake. The building, listed on the Michigan Register of historic places, dates to 1865 and is the only original structure still standing from the local lumbering era. It underwent multiple changes and functions until the beginning of the 1900's when it became a boarding house. In 1922, a Chicago vaudeville banjo musician opened it as the Twin Gables Inn and Restaurant and invited his musician friends to play at the hotel where guests dined and danced. The Twin Gables Inn also was known to be frequented by members of Al Capone's gang during Prohibition in the 1920's. There's even a rumored bullet hole in a wall as a result of some sort of altercation over a "sweetheart" who worked at the establishment. In 1936 the Blue Star Highway was constructed and the State of Michigan relocated the building to its present spot. Lake Street was extended to connect with the Blue Star Highway and the hotel was simply in the way.
In 2016, the hotel was fully renovated into luxurious suites and The Lakeshore Suite features two electric fireplaces, a jetted bathtub in the primary living space, private enclosed porch, mini fridge and freezer, microwave, King-sized bed and amazing desserts delivered to our door at dusk and a gourmet breakfast each morning. Our suite's wooden floors, which are found throughout the hotel's original main floor, are stained a gorgeous dark brown and they squeak and creak when you walk on them.
The hotel is for adults only as a luxurious boutique destination for couples or travelers seeking respite. No pets are permitted and I must say it's really not suitable for pets and kids. There's a time and a place for family vacations, but it won't be at The Hotel Saugatuck.
Small cabins line the South side of the property and there's a tranquil 'secret' garden on the opposite side below the Blue Star Highway. Guests can borrow the hotel's bikes for a ride downtown or over the bridge to Douglas.
The Lakeshore Suite's porch is exactly front and center of the ground floor of the hotel. Prior to our arrival I envisioned walking out from the porch to sit next to the lake and read a book, as I do when staying at Oakwood Inn on Lake Wawasee. However, that didn't
happen. First, there's no exterior porch door, which is not a big deal. The larger issue is there's no public benches on this section of the lake, which means the hotel's "secret garden" is the best outdoor spot for reading, but we filled our time with other activities.
On the way to the hotel, we stopped at Modales Winery and Vineyard in the Fennville area for a wine flight and locally produced creamy cheese and hearty summer sausage with crackers. Fennville, Michigan is known for it's vineyards and there are many options to choose from. My sister trusted me to plan our itinerary and I selected Modales because I wanted us to visit a working winery, not just a tasting room.
Ambiance was also important and Modales has a beautiful warm wood-centric interior space and tasting room as well as porch and patio options. The view from the patio and covered porch is of pastoral rolling hills featuring not only grape vines, but beyond are the peach and cherry tree orchards.
Modales also has a rich history. The 26 acre working vineyard was planted over the past 100 years by a family considered a pioneer of the area. The land is ideal for producing grapes due to it's glacial sandy soil, climate and passage of time. The original family's 100+ year old home remains at the front of the property. The friendly service, ambiance, quality wine / hard ciders, history and view are why I highly recommend Modales winery. Next door the Virtue Cider apple orchard welcomes visitors for tours, tastings and events.
After our wine tour, it was a short 11 mile drive through the hilly countryside to The Hotel Saugatuck. After unpacking, my twin and I walked half a mile through a lovely waterfront residential area. We encountered massive tall trees, displays of pumpkins, lovely sunflowers, black squirrels, a small street-side patch of baby pumpkins plus a very dramatic steep hill with many steps leading to a hilltop home overlooking Kalamazoo Lake. Saugatuck is often described as "quaint," which by definition means, "attractively unusual or old-fashioned." I couldn't agree more.
It was a lovely evening and just the right amount of Autumn air, yet warm enough to dine outdoors. I had researched restaurants online prior to our getaway and made a great choice with Coast 236.
Coast 236 on Culver Street offers cloth napkins and tables covered in white tablecloths whether you dine in the street, indoors or in the serene patio garden. We had a great view of the indoor dining area from our garden table as well as lush green patio foliage. After an amazing gourmet meal of Jerusalem thistles with aioli sauce; seared diver scallops with citrus gnocchi and fried capers and Prince Edward Island mussels with saffron and chili
sauce, we strolled around downtown and then back to our hotel where a delicious dessert was waiting for us.
Each room at The Hotel Saugatuck has a portable "tv" tray outside the hall door and each evening at dusk the staff brings a different dessert to your tray. The first night we enjoyed fantastic homemade Michigan blueberry pie with a lattice crust. It is obvious the crust is made the proper way with lard and it was memorably delicious. The kind of dessert that you just don't find unless at a bakery or specialty shop. The second night we enjoyed a crumble-style bar stuffed with carrots, a cream filling and topped with a fresh sprig of rosemary. I've never had anything like it, but it was rich and flavorful.
Every evening we completed our breakfast menus and placed them at the front desk. There's three different meal and juice options and we both chose breakfast pizza the first morning. It was flat bread topped with melted cheese, prosciutto ham, arugula, tomatoes, eggs and artfully styled balsamic vinegar.
The second morning I ordered something I've never done before. I chose a Pecan Apple breakfast salad. As they say, "when in Rome." Before my sister travelled home to the Midwest, I had suggested I make my favorite salad for her for breakfast. I asked, "Do you think it's weird to eat a salad for breakfast?" It was the only time I was going to be able to cook for her during our visit and I wanted her to
try my salad, it's that good. Except I did not actually make the salad for my sister. So when the option to have a breakfast salad presented itself at The Hotel Saugatuck, I gave it a try. I felt it was meant to be. Sliced fresh avocado, goat cheese, greens, apples, pecans, homemade strawberry vinaigrette and a scrambled egg. Will I do it again? No, but I am proud of myself for stepping outside the box and taking a chance.
We loved our time in Saugatuck-Douglas, it was a relaxing and much-needed mini vacation within my sister's vacation. We meandered around the town for two days, leisurely taking photos, shopping a little here and there and exploring.
The local drug store has a nice large selection of souveniers. Ironically, if you are there to actually shop for pharmaceutical items, go to the back of the store to find those products. Quaint, yes. Quirky, absolutely.
We ate seafood every day at local favorites such as Mermaid's, Phil's, Everyday People Cafe in Douglas and of course, Coast 236. There are eateries too numerous to list, but definitely something for everyone.
After checking out of our hotel, we drove around Lake Kalamazoo and up the heavily forested two-lane road over the dunes to Mount Baldhead Park, the only way to access Oval Beach by vehicle. The popular beach received it's name due to the original oval-shaped parking lot. We spent time along the water's edge and then climbed back up the dunes to the parking lot. The Oval Beach recreation area has public restrooms, barbecue grills, picnic tables, hiking trails and a ramp-accessible overlook with stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Next we headed back through the woods and over the dunes to the river side of Mount Baldhead Park. To get to this area of the park, it's only accessible via a very narrow dead-end road. There's a retaining wall on one side and a guard rail next to the river on the other. We visited the riverfront and historic pump house overlooking the Kalamazoo River, then my sister ascended the 300+ stairs leading to the top of Mount Baldy. She was rewarded with amazing views of Saugatuck and Lake Michigan.
We returned to Saugatuck for a street-side lunch of seared scallops at Phil's, which is located in an old theater, enjoying one last meal and trek around the charming streets. Even in the Autumn shoulder season, Saugatuck is enticing and enchanting. We look forward to returning again to an unspoiled "pure Michigan" place where time stands still for awhile.
Saugatuck-Douglas features something for almost everyone including solo travelers, families, couples and all age groups. It is known as an inclusive community as well as a social village. Some of the many area attractions include the places listed here. There's many more that are easily found online and through referrals.
Cook Park
Coghlin Park
Jones Park
Mount Baldhead Park
Oval Beach on Lake Michigan
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Wick's Park
Boating charters
Dune ride tours
Fishing charters
Lake Michigan Shoreline Wine Trail
Saugatuck Chain Ferry "Diane" from Memorial to Labor Day weekend
Saugatuck Performing Arts Center
Star of Saugatuck Paddleboat
Wineries/vineyards, craft beer and cider tours
Dining options in season range from very casual to upscale. Ice cream shops, coffee houses, pubs, pizza places and much more can be found throughout the area. Downtown establishments are all locally owned and operated, there are no chain stores of any sort. Even the small food market and drug store are "old school." Specialty shops offer local products such as cheese and wine; yet others sell clothing, specialty goods, souveniers or globally sourced fair-trade products. Art galleries, live entertainment and much more are all within the community. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts offers many different types of classes, live performances, art and outdoor topiary gardens.
Although there are no national hotels in the downtown area of Saugatuck-Douglas, rental homes are available, as well as local hotels, motels, inns and bed and breakfasts. There's also cottages and private homes for rent.
![Dining in the street is popular in season [Coast 236 on Culver Street]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0022-Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006-scaled.jpg "0_0022 Coast236_Saugatuck_20211006")
![Enticing entrances [Tuck's Christmas Store, Butler and Hoffman]](https://midlifesnowbird.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/0_0618-LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021-scaled.jpg "0_0618 LKS_Saugatuck_Oct2021")
♦ Consider the time of year when planning your trip to Saugatuck-Douglas. Summer is the busiest peak season, especially during summer holidays such as Independence Day. Winter is the off season and the amenities and services may be closed or reduced in January, February and the first part of March.
♦ Saugatuck is a walkable community which means public street parking is not readily available, especially for busy weekends, festivals and the peak season. There are a few on-street parking spaces near the restaurants, shops and private parking if you are staying in the area. During busy times, be prepared to take a driving tour of the community if no parking is available. Or consider parking in a public lot several miles away and hire a private transportation service to drop you off.
♦ Oval Beach on Lake Michigan has public parking and restrooms, BBQ grills, a children's play area and hiking trails. Be aware there is a steep incline to go down to the water's edge and back. There is a ramp-accessible overlook and benches for those who do not wish to traverse the steep sand dunes. During peak season there is a parking fee. Dogs are not permitted on the beach. Beware of rip tides prior to swimming or entering the water.
♦ Bring a quality camera to capture the details, large and small.
♦ Allow enough time to look around, there's a lot to see. If you have only a few hours, head downtown and roam around from there.
♦ There are many architectural moods and styles within Saugatuck-Douglas. Don't assume that because you've seen one street or neighborhood that another will be the same, they are all unified yet quite different.
-- Unknown
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Travel in recreational vehicles, known as "RV's," has always been a big thing, but with the 2020 global pandemic, it has grown in popularity even more. You don't even have to be a snowbird to envision life in a recreational vehicle. Families of all ages are exploring America in RV's for old-fashioned, adventurous road trip vacations the way it used to be.
The obvious reasons for the camping surge include being self-contained in one's own housing unit to avoid the spread and risks of contracting Covid-19. However, there are numerous other examples of why RV's and snowbirds go together like sunshine and southern states. Recreational vehicles allow flexibility in travel plans, ownership vs. renting a place and control over one's environment. No one but you need come and go from your RV or decide when and where you want to be. However, there are serious considerations before making a purchase and hitting the open road. There's a huge difference between a week in an RV compared to an entire winter.
RV's can be very expensive to own and operate; therefore, a realistic budget is essential. However, there's much more to mull over before jumping into the RV lifestyle. I've segmented into categories to make it easier to weigh the pros and cons.
Many people envision how they think their life in an RV would be, but actual extended time living in an RV are two entirely different realities. The best cautionary advice I can offer is try it out first before making any sort of commitment.
A neighbor once told me she and her husband planned to sell their 3,500 square foot home, get rid of their possessions and buy a recreational vehicle so they can travel the country like they've always dreamed. Warning bells went off when I learned they had zero experience with the RV lifestyle. They did sell their home, but a drastic lifestyle change to this level is never a good idea without trying it out first.
RV dreams and perceptions: Life on the open road exploring the country, meeting new people, enjoying a variety of beautiful scenery, uncrowded, spacious private campsites with quality amenities and freedom!
RV reality: Compact interior space, lack of storage, tiny galley and bathroom, limited miniature appliances, laundromats, emptying the sewage sludge, and the sights and sounds of neighbors with not much space in-between rigs.
When I was a teen, my family traveled the country in several different styles of campers. We spent summer vacations on the road anywhere from one to three weeks at a time and visited almost all of the major national landmarks. It was fun and exciting, yet it cured me of ever wanting to adapt the lifestyle. I know an RV is not a good fit for me, so I'm sharing my extended family's
experiences. Everyone has different objectives, needs and skills and must prioritize their own wishes.
Before becoming snowbirds, my in-laws were considering purchasing property vs. the flexibility of being able to move around different areas in an RV. Since then, they have tried out several options including purchasing several 30 foot trailers, a motor coach with slide outs, a fifth wheel with slide outs and most recently, renting a park model in southern Florida. Each has pros and cons.
Before getting too swept up in your RV dreams, determine if you and/or your spouse or partner are comfortable driving the rig of your choice.
Most people don't have professional driving experience. It certainly is a very helpful skill, yet you may not have thought about the need for a commercial driver's license, which may be required even for non-commercial vehicles. For recreational vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWR) over 26,000 pounds including a towed unit with a GVWR over 10,000 pounds, a commercial driver's license (CDL) is required in the United States per federal and state law.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) includes the maximum safe weight for travel which includes:
--The empty vehicle
--Passengers
--Fuel
--Cargo
--Accessories
--Tow trailer
--Tow vehicle if applicable
If you are not comfortable with the thought of safely maneuvering your travel trailer or motor coach through the terrain and weather conditions to arrive at your destination, this is probably not the best choice for you.
Along those same lines of thought, are you mechanical in any way? Having an interest and ability to make accurate technical assessments and small repairs are very helpful skills for RV snowbirds.
Health issues such as impaired vision or back pain make driving an RV even more daunting. No one is aging backwards, so don't forget to think about how many years you will be able or want to drive and set up your rig. Not only that, but can you and your spouse easily get up and down the three to four steps to the door of your trailer or motor coach? Plus several more steps once inside the motor coach? It's enough to get safely in and out without the added burden of lugging groceries, pets, luggage, and laundry.
As with just about anything, budget sets the tone for what you can lease or purchase. If you aren't sure which direction to go with the size and type of RV, rent a unit similar to what you are considering for a shorter term prior to departing for an entire season. Love or hate it, you'll soon know how you feel. A candid conversation with your financial advisor/s is smart before making any permanent decisions. Do not get in over your head because used RV's will more than likely lose value if you try to resell them.
Look at the options from top to bottom: Motor coach? Trailer? Fifth wheel? New? Pre-owned? There's a wide range of prices depending on your criteria. Surprisingly, I found web sites offering used trailer campers for around $5,000 and decent-looking used motor coaches for $75,000. These options are not going to have the amenities you may be dreaming of such as updated decor, modern furniture, slide-outs and an in-unit washer and dryer. If you're looking for a spacious new RV, the prices will be reflected accordingly and this is where you should compare the costs and benefits of owning a recreational vehicle versus owning a condo, park model or second home.
Who will be driving the recreational vehicle? Is the driver comfortable with parking; backing up and maneuvering tight spaces such as small fuel centers in rural towns; mountainous terrain; heavy traffic and foul weather situations? Can the driver pass a CDL test if needed? If there will only be one driver, how many hours is realistic for each day on the road? The larger and heavier the RV, the longer it will take to get to your destination. If there's only one driver and that person doesn't feel well, will you be prepared to shelter-in-place until able to resume again?
A trailer home is typically pulled by an appropriately matched pick-up truck. This is great for being able to leave the trailer at your RV park to run errands as needed. Motor coaches need to tow a small vehicle for snowbird purposes because no one wants to have to tear down their camp site just to run out for groceries in their motor coach. If you don't already own a small towable vehicle or pick-up truck, add that to your budget and don't forget to factor it into the fuel efficiency and GVWR.
Fuel, toll roads, weigh station fees, food, lodging, maintenance and more should be thoroughly accounted for. The more weight and wheels on your RV will add to the cost of the tolls and weigh stations and it can also affect the lot rental rate at your destination. Fuel efficiency isn't typically on my mind when I drive around my city, but it certainly would be if I'm driving a motor coach across the country and back.
To the inexperienced RV snowbird, it may not be immediately obvious that when you travel to and from your winter destination, there will likely be a need to stay somewhere en route at least one or two+ nights.
Option A is to stay in your own RV, right? Simple enough. Except you are road weary and campgrounds are not necessarily easily accessible from a major interstate highway. If you book a place or park in a rest area, it will be necessary to either set up your RV or camper, then tear it all down before hitting the road again. Or do without the full hook-up and spend days on the road without access to electricity, water and sewage. Depending on your RV, experience and the type of site, it can take anywhere from 15 to 75 minutes just to set up.
Option B is to stay in a hotel, which adds to your costs, and the parking lot needs to be able to accommodate your recreational vehicle. Make sure the hotel is pet friendly if you have your fur baby with you. Option B is what my husband's family chose to do for their three day trek from Northern Ohio to the southern border of Texas.
What kind of travel route will you be taking? In theory it sounds great to meander to and from your snowbird destination, taking side trips to see the charming sights. In reality, can your motor coach make it to these side trips? Most people wouldn't even attempt to drive a 30 foot trailer or motor coach too far off the main highway if not entirely confident the road conditions would accommodate it. Some remote areas of the country, particularly in Southwestern states don't have travel plazas every 50 miles. Can your RV rig make it between fuel centers in less populated areas?
Prior to departure, you should have your RV and tow vehicle thoroughly checked out by a qualified technician. However, if you have mechanical problems en route, will you be able to get your rig serviced within a fairly quick timeline? Parts can be tricky to get, but that could be the least of your mechanical problems. Getting a "tow" to a travel plaza, finding a qualified mechanic with proper diagnostic technology and a place that is open on the weekends or late at night may not be readily available. No one ever has flat tires or mechanical problems when it's convenient.
Do you have a place to store your RV in the off season? If you live in a city or neighborhood with a restrictive homeowner's association (HOA), storage costs will add to the budget. Rural residents have an improved chance to park their unit on their property if they have the acreage or out buildings to accommodate their home on wheels.
What kind of RV community do you envision? Mountains? Desert? Woodland? Open sky? Lake? River? Beach? What about the size of the place? Small and intimate? Large and varied? ADA-accessible sites? There's many options available at several price points.
Truthfully, I thought renting space with any sort of beach or ocean view was a long shot, but an online search shows it is available for a price. In Northwest Florida not far from Destin, there is a large resort community, Camp Gulf, with 16 lots for recreational vehicles to stay right on the sand of the beach. Amazing! This year, they advertise a winter monthly rate of approximately $1,325, which is not cheap, but I didn't even think it was possible to camp on the beach. Of note, beach lots at this resort do not permit dogs due to local health regulations.
Read the online reviews. You can learn a lot from the comments for any given RV community and it's an eye-opener. Everything from comments about the management style to the size of the pool, maintenance noise in the early mornings as well as nearby amenities, it's all out there. If the same complaints keep coming up, look into it further and find out if the recurring problems have since been addressed.
Much of the appeal of RV communities is the network of residents of the community. If you plan to stay awhile and develop friendships, choose your community wisely. If you prefer traveling to many places for shorter visits at each one, you can try out a variety of communities without too much emotional investment.
With the current global pandemic, reservations are high in demand, so plan accordingly. Many communities offer winter rate discounts if you book multiple months. Read the fine print, it isn't uncommon to require your rig be onsite by January 1st to qualify for monthly rates through the month of May if you plan to stay during the most popular dates.
Rates and cancellation terms are important to be aware of. Read the policies, terms, deposit, add-on fees, tax rates and penalties carefully. Your rate may be charged based on the date of arrival, not the date advertised at the time of your reservation. Don't assume your rate is locked in unless your signed contract specifically says it is. Most places will not offer a refund for departing ahead of your paid date and you may be penalized or unwelcome to come back if you do not depart on time.
This may come as a surprise, but the age of your RV may cause it to be excluded from some communities. There may be restrictions on how many people are allowed per lot (ie, two) without incurring additional fees. Only one additional vehicle is typically allowed per site. Failure to comply with the rules could result in a hefty fine and/or removal from the park without refund. Many communities state on their web sites that they strictly enforce the rules.
Keep in mind, even with winter rates, your lot rent can run as much as $1,500 per month for an RV community such as Geronimo RV Park, in Miramar Beach Florida. Per their web site, their community is affordable and this may be in part because there is no onsite pool, rec room, gym or playground and it is about a 7 to 10 minute two-block walk to the public beach access. Daily rates for September 2020 through January 2021 at Geronimo are shown as $72 for a full hook-up, paved pull-through site.
Military, AAA and other discounts may be available in the off-season, but don't expect discounts during prime season other than possibly a 3% cash discount.
Many consider the perfect RV camp site to be shaded, spacious, paved, private and level with access to full hook-ups. Generally, quality amenities are preferred vs. quantity.
What amenities are important to you? Onsite laundry? Onsite sundries store? Clean, modern restrooms? Full hook-ups? Cable and high speed wi-fi? Security such as a gated community? A heated pool? Hot tub? Club house? A beautiful, shady, flat lot with landscaping? Community organized social events?
Regarding the greater community, do you want access to golf? Tennis? Biking and hiking trails? Shopping? Restaurants? Entertainment? Grocery stores? Fuel centers? Craft breweries, pubs and wineries? Parks and waterways? Hospitals? Churches? Banks?
Think about the activities of your daily life, how you like to relax and what is most important for the community amenities that will work within your budget.
Not every camping community allows pets. Or they may restrict pets to the type, breed, number and size/weight. Do your homework before you arrive so there's no surprises. Is there adequate space for your pet? Can the pet easily climb into and out of your rig? Onto your bed and the furniture? Is there space for the pet to stretch out and sleep? If pets are stressed, they won't do well and likely neither will you.
Pets should never be left unattended in an RV for more than a few minutes, there's too much that can go wrong with AC or the power going out and temperatures can quickly increase to unsafe levels.
Can you live in a 200 square foot space for one, three or six months of the year? This is a big issue not to be taken lightly. Think about it. Perhaps you like to hang out with the neighbors, stay up late, watch TV and sleep in and your travel companion likes to retire early and get up early. This may work fine at home, but in a small space, it's not so easy since it's harder to get away from each other. Sharing one small sink, shower and commode in one tiny bathroom is another huge adjustment.
Small spaces can bring couples together, but it can also heighten frustration and tension. If the weather is inclement for a period of days or weeks, will being indoors all the time drive you crazy? On TV, they try to make tiny houses look appealing, yet no one ever says what the success rate of actually living in one is for more than a month.
Most RV communities offer parking for your motor home or trailer plus one vehicle. Guests and guest parking are typically restricted and some places also restrict the number of people permitted to stay on a camp site. For snowbirds, this is less likely of a concern unless you decide to host friends and family from home.
Boats and RV's require the most creative storage due to necessity. Hooks, pegs, Velcro® and other organizational gadgets help maximize space, as well as multi-use functionality of your cargo. Much thought should be put into how and what should be packed with only the most hard-working items to be included. Items must be able to be secured when in transit for safety and to prevent breakage. Child-proof locks are the norm on cabinet doors. If you are lucky enough to own a unit with a small closet and under-the-bed dresser drawers, there won't be much space for clothes or shoes as in your northern home. If you typically keep shoes, laundry, a pet bed and other things on the floor, you'll probably be tripping over them in your recreational vehicle.
Many people eat out a lot and this is a viable option for many RV snowbirds who live in a community with plenty of options. For those who primarily cook their meals, it's a huge consideration. Tight counter space and storage, plus limited compact appliances such as a range and refrigerator make it very difficult to prepare meals the way you would in a traditional home. More frequent trips to get supplies need to be factored in.
Outdoor life is a major part of the RV lifestyle, and that includes cooking over an open campfire or grilling on a camp stove. Picnic tables provide functional dining space that often is in short supply indoors. If your plans primarily include outdoor cooking to free up space and keep the heat out of the interior, inclement weather is not ideal. As mentioned before, are you able and willing to take food, supplies and dishes up and down the steps each time you prepare an outdoor meal?
Do you mind washing dishes by hand? If not, good, but it's another consideration of preparing meals in your recreational vehicle.
On what kind and size of bed will you be sleeping? If you and your spouse are accustomed to separate bedrooms because someone snores and/or has a CPAP machine, can you make it work with a shared double or queen-sized bed? It's almost unheard of to find an RV with a king-sized bed unless it has slide-outs. Tall people need to make sure the bed is long enough to accommodate them. The mattress and hopefully box springs need to be reasonably comfortable.
Motor homes with the bed above the cab present challenges such as climbing into or out of it, as well as making the bed or changing the sheets.
If your RV has air conditioning, are you able to sleep with the possibly loud hum of the AC running all night? AC in RV's tends to be difficult to evenly regulate, so you may alternate between being too hot or too chilly. If your RV doesn't have AC, are you able to sleep in a hot, humid or stuffy environment?
One more important aspect to sleeping in your RV, if it isn't completely level, it isn't much fun to feel like you're going to roll onto the floor or into the wall.
Brooms, mops, hand-held vacs and disposable paper towels are the norm for recreational vehicles. Laundry is typically accomplished at an onsite or nearby laundromat, but some motor coaches have very compact stacked washers/dryers in them. Everything, including leaves, dirt and mud, tends to track into your RV at a more noticeable rate when the space is small. Do you have a plan of where and how you'll get the ocean salt or dessert sand washed off the exterior of your rig?
What security measures are important to you? Some RV resorts offer gated access, but even with a gate, adequate security isn't a given. Besides obvious methods such as locking all of your doors and windows, keeping cash and valuables at home and/or out of sight and being vigilant, there's other strategies. Consider upgrading your standard locks and adding a camera system designed for RV's. Thoroughly check all state and local laws regarding carrying firearms for each state you plan to traverse.
Privacy is another huge consideration, which I've listed last, but is by no means least of the priorities. Are you OK with living within earshot next to multiple neighbors in every direction?
For those who like the social life of RV communities, this is a fantastic benefit. There's a comaraderie that neighbors develop when living in close quarters. People get to know each other much more easily, share meals, experiences, stories and gain a new network of friends who truly care about each other.
However, the flip side is maybe you don't want to wave "hello" or have spontaneous drop-in visitors when sitting in your lawn chair reading a book. Worse, maybe there's a barking dog or a loud neighbor -- or perhaps you are the loud neighbor -- who becomes annoying. If you are having a heated disagreement with your spouse, are you both able to keep it off the radar and not raise your voices?
Before jumping into the snowbird RV lifestyle, seek input from others who have experience and read everything you can find online and from other sources. Many RV snowbirds absolutely love the sense of adventure, the freedom and the social connections. They are passionate and willing to take chances. If this is you, consider giving it a try. If it isn't a good fit, you can always make adjustments, such as eventually moving into a park model, traditional mobile home or even a condo or single family home. But you'll never know until you try.
-- Unknown
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Ivy Green Anne Sullivan and Helen Keller Master Bedroom The famous well pump The plantation’s cottage The cottage’s main room 150 year old gardens, the brown community building and the kitchen The Kitchen and Cook’s Quarters The Kitchen Museum room Ms. Keller’s first Braille typewriter …
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
Summer weekend getaway to Chicago along the River Esplanade The Off Season Besides daydreaming about their warm climate home, what do snowbirds do during the off season? Embrace Your Primary Home It’s easy to get swept up in your winter home, after all it’s what …