I don’t know about you but I was ready for spring to get here weeks ago, so I planned my first camp out for this weekend no matter what the weather was like. Well it was cold and or windy most of the weekend, however I enjoyed myself immensely (and I like to think my family did too!)
For our first camp out of the year, we went to Watkins Mill State Park and Historic Site. We’ve camped here before, and always like to come back for the wooded campsites and the well kempt walking trails and historic sites. Most of the campsites are gravel (there are a few concrete), with both 30 and 50 amp electrical sites available; sewer is not available, but the dump site is easily accessible. All of the campsites have ample trees and several have trees on two or three sides so you have a very private area if you wish.
I think the biggest draw to Watkins Mill is the lake and walking and biking trails. The trail around the lake is accessible from the campsites and is a 3.75 miles trail for walking and biking. Even though there was a chill in the air there were plenty of people and pets enjoying them. The trail is paved all the way around; there are streams and bridges, some rough patches, but otherwise smooth. There are some shorter trails near the Mt. Vernon Church and the Franklin School as well as near the visitors’ center, leading out to the mill. All the trails are pet friendly except for the one leading to the mill.
The area around the mill itself is accessed through the Visitor Center. Inside the center are examples of fabrics made inside the mill, findings from archeological digs in the area, the history of the mill and other odds and ends related to Watkins Mill and the family who ran it.
From the visitors center you can catch a tour of the house and mill (for a fee) or you can take yourself on a tour (which was my option). The trails leading to the house and mill are pea gravel, and to get to the house you cross a tree lined lawn that simply takes you back in time. You can see a historical outdoor kitchen, chickens and turkeys, bee hives, as well as an heirloom garden. All of the plants in the garden were available in the 19th century, so there are some varieties that aren’t seen very often anymore. I must admit, the garden is my favorite part, and I wish that is what my garden looked like. A little further down is the mill, with original equipment and a barn showing common farming machinery from the time period. Oh and sheep, because you can’t have a woolen mill without sheep.
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This Saturday (April 20th) they are hosting Spring on the Farm (I apparently went a week too early, stinks for me, great for you). You will be able to enjoy sheep shearing, a livestock display, heirloom garden planting, toy making, woodstove cooking, rag doll making, blacksmithing and more. The event is free of charge and both the Franklin School and Mt. Vernon Church will be open (normally you can only look in the windows).
Weekends from May 25th – August 11th Watkins Mill hosts a Living History Program with costumed interpreters presenting period activities of the late 19th century: gardening, woodstove cooking, laundry, weaving and children’s games.
I always seem to camp at Watkins Mill in the early spring or late fall – I think this year I need to make it again when they are in season.
For more information on Watkins Mill State Park and Historic Site:
http://mostateparks.com/park/watkins-mill-state-park
http://www.mostateparks.com/park/watkins-woolen-mill-state-historic-site
I plan on visiting several different local campsites this year, where is your favorite place to camp nearby?
-Samantha Derryberry
The cold snap this week has reminded me that it is in fact December, and while I love snow and cozying up by the fire, cold weather none the less leaves me dreaming of warmer climates.
My first thought is to head straight for a semi-tropic climate like Brownsville, TX. In Brownsville you can camp right on the beach as well as enjoy local activities like golfing on one of the many golf courses or fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. To enjoy the nature around you, visit the World Birding Center Resaca de la Palma State Park which features eight miles of trails on over 1,200 acres. If you want to do something in town, go experience the beautiful geometric statues at the Brownsville Museum of Fine Art.
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If you are in the mood to spend time in the great outdoors, Queen Valley, AZ is an adorable little town east of Phoenix, AZ where you can feel the cold melt away. Nestled in the mountains of Arizona, Queen Valley is filled with trails where you can truly enjoy the magnificence of the mountains. For a change in scenery, you could visit the Apache trail or the Phoenix Zoo, both a short drive away.
In Naples, FL, you can enjoy the Gulf coast any time of year! In Naples, everything is about the water. I love to go on everglade tours; some companies even offer manatee tours that promise, “If you don’t see a manatee, you don’t pay!” You can do almost anything ranging from airboat tours and kayaking, to sailing or just laying out on the beach.
My personal favorite is Palm Springs, CA. Not only are you surrounded by majestic mountains and rolling valleys, but you get the chance to experience some amazing adventures. Palm Springs has some of the most acclaimed mid-century modern architecture in the country. In February, they celebrate modernism week. Not only can you sign up to tour some of the most influential American architecture, but you also have the opportunity to go to a vintage trailer show. You can also go to one of the many scenic parks to enjoy the view or rent an ATV to race around the desert. The Living Desert Zoo represents the desert environments of North America and Africa and has a great variety of species. Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, home of one of the world’s largest collections of WWII airplanes. The bottom line is that Palm Springs has a little bit for everyone!
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Nothing represents winter more effectively than snowflakes and hot cocoa, but the warmth of Brownsville, Queen Valley, and Palm Springs will always continue to call me back!
Where is your favorite place to run to when with weather gets frigid?
Written by Samantha Derryberry, Guest Blogger
Whether you only have the weekend or perhaps a 2 week vacation, there are plenty of things to do in your own backyard! And if you are in need of an RV for your trip, please give Charlie a call for sales and Andrew for rentals. 816-587-1500 or 866-426-2247 Toll Free.
As most of you might know, NASCAR has added another race at our very own
Kansas Speedway - and it's happening on June 5th! Our Rental Department still has
a few RV's available for this race, so if you are in need of one - give them a call TODAY!
DID YOU KNOW...It's National Tourism Month!
Read on to learn about all of the events that are planned...
In recognition of the impact tourism has on the economy and state as a whole, Missouri will celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, May 7-15. Celebrations will occur in communities across the state with a variety of activities to highlight why “tourism matters.”
In southeast Missouri, the New Madrid Welcome Center, on Interstate 55, is serving coffee, cookies and candy. Representatives from local attractions will be on hand to talk about their business. Also, Tuesday-Friday, Welcome Center staff will clean your windshield.
In the southwest, visitors at the Joplin Welcome Center, on I-44, will be treated to cake on May 8; grape juice donated by Stone Hill Winery, May 10-11; and a free lunch of hot dogs, chips and iced tea on May 12. On the morning of May 14, the Gold Wing motorcycle group will wash car windows as a way of promoting motorcycle safety and tourism week. Throughout the week, staff members will serve cookies, popsicles, and other treats; plus, they will take photos to post on Facebook.
Along I-29, in the northwest corner of Missouri, the Rock Port Welcome Center is giving away little souvenirs donated by Coco Key Water Resort, and a Harrah’s Casino denim shirt (while supplies last). Cookies, candy and bottled water will be served.
In north central Missouri, on I-35, the Eagleville Welcome Center will have coffee and cookies. Missouri trinkets will be given to tourists who happen to say one of several “magic words,” which staff will select.
Other special activities and treats are planned at the remaining three Welcome Centers: St. Louis, on north I-270; Hannibal, on Route 61 South; and Kansas City, off of I-70, at the Blue Ridge Cutoff.
Citizens of Missouri have many reasons to celebrate tourism. Throughout the state, more than 281,000 people are employed in the tourism industry. In fiscal year 2010, direct tourism spending in Missouri totaled more than $7.42 billion, generating more than $638 million in Missouri tax revenues. In perspective, for every $1 the Missouri Division of Tourism invests in marketing tourism, visitors spend $53 at tourism-related businesses and events, generating $3 in state tax revenues and even more revenue at the local level.
Nationwide, the first full week of May is annually recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, established by Congress in 1984 to recognize the power of tourism, and to increase awareness of the economic contributions made by the travel and tourism industry. Direct spending by travelers in the United States averages $1.9 billion a day; $80 million an hour; $1.3 million a minute—$22,300 every second.
