Destination Unknown

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  • Salem, Massachusetts: A Spooky and Spectacular One-Day Itinerary

    Salem, Massachusetts: A Spooky and Spectacular One-Day Itinerary

    Salem, Massachusetts

    Salem, Massachusetts is famous for its dark past, particularly the witch trials that took place in the late 17th century. Today, the city embraces its witchy history and offers a spooky atmosphere year-round. The downtown area is easily walkable and offers plenty of things to see and do, including quirky shops, local pubs, and historic buildings.

    The city honors witches, both former accused and fictional, such as Sabrina from the Bewitched TV series and the Sanderson sisters from the Hocus Pocus movie. Salem is also a seaside town, making it a great destination for architecture and maritime enthusiasts. 

    Our family visited spooky Salem, Massachusetts by RV in August 2020. Our little ones were 4,3 and 1.5 at the time, and we found that there were plenty of age-appropriate spooky activities for them to participate in the downtown area. One-day was the perfect amount of time to stay in the city before moving on to greener pastures. In this blog, I explain why you should visit Salem and things to do for all ages.

    Is Salem, Massachusetts worth visiting?

    Absolutely! Salem is a unique city that offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. The downtown area is family-friendly and has plenty to see and do, even with young kids. With a population of just over 40,000, Salem is a small city that is easily explored in a day.

    Things to Do in Salem, Massachusetts

    Included below is a list of activities to help you explore Spooky Salem. If you purchase any of the guided tours linked below, then you will likely visit some of these landmarks (like the Salem Witch Museum and Salem Witch Memorial) as part of the tour.

    Guided tours start at $25 per person and increase depending on the length of the tour and what is included like entrance fees. Gratuity is not typically included so please tip your tour guide 15%-20% at the end of your tour.

    1. Walk around downtown – Take a stroll through the historic downtown area and admire the architecture.
    2. Tour a haunted house – Salem is known for its haunted houses, and there are plenty to choose from.
    3. Tour the mall – Visit the Salem Witch Mall and pick up some witchy souvenirs.
    4. Go on a haunted night walking tour – Learn about Salem’s spooky history on a ghost tour.
    5. Go on a haunted day walking tour – Love the spookiness, but not at night? Just take a daytime version of the popular haunted night tour instead.
    6. Take a self-guided tour – If you walk to the beat of your own drum or just need more flexibility than a self-guided tour of Salem is just for you. This tour does not include admission fees to museums.
    7. Visit the Statue of Samantha – Fans of the Bewitched TV series will love this statue of Samantha in downtown Salem.
    8. Visit the Salem Witch Museum – Learn about the witch trials and the history of witches in Salem.
    9. Visit the Peabody Essex Museum – This museum has a collection of art and artifacts that showcase the city’s maritime history.
    10. Take a trolley tour – Sit back and relax on a trolley tour of the city.
    11. Visit the House of the Seven Gables – This historic house is the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name.
    12. Check out the Witch Dungeon Museum – Learn about the witch trials and see a reenactment of a witch trial.
    13. Visit the Pirate Museum – explore this child-friendly museum that highlights the history of the pirates that stalked the waters around Salem.

    Where to Stay

    If you’re looking for a spooky place to stay in Salem, there are plenty of options. 

    Two highly rated bed and breakfasts in the area are The Salem Inn and The Hawthorne Hotel. 

    1. The Salem Inn is a collection of historic homes that have been converted into a bed and breakfast. The average nightly rate for The Salem Inn is around $200.
    2. The Hawthorne Hotel is a historic hotel that was built in 1925. The Hawthorne Hotel is around $250.
    3. RV Parking: We parked overnight in downtown in our RV. Though not a long-term plan, it was perfect to have a centrally located spot when we woke up. We simply had to pay the meters before we walked out.

    Where to Eat

    There are plenty of great restaurants in the downtown area of Salem. Here are a few highly-rated options.

    1. The Lobster Shanty – This seafood restaurant is known for its lobster rolls and fried clams.
    2. Turner’s Seafood – Another great seafood restaurant, Turner’s is known for its clam chowder and lobster bisque.
    3. Adea’s Mediterranean Kitchen – This restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and has a great outdoor patio.
    4. Bambolina – This pizzeria is known for its wood-fired pizzas and has a great selection of craft beer.

    Plan Your Trip

    Here are some useful resources to help you plan your trip to Salem:

    How to Get to Salem

    Salem is easily accessible by car, train, or public bus. If you’re flying in, Boston Logan International Airport is the closest airport to Salem.

    Traveling to or from Boston

    Boston All-Inclusive Pass

    Looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the best of Boston? The Boston All-Inclusive Pass is your go-to solution! With access to more than 40 top-notch activities, attractions, and tours, you can easily create your own itinerary, while saving up to 45% compared to buying individual attraction tickets. Choose from a variety of pass durations ranging from 1 to 7 days, and visit as many attractions as you like within that time. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore Boston hassle-free!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Hocus Pocus filmed in Salem?

    No, Hocus Pocus was actually filmed in various locations throughout Massachusetts, but not in Salem. However, the movie has become synonymous with the town and has helped to popularize its witchy reputation.

    What happened in Salem Massachusetts?

    Salem is best known for the Salem Witch Trials, a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts in the late 17th century. Over 200 people were accused, and 20 were executed. The trials have since become a symbol of the dangers of superstition and persecution.

    Is one day enough in Salem?

    Absolutely! One day in Salem is definitely worth it and there’s plenty to see and do in this historic town. You can explore the downtown area, visit the Salem Witch Museum, tour a haunted house, take a ghost tour, and so much more. Plus, many of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to see a lot in a short amount of time. Additionally, with its variety of restaurants and cafes, you can indulge in the delicious local food scene, from fresh seafood to artisanal pizzas. One day is definitely enough to experience the spooky and spectacular atmosphere of Salem, Massachusetts.

    Is Salem, Massachusetts a real place?

    Yes, Salem, Massachusetts is a real city located in the United States. It is well-known for its rich history, particularly the infamous Salem Witch Trials that occurred in the late 1600s. The city has many historical landmarks and museums dedicated to the witch trials and its impact on American history. These days, it is a popular tourist destination for those interested in the spooky and witchy atmosphere of the city, as well as its vibrant food and arts scene.

    What is Salem, Massachusett’s past known for?

    Salem, Massachusetts is known for its dark past related to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts, which resulted in the execution of 20 people, 19 by hanging and one by pressing. The trials and executions are now widely considered to be a miscarriage of justice, and have become a significant part of the town’s history and cultural identity. Today, the town honors its past by offering various tours, museums, and attractions related to witchcraft and the trials.

    What is present-day Salem Massachusetts known for?

    Present-day Salem, Massachusetts is known for its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. It’s still well-known for its witch trials history, but the city has evolved to embrace and celebrate all things witchy and spooky year-round. Salem is also known for being an LGBTQIA+ friendly destination, with a vibrant community and a welcoming atmosphere.

    The city’s food scene has grown in recent years, with a variety of restaurants and cafes offering a diverse range of cuisines, including seafood, Italian, and vegetarian options. Salem also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many galleries, museums, and cultural institutions.

    Salem has a hip vibe and a growing number of boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores. In addition, the city’s waterfront is a popular destination, with scenic views, beaches, and a bustling harbor. Overall, Salem is a unique and exciting destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just having a good time.

    Conclusion

    Salem, Massachusetts is a unique and fascinating city and it offers just the right amount of spooky and spectacular in a one-day itinerary for families. With its historic architecture, quirky shops, and spooky atmosphere, there is plenty to see and do in Salem, whether you’re a history buff or a fan of the supernatural. 

    From ghost tours to the Salem Witch Museum, there’s something for everyone in this charming seaside town. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the witchy wonder of Salem, Massachusetts!

    Let me know in the comments if you’ve been, and what you loved doing the most.

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  • Are Skoolies Allowed in National Parks? Myths Answered!

    Are Skoolies Allowed in National Parks? Myths Answered!

    It depends if you’re visiting for the day or wanting to camp overnight. If visiting for the day, national parks will allow skoolies to park just like they would any tour bus or another RV. The park staff will direct you on where to park in the designated tour bus and RV parking area, if any. If you are trying to camp overnight in your school bus conversion at the national park, then you should review their booking requirements since national park campsites often have rig length restrictions. In our experience, the parks don’t mind the school bus conversion quality and age of the rig, but the length restriction is clearly stated as a restriction.

    Hildebus Skoolie parking in a national park during the day

    National Parks and skoolie length restriction

    Many national parks restrict rig length to under 35 feet, some sites only go up to 25 feet. Our HildeBus skoolie is 40 foot long and we could not camp overnight at any national parks but we were invited to park during the day and visit the national park without issue. 

    Skoolie Camping in RV Parks

    Fortunately, there are many RV parks surrounding most national parks that do accommodate school bus conversions. If you’re curious about RV park camping in your skoolie and what questions to ask before booking, then read our helpful article here.

  • One easy day trip to Alpine Helen, Georgia with kids

    One easy day trip to Alpine Helen, Georgia with kids

    Is Helen, Georgia worth the hype?

    Overall, yes. Helen offers the American-version of German Bavaria while sprinkling in its own southern charm as it sits along the Chattahoochee River and within the Blue Ridge Mountains. You certainly won’t find many places like Alpine Helen, Georgia any where else in the United States. The town was inspired by the Bavarian region of Germany, where you’ll find traditional wooden buildings with “gingerbread” carpentry, small villages, traditional festivals like Oktoberfest and delicious beers.

    Of course, it doesn’t hold a flame next to the real deal: the region of Bavarian is found in southeast Germany, which really is the stuff of fairy tales, especially during Christmas.

    Want the Real Deal in Germany?
    Read the Ultimate Guide to The Best Christmas Markets in Munich, Germany

    Table of Contents

    How many days do you need to visit Helen, GA?

    One to two days. You only need one day to walk the small town, grab a meal at a German-inspired restaurant, ride the Alpine slide a few times, and then visit a winery like The Cottage Vineyard and Winery. If you plan to go tubing on the Suwannee river that runs through the town, then you should spend an extra day floating around the town.

    Take a look at the free two day travel itinerary that I made to help you have a relaxed time in beautiful Alpine Helen, Georgia.

    Two day family-friendly travel itinerary to Helen, Georgia

    If I could create my ideal itinerary to Helen, Georgia, this would be it.

    Snag this free travel itinerary to two relaxing days of things to do in Helen with little ones. It includes hanging around downtown, tubing and a wine tasting. That’s a winner in my book.

    Grab the free 2 day itinerary to Alpine Helen Georgia

    One day of things to do in Helen, Georgia

    This German-inspired town isn’t very big and offers just enough fun things to do for a young family on an afternoon.

    1. Activities like the Alpine slide & tubing
    2. Dining in town
    3. Shopping
    4. RV camping nearby

    How do I spend a day in Helen, GA?

    We spent one day in Helen. We traveled here in June 2021, so many places were still closed due to COVID-19 and likely just going out of business since it’s a tourism-dependent area.

    Ride the Alpine Slide

    Our first stop was to the Alpine Slide just outside of town. We rode that with our son (4 years) at least twice since it’s half off the second ride. Our daughters didn’t meet the height and weight requirements to be able to go with mom or dad.

    Affordably Park in Downtown Helen

    Next, we parked in town at a public lot (815 River St, Helen, GA 30545, United States) for about $20. I believe we were able to get that parking slip validated if we dined in town.

    Lunch at The Troll Tavern

    We were hungry and immediately went to the Troll Tavern. We picked it because of its name and its location on the Suwannee River. The food was good (brats and french fries) and the river was filled with people on tubes. My husband also picked up a boot-shaped beer glass here for like $15 with the purchase of a beer. Location: Troll Tavern, 8590 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, United States

    Stroll around Downtown Helen

    After that, we strolled through town taking a look at the shops. Many shops and restaurants were still closed due to the pandemic at that time (June 2021).

    Take a Guided Tour

    Sometimes it’s more fun to see a new destination through the lens of a local. You can find guided tour operators in Helen like:

    Additionally, the Helen Visitors Bureau offers an app that you can download to find activities in the area.

    Dinner at the Hofbrauhaus

    For an early dinner, we ate at the Hofbrauhaus. This building, though newer construction, definitely had German vibes with lots of woodwork, small dining rooms and stained glass windows overlooking the river.

    Location: Hofbrauhaus, 9001 N Main St, Helen, GA 30545, United States

    Book a Wine Tasting at The Cottage Vineyard & Winery

    Our first impression of the property was “wow, this is Georgia?” The rolling hills of northern Georgia really stand out at this winery, perched at the top of a valley and surrounded by grape vines. 

    Vineyards line the property as you drive up. At the top of the hill, you are greeted by a military memorial, then you come around a bend to the most charming little winery tasting room with outdoor seating.

    The tasting room is a great room concept filled with windows to capture the surrounding views of trees, mountains and vines. It also has central AC, which is a necessity in the heat of the summer! There is plenty of outdoor seating (some covered) if you want to venture outside.

    They offer an assortment of in-house and locally-sourced wines, paid flights and frozen wine slushies to beat the heat.

    Our favorite wines at The Cottage Vineyard and Winery 

    • Eric: The Cottage’s cabernet sauvignon 
    • Ingrid: muscadine wine from a nearby vineyard.
      Ingrid was blown away with the vintner that produced the muscadine wine served at The Cottage Vineyard and Winery – it was flavorful and smooth, but she didn’t get the name of that winery (of course!).
    Blue and white school bus conversion RV parked on a mountain. A father with two children are running at the camera.
    Eric, Landon, Finley and the Destination Unknown Skoolie.

    RV Campground Recommendations Near Helen, Georgia

    We camped in our skoolie for a total of four days at two campgrounds just outside of Helen:

    • The Cottage Vineyard & Winery
    • Jenny’s Creek Family Campground
    The Cottage Vineyard and Winery in Georgia

    Camping at The Cottage Vineyard and Winery in Helen, Georgia

    We camped in our RV overnight on the top of the hill by the memorial. We found The Cottage Vineyard & Winery through Harvest Hosts and it allows for a free overnight stay from its hosts who own or manage farms, wineries, breweries, etc.

    We were really happy with the:

    • free and private campsite,
    • skoolie-friendly parking,
    • space to safely explore with young kids,
    • ability to use our generators to power our AC, and
    • great wine and wine slushies.

    How is The Cottage Vineyard & Winery rated?

    The Cottage Vineyard and Winery in northern Georgia is ranked as a 4.6 out of 5 stars according to an average of hundreds of reviews we sourced from three independent websites. See the graph below. Based on this and our personal experience, this is a great place to visit if you’re in northern Georgia.

    Number of StarsTotal Submissions
    Average Review as of 8/26/20224.6670
    Google4.8394
    Yelp4.5111
    TripAdvisor4.5165
    The Cottage Vineyard and Winery Average Reviews

    Jenny’s Creek Family Campground

    We stayed 3 nights at a RV resort & campground down the street called Jenny’s Creek Family Campground. It came recommended to us by the ladies at the winery and for good reason.

    Having stayed at only one other campground before this, we didn’t know what to expect. This campground is great for kids and families.

    Amenities offered at Jenny’s Creek Family Campground in Cleveland, Georgia:

    • RV hookups (water, sewer & electric)
    • Free wifi
    • Coin laundry
    • camp store
    • recreation room
    • walking trails
    • playground
    • Flat parking with picnic table
    • water features like a fountain and creek

    Our campsite was next to a little brook and had plenty of open space to watch the kids play safely outside while mom made lunch inside.

    How is Jenny’s Creek Family Campground rated?

    Jenny’s Creek Family Campground has an average of 4.5 out of 5 star reviews based on an average of hundreds of reviews sourced from four independent sites as you see in the chart below. That’s a really high review for a campground with a high level of traffic from RVs and traditional campers, many years in operation and our personal experience camping there.

    Number of StarsTotal Submissions
    Average Review as of 8/26/20224.5340
    Google4.7217
    Facebook4.858
    TheDyrt4.47
    TripAdvisor458
    Jenny’s Creek Family Campground Average Reviews by Platform

    What is Harvest Hosts?

    Harvest Hosts is an website and app that connects hosts to the RV community for unique stays and experiences. Read more about the Harvest Hosts platform in this blog and save 15% off an annual membership with our link.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you explore Helen, Georgia by walking?

    Yes, you can. We traveled with three young kids between ages one to four) and two moderately active adults. The town is really small and the majority of the German-inspired shops and restaurants are along the Suwannee River.

    What routes can you take to Helen, Georgia by RV?

    We traveled north from Marietta, Georgia to Helen along route US-19. The distance is about 90 miles and took us just under two hours of non-stop driving in our skoolie RV. We prefer to avoid the interstates when driving in our RV, so we can see the area better.

    However, another option from Marietta is to take I-985 north to US-23 then change to GA-384 followed by GA-75. That trip is a longer distance than the first at ~100 miles though about the same amount of travel time.

    When does tubing season open in Helen, Georgia?

    Tubing season runs from the end of May (Memorial Day) through the first week in September (Labor Day). Depending on the option you pick, you’ll be in the water between one to two hours.

    There are two tubing tour operators in Helen, Georgia:

    Tubing is an outside activity, so if the weather is bad then the tours won’t operate.

    How much does it cost to go tubing in Helen, Georgia?

    A few hours of tubing is going to run you between $14-$18, depending on days of the week. Weekends tend to be more expensive. Additionally, you may decide to pay for some upgrades like slides, etc. You may be able to get a group discount for a large group (20+). Typical things included in that price are:

    • Transport to the launch site(s) and pick-up at the end
    • Tube
    • Life jacket

    Can you carry an alcoholic beverage around Helen, Georgia?

    Unfortunately, that is a big nope! According to city ordinances, you aren’t allowed to carry beer, wine or other alcoholic beverages around town or while tubing down the river. If you’re attending an event that is cordoned or fenced off like for Oktoberfest, then you may be allowed to drink in those designated areas.

    How did the town of Helen, Georgia get its name?

    Though Helen, Georgia is a unique Bavarian-inspired town in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the name “Helen” doesn’t evoke thoughts of Germany as names like Gretchen, Ingrid or Helga would. So where does the name come from? The town is named after the daughter of a logging industrialist who platted and incorporated the town in 1912 and 1913, respectively.

    What is the landscape like near Helen, Georgia?

    Helen, Georgia and the surrounding towns like Cleveland are located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is a wonderful area to be if you love hiking, exploring, and generally mild weather. The mountains are relatively small compared to say the Rockies out west, but you can still get a good workout and find places to go rock-climbing if that is your jam.

    You can quickly get into nature and feel completely secluded and find a number of campgrounds and cabins, though they fill up fast in the busy season.

    Does it snow in Helen, Georgia?

    The snowy season in Helen falls between November to April, with December having the most snowfall. It’s not much snow though. You’ll only see about 3 inches max of snowfall when it does.

    Where is Helen, Georgia located?

    Helen is located in northern Georgia, about two hours northeast of Marietta and Atlanta and one hour and fifteen minutes south of Franklin, North Carolina.

    Do muscadine grapes make good wine?

    If you’re not familiar with muscadine grapes, they are a native southern grape with distinct taste and smell. The grapes themselves have a thick dark purple skin, are round, and contain seeds. The wines made from muscadine grapes have unique flavor profile that differs from the commercially harvested grapes that you commonly see in stores. Vintners specializing in the production of wine from muscadine grapes are producing fantastic wines these days. This wine is definitely worth tasting, if you have never had it.

    Conclusion

    We spent one day visiting the city of Helen, Georgia and four nights camping in the surrounding area in our skoolie. Helen is definitely a place that is worth the day-trip and there is plenty of camping and things to do to keep families with little ones busy.

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    Thanks for following our journey! – The HildeFam

  • Magical Skoolie Glamping In A Sunflower Field | Pitts, Georgia, USA

    Magical Skoolie Glamping In A Sunflower Field | Pitts, Georgia, USA

    Can you camp in a sunflower field?

    Fortunately, we did and you can do it too! A number of farms offer this experience, and we were lucky to find one in Pitts, Georgia, USA through the Harvest Hosts platform. We were craving peace and quiet, mixed with a little whimsy, and we found that by glamping in a sunflower field, courtesy of Oliver Farm Artisan Oils.

    What to see in Pitts

    We will be honest… there isn’t much to see in Pitts besides the sunflower fields at Oliver Farm & The Station 31072, but that is all you need to recharge your batteries!

    Pitts is a really small town – according to Wikipedia, there were 308 residents as of a 2000 census. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in culture.

    How to travel to Pitts, Georgia

    After a quick overnight in Valdosta (where we met our first YouTube subscriber – we only had 800 subscribers then!), we drove 1.5 hours to Pitts, Georgia.

    We drove about one hour on I-75 northbound from Valdosta to GA-159 N (exit 84). We traveled northeast on GA-159 N for about 20 minutes to get to The Station 31072 in Pitts, Georgia.

    The Station 31072 & Oliver Farm Artisan Oils

    As you come east into town along 7th Ave W, you’ll find a modern-looking converted gas station, The Station 31072. The 31072 comes from the town’s zip code.

    The Station 31072 is owned and operated by the Oliver family. This family also owns Oliver Farm Artisan Oils, and you can find their products for sale in the shop.

    The building is a former gas station. Though the pumps are gone, you immediately recognize what it once was, and you’ll be amazed at what it has become.

    Skoolie driving by pecan trees | Magical Skoolie Glamping In A Sunflower Field | Pitts, Georgia, USA
    Skoolie parked in sunflower field | Magical Skoolie Glamping In A Sunflower Field | Pitts, Georgia, USA
    Sunflower field in Pitts, Georgia

    As you walk in, you find the cashier desk but turn right and you enter a large room (the former garage) with roll-up doors that can be opened on cooler days. The main room is sectioned off by tables holding wares from vendors across the state of Georgia and the rest of the United States.

    Along the back wall, they have a sampling station where you can try the Oliver Farm Artisan Oils alongside locally-sourced crackers, breads and jams.

    Ingrid’s favorite table was the pickle table. She is a sucker for pickled okra, and they didn’t disappoint. We picked up a bottle of the Oliver Farm pecan oil, too many pickles, some sweet treats like a locally-made fluffer nutter sandwich cookie, ice cold water and ice cream. The summer heat was brutal!

    Staying overnight in Sunflower Fields

    After we finished our shopping at the station, we followed the owner down a clay dirt road a few miles away. We shared the space with no one and there were sunflowers on all sides of us. We parked our bus between an old pecan tree and an old storage shed.

    We spent the evening doing long walks down the dirt road and doing selfies next to sunflowers. The kids had a blast running around and mom & dad knew they were safe to play.

    The weather cooled off during the evenings and we felt comfortable without the air conditioning being on. This place had no electrical or water hook-ups; however, the owner did have hook-ups at The Station back in town (another RV was camped there).

    Visit Oliver Farm Artisan Oil & The Station 31072 in Pitts, Georgia, USA

    We highly recommend stopping in to The Station 31072 for some food and then touring the farm. Depending on the time of year, they host different activities like photo shoots. We arrived in June and the sunflowers were just beginning to open. Check out the spectacular sunflower field photos on Oliver Farm’s Instagram.

    I’ll include contact information below. Please contact the owner(s) or their representatives to schedule a field tour.

    How to locate the The Station 31072 & Oliver Farm Artisan Oil in Pitts, Georgia

    Address: 110 7th Ave W, Pitts, GA 31072, United States
    Phone: +1 229-648-6110

    The Station 31072’s Instagram

    Oliver Farm’s Instagram & Website

    A photo with text advertising a Harvest Hosts experienceand a picture an RV in a field.
    Why should you camp with Harvest Hosts?

    What is Harvest Hosts?

    We found The Station 31072 & Oliver Farm Artisan Oils through Harvest Hosts, a website that brings together hosts that are RV & Skoolie-friendly to spend 1 night at their home or place of business.

    Read this blog to learn more about Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome camping platforms.

    How do you get a membership discount with Harvest Hosts?

    To get 15% off your membership with Harvest Hosts, use our link to register.

    Through August 30, 2022, you get 20% off a Harvest Hosts membership if you

    1. Use our link
    2. Enter code “HHFRIENDS20” at checkout.

    Thanks for following along with our journey and RVing adventures. – Ingrid & the HildeFam

  • RVing along Florida’s Nature Coast

    RVing along Florida’s Nature Coast

    In this blog we will share with you our slow trip RVing along Florida’s Nature Coast on the west coast of Florida, and how we booked our 3 stays using Harvest Hosts for under $20 per night.

    After spending June 16-18, 2021 in Sanford, Florida having our bus wrapped, we moseyed back home to Tampa to do one more round of good-byes with family (Grandpa Roger & Uncle Mike), finalize some work on our rentals, and eat at one of our favorite restaurants in Old Seminole Heights (shout out to The Social House).

    Finley at Sparacia-Witherell Family Winery | RVing along Florida's Nature Coast

    RVing north from Tampa

    We slowly made our way north out of Florida… finally 🙂 When we started this journey, we thought we would be able to convert our 37′ school bus into a tiny home in 3 months. 8 months later, we were finally on the road – we still did it.

    Ingrid & the kids rode separately from Eric because he wanted to get some driving hours under his belt before bringing the kids and mom on board. Truly, we were thankful for that separation because the Florida heat was brutal on the bus. That heat would continue until we reached cooler weather north of Maryland. 

    Due to the engine’s location next to the driver’s seat, the front cabin will get excessively warm as the engine heats up. That in combination with no A/C (while driving) made for many warm days of driving. We tried (& still do) to keep driving times to a maximum of 3 hours. 

    We took the backroads going north to experience the scenic route, and were happier for it. There are some beautiful, sleepy towns along the way.

    Sparacia-Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard

    Our first stop on our adventure was Sparacia-Witherell Family Winery & Vineyard in Brooksville, Florida. Brooksville is known for being hilly territory, which is often unheard of in the state of Florida. We felt like we were somewhere else when we pulled into the estate filled with acres of muscadine grape vines, a wine tasting room off the main house, and plenty of outdoor seating with live music in the evenings. 

    There was even a field nearby filled with watermelon, black-eyed peas and squash – the owner, Joe, let some of the locals farm his land and donated most/all of the food back into the community, from what I recall. The kids got to pick a ‘jubilee’ watermelon before we left.

    Madeleine looking at goats at Gan Eden Farms
    Madeleine looking at Goats from the bus at Gan Eden Farms
    Finley & Landon looking at eggs at Gan Eden Farms
    Eric flying the drone
    Eric flying the drone at Sparacia-Witherell Winery

    The winery and vineyard is family-owned, and the name derives from the last names of the siblings. You can read more about this winery on their website.

    We stayed 2 nights – the second night was unplanned. Our mini-split AC started leaking inside when we turned it on, which lead to frantic calls to local AC techs and some extra warm days. On the bright side, there was wine and plenty of space for the kids to explore. Eventually, we determined that we had turned the AC on too low and cause it to freeze up – it wasn’t able to drain easily because of the uneven surface we were on. 

    The owner was accommodating and understanding, and we felt right at home. 

    Expanding the winery

    The winery was in the middle of an expansion of the outdoor patio(s) – they weather the pandemic well due to the outdoor nature of their business. In the evenings, there was a food truck and local artists would come and play. Our kids easily made friends with other children. Eric even practiced flying his drone one afternoon.

    Wines to taste

    We purchased the wine flight and sampled their spiked tea.

    Ingrid’s favorite wine was the Duet, a 100% muscadine wine (noble variety) that was flavorful and not reminiscent at all of the “stinky” flavor/smell that these native grapes give off. If you have ever had a muscadine grape, you’ll know what she means.

    Eric enjoyed the sherry and blueberry beer.

    Harvest Hosts

    We found this winery through Harvest Hosts, a website that brings together hosts that are RV & Skoolie-friendly to spend 1 night at their home or place of business. You can find experiences like ours at a winery or other places like farms, golf courses, breweries & distilleries or other attractions.

    To get 15% off your membership with Harvest Hosts, use our link to register. In return, we do get $15 for referring you. Will it be worth it? We think so. 

    1 night on the Suwanee River

    Our next stop was along the Suwannee River. We found this host through Boondockers Welcome, another website for hosts to find RVers. This company was recently acquired by Harvest Hosts.

    The family was so kind and perfectly prepared for RVers, with hookups and amenities. and the location was beautiful. The extra amenities included a trailer with shower and screened in patio, outdoor shower, and access to the dock on the Suwannee River. We slept so well that night with AC.

    It was wonderfully peaceful to enjoy a morning cup of coffee on the dock. This is a place we would definitely consider returning.

    Gan Eden Farms

    From there, we continued on our last & final stop in Florida. We spent one night at Gan Eden Farms in Live Oak. This farm is definitely off the beaten track, but a fun place to visit none-the-less.

    We were greeted at the gate by the owner, his grandson, and many large dogs. Ingrid could immediately see that there were Great Pyrenees (or mixed), which made her think of her childhood Great Pyrenee, Snowball, and her puppy, Bertha.

    Gan Eden is a working farm specializing in goat meat and some fowl. 

    The owner took us on a tour of the farm by golf cart. The dogs merrily followed along.

    The kids really enjoyed seeing all the animals, especially the turkeys, goats, chickens and ducks. Landon really wanted to take eggs home but they weren’t fresh – no one wants to crack open a rotten egg! Ingrid really enjoyed the fruit trees and permaculture landscape they were trying to accomplish. In a few years, the orchard and hoop house will really come together.

    The dogs prevented us from getting the drone up for an aerial tour of the farm; however, the sunset more than made up for it. 

    Not built for RVing (yet)

    They didn’t offer any hook-ups, so if that’s something you need, then this may not be an ideal stay for you. We found this farm through Harvest Hosts.

    How do we live tiny as a family of five

    A common comment we hear is, “I couldn’t live with my family in such a small space.” We 100% agree with that, which is why we leave our tiny home and explore outside. In Florida without AC (if not hooked up to electricity), the days are unbearable inside the bus… and outside, to be honest. We plan accordingly with activities to avoid the hottest part of the days inside. 

    Do we still get on each others’ nerves? Also, 100%; however, that would happen in a home. 

    Do we have experiences like no other “traditional” family? Another 100%. We’re very fortunate that we’re able to take these trips and spend 1 night on a farm, another on a winery and another waterfront. Our old vacations in the nicest hotels were not even as good. I wish we knew then, what we knew now. Traveling & RVing full-time with our family squeezed into a skoolie was exactly what we needed to fulfill our lives, while being budget-friendly.

    RVing and the open road

    Thanks for following along with our skoolie journey! We love RVing and the open road – The HildeFam

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    Blog originally written in July 2021