Perry KOA Redux, Perry, FL

Perry KOA, Perry, FL continues to be the primary stop out of southern Florida on our way to the Florida Panhandle via FL Route 98. Located in the ‘Big Bend’ area of Apalachee Bay and surrounded by swaths of Wildlife Management preserves sits the Perry KOA.  Route 98 is an enjoyable drive with little traffic and all this outback contributes to the peaceful and tranquil rv park setting.

Entering and exiting the park continues to present a challenge due to the sharp dip coming from the highway into the KOA and we always raise our coach to avoid bottoming out.

This critique is an update to last year’s review. First let me state that the owner did seek me out shortly after arrival and took issue with my last review. His position was that I unfairly criticized the park’s condition despite his expenditure of much time and money on infrastructure such as sewer/septic system and water. That being said my original report accurately reflected conditions at the time of my visit. It became evident from the owners discourse that he had purchased a failed rv park and is overwhelmed with projects.

So, what is the park’s status in May 2020? Well, it appears that much work and expense have been incurred. First, the swimming pool, a very large older pool with an 8’ depth (refreshing to experience a pool with some depth) was restored, the apron refitted, new pump equipment installed and the pool bath house restored (very impressive work on the bath house with updated tile and bathroom fixtures). The pool area also includes a hot tub. The pool is surrounded by numerous pool and lounge chairs, and tables with umbrellas; it is an inviting area to spend a warm FL summer afternoon. In addition there is a new fenced dog park under the large live oak tree (there is also another fenced dog park next to the pool area). The grounds themselves are in need of landscaping and additional gravel is needed on the roads and the rv sites. It is evident that new water spigots have been installed. Water pressure and electric are adequate and in fact we ran continuous 60 amps without an issue.  WiFi is good not only for email, it also supports streaming with occasional buffering and stuttering using our Winegard ConnecT (24.5/22 Mbps). We were able to view local TV stations in HD using our OTA (over the air antenna).

As previously mentioned this was an old park and refitting by the new owner will just take time and is progressing nicely. The ‘back 40’ is comprised of old short concrete pads (now used as a patio with gravel overlaid on the grass serving as the rv pad)  which are suitable for short trailers. Conversely the front half of the park is being rehabilitated and in that regard they have installed one ‘premium’ site typical of premium sites at other KOA campgrounds. This includes a large concrete curved patio with a swing, table and chairs with umbrella, a gas grill, and fire pit. The site pad is gravel and the new concrete patio unfortunately obscured by debris; it will be interesting if additional ‘premium’ sites are added. The owner stated that due to limited personnel that rehabbing is slow and steady. The bathhouse exterior looked improved aesthetically, however the bath/shower rooms were locked due to Wuhan virus concerns so it could not be ascertained if the interior had been upgraded. As of this date the clubhouse building is yet to receive attention.

The Takeaway: Perry KOA’s new owners are making improvements and the pool and hot tub including the pool bath house are inviting having enjoyed restoration. Other improvements are a new dog park, one new premium site and improved WiFi. This is a good stop over coming from southern FL on the way to the FL Panhandle and points West. As the new owner continues with improvements and rehab it has the potential to become a destination park. Visited May 2020. Go to  www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park, etc.

Classic RV Wash, Savannah, TN

Classic RV Wash, located a few miles south in MS, and working out of Green Acres RV Retreat, Savannah, TN on Haney Drive is a part-time sole proprietorship. Although Green Acres RV Retreat is one of the very few rv parks to allow owners to wash their rv and cars we opted to hire Classic RV Wash since the pricing was reasonable (unlike many areas of the country where these independent rv washers demand a premium price of $5/foot). The owner, Wesley Smith (662-664-6636) arrived at the date and time we agreed to and washed both our 45’ motorcoach and our car removing all bugs stuck on the front end. We are accustomed to the wash service we use in FL using deionized water for a spotless rinse. However Wesley used a shammy to dry our vehicles to a shining clean finish.

The Hideaway Retreat, Navarre, FL

The Hideaway Retreat, Navarre, FL formerly known as Magnolia Beach Campground is undergoing a face-lift. The tired and tree secluded park experienced benign neglect and the new owners, a year ago, have undertaken an immense task to successfully turn it around. First, always an irritant at our 13’ height and size, we are always alert to trees and shrubs not pruned to height nor pruned back from the roadway. This park features old coastal live oaks gnarled and stunted from years of battering ocean storms. Instead of removing such a beautiful shade canopy they have performed an excellent job of trimming them up and back from the roadway creating an inviting ‘sleepy hollow’ effect as one walks the interior. Upon entering the park the newly laid shell roadway and walkways present a pleasing image of southern estates. Although the roads look tight, in fact once unhooked we had no trouble navigating to our site in a 45’ motorcoach. The small 1930’s office is neat and clean. A few sites back up directly on the white sandy beach below (sites#45,46,47), accessible via footpaths. And of course the Santa Rosa Sound  clear and warm during the summer months is just feet away from your site. 

Navarre offers solitude, running at a slower pace than its famous neighbors Destin, and Fort Walton Beach to the east. However, Navarre is not lacking in activity featuring the Navarre Pier, Navarre Beach Marine Science Center and Sea Turtle Conservation Center. In addition close by are the Gulf Breeze Zoo and Florida Zipline. However the best activity is just relaxing on The Hideaway’s pristine private beach or taking advantage of their paddleboards and kayaks to adventure out into the calm waters of Santa Rosa Sound. The park also allows well behaved dogs on the beach which is a real bonus. 

Unfortunately the old fishing pier took a hit from Ivan in 2004 and was not rebuilt by the previous owners; that is be rectified and plans are underway by the new owners to rebuild. The park itself is well maintained, neatly landscaped with fresh seashell walkways and roads adding to the tropical ambiance. The bathhouse has been refreshed and provides clean, spacious and updated bath and shower facilities. Once ensconced inside the perimeter of The Hideaway the commerce & tourism of Navarre, and Destin surrender to the solitude and beauty of Santa Rosa Sound. 

The FHU hookups are standard and the 50 amp outlet provided our coach with continuous 60 amp service. WiFi provided HD streaming quality of both music and movies at 19.8/3.17 Mbps. We accessed local television stations utilizing our OTA (over the air antenna) and received several HD channels.

The Takeaway: The Hideaway Retreat has been saved from neglect by new owners and continues to improve the guest experience. Compact, but navigable in our 45’ motorcoach, with no obstruction from the live oak tree canopy the bustle of Route 9 and its environs (Navarre, Destin, etc) give way to the tranquility of the park and the beauty of Santa Rosa Sound. There are three sites directly overlooking their private beach. WiFi is robust supporting streaming of music and movies. This newly rejuvenated park deserves kudos for the improvements made to date and is definitely a destination campground.   Go to  www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park, etc.

Cajun Palms RV Resort, Henderson, LA

Cajun Palms RV Resort, Henderson, LA is just a fun destination located on the western edge of the Atchafalaya Basin in St. Martin Parish. This rv resort has received national recognition as a best campsite. So you think you are in bayou country with nothing to do?...think again. Henderson itself, a rural farming community, offers swamp tours, the marketshops, and crawfish…and more crawfish, restaurants, a prehistoric park, and the best fresh water fishing in the south. 

Conveniently located a short distance off I10 (be careful exiting as the on and off ramp approaches have been under construction for years-Fall 2019- making it difficult for a 45’ motorcoach to navigate thru the temporary and restrictive ramps). Cajun Palms is truly a resort with over 300 rv sites and 65 cabins, double & triple buddy sites plus a new section with covered sites. The entire park is designed around a pinwheel design with all amenities and lakes located in the center with rv sites  emanating out and around; the coveted sites are around the pinwheel. The focal point inside the pinwheel are the swimming pools (children’s and separate adult pool with tiki bar), water park, hot tub, beach volleyball, mini-golf, fishing ponds, music stage, and a two-story clubhouse housing an exercise room, video arcade, theatre, two food concessions stands (not restaurants nor cafes and please stop serving Hunt Brothers Pizza…cardboard sold at convenience stores), and a great hall for banquets, and video poker room with bar.

As a family entertainment park it can be hectic, but always in southern style. And talking southern one cannot help noticing that this is LSU country.

There is little landscaping to hinder navigation to ones site. And the wide concrete roads and pads with patio enable effortless pull-thru and back-in maneuvering. The sites are well spaced so even though the park is normally full there exists a modicum of privacy between guests.

The Takeaway: Cajun Palms Resort is a modern clean rv park with well maintained grounds and amenities not offered elsewhere, i.e. canopy covered sites. A disappointment is their on-site prepared food and features Hunt Brothers Pizza-a real disappointment. The good food news is the off-premises excellent dining options, i.e the Crawfish Town Restaurant within 200 feet of the park’s perimeter.  Located in Bayou country this is a real resort located with easy access off I10. And one last comment-this is ‘Tiger’ country. Go to  www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park as well as reviews of restaurants, etc.

Americamps RV Resort, Ashland, VA

Americamps RV Resort located Ashland, VA with sister parks in Raleigh Oaks, Twin Grove, and Fayettville was founded in 2012 and offers consistent and enjoyable rv park experiences at its four locations. The expansive park with over 198 sites is well maintained, landscaped and easy to navigate with a 45’ motorcoach (we recommend unhooking when going to your site and when leaving as there are some tight turns). As my readers know I quibble about the ‘resort’ nomenclature and so this is not a resort in the true sense since it does not have a restaurant nor food wagon. Nonetheless, the amenities ranging from a large sparkling clear pool to a well equipped fitness center building, dog park, etc make this a destination stop. A creative innovation is the astro-turf surrounding the pool apron providing a clean and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere in which to relax in one of many lounge chairs.

The location of this park makes it a natural for visiting many local attractions such as Monticello (about an hours drive), Berkeley Plantation ( a 45 minute drive), Museum of the Confederacy (15 miles to the south),  and of course historic Richmond, just to highlight a few.

Located close to the I95 corridor the park is easily accessed and offers older well maintained concrete pads with concrete patios, a picnic table, and fire pit. Noticeable is the manicured landscaping and the shipshape rv sites. FHU hookups work well and the 50 amp service provided us with good continuous 60 amp draw to run our air conditioners. WiFi is provided and we were able to not only retrieve email, but also stream movies with little degradation of signal. Our OTA (over the air antenna) delivered numerous HD channels due to our proximity to Richmond. The bath houses are clean and modern.

The Takeaway: Americamps RV Resort at Ashland provides a carefully landscaped haven, new sparkling pool, clean and contemporary bath houses. Its close proximity to many historic attractions and easy access from I95 makes this a must stop. Once ensconced inside the park one is isolated from the surrounding high density commercial/industrial neighborhood. Go to  www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques and essays with links to area attractions and a more detailed review of this park as well as reviews of restaurants, etc.

 

Murals-Americana Urban Art-Galveston

 Murals-Americana Urban Art-Galveston

Murals have fascinated us ever since we began exploring America in our RV a decade ago. If seen on the side of a train, bridge, etc we call it graffiti. However some graffiti does hold artistic merit. However, I digress as we are about to explore murals in historic Galveston. Like, Carlsbad, Yuma, El Paso, Catfish Row, San Antonio, or Lompoc murals have gained popularity in various communities across the country as a way of ‘softening’ a blank sterile wall, enhancing the intrigue of exploring an urban alley, or just dressing up the city landscape for residents and tourists alike.

There are useful self-guided tours for historic homes, tree sculpture, etc. and none for murals. So we decided to do our own self-guided tour of murals. A good starting point is Strand Street and 19th Street and head uptown. Waffle between Strand,  Mechanic, Market and Postoffice Streets. Many are clustered together along Kempner Street at Postoffice Street. An aside, Postoffice Street is a beautifully landscaped walk lined with street-level shops and eateries complimented by restored housing units above generating a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.

This warm summer day in July we walked most of the murals and on the way took photos of interesting inner-city streetscapes, i.e buildings not usually on the self-guided maps. Some murals require a drive. And the photographs of the murals are in no particular order, although they do follow an approximate track from 19th up to 24th Street. 

Along the way we encountered two Rosenberg Fountains. Originally there were 17 fountains (used for drinking and animals)commissioned by Henry Rosenberg and gifted to Galveston upon his death in 1893. His will surprisingly gifted buildings, monuments and fountains to the City; 15 items/structures remain in Galveston. These by themselves will provide the inquisitive with an interesting tour.

Below are photographs we took on our walk which started at The Strand and 19th Street (a good place to start looking for free on-street parking). Some of the murals we could not identify and they are not labeled. Enjoy the mural hunt; we found 22 locations with murals (some locations have multiple murals); there are many other mural locations throughout the city for those more ambitious.

Go to  www.rickpicks.com for other reviews, critiques, more pictures and essays with links to area attractions, reviews of rv parks as well as reviews of restaurants, etc.