4/19/2021
Packing up and heading to the RV the evening before we head out is always a great idea. We managed to settle in quite nicely with only the car to hook up in the morning so we could get a fairly early start.
4/20/2021
Fuel
$2.95 gallon
56.608 gallons
$173.34
Ridge Manor Campground
33456 Cortez Blvd
Ridge Manor, Fl
$30
With the car in tow our first stop was to fuel up. Racetrack (Collier Blvd Naples FL) has a very convenient location for truckers and big rigs. Easy in and easy out, also very close to the on ramp of I75. It was a dreary day for travel, including some light rain. Our three-hour journey was turned into four hours due to a car accident on the highway. The GPS was able to divert us, but did not save us time. At 3:30 we pulled into Ridge Manor Campground. It’s an older, over 55, campground that sits on 20 acres of land and has a combination of Mobile Homes and RVs. The owner, Brad, is delightful. He took us to our site for the evening which was sandy and among many large oak trees. It had every amenity of which campers could request; full hook ups. At this time of year the daily fee was $30. According to the website, in season, many activities are available and encouraged for those living there. There is also a very friendly host camp couple anxious to assist with any needs.
4/21/2021
Red Gate Farm
Savannah, Ga
$59.50
-$5.95 Good Sam Discount
$53.55
We were on the road heading to Savannah, Ga by 10:30. Red Gate Farm was our destination. It was a five-hour drive so we arrived at 3:30. Red Gate Farm is a 440 acre, working farm that also has facilities for weddings and other functions and activities. The RV area is grassy with stone pebble pads. When the wind kicks up it can become quite the dust bowl. Yet, it’s still a lovely spot. There are 21 full hook up sites. We also noticed there are other sites available, here and there, perhaps with water and electric only. One of them was right on one of the several lakes on this property with a gorgeous view. Not far from the office you will find a horse paddock and several horses as riding is another event offered at the Farm.
The Farm dates back to 1864 with it being known as an encampment for confederate soldiers, then purchased in 1931 by Harry Martin, Jr. who named it Red Gate Farms. The family loved entertaining and Mackey House was the center of events for many occasions. Remnants of a care-keeper’s home still remains on the Farm. In 1933 the Martin family began a dairy farm and cultivated 300 acres for grain crops and pastures for 140 Jersey cows, chickens and hogs. The Farm was used as a model for other Georgian farms. Mr. Martin was a huge advocate in keeping milk prices low and was known to feud with the Control Board to be sure that happened. In the 1970’s the Farm, still run by the Martin family, evolved into Pa-Ki Garden and Feed Center, Red Gate Sod and Landscaping, along with the continued use of Mackey House and other venues on the property for events and the Campground and RV Park. The Farm also boasts a pool, playground and clubhouse.
4/22/2021
Fuel
Circle K
Route 17, 16273 Ace Basin Pkwy
Round O, SC
843-893-2571
$2.75 gallon (what a score!)
56 gallons
$150
Pirateland
Myrtle Beach, SC
4 nights@$60.32
2 nights@$62.06
$351.86
$20 lock rate
$3 online booking fee
Several (4) taxes $39.47
-$36.54 Good Sam Discount
$391.33
We departed Red Gate at 9:30 in 68* weather. It was 46* when we got up at 7:30. Chilly for us. Today’s four-hour drive was pretty uneventful arriving at Pirateland, Myrtle Beach, SC approximately 3:30. Our reserved site, 656, was along the oceanfront one site away from the beach dunes and just a short walk onto the beautiful, sandy beach. Pirateland is enormous. The campground touts 300 RV sites with varying amenities. All have full hook ups, but most are grass and dirt. There are some premium sites, our preference, with cement pads. Helps to keep the dust down, for certain. For the lucky camper, fortunate enough and aware, there are possibly 50 cement pad sites that also offer a hut-type shelter. It’s a roof on stilts, but seasoned campers know to bring screening and wrap three sides for better protection from the elements. Plan ahead and shoot for this setup for a very comfortable camping experience. Each site includes a wooden picnic table. The outskirts of the campground is home to hundreds of mobile homes on rented sites, along with several rental cottages.
Amenities at this resort include an indoor heated pool, an outdoor pool, The Lazy River, a wet play area for kiddies, a mini golf course and a playground. If you like water sports rent a paddle boat and ride around the lake. There are several food trucks that take turns in the “ food truck spot” several time a week offering reasonable prices. A laundromat and general store are up by the resort entrance, along with an arcade and grill. We rented a golf cart, another must-have, and had lots of fun cruising around grounds looking at the sights!
Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet and Garden City, all located close by one another, are absolutely not lacking in entertainment, restaurants and shopping. Broadway at the Beach is a huge outdoor mall with something for everyone, including amusement park rides and zip lining, if you dare. The Market Common had an arts and crafts festival that we attended and scooped up a couple of unique gifts. This area is also home to several restaurants and businesses.
Our visit was too short. A short 6 day stay was what availability we could reserve on a somewhat short notice booking about a month ago. So we have decided to return in the fall. Attempting to book two weeks in September was a feat, but accomplished! Plan far in advance if you are able.
April 28, 2021
Fuel
Circle K
Round O, SC
See info above
$2.75/gallon
32 gallons
Red GateFarm
Savannah, Ga
2 nights@$59.50
$119.00
-$11.90 Good Sam Discount
$107.10
We left Pirateland and also left behind relatives and friends with whom we had the pleasure of visiting. Our 4 hour ride to Red Gate Farm turned into 5, of course. We stopped for fuel and stopped at the Georgia Welcome Center to make a door adjustment. All in all a very relaxing ride. A bit of relaxation time and then we headed to the river front with Barry craving oysters. We did a good three-mile walk on the pavers along the river front and took in the nostalgia. Not much has changed and thankfully all of the businesses were up and running. The last time we were here was via Seafox many years ago when we tied up along the sea wall on the river…much fun! Sorry Charlie’s Oyster Bar and Grill (116 W Congress St) has a great happy hour from 4-6 so that was our destination for oysters. They were scrumptious. By the time 6 pm came around there was not a seat to be had, and it seemed to be a popular gathering place for locals.
Researching activities for the next day brought us to booking a river cruise on the Georgia Queen. (9 E River St) The boat can occupy up to 1000 passengers, has 4 levels, and one can choose from several options cruise-wise. Our choice was the 1 pm, 90-minute, lunch cruise with an upgrade to window seating. ($138) I’m glad we did the upgrade because we were seated on the side of the boat where all the attractions were of which the guide was speaking. Lunch was a buffet of many options like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, pulled pork, a few sides and a few desserts. The food was good, but by no means exceptional. The service, however, was exceptional. Pleasant and attentive staff. The narrator gave a good accounting of the attractions and a bit of history of the riverfront.
It was early so we headed to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge (694 Beech Hill Ln., Hardeeville, SC) a 10 minute drive from the riverfront. ($3 pp entrance fee) The refuge lies on both the SC and GA sides of the Savannah River. It is 28,168 acres and home to a large variety of bird species that have been incapacitated including owls, eagles and vultures. Other wildlife include wolves, deer, alligators and foxes to name some. The walking trail is very well marked and about a 2-mile stroll passing by the exhibits. At the end of the trail is a large area of plantings to attract butterflies, but we saw none. At the very entrance you will find an area dedicated to farm animals. Great place for adults and children.
April 30, 2021
Ridge Manor Campground
Dade City, Fl
$30
Fuel
RaceTrac
Collier Blvd
Naples, Fl
53.3 gallons
$2.89 per gallon $154.48
Long 7-hour drive today with lots of traffic. A pit stop for coffee and DEF additive. The captain of the land yacht says that’s the way to go. Easier and much less expensive. We returned home at 2 pm.
