As the temperature dips to minus temperatures in Southern Ontario I think about all the warm places I have been to and would like to go to for my Winter RV Travel Destination. Where the sunshine warms your smile and your bones. There are so many choices here in North America. Come along as I share some of my favourite warm and sunny places and the winter RV travel destinations that are on my “to go there list.”
Alabama
- Jackson Lake Island
- I stopped in Alabama for a few days on my way to Florida and knew instantly I wanted to come back and explore. Alabama is rich in history, modern science, and intense beauty. While I was there I stayed at Jackson Lake Island in Millbrook, Alabama. A beautiful island with some surprising inhabitants. It is also home to the abandoned movie set of Tim Burtons, The Big Fish, where you can explore the town of Spectre and enter the Dark Forest.
It was so peaceful and serene there. The only other inhabitants on the island are little goats. Oh, my stars they are so cute.
They also have full RV hookups that are not on the island for an all-around great stay.
Here are some other places I would like to see while I am there.
Places to See
- US Space and Rocket Center Huntsville, Alabama
- Discover the way to the stars from the beginning at the US Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville Alabama. Follow space exploration from NASA’s first steps to what the future has to hold. From virtual reality space expeditions to flying in a flight simulator, there is something for everyone.
- City of Selma
- The city of Selma, Alabama sits quietly on the banks of the Alabama River. Rich in history and famous for the start of the Montgomery Marches of the 1960s. Salma is also known as one of the most haunted cities in Alabama. Visit the home of author Kathryn Tucker Windham who told the story of a ghost named Jeffrey who lived with her or Visit her gravesite at Live Oak Cemetary which is listed on Alabama’s Ghost Trail.
- Majestic Caverns
- Majestic Caverns is located in Childersburg Alabama. Take a 1-hour tour of the world below. Visit an underground Waterfall, walk into the Onyx Column Room, and experience an underground laser light and water show. The fun is not just underground. With over 15 fun activities and live entertainment above ground to enjoy it is a travel destination you want on your bucket list. After a busy day, they also provide a full-service campground to rest and relax in the comfort of your RV.
Florida
Florida is a winter destination for many Canadians. I have been a few times myself. There is so much to see and do. Surrounded by water on three sides, there are many beaches and coastal areas where you can put your feet in the sand. The interior also has its own unique beauty to explore. Here are a few of my favorite places I have stayed.
- Ocala
- I must confess that Ocala Florida is one of my favorite Florida travel destinations. The city of Ocala is so friendly no matter where you go. Surrounding this friendly city is the natural beauty of the interior of Florida. Silver Springs State Park gives you a great place to camp as well as some unique experiences such as a cruise on a glass bottom boat.
Ocala National Forest has a few surprises of its own. Watch for monkeys! Check out the story of how wild monkeys became a residence of Ocala Florida.
Some places I would like to visit while I am there.
- Canyon Zip Line and Adventure Park
- Have you ever dreamed of zip lining through the canopies of a forest or over a cliff or taking a horseback ride through the beautiful scenery of Ocala? At Canyon Zip Line and Adventure Park, you can do all of that and a little more. You can even mine for gems the way did it back in the “old days.” This looks like a fun way to spend a few days.
- Fort King National Historic Site
- Travel back in time to the 1800s at the Fort King National Historic Site. Originally built in 1827 and then rebuilt in 1837 after a fire, this military site was the military headquarters in the Seminole War. Visit the archeological building to view the artifacts that were found on the site and learn its interesting history.
- Visit a Horse Farm
- Did you know that Ocala Florida is known for being the “Horse Capital of the World?” Some of the biggest champions of the sport of Equestrian horseriding are bred here. Here you can visit the farms of some of these champions or attend a horse show and events. There are many opportunities to get on a horse and take a trail ride. If you live horses, be sure to make Ocala one of your Florida travel destinations.
Overseas Highway
In the most southern part of the continental United States, there is a little peace of paradise. Where sunsets take your breath away and you can attend festivals to dance the night away. The trip to the tip also holds adventures to keep you both entertained and inspired by the beauty that surrounds you.
Some of the things to do along the way
- Key Largo
- Camp at John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park where you can get a peek at what lies under the sea. Known for being the United States’ first undersea park you can scuba dive or snorkel or explore on a glass bottom boat tour the beauty that lies beneath. Take a cruise on the original African Queen Steamboat made famous by Humphry Bogart and Katharine Hepburn located at the Holiday Inn Dock.
- Robbie’s Marina
- Have you ever seen a tarpon? I had no idea what that was until I saw the sea churning with them. Mile Marker 77 is the best place to see tarpons. Robbie’s Marina gives you a bird’s eye view of these magnificent large fish. Tarpons grow to be 5-8 feet long and could with up to 150 pounds. This is definitely not a fish tank kind of fish. It is a $2 fee to get onto the dock and $4 for a bucket of fish. The most fun you will find in the keys for $6. Fishing tours for those that want to catch them not feed them. There is a great restaurant to make it a nice stop along the causeways. Watch out for the pelicans though, who also want that bucket of fish.
- Key West
- Key West is a travel destination you will want to do over and over again. Attend the Sunset Celebration every night at Mallory Square Dock. Watch the talent of buskers (Street performers), browse through arts and crafts exhibits then grab a snack from the food truck while you watch the most beautiful sunsets. Walk to the end of the continental United States which sits only 90 miles from Cuba. Visit the home of Ernest Hemingway or take a walk down Duval street and visit the many shops, cafes, and bars. There is so much to see and do that you will definitely need a couple or four days to get the complete “vibe.” Be aware that accommodations and campsites need to be booked well in advance. It is a fun but busy place.
Tennessee
🐿
The state of Tennessee holds many gems. From the beauty of the Smokey Mountains to the musical city of Nashville, Tennessee has everything you could want to spend a wonderful winter without the winter. Although not as warm as the southern states the temperatures average above freezing and if you feel like enjoying a little snow, you can find that. Come along to a few of my favorites that are on my list to visit again.
- Lynchburg
- Lynchburg Tennessee is home to the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. I am not much of a drinker but a nice Gentleman Jack in a glass whiskey glass, with 3 ice cubes is always a smooth relaxing drink. I was so impressed with the tour. Check out all the details on my Feature Blog. Jacob, our tour guide was so friendly and welcoming, and oh that Tennessee accent. The town of Lynchburg is a quaint town with shops and eateries to visit. I did not get enough time there. Will I take the tour again? Oh yes! The Angel Share Tour, where maybe just maybe the angels will share.
- Chattanooga
- Chattanooga is filled with history and beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, beauty surrounds this historic city. Home to the renowned Ruby Falls. A series of ungrounded waterfalls inside Lookout Mountain. A truly Ah moment. Take a ride on the Coolidge Park Antique Carousel, built in 1894 this piece of history has traveled in Maine, New York, and Atlanta, finding its home in Chattanooga. A nice city to walk through visiting the shops and cafes.
- Nashville
- Nashville Tennessee is home to country music’s legendary artists of country music. Visit the Grand Ole Opry House where country music got its start. Take a tour of the Johnny Cash Museum or a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat Lunch and Dinner Cruise. A paddlewheel Riverboat takes you on a relaxing tour down the Cumberland River. Featuring live entertainment and a wonderful dinner with a view of Nashville’s Skyline, you can get your Riverboat Fantasy.
There are so many places to explore for your Winter travel. These are just a few of my favorites. If you have a few favorites, please leave a comment and tell me all about them.
Thanks for coming on my Chipmunk Adventure! See you next week.
🐿
Love this Blog?
