We decided to attend the 2010 Florida RV Super Show in Tampa leaving from Marco Island on Thursday morning, January 14, and at the same time to make a road trip out of it by staying at the Palmetto Riverside B&B that same evening. We continued on the next morning to a very unique tourist attraction called Solomon’s Castle near Arcadia, Florida, followed by lunch and tea at Mary Margaret’s Tea Room and then on to some antique shopping in downtown Arcadia.

The highlight of the trip was the Palmetto Riverside B&B where they offered dinner that evening as well breakfast the next morning. The B&B is an old wooden home that was built in 1913 right on the Manatee River across from downtown Bradenton.

There are 4 well appointed rooms available to choose from, all with modern bathrooms in each room.

The owners, Wim and Mieke Lippens, are from Belgium and every experience at their B&B has a strong European influence from the decorating to the meals they prepared and the service they offered.

We can assure you that your experience here will be grand and that if you are ever near this part of Florida you should give yourself a treat by staying at the Palmetto Riverside B&B and including dinner as part of your stay.

After our grand breakfast on Friday morning we proceeded on to Solomon’s Castle, a unique part of Americana roadside tourist attractions. If ever there was a place that fit the phrase “build it and they will
come” this is the one that should be the poster to go along with the phrase. It is truly in the middle of nowhere on the road less traveled. Besides the uniqueness of its construction, using old news paper
tintype on the outside, you will leave with a smile on your face after your tour filed with tongue-in-cheek
humor and puns based on interesting artwork created by artist Howard Solomon. His specialty is in
creating his art pieces out of recycled materials.

After leaving Solomon’s Castle we proceeded down the road to Arcadia to enjoy a nice afternoon tea at Mary Margaret’s Tea Room. It is a delightful step back in time; as it is decorated with the grandeur of the Victorian era. Antique shops aplenty in downtown Arcadia rounded out the road trip with interesting finds.

The Hearthside Grove Tour took us next to Lambert’s Cafe in Foley, Alabama, just eight miles north of Gulf Shores and worth every mile!  Resorters of every kind must experience Lambert’s at least once for a memorable experience and LOTS of food (more than you could ever eat at one sitting : ).  Lambert’s is a good time with good food and a really fun atmosphere.  Check them out online at www.throwedrolls.com, and plan to arrive hungry!

Valley River Murphy NC

Just outside Murphy, North Carolina, we pulled into the Valley River RV Resort, still in the construction phase of its development and showing quite well with the cabin-styled houses available to lot owners.  Valley River is tucked into the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and offers all of the splendid views and moods that one can expect will be attendant to living in such a gorgeous natural environment.  We look forward to coming back and experiencing all that River Valley intends to offer in the months and years ahead!

Hearthside Grove is on the road this Winter traveling around the country to see you.  Please check back to see where we have been and where we are going. First stop on our Journey was Apple Valley Motorcoach Resort in Lake Lure North Carolina.  Mid-November brought some chilly temperatures upon our arrival, but the mountains and winding roads offered some wonderful views.  Apple Valley is a peaceful place tucked into the mountains and our family had a wonderful time,  meeting some of our current owners from Hearthside Grove Motorcoach Resort, and making new ones!  See you at the next stop…�

http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/

Next stop was Chimney Rock Park.  What a view! They may tell you it is ok to drive to the first gate but don’t, I would suggest parking in town and taking the tow car up.  From Apple Valley Chimney Rock park is on the way to Lake Toxaway Outdoor Resorts.  (Blue Ridge Mountians Outdoor Resorts)�

On just the start of our journey to see many parks we could not have picked a more winding scenic road to travel in the Fall.  Getting to Lake Toxaway is a bit of a challenge, but the rolling terrain is something to see after you are parked. We were not able to see any Hearthside Grove Owners here, all had flown south for the Winter.  On to Murphy NC next via SC and Georgia.�

The picture says it all, this is the four corners of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona.  We had a wonderful time in this area and would recommend stopping by Goosenecks State Park just outside of Mexican Hat, Utah.