With the warm weather at its peak, it’s time to start thinking about getting back to nature as a family. Whether you like to pitch your own tent or get a good night’s sleep in an air-conditioned cabin, we found a place that’s great for all kinds of families. My family of three enjoyed a carefree weekend at the Suwannee River Rendezvous Campground and were pleasantly surprised at all the amenities that they offer. For starters, we are first time travel trailer campers and their friendly staff was more than happy to assist us with set up. That was refreshing and took a bit of the stress off us being new to travel trailer life. Once we set up camp, we went swimming in their pool to cool off. Later that evening after cooking out on the grill they provided, and sitting by the fire roasting marshmallows, we joined the other campers for karaoke at the club house. Other fun activities included Pigeon Racing and Chicken Poop Bingo.
Families will love this park which is located right in the heart of rural North Florida and has one of the most beautiful freshwater springs that feeds directly into the Suwannee River. The great thing is that they can accommodate anyone. Whether you are looking for cottages, full hook-up camp sites or secluded tent camping, they will have what you are looking for. Explore nearby walking trails along the river, swim in crystal clear springs, visit Grandma Susie’s Cook Shack for a great meal, or relax at your campsite. Prices are extremely reasonable, the staff is friendly and the place is beautifully secluded. Our next trip will be soon and we plan to rent kayaks and float down the Suwannee River. If you’d like to take your family for a great weekend away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy getting back to nature, come visit the Suwannee River Rendezvous Campground. To find out more, just go to suwanneeriverrendezvous.com and begin a new adventure.
Scenic, full of charm and rich in history, Senioa. This charming small Georgia town, is nestled just to the west of the hustle and bustle of Atlanta. Known for the many films produced there, such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Footloose and Driving Miss Daisy, this town has been the center of many film and television productions including the very popular show, The Walking Dead. That is what first drew me to this town years ago. But what captivated me, was the town itself, which is why I return often. The stores, the people and the atmosphere are intoxicating. I love to shop along their quaint streets, browsing in the many eclectic stores with unique gifts, antiques and oddities. Everyone is kind and welcoming. Upon each return visit, I make sure to stop in at the same gift shop to visit the friendly black and white store kitty, pick up a new pair of my favorite brand of earrings and find some unique gift to take home. The people are friendly, proud and hard working. This last visit in late May of this year, was just when businesses across the state were beginning to reopen, so everyone was excited that patrons trickled in throughout the day. The entire trip was amazing, One of the highlights was Nic and Norms, by far my favorite of favorite restaurants. Not because the owners happen to be Norman Reedus, the Walking Dead’s Daryl and Greg Nicotero producer of the Walking Dead, but because of the the flavorsome menu and unusual atmosphere. It is elegant and rustic at the same time without being pretentious. The feel is warm and inviting with a staff that makes you feel at home. The food is flawlessly prepared and never disappoints. If you try nothing else there, the peach cobbler is a must! This last visit just happened to be my birthday and I was surprised to see that I was sitting one table over from Greg Nicotero “Nic” and had the pleasure of meeting him that night. What a friendly and gracious man. I have to admit, I was surprisingly star struck. I am usually an animated chatter box, but I found myself almost at a loss for words. He wished me a happy birthday, sat with my husband and I for a few minutes talking and then quietly went back to sit with his family. We stayed that weekend in a charming bed and breakfast, the Vernada, just one short block from the heart of downtown Senioa. With as much traveling my husband and I do, staying at a bed and breakfast was a first for us. I have to admit, I was excited. The house was undeniably stunning. Built over a 100 years ago, this beautiful mansion was originally a hotel. Quiet and homey, our room gave me the feeling I was being transported to another time. Only a few amenities reminded you that you were in the 21st century. The property was surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens just outside a veranda that made its way around the entire house. The breakfast was beyond what I ever imagined. When we woke up to the sound of the town clock chimes, we heard other guests making their way downstairs for breakfast. An elegant and hearty breakfast was served that ensured we would not be hungry for many hours. Homemade biscuits, fresh fruit, perfectly cooked bacon with fluffy eggs and cheese broiled tomatoes. It didn’t stop there, because I found out, when you’re in Georgia, everyone serves peach cobbler, even for breakfast. With reluctance we knew our trip was coming to and end so we decided our last day we would do some more shopping and check out the new farmers market that opened up on the far end of town. I think what had the most lasting impression on my husband and myself during the visit was on our last day, we walked out of one of the many shops we had visited that day and found ourselves standing on the sidewalk when we heard police sirens making a unique sound as they made their way into town. We stood there and watched as everyone came out from the stores, shop owners included, everyone stopped what they were doing and came out to the sidewalk. Men took their hats off and children put their hands across their hearts, to say a final goodbye to the unknown individual in the passing funeral procession. I get goose bumps at just the memory of that moment. It was profound and extremely touching. To see an entire town, put on hold what they are doing, to take a minute to pay respects was thoughtful and gave me a glimpse into the character of this town I have so fallen in love with. With that, I would say that Senioa is a destination that you should add to your travel bucket list. This was not my first visit, and it is certainly not my last. 
