This is that dreamy, wind-in-your-hair kind of place that people actually leave Florida for. Most of us from the deep south have known about Lake Martin all of our lives (not to be confused with Lake Logan Martin). It’s the “blue skies” that Lynyrd Skynard sang about and was the choice for a $10 million vacation home by the notorious Richard Scrucci, former HealthSouth CEO. In 1952, Hank Williams stayed in a lakeside cabin here and wrote his last recorded song, “Kaw-Liga.” And although it’s only 30 minutes from Auburn, it was here that we once chatted with former Alabama star quarterback AJ McCarron (a super nice fellow) in the pizza line at famous Chuck’s. Continue reading “Resting on the South’s Finest Lake is America’s Largest State Campground”
What Dad and Grandpa REALLY Want to do at WDW for Father’s Day
For Father’s special day, your mind likely goes to fishing, golfing, and perhaps a cookout at Fort Wilderness. But if Dad and Grandpa visited Disney World during its early years, it’s really all about nostalgia. For we are drawn to revisit those days in the sun, the days of our youth. Remember that an entire generation has grown up since Y2K. And that 8-year-old boy who camped in a Winnebago in Fort Wilderness in 1972 is now your 55-year-old father or grandfather. Continue reading “What Dad and Grandpa REALLY Want to do at WDW for Father’s Day”
Living with the Seas: Mahi-Mahi with Coconut Cilantro Sauce
The Living Seas is the one Epcot pavilion that kind of makes me feel like I’m on a third-grade field trip. The ocean is like a magnet when I need peace and healing and perspective, much in the same way that the forest and the mountains are. Sometimes more – because I feel safe walking miles all alone. But having the chance to “pretend” to be underwater and see these fish up close is something my husband loves. I mean loves, loves, loves. Continue reading “Living with the Seas: Mahi-Mahi with Coconut Cilantro Sauce”
Test Your Fort Wilderness Knowledge 101: Easy Version!
Take this 20-question quiz to find out if you know at least the bare minimum about Fort Wilderness. These fun and sometimes useless facts are even kid-appropriate for the ride down. Once you master this one, you can try one of our harder ones.
Continue reading “Test Your Fort Wilderness Knowledge 101: Easy Version!”
8 Must-Do Stops from Atlanta to Orlando: Enjoy the Journey
For those millions traveling more than two or three hours to get to Disney World, a large portion are rolling down I-75. Whether headed from Columbus, Ohio or Black Gnat, Kentucky, you’re likely to face that 380-mile long stretch of flat land below the big city. Once you’ve passed the world-famous Varsity in Atlanta, the terrain gets decidedly dull, with no cause for excitement until the Turnpike at Wildwood, signaling the final stretch. Yet off the beaten path are many unique eateries, scenic wonders, and historic gems. Here are a few stops along the way to consider for future trips. A few of them double as excellent places to spend the night. Continue reading “8 Must-Do Stops from Atlanta to Orlando: Enjoy the Journey”
Eighties Flashback: Liberty Tree Tavern’s Classic Shrimp Salad
Liberty Tree Tavern is one of few things at Walt Disney World that hasn’t changed. Other than the menu, it is still the dark, comforting, and cold respite from the Orlando heat. It opened on day one, back in 1971, and still has its same 18th century, Ben-Franklin charm. The food here is better than almost anywhere in the kingdom, but has gotten much more carb-heavy. Long missing is one of the lightest and best offerings – the shrimp salad. Continue reading “Eighties Flashback: Liberty Tree Tavern’s Classic Shrimp Salad”
National Smile Day: 17 Happy Facts About Fort Wilderness
Today is the day that we turn off the bad news, and try to turn our sour-lemon faces into smiles. We can moan and fret about change, prices, and the heat on another day. Here’s 17 amusing or cheerful things related to Fort Wilderness. Honestly, the list could go to infinity and beyond. Continue reading “National Smile Day: 17 Happy Facts About Fort Wilderness”
Fort Wilderness Changes, Updates and Buzz – May 2019 Edition
If we can’t stop change, maybe we can at least prepare for it. Starting this month (May 2019), we will provide a brief lowdown of the most recent verified and likely modifications at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, some more consequential than others. The source of these include official Disney news, other news sources, Continue reading “Fort Wilderness Changes, Updates and Buzz – May 2019 Edition”
An Epcot International Burger Bar
Nothing says cookout like Memorial Day, Father’s Day, and Fourth of July. Whether by the backyard pool or under the pine forests of Disney’s Fort Wilderness, this is a time of family celebration. These days, a burger can mean ground beef, ground turkey, or a vegetarian option, such as a black bean patty. What has changed over the last decade is that the toppings less likely to be ordinary. Ketchup, mayonnaise and mustard remain assumed condiments, but many restaurants, such as Green Truck Pub in Savannah, have made their name with a bold approach to toppings. Yesterday, we remembered our friends and family who served, and then celebrated Memorial Day with a cookout with some of our favorite people. This Epcot-inspired toppings bar was fun to make and was a culinary hit. Continue reading “An Epcot International Burger Bar”
Camping by the Numbers: 5 Reasons Why Camping and Fort Wilderness are So Cool Again
Many of us remember the 1980s and 1990s when one could book a campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Campground just a few days out, or perhaps even just show up. The 1970s weren’t quite as easy as all campground loops were not yet complete. And the 70s were the heyday of the long family road trip, with the expansion of the interstate system and mass production of motorhomes. And then around 1980, camping and outdoor activities began a decline, alongside a more fearful parenting style and the proliferation of video games. The number of RV owners did not reach the 1980s level until 2001 (Journal of Leisure Research, 2014). Now, in 2019, camping has reached a new high in popularity among Americans who seek to escape the news, their technologies, and ever-increasing societal stress. This is part of the reason that getting a prime-time reservation Continue reading “Camping by the Numbers: 5 Reasons Why Camping and Fort Wilderness are So Cool Again”