A Note from the Richardson Tribe
Welcome to PB&J Adventures. We are an extremely curious family of six that enjoys exploring, playing, and learning. We have always made an effort to go somewhere and do something as often as possible, leaving the house and every day worries behind.

Initially our adventures lasted only a day, so we would pack a lunch, often PB&J sandwiches (which inspired the name of our adventures). Sometimes the adventures were framed by an event like a fair or festival, however, most adventures were based on local places, their unique history or features, and any available activities at that location or in the immediate area (we do, after all, have children).

Eventually the adventures became a major part of our lives, sometimes lasting several days at a time. In 2007, we began documenting our adventures on a family website. Much to our surprise, many friends and family members wanted to experience their own adventures or join us for ours. Such was the inspiration for this website.

Our mission is to make the planning of your adventures easy and predictable. We have done the research and have personally visited and reviewed all listed sites. The PB&J Adventures website features detailed information about places to go and things to do. Destination reviews include lots of pictures, campground or lodging details, fun and educational things to do in the vicinity, dates of local events, maps for directions, links to official websites and reservations, and most importantly, a personal account of a local adventure by a real family.

We hope you enjoy the website, and we sincerely hope your family experiences the same benefits we have. If you have questions about any of the sites or events we recommend, please contact us. 

Thanks for visiting PB&J Adventures,

The Richardson Tribe
 

Note, we have received no monetary compensation or consideration in any manner for inclusion in this list. Our reviews are honest accounts of the places and events we visit. We accept payment for banner ads and/or management of ad campaigns only after a destination has been anonymously  reviewed and the review published.

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An Unusually Beautiful State Park on Florida's Gulf Coast.

Cold wet weather tends to ignite a desire to seek a warmer climate. Birds fly south, so why can't I? There are many desirable destinations in the sunshine state, and Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is one of our favorites. 
 

Topsail Hill Preserve State Park is located on the west end of Highway 30A in Walton County, Florida near San Destin. In addition to providing an affordable stay in a very exclusive (expensive) area, Topsail features over 3 miles of pristine secluded beach completely void of homes. condos, shops, and hotels. Absolutely nothing but sea, sand, and nature adorn this small piece of Florida's coastline.

The beach is typical for the area (awesome). Fine snow-white sand and emerald waters inspire beach lovers. There are three methods of getting to the beach from the campground. You can ride a bike, walk, or take a shuttle that runs periodically. We like the bike option. You can coast most of the way down to the beach, and the ride back isn't terribly bad either. Just be aware, it's about a half mile bike ride down to the boardwalk that leads to the beach. If you plan to walk or bike to the beach, make sure you can carry your beach supplies!

Wildlife abounds at Topsail Hill Preserve. The park features over 1,600 acres of fish-filled fresh water lakes and sand dunes, some as as much as 25' high.  Deer, raccoon, coyote, and snake are just a few of the land creatures in the park. It's unlikely you'll  encounter any of these, but you might very well see their tracks in the dunes (no humans allowed). You might be more likely to see a sea turtle than anything else. They seem to know it's a safe haven for them.

The campground is nice. It's set-up like an RV park, but most sites are a respectable size. They have full hookups and a decent laundry facility, so it's painless to stay as long as you like. The pool and recreation area is exceptionally nice. It even features a shuffle board court.

There is no limit to local dining, entertainment, and activities near Topsail Hill Preserve. The park is just minutes from San Destin and Destin, and a relatively short drive to Panama City Beach. These resort areas offer numerous water parks, miniature golf courses, parasailing, personal water craft rentals, kayak rentals, bike rentals, deep sea fishing, golf, and much more. There is never a dull moment in this part of Florida. It's one of our all-time favorite destinations.

For more details, including lots more pictures, click here.

 

Over three miles of remote beach to explore!


There are lots of little crusty critters to catch and sea shells to collect at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park.

This site overlooks a small pond and swimming pool.

We take a break to enjoy few moments soaking-up the sun and view.

The rock climber standing on the top of this formation lends some perspective to its size.

 

John Micah holds-up the rock while Heath cleans

Formations vary considerably at Rock Town.

Cloudland Canyon State Park (Georgia) can be a winter wonderland.

When we purchased our first motorhome, we knew very little about RVing and the culture that surrounds it. We certainly didn't realize that, even in the southern US, most people park their RV for the winter season and deprive themselves the joys of year-round camping. We were also confused as to why many campgrounds are often partially closed or completely shut-down for the winter season. After all, it's not uncommon for 50-70 degree days in the dead of winter where we live. We have since learned some of the reasons winter is bad for camping, but we choose to ignore any obstacle that can be easily overcome. Why so eager to camp in the winter? Well let's see...

There are many ways to justify keeping the RV on the road year-round. For instance, in winter, campgrounds are much less crowded. , so it's a lot easier to get a prime spot. Winter days and nights in most national and state parks are incredibly quiet and peaceful. Have you ever laid in a camper listening to the snow fall? One of our favorite benefits of cold weather camping is the fact that snakes and bears are hibernating. Granted, the colors tend to be grayish, but there are still many beautiful sites in the winter. Frozen waterfalls, frosty leaves, massive pipe organ icicles, bright sunny days, and crystal clear night skies. Views in the mountains are exceptional because the leaves have already fallen. Winter activities like snow skiing and tubing can also be enjoyed while camping. Homer II (our motorhome) was our home during our recent Cataloochee ski trip in Maggie Valley, December 2011.

I'll be the first to admit there are also inconveniences of winter camping. We learned early-on that RVs aren't typically designed for temperatures far below freezing. The windows are usually single pane (non-insulated), and not well sealed around the edges. In really cold weather, water supply lines can freeze causing the  inconvenience of waking-up with no water as well as possible damage. Other negatives of winter camping are shorter days (later starts, earlier endings), condensation, tons of winter clothes, coats, and boots to pack,  and the fact that sometimes your favorite campground is closed. Yes, there are issues with winter camping.

The weather can't be controlled, but most cold-weather camping issues can be resolved with a little common sense. For instance, techniques used to winter-proof a home also apply to an RV. We use plastic sheeting over the windows at the head of our master bed to help seal out the cold air. A heated cord wrapped the water supply hose and spigot helps prevent the loss of water and busted hardware. A small, safely placed space-heater can help conserve LP gas and maintain a more constant temperature in the camper. Many other simple practices can make camping in the cold more enjoyable, including making good decisions about the clothes you wear. Everyone in our family owns a trapper hat, one of the best inventions since fire.

Can't stand the cold? Head south! Florida is a great way to escape the cold of winter. Last year we spent our Christmas-Break camping and canoeing with the manatee in the warm waters of Salt Springs. It was a nice break from the cold winter days of north Georgia. Sometimes that doesn't work though. We once headed south to Albany, Georgia for warmer weather, and it snowed on us (see first picture).

February 2010 at Georgia Veterans State Park in Albany, Georgia. An odd place for a snow storm.

LT at the waterfalls of Enota Mountain Retreat, Nov. 2008. We woke to 9 degree temps that morning.
 

Trapper hats are awesome!. Lainey enjoys hers at the Townsend, Tennessee KOA, December 2009.

Cataloochee Ski Area - Maggie Valley, North Carolina - More

Adventure Journal - Entry Date: December 2011

The Richardson Tribe has been to Maggie Valley several times over the past few years, but never in the winter when Cataloochee Ski Area was open. This Christmas, Santa brought the children gift certificates for ski school at Cataloochee, so we felt compelled to check it out. When visiting Maggie Valley in the past, we have always stayed at Stonebridge RV, so we booked their best creek-side site for the week leading up to the new year.

When we arrived at Stonebridge RV park (now owned by NASCAR), we were extremely disappointed in the seemingly poor condition of the park. It turns out, it pretty much shuts down for the winter. No laundry, no game room, inner roads blocked, and on this particular holiday week, the office was closed and no one was around. We couldn't even get horseshoes for the awesome looking horseshoe pits. There was a tarp on the office's roof, and there was a busted water pipe at one of the sites where the water ran all week. Rebecca spoke to the manager on the phone once, but he told her "Lady, I'm on vacation this week." He never returned my call. So, here we are, six of us for six days, with tons winter clothes and no laundry room. Fortunately, Rebecca had over-packed, so we managed. In all fairness, campgrounds winterizing and shutting-down for the season is pretty common. However, prior to our visit, we were receiving daily emails advertising how wonderful the place is in the winter. We'll have to reconsider where to stay on our next trip to Maggie Valley.
 

On our first full day in Maggie Valley, we thought we'd survey the situation at Cataloochee to determine when and where we needed to be the next morning to enroll the kids in ski school. Unfortunately, we were turned away a the base of the mountain because the ski area was filled to capacity. We were told to get there very early the next morning, and that's just what we did.
 

The kids' ski day was on the Friday before New Years Eve. Cataloochee Ski Area was packed with folks on holiday, but that didn't hinder the fun. Even with the crowd of people, everything went off without a hitch. We had all the kids in some exceptional rental boots and skis in no time. Although Santa brought some silly ski hats, we put helmets on the kids. The helmets were to protect the kids from other klutzy skiers more than falls. There were a lot of beginners out there.
 

After registering the kids for ski school, we left them in the care of the competent ski instructors (as we lurked in the shadows). They spent the entire day spoiling the kids with snack breaks and pizza for lunch. By mid-day, our four kids were all working with a single instructor that gave them lots of personal attention. By mid afternoon, the entire Richardson Tribe papooses were loading-up on the lift and skiing down the big hill. They seemed like naturals rarely falling at all. We expected them to be exhausted and sore after so much ski time, but we practically had to drag them away (especially Lainey - see group picture as we were leaving).

For lunch and occasional warm-up breaks, Rebecca and I visited the lodge. This two-story structure is very much utilitarian with a cafeteria-like food service area, a bar, and lots of tables and seating. The place was packed though, and finding a seat was a challenge. In general, the ski area is quite different from some of the ski resorts Rebecca and I have visited out west. It's a ski area, not a resort. We have to keep reminding ourselves not to compare. After all, flying west, renting a van, and finding affordable housing with four kids in Colorado would probably require a second mortgage. Yup, Cataloochee will do, and do quite nicely thank you.
 

For a complete write-up and dozens of pictures click here.
 

A beautiful sunny day at Cataloochee Ski Area

The twins' first lift-ride with their instructor.

Get out of the way! Get out of the way!

Do we really really  really have to leave?

Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC - Unimaginable Beauty and Luxury - More

The Biltmore Estate is located in the Blue Ridge Mount

ains near Asheville, North Carolina. The home was built between 1889 and 1895 as a Summer home by George Vanderbilt, one of the wealthiest men in the world at the time. Over the course of six years, hundreds of designers, architects, artisans and craftsmen were employed to complete the 135,000 square foot chateau. The home features 250 rooms, an indoor lighted pool, a two-lane bowling alley, a work-out room, an intercom system, elaborate horse stables, and hundreds of priceless antiques, artworks, and various other furnishings. Visiting the home is a memorable experience (and you will have to remember it, because no interior photography is allowed). The adult admission (as of 01/01/2011) is $75 which seems a bit steep, but Kids nine and under are free. That makes it a decent value for a large family, especially considering it's an all day event.

In addition to the home's lavish interior, the grounds are breathtaking. The landscape was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect of New York's Central Park. Plush gardens and native flora and fauna abound throughout the 8.000 acre estate. Keep in mind, landscaping was completed in the 1890s, so much of the shrubbery is very very old and massive. The "tree trunks" you see in the image to the right is wisteria.

Also on the estate is Antler Hill Village that hosts a winery, shops, and farm (including a petting zoo). Honestly, the farm is the biggest hit with the kids. The animals are very friendly, as is the staff. The old barn at the Biltmore farm has been restored and features a black smith and wood artisan demonstrating their craft. Additionally, the barn is a sort of museum displaying dozens of old farm implements. The highly-rated winery features a tour and tasting session.

The Biltmore Estate caters to active families by providing miles of biking and walking paths. Bikes can be rented on-site. Additionally, visitors can  enjoy exclusive activities such as a Land Rover driving experience or an off-road Segway tour.

If you're considering a stay at Biltmore Estate, there are cottages and an Inn (starting around $480 per night for two) on the property. No, you cannot stay in the "big house."  We typically stay on Jonathon Creek in our RV in nearby Maggie Valley for about $33 per night.

In summary, the Biltmore Estate is a wonderful place to take the family. The kids will be remarkably entertained, even in the house. Our best advice, however, is to arrive early and plan on staying the entire day. You will not be disappointed.

It's difficult to capture the home on camera.

Notice the size of the wisteria vines.

The farm is our favorite part of the Biltmore Estate.

Other factors influenced our choice of RV such as the convenience of a restroom and kitchen while traveling. I estimate that, by not stopping to use the restroom, we save a considerable amount of time and money. Every time we use a restroom at a gas station, we feel obliged to buy a snack. With seven snackers, that can add up.

So, after all considerations were made, we began shopping for a new motorhome. We had seen a Winnebago Access 31J at a Stone Mountain RV show in 2008, and it seemed perfect. Unfortunately, the price was well over our planned budget. I searched every resource I knew. RV Trader, Ebay, Craigslist, and various other online and print media. We needed something that would easily sleep 7 or more people comfortably, and was capable of pulling a tow vehicle. It was a frustrating search. Then one day, I stumbled across an ad for the exact model we'd wished for. A dealer had gone out of business, and Winnebago had repossessed an Access 31J with bunks in the slide. It was perfect, and the price was incredible. I drove to Colerain RV in Cincinnati, Ohio immediately to trade our beloved Homer in for a brand-new Homer II. We were sad to see our first Homer go, but we were ready for a good night's sleep.

Meet Homer II - 2008 Winnebago Access 31J
Homer II is a 32' "class c" motorhome with two slide-outs. The cabin rests on a Ford E3500 chassis with a V10 power plant. There is a queen size bed over the cab, a queen size bed in the master, two twin bunks in a slide, a sofa that folds into a bed, and a dinette that folds into a bed. Technically, it will sleep 10, so we are quite comfortable with 7. The furnishings are more plush than our old RV, but still not overly luxurious. It's a very functional layout with warm colors and a cozy feel. We have two flat-screen TV's and  DVD player that can be viewed on both screens.

The main living area is in a slide, and it has a sofa, dinette, and a relatively compact kitchen. It suits our needs, but we could always use more pantry space and a larger fridge. The cab-over bunk is a very spacious. Our oldest son usually has that bed to himself, but sometimes, our youngest boy will join him when "Mother Goose" is traveling with us. As mentioned before, the sofa and dinette can both be converted to beds, but we never fold the table down. The two bunks are in the hallway between the main living area and the master, and across the hall from the restroom (with a very nice shower). That entire rear passenger side of the camper, including the bunks, slides out for added floor space and access to storage. The master bedroom features a queen bed, lots of closet space, and another flat screen TV. Some living and storage space is sacrificed for the bunks, but adequate sleeping space is an absolute must..

The size and weight of the Winnebago Access pushes the Ford 3500 chassis to its limits. It is easy to drive, however, and everything works well. Homer II averages about 10mpg on the highway when not towing a vehicle. When we pull our Jeep, it averages about 7mpg. Yes, it hurts when fuel prices are high, but it's still cheaper than flying. Remember, we're carrying seven people and a lot of supplies and toys. I also want to mention that the V10 power plant is very reliable and does a great job of pulling.

Our Toad - A Jeep Named "Willie B"
If you're not familiar with the term "toad," that's what motorhome owners call the vehicle they pull behind their rig. Our "toad" is a 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X. The Jeep Wrangler is the only four-door convertible available, and I like convertibles. I have always wanted a Jeep, and when the four door wrangler came out, I was excited. Unfortunately, I soon learned the Wrangler accommodates only five passengers. Fortunately, after some research, I found LittleSeats.com, a company that manufactures third-row seats for Jeeps and other SUVs. It wasn't a cheap addition, but was well worth the investment. I made the mistake of ordering the seat with lap belts only. Rebecca wouldn't hear of it, so I quickly added two four-point off-road safety harnesses. The safety harnesses may be overkill, but still cheaper than the shoulder strap option from LittleSeats.com.

The Toys - What About The Toys
When we take our bikes on adventures, I can fit all six on the back of Willie B using a combination of a bike rack and flat rack, both attached to the receiver hitch with a dual adapter. We also travel with two Canoes occasionally. This presented two problems. First, how to carry two 15' canoes n a Jeep, and second, how to single-handedly load them without damaging the canoes, the Jeep, or myself. I usually have help, but I can't rely on that. I solved the problem of carrying the canoes by removing the handles from one and nesting them together. Then I installed a Warrior Products Safari Watercraft Rack which supports the canoes at the front an rear of the cab.. To facilitate loading, I ordered a Cabela's Canoe Loader. It makes loading much easier, and provides additional support at the rear of the vehicle. With regards to the Warrior Products watercraft rack, it's really not very strong and it took some major modifications to install. Unless they have since made some design changes, I cannot endorse it. The Cabela's Canoe Loader, however, performs exactly as advertised.

Pulling the Toad - On The Road
We have tried a couple of methods for pulling the Jeep. I considered flat-towing Willie B, but I wasn't interested in adding a brake apparatus to the Jeep. I initially used a tow dolly, and that worked fine, but limited the places we could go. It's virtually impossible to back a vehicle on a tow dolly, and more than once, that disability cost me valuable time and unnecessary work. We now use a trailer to haul our toad. It can easily be backed, and it provides some additional storage while we're on the road. The only negative of the trailer is finding a place to store it after  reaching our destination. Sometimes a long pull-through site will accommodate the entire 50' rig, but I prefer wider back-in sites. Typically, the host campground will provide a parking spot for us.

Summary
So, there you have it. The Richardson Tribe's rig may look a little odd, but we're comfortable and prepared. Everyone has place to ride, relax, and sleep. We are pleased with "Homer II" and "Willie B," and plan to keep them both for some time to come.
 

The Winnebago Access 31J interior is cozy.
 

Homer II has limited seating, but lots of beds.

I often have to run the little guys off when I'm ready to crawl into our comfy queen-size bed.
 

When "Mother Goose" travels with the Tribe, she sleeps in the lower of the two bunks.
 

We installed a third-row-seat from LittleSeats.com in Willie B, so carrying seven is no problem.
 

Willie B the "toad" hauls our two canoes, various camping gear, firewood, and four of our six bikes.