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ddro's avatar
ddro
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015

Need advice about winter somewhere warm and budget friendly

Well we are doing it and have purchased our new motorhome. Planning to go somewhere warm that won't break the bank but has activities and amenities. Planning to leave Nashville around mid January and spend at least a month somewhere warm possibly two. We are seeking advice as to what others think is the best area to go and if I should go ahead and book something before we head out or wait until we are either in Arizona, Texas or Florida.
Looking for advice as to where there are sites that have activities and an area where sight seeing and exploring antiques, museums, etc.
friendly sites that have similar folk that play cards, pool etc.
I am wondering if I should tow my small trailer with a scooter to explore or just rent a car for a week in the right area.
We are traveling in a 33 foot class c
New to this and both excited and a little scared.
Any advice from anybody is appreciated as our experience so far has been one night in Gatlinburg and 5 nights in state parks.
I have some health issues and we are in our 60s and are going to bring our weim service dog with us.
Of course there is a budget too so that is a concern.
Thanks for any help.
Class C
  • coolmom42's avatar
    coolmom42
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2015
    A lot of people like the Rio Grande Valley as a budget-friendly and snowbird-friendly area. It's not as warm as southern Arizona, but warmer than TN in January!

    I have some friends who live Rockport about 100 miles north of Corpus Christi. They like the winter climate there. It's close to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great bird-watching area in the winter.

    I've been told the Harlingen area is also nice.
  • chast's avatar
    chast
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2015
    Hi ddro--if you are not familiar with the Escapees RV Club, check it out (www.escapees.com). We have two parks in Florida where we have enjoyed spending our last 12 winters at a reasonable price. We like the Sumter Oaks RV Park in Bushnell, FL as it is not only reasonable with lots of activities, but it is located in an area that offers a lot to do. We understand your apprehension, but if you can muster the courage to give the lifestyle a try, you will enjoy it. You can PM me if you want specifics. Good Luck!
  • 2chiefsRus's avatar
    2chiefsRus
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    Am I reading correctly that you will not have a tow car to get around with once you are set up in a campground? If so, I would not like having to unhook anytime I want to go to a grocery store or leave the campground for any other reason. Not to mention trying to find parking for even a small motor home during peak season in shopping areas. Also don't think that trying to carry groceries home on a scooter would be a lot of fun.

    There are places like you describe in Texas, Florida and Arizona. Are you someone who likes to see new places (i.e. move around) or do you want to get there, set up and then stay in one place for a month?
  • LynnandCarol's avatar
    LynnandCarol
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    Rockport, TX! Google and explore the area. It is very popular and allot of RV parks are already full for the winter!
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    Rockport is good. Another alternative is the Fredricksburg area. There is a Jellystone that has a winery that might be a place to look at.
  • ron_dittmer's avatar
    ron_dittmer
    Explorer II
    Jul 22, 2015
    Hi ddro in Nashville,

    If I were you with a 33 foot class C, I would look into a tow vehicle considering a month or two in one place at a time.

    We own a scaled-down 23'-8" B+ and we still tow for increased mobility. And we are on the run folks, never staying in one place for a month like that. A scooter will help you some, but I think it will restrict you too much. You want to go places, not just sit and look at your rig all day. Since you mentioned concern over costs, renting a car for 1-2 months won't be nearly as cost efficient as bringing your own car from home. The cost for tow-setup will pay for itself the first trip....assuming you have a towable vehicle at home.

    Ron
  • GMandJM's avatar
    GMandJM
    Explorer
    Jul 22, 2015
    A small scooter on a trailer would be good, if you are set up for towing a trailer and have the needed hitch and a plug to run the brake lights and such.

    If you're thinking of towing a car, do you know what your new MH's towing capacity is? And do you have a car already that can be towed with four wheels on the ground (or on two-wheeled dolly)?

    Renting a car might depend on how long you plan to stay in one place.

    We have friends who stay short times (week to 10 days) in different places in the winter and they rent from a company that brings the rental car to their campground if they decide they need one. It works out well for them.

    Congrats on your new MH. I hope you have many safe and happy adventures!

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