Hello Travel Resorts of America Campers! Welcome to the october 2018 Newsletter. Here you can find updates on your favorite resorts and more!
THIS IS YOUR TRAVEL RESORTS OF AMERICA ONLINE NEWSLETTER
We hope everyone had an amazing summer! We loved seeing happy campers all over the map at our Travel Resorts of America resorts!
Read on to find out all about what is to come this year. So many exciting events and activities for you and all of our Travel Resorts of America Family!
Be sure to follow our Facebook pages for more information, updated all the time. Enjoy!
For any suggestions or comments on the E-Traveler, email us at: newsletter@travelresorts.com
GENERAL REMINDERS
- Want to be in the eTraveler? Send us an email with a photo of you and your family enjoying the resort and you could be in the next Newsletter!
- Don’t forget to join in on the Meet the Manager meeting at your Resort! Ask your Resort staff for the location and times of this meeting!
TRA Firewood Policy
In keeping with continuing to provide a great outdoor experience for our members and guests, as well as protecting the natural resources on our beautiful resorts, TRA will no longer be allowing members to bring firewood with them when they visit a TRA resort. By now, most Members are familiar with the numerous “Don’t Move Firewood – It Bugs Me!” campaigns that are in place in states where we have resorts. Our alliance with these state campaigns is intended to protect our trees and continue to provide our Members with the lush destinations our resorts offer. We have recently discovered damage at one of our resorts from the Emerald Ash Borer, and we wish to be more proactive in protecting our tree resources. Our Members who wish to have campfires, you will be able to purchase firewood at the resort store. Firewood that is sold at the resorts will either come from trees harvested on resort property, or from vendors who deliver certified insect-free packages of bundled wood. For more information on this spreading problem we invite you to visit websites such as www.dontmovefirewood.org or any of the state DNR websites. We appreciate your help and cooperation with helping to prevent the further spread of this problem.
Wally World Riverside Resort
Manager Update:
Hello Fall!
This is such a wonderful time of year to cozy up by the fire and take in the smells of fall. We have three weeks of fun filled activities to go for the season.
As our season is winding down I have a few reminders.
Water to the campsites will be shut off on November 1st. This does not mean you have to stop camping. You can always fill your water tank from the side of the pavilion. Our showers house is open year-round.
Anyone that is storing their camper at the resort for the winter please stop in the office and make sure you have completed the required paperwork and that you have a TRA storage sticker on the hitch or the front of your camper. We also want to keep all the campers stored in two rows, so please check with the front desk before parking your camper.
Winterizing your camper. The Resort does not offer this service but if you need someone to do this for you call and schedule ahead of time with Mohican RV.
This summer has gone by so quickly. The staff here at Wally World has enjoyed being a part of your summer and we are already planning next year.
Enjoy these fall days and every bit of camping time that you can squeeze in.
Feeling Blessed,
Barb McClintock, Resort Manager
Activities Update:
Hello everyone!
We are gearing up for a few more fun weekends here at Wally World before the season ends. Preparation is underway now for our Halloween weekend. Our next upcoming weekend in October will be our annual “Apple Butter” weekend. It is a fun seasonal activity many people enjoy. It does require many hands, from peeling and paring the fruit to the 8 or more hours of continual stirring. Member participation is always so greatly appreciated, this is an event we couldn’t make happen without all of you who choose to help out. The product of all this hard work is a tasty treat sure to please! We sure hope to see you on the river to celebrate the changing season.
Thanks again!
Shauna Wilson, Activities Director
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort
Manager Update:
I know, I know, watching summer quickly disappear is difficult — but it’s also a little bittersweet, because though long, sunny days of eating ice cream and going for dips in the pool are pure bliss, I’m close to certain that fall is the best season to exist; at least in my opinion.
With a new crisp air slowly taking over the atmosphere the weather becomes perfect, falling leaves and chilly days are here to stay. Foliage is basically the most magical process of nature to ever occur. Trees bursting into red, orange, and yellow colors never gets old. Apple picking becomes a thing, and pies start taking over the kitchen counter. Hot chocolate, the ultimate autumn sipper, and those ‘Pumpkin Spiced’ drinks; actually, I believe our taste buds become ‘Pumkinalized’. While I’ve mentioned that the weather is perfect during the fall, that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of time for cuddling under blankets, building campfires; nothing is quite as serene as hanging by the fire and simply putting your mind at ease. Lots of laughs can be had when you’re curled up around a campfire with your family and friends roasting weenies. The multiple ways of learning a ‘new way’ to make S’mores. I believe I have done like 19 already, and roasted marshmallows are more enjoyable,
Halloween arrives, and everyone loves a good excuse to get dressed up; some even dress up their pets. Soon the ‘haunted trail’ will become alive. Remember the last two weekends and all proceeds goes to the ‘Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’. Scarecrows along the entrance way have started sprouting up and if you have the talent, you can indeed make one of your own. Rachel has been gearing up the Fall Activities and there is lots of fun planned for all ages.
FALL CAMPING IS MAGICAL!
Heather Powis, Manager in Training
Activities Update:
Happy Fall from all of us in Gettysburg!! Last week we sent our summer season off with our first annual pamper Your Pet Weekend. Our pooches were treated to pet-i-cures and treats from our local Pet Valu Store, and got to paddle around in our pool! We also had an amazing talent show featuring our very gifted members singing, playing the guitar, doing magic tricks, drumming and even juggling! This weekend we are kicking off Fall with our annual Autumn Harvest Celebration. there will be pumpkin carving contests, hot apple cider, hay rides and a pie-eating contest! We will also be putting up scare crows all along our entrance, and some may look oddly familiar!! This is just the start of our crazy, scary, spooky Halloween Celebration! Come walk along our haunted trail or join us on our float in the Gettysburg Halloween Parade!
Rachel Lockwood, Activities Director
North Shore Landing
Activities Update:
September started off with a bang with our Labor Day weekend. It began early with serious fishermen/fisherwomen showing up as early as 7:00AM for coffee/goodies before heading out to beautiful Lake Oconee. We had all ages, with kids as young as three. Prizes were awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The Clubhouse was packed for our barbecue – as well as the dance floor with
Tim Cadiere and his five-piece band performing (Elvis even made an appearance). A great turnout for a bonfire on the beach on Sunday roasting marshmallows. The weekend finished up on Monday with an Ice-Cream Sundae Social. Grandparents Day was celebrated with a coffee chat, handmade craft to present to the Grandparents, Bingo with a celebration cake and ice-cream after and a family potluck dinner. An Italian Potluck for our Italian weekend. Our new Manager, Lisa Fisher, received a warm welcome at a reception held for her with delicious cake and goodies. Our finale weekend was Country Western – with an awesome chili cookoff. Tasting was a hard chore with twelve big pots of chili to choose from – but three winners were awarded prizes. We finished up with a great night of Karaoke.
We are very excited about October and, hopefully, some cool Fall temperatures. Octoberfest is coming up with Brats and Kazoos. What could be better than a Fall Potluck with delicious Fall recipes to get everyone excited. A weekend of pumpkin fun to include various pumpkin events the weekend of October 19th – 21st. Our Halloween celebration, one of our biggest events of the year, is coming up October 26th – 29th. Prizes will be given for best site decoration and costume contest. It will kick-off on Friday with a drive-in (golf carts) “fright night” movie on the big screen in the beach area, with bonfire and smores to enjoy. On Saturday we will have a Halloween Carnival, a Haunted House for all ages, Trick or Treat, and end the day with dancing the night away with Tim Cadiere and his five-piece band and appetizers will be brought by guests for all to enjoy. Be sure to come out and join in on all the fun!
Glenda Kikta, Activities Director
Rocky Fork Ranch
Manager Update:
Happy Fall y’all from Rocky Fork Ranch! Can you believe we are enjoying the sights and sounds of Fall already! September was a month filled with everything from Superhero weekend to Paul Bunyan weekend. We wrapped up September with Oktober Fest weekend and our second member build was a great success! This was a huge project and we appreciate all the hands that made this project possible. A big thank you to Frank Rowley and his expertise, insight and hard work to help us make this happen! Also, thanks to every member who came and offered us a hand with this monumental task. Not to mention our hard working staff who came to get er done!
October is upon us and guess what we are up to? We are gearing up for Halloween of course😉. We sure hope you will make the time to come join us for a spooktacular time. We have some frightful activities planned and the great pumpkin patch is back! Enjoy hay rides to the pumpkin patch to pick out your very own pumpkin. This activity has a small fee be sure to get your activity guide for all the details. Please know there will be so many little ghosts and goblins running about in shear excitement. Drive slowly so everyone has a safe and happy time while making memories on these busy weekends. We know how much our members love our Halloween weekends, so we will have two of them, so everyone can come and enjoy! October 12-14 is our first Halloween weekend and October 19-21 is weekend number two. We are filling up fast hurry and reserve your spot today!
Sharrie Yarber, Resort Manager
Luna Sands Resort
Manager Update:
Whew!!! What a hot and steamy September month we’ve had. The heat index for the last 2 weeks of September was above 100 almost every day. We’ve had hurricanes for the past 2 Septembers and are thankful that this one was “Hurricane Free”. During the summer months and into September, Luna Sands is in a non peak season operation mode. Campers have learned that Florida in the summer is HOT and therefore they go further north if they can. We still work on projects and keep the grounds mowed. In addition, the perimeter fence has been rebuilt this summer and we’ve refurbished a couple of campsites.
As we move into our “Peak Season” operation, business picks up and we get pretty busy. We are already taking reservations for December and January. The months of January, February, and March are our busiest months. Luna Sands only has a few sites that have 50 amp service and there are only a few sites that can accommodate large rigs. If you plan on visiting LSR this winter, please call and make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Also, due to the limited number of large sites and sewered sites, the maximum length of stay can not be over 14 days.
There are a few small seasonal sites left for anyone that is interested. The prices are based on length of time you’re staying, 1-3 months; 1-4 months; and 1-6 months. E-mail Lewis for additional information. lemert@travelresorts.coml
Although Luna Sands camping may be slow during the summer, we still have a couple of activities scheduled. During September, we celebrated Labor Day with a picnic, and also the History of Florida. We’ll celebrate Columbus Day with some ore history and then at the end of the month a small Halloween get together.
Lewis Emert, Resort Manager
Bass Lake Resort
Manager Update:
Bass Lake is nearing the end of the camping season during the month of October. There are projects happening and also seasonal operations beginning. For those of you that have never visited this resort, you can still enjoy beautiful weather, fall foliage, and a quiet/peaceful camping experience.
Although we may have some great camping weather left, Bass Lake will winterize and blow all the water out of the water lines on October 15th. Once the freezing weather hits in New York, most campers leave the state or winterize their own units. We will leave our cedar lodges open for the winter. The upper clubhouse, café, and bath-rooms will close on Columbus Day which will be on Monday, October 8th. All organized activities will be suspended from October 14th until May 4th.
If you have a reservation at Bass Lake during the month of October, you will be “dry camping” after the 15th. This means that you use the water in your holding tanks and you have to fill them up before going to your campsite. There is still plenty of time to camp at Bass Lake before the snow arrives, so come on out. Please call us before you arrive to discuss check-in options and other camping details.
We started our new campsite project during September and will continue on during the month of October. We plan on using all good weather days and we’ll keep you updated as the work moves forward this winter.
As this newsletter is posted, we have already celebrated our first Halloween weekend on September 29th. The final weekend of Halloween coincides with Columbus Day each year (always the weekend that includes the 2nd Monday of the month). Because Columbus Day was so early this year, we have planned a few activities for the 13th of October which is the last weekend that the campsites will have water. We’ll be posting all of our Halloween pictures on Facebook in the Halloween album.
Lizette Bradley, Resort Manager
Sycamore Lodge
Manager Update:
Greetings once more from Sycamore!
September blew through like a hurricane … oh, wait, that WAS a hurricane! Florence was not kind to the Carolinas, but we were fortunate, all things considered. We escaped with only a few days without power, a few downed trees, minor damage and a resort covered with debris. A special shout out to our friends at Rocky Fork for lending us support for a few days in the immediate aftermath. Our crew worked hard to get the Resort back to normal and what great team work – I think they’ve done a great job! We are thankful to all of you for your help and your patience as we waited for the power to come back on and as we continue to clean up.
Although things have definitely quieted down some with the kids going back to school … there continues to be a buzz in the air. Our recreation intern, Kristen, has been working with Bob to keep activities rolling. We’ve had Hillbilly Olympics (my first ever experience!), Native American week and Oktoberfest, complete with a Bratwurst cookout that was a big hit! We always enjoy participating and getting to talk with everyone.
And there’s no doubt that it is Haunted Forest time! The volunteers aren’t about to let some little hurricane get in their way. They have been working feverishly on getting set up and the community has been super supportive. So, don’t forget, the last 3 Saturdays in October – come on out and have some fun for a great cause – all proceeds go to The Leukemia Lymphoma Society of NC. We are looking forward to having the biggest year yet!
Remember 5 mph … and keep your pets on a leash and be sure to clean up after them. Pet stations with bags and cans throughout the resort…
Have fun, be safe, and I hope to see you soon!
Jeanna Plants, Assistant Resort Manager
Activities Update:
The month of September was a very interesting and exciting month at Sycamore Lodge. The first weekend was our Labor Day celebration and the last big week of activities. We had games, gaga ball, candy bingo, water aerobics, socials and a Friday night prize bingo. There were a lot of members participating before the summer ends. We also had a softball game on Saturday with the members against the Travel Resorts of America’s “Base Invaders” softball team. Everyone participated that wanted too and we had a lot of fun, but in the end the Base Invaders did win. Saturday night ended with an excellent new band called The Night Move Band. They were very interactive with the members and everyone enjoyed themselves. Sunday we had some balloon games and a corn hole tournament where we had the most participation ever for corn hole. We set up on the pavilion with 5 sets of corn hole boards. Everyone had an excellent time playing. Then that night we had a Labor Day pot Luck too. Monday we had a kickball with the members and a few Staff interacting and having a blast. We ended out Labor day celebration with Sycamore S’mores at the fire pit.
The next weekend was our Hillbilly Olympics weekend and the first day of the Haunted Forest Preparation. We started the day early in the morning in the Haunted forest area cleaning and working on the houses. All the Haunted forest volunteers showed up and worked hand in hand for several hours out there. Then we had our hillbilly activities of blind golf cart racing, hillbilly bird feeder craft, and the Hillbilly Olympics. Very funny stuff following directions to drive a golf cart blindfolded. The Hillbilly Olympics was absolutely awesome. The teams had to throw a tire, run do a human wheel barrel race, roll tire up hill, sack race in plastic trash bags, throw hillbilly corn hole and toilet seat horseshoe toss. They were timed in the event and best time won for both kids and adult’s teams. We had a road kill potluck and ended the night with our last band of the season The Loaded Dice band.
The next week and weekend we were hit by Hurricane Florence which closed the campground and left us with no power for over 5 days, but really had minimal damage to the resort.
The fourth weekend was our Native American weekend. We had a flea market, face painting, a wagon ride, a horseshoe tournament and the members built a Native American tee pee with the branches that had fallen down from the hurricane. We had an awesome time building the tee pee, painting the cloth with Native American Symbols and putting it all together. We also started that morning cleaning up the haunted forest area and continuing the preparation for the Haunted Forest event.
The final weekend was our annual Oktoberfest Celebration. We worked in the haunted Forest setting up the buildings and the support stuff in the morning and then had bratwursts for lunch for everyone. We made Oktoberfest crafts, played Ein, Zwei, Drei, … Halt (German duck, duck goose) and had a apple juice stein relay race. We also had line dancing classes and ended the night with a beer tasting from a local brewery RailHouse Brewery. Still had a lot of fun and games despite the Hurricane this month. Next month we are looking forward to conducting our annual charity event for the Lymphoma / Leukemia Research Society: The Haunted Forest at Sycamore Lodge. Our member volunteers are working day and night to get this ready and we are excited about it all. Thank You from the Activities Department at Sycamore Lodge!
Bob Johnson, Activities Director
