Orange TX–Norton RV Park

Disclaimer:
These are RV Parks and Resorts that we have stayed in across the country.
As you know, things change, management changes, etc. . . so verify any information, rates, and so on before you make a reservation.

These were the conditions at the time of our visit. . .

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We chose Norton RV Park in Orange TX due to it’s close proximity to my brother’s place where we would be celebrating New Year’s Day with the family. . .

 

This is a new park, all gravel roads and pads. . .all back ins with a huge laundry room, a game center with coin operated pool tables, foosball, etc. . .and a large private fishing pond. . .and behind the pond. . .a pasture full of beautiful horses.

 

This would be a great overnight stop for folks traveling from Louisiana to Houston.  It’s on State HWY 62, which is a main thoroughfare for the area. . .so very easy access in and out. . .about a mile south of Interstate 10.

 

The only drawback. . .and the ONLY reason we will NOT be returning is that, in an effort to make the installation of utilities easier, I guess. . .ALL the utilities are located at the very REAR of the pads.  We needed to pull out every inch of electrical cord and water hose. . .we did not have enough sewer hose to reach, HOWEVER. . .the owner was very accommodating in supplying us with a PVC hard pipe extension. . .which we very much appreciated!  Normally, under these circumstances, we would just go without hooking up the sewer. . .but, since we had two grand daughters with us for the trip. . .it was a necessity.

 

If you have a shorter rig, or if your connections are at the back of your rig. . .you will not have any issues whatsoever, and would probably enjoy a short term stay at this location.

 

Let me know what you think. . .

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle. Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure. If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below. As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume. We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

Full Time RV Travel–RV Park Reviews–Lazy G RV Park–College Station TX

Disclaimer:
These are RV Parks and Resorts that we have stayed in across the country. 
As you know, things change, management changes, etc. . . so verify any information, rates, and so on before you make a reservation.

These were the conditions at the time of our visit. . .

We stayed at the Lazy G RV Park in College Station  located right on Hwy 6, south of College Station, for the month of November 2011. . .

Lazy G RV Park

16554 S. Hwy 6
College Station, TX
77845

(979) 690-8658

We had a fairly good sized pull though spot for $395 for the month. . .pads are gravel, and fairly level. . .all hookups are centrally located center. . .so easy to access.

 

The park is a member of TACO – Texas Association of Campground Owners. . .which will get you a 10% discount on daily rates. . .they accept cash, checks and credit cards (NOT American Express though)

 

I was unable to determine if they were members of any other discount programs. . .as best as I could tell. . .they are not.

 

The highway was very close. . .within 200 yards of our space. . .so if that will bother you, I suggest requesting a spot in the rear of the park.

 

It also seemed to us that the front spaces were reserved for overnite  and weekend stays. . .since it was Texas A&M FootBall Season, we seemed to have the party groups coming in next to us on those weekends. . .you never heard so much door slamming. . .and kids squealing. . .thankfully all was quiet during the week.

 

This is the rear camping area. . .as you can see, there is no shade. . .however, I am sure it is much quieter back there, as you do not have the highway noise, or the traffic going in and out.   One vehicle in particular with a very loud exhaust seemed to go in and out at least 10 times per day. . we did find it extremely annoying, especially late at night.

 

This seems to be a working man’s park, so it stayed pretty full the entire month we were there.   They also provide RV and Boat Storage as you can see in the rear, behind the camping area.

There was a large laundry area. . .three washers and three dryers. . .$1.50 each per load.  Also a comfy place to sit, both inside and outside.

The four restroom facilities, and shower houses were self contained and private, which is a plus.  The one I looked into had been smoked in. . .even though there was a huge NO SMOKING sign. . .and the shower looked as though it could use a dose of bleach. . .but overall, very adequate for those times a shower house is needed.

As stated earlier, this is a working man’s park, so no frills. . .pool or spa. . .but great monthly rate.  . . not really sure I would be willing to pay the $32 nightly rate for 50 amp service though.

This is the pet area. . .I did read in the rules that all pets were to be on leash at all times.  I did not find that rule to be enforced. . .as I observed several animals being allowed to roam free.  I guess the owners feel as long as they are outside, their pet should be okay.  .  .

Shopping is easily accessible. . .Lowe’s and HEB Grocery are at the next exit. . .Walmart is within five minutes or so. . .by the time you make it to Walmart, you are almost to the business district, where every store and restaurant imaginable is available. 

The mall is huge, and easily accessible from Hwy 6 as is Sam’s Club, Academy, Home Depot. . .you name it. . .if you need it, you can find it in the area.

Texas A&M Campus Tours are available. . .be sure to check the website as scheduling in advance is recommended.

RV Parking and hookups are available on the campus. . .please contact the  Texas A&M Transportation Dept. for more info. . .

No trip to College Station would be complete without a visit to the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, also located on the Texas A&M Campus.

We did not eat out too often this trip. . .Dave was teaching classes, and we had projects going on. . .but we did enjoy a meal at Crazy Cajun’s in the campus area. . .and lunch at Los Molcajetes in the neighboring town of Bryan. . .and we always make a pass by our favorite Tex Mex place. . .Chuy’s.  Their jalapeno ranch green sauce is so amazing, I’ve had to learn to make it at home.

 

If you have any questions about the information here. . .or would like to contact us you can do so at RTGMarketing@rtgmarketing.net

Click here for Restaurant.com

RVParkReviews.com - “Lazy G RV Park” in College Station, Texas ...

http://www.campertoys.com/ - I would definitely recommend this park. The owners were great in helping us take care of some… (Read the full review at www.rvparkreviews.

Publish Date: 07/09/2011 9:51

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RVParkReviews.com - “Lazy G RV Park” in College Station, Texas ...

http://www.campertoys.com/ - Try to stay in the front for more shower/restroom availability. Long term workers have caused… (Read the full review at www.rvparkreviews.

Publish Date: 05/02/2011 20:16

http://www.rvparksconnect.com/rv-community/rvparkreviewscom-lazy-g-rv-park-in-college-station-texas-was-rated-9-2-53671.html

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address

Full Time RV Travel–Asheville NC–Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park

Wilson’s Riverfront RV Park

225 Amboy

Asheville NC 28806

(828)254-4676

Located right on the banks of the French Broad River,  which bears the distinction of being the third oldest river in the world, the RV park itself is really great.



As advertised, all of the sites have nice cement slabs, of which, half back right up to the river.  We could sit right in our living room, and watch the kayakers and tubers floating by. . .very enjoyable.



Now making a reservation, and getting checked in. . .that was another story.  Calling for the reservation was very casual. . .the guy simply asked for the dates of our stay, and a last name. . .said, okay then. . .and that was it.

When we got here, he just had our name written down in a spiral notebook. . .but hey, we had a reservation, and a place to stay. . .so it was all good.

The absolutely ONLY negative is that the freeway is RIGHT THERE. . .I mean within spitting distance, so sometimes, when the truckers use their exhaust brakes you can hear it, even from inside the RV. . .



ALSO. . .when you exit the freeway. . .at the END of the exit ramp. . .IMMEDIATELY make a right hand turn into a PARKING LOT AREA that sort of looks like a combination feed store/garage/RV shop. . .THAT IS THE OFFICE. . .and that is where you will check in.  It is a ghetto. . .and smells horrible. . .like wet dog. . .with mess piled everywhere. . .and I do mean everywhere!. . .but once you get past all that. . .the RV park is great.

We did have a WEE bit of a problem with low wattage. . .BUT. . .keep in mind, it was mid summer. . .July, everyone is running their a/c on high I am sure. . .so I think it is just to be expected.

We figured out very quickly, even with 50 amps, to turn one thing off before you turned the next one on. . .and don’t try to run several big things at once.  That is not the norm when we have 50 amp, but we just adapted, and pretended we only had 30 amp, and it worked out great.

If we plugged something in, and the digital voltage meter squealed, we quickly unplugged it, before the SURGE PROTECTOR could shut us down. . .you DO have a surge protector. . .RIGHT?

Now, Asheville NC itself, is just fabulous. . .this has been my favorite stop so far!

I will share a few things we have done. . .but before we get started, let me save you a few bucks.  I found this nifty little trick too late. . .but maybe you can use it. . .and then I will feel better!

Check out the the GO BLUE RIDGE CARD. . .it looks like a pretty good deal.

By the time I discovered it, we had already paid the admission, and done some of the stuff. . .so it wouldn’t have saved us enough. . .but wow. . .anyway, check it out.

Okay, here are a few things we did. . .

We always look for the GRAY LINE TOURS wherever we go. . .we’ve never had a bad one. . .and they are always worth every penny!



They took us to nine different areas in the city, which we probably would not have seen on our own.  NOTE THOUGH, that they DO NOT take you to the Biltmore Estate. . .you can only go to Biltmore Village, which is a fabulous shopping area that includes the fanciest McDonald’s in the world. . .



My poor hubby does NOT usually eat at McDonalds, but he made the supreme sacrifice. . .and suffered through a burger, just to make me happy. . .(thanks Babe.)

We drove a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway. . .



where, even though it was raining. . .



and the tunnels felt tiny. . .and dark!



the views were magnificent. . .



Another day, we drove to Chimney Rock State Park, which is about 45 minutes from Asheville. . .the big attraction there is to hike to the top of Chimney Rock. . .which is almost a mile high. . .



The admission price is $12 per person, and they made sure to tell us the elevator was out. . .but there’s stairs all the way from the bottom to the top. . .right?. . .and we are in fair shape. . .right?  HA!  I thought I was going to die. . .but I made it. . .



the views, which on a clear day, can be up to 75 miles, were just wonderful. . .but. . .I DON’T KNOW. . .



unless you are under forty, and in fantastic shape. . .I think I would wait for the elevator to be fixed. . .seriously. . .it was a very, very difficult climb. . .especially in the heat. . .even with water. . .I will think long and hard, before I try a moderate to difficult trek again.

Back to Asheville. . .we finally made it to the Biltmore Estate. . .



It was just magnificent. . .absolutely stunning.  There are no words or pictures that could ever describe the overwhelming presence of such a glorious place. . .inside and out.  You must see it for yourself. . .

All I can tell you is. . .it was worth every penny of the admission price of $49 per person (online ticket price) $59 at the door. . .and once I found out that they do not accept any government grants, but are totally self sufficient and self reliant, I was even more appreciative of such a wonderful experience.

We were advised to rent the audio equipment, which is available as soon as you enter the mansion for $10. . .I would say that was also a wise investment. . .it was less expensive than paying for a guided tour, and allowed us to go at our own pace, and enjoy the ambience of each room.

Overall, Asheville NC, has been a wonderful experience, and I am glad we came to see it. . .

One last note. . .the WNC (West North Carolina) Farmer’s Market is really great. . .so if you are here in your RV, make a trip by there, and support the local growers. . .really tasty stuff!

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our trip as much as we’ve enjoyed experiencing it, and if you ever decide to head to Asheville, be sure to contact us. . .and we’ll tell you all the other details we left out here. . .have fun. . .

Safe travels,

Janice and Dave Evans

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Publish Date: 07/25/2011 12:46

http://www.sharingtravelexperiences.com/places-to-eat-in-asheville-nc/

I Dig Hardware / I Hate Hardware » Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC

Today I had the pleasure of visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. My trusty guide for the tour was Rachel Smith of Karpen Steel, who suggested the Biltmore as a stop on my road trip and then arranged ...

Publish Date: 07/01/2011 8:04

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Biltmore Estate and Gardens | What Grows There :: Hugh Conlon ...

I have visited the Biltmore Estate on several occasions, but my May visit this year was special. I had the opportunity to interview Parker Andes, Biltmore's Director of Horticulture, and Bill Alexander, Landscape and ...

Publish Date: 06/30/2011 12:00

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The Biltmore Estate – An American Treasure | Fayette Woman

If you are an American history buff or just love spectacular mountain scenery, beautiful gardens and magnificent architecture, make a visit to the Biltmore.

Publish Date: 06/15/2011 16:19

http://fayettewoman.com/biltmore-estate-american-treasure.html

From Blogger Pictures

Dave and I have lived in our RV Full Time since 2003, when we sold the house and everything in it, and have traveled fulltime since 2009. Follow our tales by signing up to follow our blog, and check back often as we share the tips and tricks of living the lifestyle.

Connect with us on our FACEBOOK Ready To Go Full Time RVing Page. . .where you’ll meet lots of other RV’ers just like you. . .traveling and enjoying this great adventure.

If you would like to receive our blog updates, just enter your email below.

As a bonus, you will receive a link to our Seasonal Job Listings Page, and a follow up email linking to a sample copy of our personal Seasonal Jobs Resume.

We respect your privacy, and never share your email address