As part of my “Escape from Winter” Plan, I drove as far south as Texas goes: Brownsville.
Before leaving I joined Coast to Coast, a membership that allows me to stay at private RV parks for as little as $10 a night. I booked seven nights at a place called: Winter Haven. If you couldn’t guess by the name (which I didn’t), it’s a retirement community.
Hoping my lack of age wouldn’t be a problem when I checked in, I figured I’d use my best persuasive techniques (a.k.a. . . .I’d beg) to get them to let me stay. Turns out it wasn't an issue! I’m not sure what I was expecting, but I was not fully prepared for what I found.
After getting a map, and being show the three different heated pools on the premise, I did a little driving tour. (okay, so I completely missed the section directly next to where I had parked labeled “Coast to Coast” on the map, and instead assumed I was on one of the regular streets . . . I blame my GPS . . . he lies). I was gobsmacked. This was fancy! Palm trees, canals, and perfectly manicured gardens surrounded me. It was also completely different than any retirement community I’d ever seen in the mid-west.
Each lot showcased a differently styled accommodation. A hooked up RV, next door to a manufactured home, next to a brick-and-mortar house. I overheard one say his place was made of two pods? Whatever that means. There were even some with tiny shed( tiny house?) with an RV in the attached driveway cover. I’ve never seen such an eclectic collection of dwellings.
Then there were the golf carts. I think there were more golf carts than cars on the property. As I stretched my legs (snooped) around the complex, at least a dozen zipped past me – each with a friendly wave and a hello. One of my favorite things to watch each evening was the carts lining up (starting at 4:40) for dinner pickup at the clubhouse.
This was my first week of school, so each morning I hunkered down in my living room and did some edumacating. But the afternoons (the clubhouse had free WiFi so of course I had to work there) I suffered through the poolside experience, surrounded by palm trees. It was difficult, but I persevered.
I feel like I accidently got upgraded to First Class. Heaven help me when I go back to coach!
Do you think they’d let me pretend to pass for retired and stay?
Unfortunately nothing can last forever, but I guess heading to the beach over the weekend will do nicely to ease me back into reality!
That was a very interesting journey into that community. It sounds like management does not have its shorts in a knot. And it was pretty and eclectic. Nice combination.
Well, I guess I missed my big chance for a warm vacation this winter--with a heated pool at that! And I could have helped you in the "over 55" category, if needed! thanks for all the great pictures; they are stunning. Definitely a "keep in mind for the future" options for a winter get-away!