Season's greetings from a collection of RV-friendly parks perfect for spreading some holiday cheer

Christmas 2004

Hi Kids,

It's Christmas Day and Dad and I are settled into a campground in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We miss you but, oh my goodness, what a good time we're having! Last night, Dad wandered away just as I was starting to get dinner together. Across the way, a couple had put up some homemade Christmas decorations. They have spent every Christmas Eve since they were children at this same campground and were by themselves, as their family wasn't coming until Christmas Day. They were preparing a fish stew and, before we knew it, it was midnight and we had spent a few hours exchanging family hsitories, wae stories, jokes, eating steak, beans and stew, and even singing our favorite Chrismas carols. It was so fun! They're coming to visit us next summer, so you'll get a chance to meet them then. Love and kisses to all,

Mom and Dad

NORMANDY FARMS FAMILY CAMPING RESORT

Foxborough, Massachusetts

NESTLED DEEP IN THE WOODS BETWEEN BOSTON AND CAPE COD, NORMANDY FARMS HAS been many a family's tradition for more than 30 years. Open year-round, amenities include a recreation lodge with an arcade, an outdoor cafe, a pastry and gourmet coffee cart, three outdoor pools and a spa, a camp store, two softball fields, an outdoor Volleyball court, a full-size basketball court, an 18-hole Frisbee-golf course and an extensive activities schedule. The newly remodeled indoor pool complex features two whirlpool baths, a three-way sauna, a fitness center, a creative arts center and a heated pool. In case your holiday plans are already booked, Normandy Farms also offers tours departing from June to October on a daily basis for area attractions (including Boston, Newport, Cape Cod and Plymouth).

But it's the holiday season at Normandy Farms that is so special. December 10-12 is the Christmas party weekend, where you can get into the spirit with carolling, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and refreshments. Be sure and take in the pancake breakfast, a movie and bingo. Ring in the New Year with a catered dinner and dance, complete with party favors.

Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort, 72 West Street, Foxborough, Massachusetts 02035; (508) 543-7600, normandyfarms.com.

CHRISTMAS AIRSTREAM PARK

Christmas, Florida

WITH STREET NAMES SUCH AS JlNGLE BELL, CANDY CANE, NORTH Pole and Frosty Lane, and buildings named Holly and Santa Halls, you'll know its Christmas year-round in this Florida park. Amenities include large, shaded sites with full hook-ups; a meeting hall with a fully equipped professional chefs kitchen; a swimming pool heated through a series of solar panels for the occasional days when the temperature drops a Httle; and lots of friendly folks.

The park is convenient to many major attractions such as the Kennedy Space Center and the Walt Disney World Resort, and deep-sea fishing, ocean cruises and beaches are nearby.

Christmas Airstream Park, 25525 East Colonial Drive, Christmas, Florida 32709; (407) 568-5207, christmas.reallyrules.com/ airstream.html.

BATON ROUGE KOA EAST

Denham Springs, Louisiana

THIS IS A QUIET, COOL AND BEAUTIFULLY SHADED PARK. WlTH A 50-foot heated pool, a hot tub and concrete pull-throughs, you'll be very happy to hang your stocking here. Nearby are majestic plantation homes, swamp tours, outstanding Cajun restaurants, riverboat gaming, the USS Kidd, shopping malls, golf courses and tennis courts.

But the main scene in December is the Bonfires on the River. These are elaborate structures created on the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, sometimes taking months to build. The bonfires are lit on Christmas Eve to light the way for Papa Noël (Santa Claus) and his reindeer. They burn throughout the night, creating a unique festive atmosphere. It's a spectacular sight, and one not to miss if you find yourself in the Pelican State during the holiday season.

Many people view the fires from their vehicles as they creep along in the traffic on River Road, but to truly enjoy this event, you should walk along the top of the levee from one fire to the next. Spectators meander all over the levee, standing in front of bonfire after bonfire. Often, friends and family of a particular bonfire builder have set up chairs or sofas around the bonfire. As you pass by, there just might be offers of gumbo being cooked up on the spot over a butane flame. For more information, call (800) 367-7852, or visit festivalofthebonfires.org.

Baton Rouge KOA East, 7628 Vincent Road, Denham Springs, Louisiana 70726; (800) 562-5673, koa.com.

NEWPORT DUNES WATERFRONT RESORT

Newport Beach, California

TUCKED AWAY ON A LAGOON IN NEWPORT BEACH, ABOUT AN HOUR SOUTH OF DOWNTOWN LOS Angeles, this gated RV resort houses more man 400 RV sites on 100 acres of lush, landscaped grounds. All sites accommodate double slideouts and come equipped with full hookups. Enjoy a variety of recreational activities - strolls along the boardwalk, sailing, Volleyball, horseshoes, swimming or biking - along miles of beachfront. There's easy access to many local attractions, including theme parks, entertainment and cultural events.

During the holiday season, yachts, kayaks, canoes and other small boats light up the harbor at the Christmas Boat Parade. The 96th annual boat parade will take place this year from December 15-19. Hosted by the Commodores Club of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce, the parade begins each evening at 6:30 PM, and lasts approximately 2½ hours. Providing the backdrop for the parade is the Ring of Lights waterfront home and business decorating competition.

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California 92660; (800) 765-7661, newportdunes.com.

OCEAN LAKES FAMILY CAMPGROUND

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

IF YOU WANT A CAMPGROUND THAT CATERS TO FAMILIES WITH LOTS OF ACtivities, Ocean Lakes is for you. The campground boasts a kid's camp, pools, bike-and golf-cart rentals, miniature golf, basketball courts, an arcade, an ice-cream shop and playgrounds, plus 24-hour gated security and discounted tickets to all major attractions on the Grand Strand.

In December, Santa's Post Office opens for Ocean Lakes Christmas card delivery. These boxes are for guests to exchange holiday cards with each other. Participants bring a festively decorated box or basket with their name and site number to the recreation office, to be placed in Santa's post office. There's also the Toys for Tots program, a bingo and holiday cookie-making contest and a holiday site-decorating competition. New Year's Eve features a gala celebration and, of course, you'll want to participate in the annual Polar Bear Plunge by taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean on New Year's Eve.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, 6001 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29575; (800) 722-1451, oceanlakes.com.

WALT DISNEY'S FORT WILDERNESS RESORT & CAMPGROUND

Lake Buena Vista, Florida

CAMPING DOESN'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN AT FORT WILDERNESS. EACH of the 784 private campsites are surrounded by lush wilderness, but include all the modem amenities. Enjoy two swimming pools, a white-sand beach and horseback riding. The campfire program is open to all guests. It generally begins around 7 PM during the fall/winter season, and is held near the Meadow Trading Post in the campfire area.

Add to the joy of your holiday season with Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at nearby Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom. Join Mickey Mouse, Santa, Goofy and all their pals for the most magical holiday celebration of the year at "the merriest place on earth." Sample tasty treats as you enjoy the enchanting Very Merry Christmas Parade and holiday fireworks; the parade runs twice nightly. Its often easier to snag a prime viewing location for the second running. This year's dates for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are November 28 and 30, and December 2,3, 5, 7, 9,10,12, 14, 16, and 17. Park admission fees apply.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, 4510 N. Fort Wilderness Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830; (407) 824-2900, disneyworld.disney.go.com.

SANTALAND RV PARK

North Pole, Alaska

IF YOU NEED A DASH OF HOLIDAY CHEER FROM MAY TO NOVEMBER, THE SANTALAND RV PARK in North Pole, Alaska, is the place for you.

The park is Christmas-themed, with two giant Santa statues and a year-round Christinas tree. Located in the heart of Santas home at the North Pole, two live reindeer, Dasher and Blitzen, walk through the RV park with one of Santas helpers every evening throughout dinner hours.

Santaland RV Park, 125 St. Nicholas Drive, North Pole, Alaska 99705; (907) 488-9123, santalandrv.com.

Copyright T L Enterprises, Inc. Dec 2004
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