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Writer's pictureJessica West

Unforgettable Romantic Getaway: Everglades Adventure and Roadside Marvels!


Are you tired of spending the same boring weekend doing the same things? Clean the house, buy the groceries, maybe catch lunch or dinner with a friend, or a roller coaster at a theme park. Why not change it up and plan a romantic weekend getaway in our rental RV The Escape Hatch?


Selecting Exceptional RV Parks: Larry & Penny Thompson Memorial and Encore Miami Everglades


 Larry & Penny Thompson Memorial Campground Florida on hike from The Escape Hatch
Explore the Sunshine State in style with an RV rental from The Escape Hatch in Orlando, FL. Our RV is perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends who want to experience the best of Florida, from its beaches and theme parks to its national parks and forests.

While most RV parks in the area offer the normal amenities, hookups, pool, hot tub, laundry, Wi-Fi, and game room. I have two that stand out. The first is Larry & Penny Thompson Memorial Campground. The first will infuse a touch of adventure into your romantic getaway! With sprawling trails for biking and hiking, it's a haven for nature lovers. However, for those considering motorized vehicles or electric scooters, I recommend checking with the park for specific regulations. This area runs for about $35/day. This unique spot was once part of the historic Richmond Naval Station, offering a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. Explore lush fruit groves, and depending on the season, savor avocados, mangos, and lychees straight from the trees.



A photo of the pool and mini golf area at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort. The pool is surrounded by palm trees and there are several brightly colored mini golf holes in the foreground.
Cool off at the pool and challenge your friends to a round of mini golf at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort. This family-friendly resort offers a variety of amenities to enjoy, including a heated pool, hot tub, mini golf course, and shuffleboard courts.

Next on our list is the captivating Encore Miami Everglades. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the majestic Everglades National Park, a mere 10 miles away, this park offers a little something extra. Picture this: basketball courts echoing with the laughter of eager players, mini-golf courses that promise friendly competition, sandy volleyball courts for some spirited action, and even pickleball courts to challenge your agility. And when the sun sets, gather 'round for an enchanting movie night under the starlit Florida sky. It's an ideal retreat if you're bringing along a few young adventurers eager to make unforgettable memories.


Unforgettable Culinary Discoveries at Everglades Gator Grill


A photo of the exterior of Everglades Gator Grill, a restaurant located near The Escape Hatch RV Rental. The restaurant has a thatched roof and a swamp-themed atmosphere
Fuel up for your next adventure at Everglades Gator Grill, located near The Escape Hatch RV Rental . This American kitchen offers a variety of dishes, including gator chowder, alligator bites, and frog legs. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails, like the Swamp Water or the Gator Bite Margarita.

After settling in, the thought of cooking was the last thing on my mind, so we made our way to the Everglades Gator Grill. It was exactly what we had hoped for. A charming, locally-owned eatery boasting a delightful outdoor seating area, and a menu brimming with intriguing options. From the adventurous gator bites to the exotic frog legs and delectable conch fritters, it was a culinary experience to remember. Satiated and in high spirits, we set out to explore the nearby area, eager to make the most of our time before the main event tomorrow. Upon asking for recommendations, the friendly staff pointed us to a spot just up the road, so naturally, we decided to seize the opportunity and check it out.


Thrilling Adventures and Affordable Education at the Everglades Alligator Farm


A photo of a group of people on an airboat tour at Everglades Alligator Farm. They are surrounded by alligators and other wildlife in the Everglades. The Escape Hatch RV Rental is located nearby.
Experience the best of the Florida Everglades with an RV rental from The Escape Hatch and an airboat tour from Everglades Alligator Farm. This is the perfect way to see alligators, crocodiles, and other wildlife up close in their natural habitat.

The Everglades Alligator Farm exceeded our expectations. We embarked on an exhilarating airboat ride through the lush expanse of the Everglades, witnessing an enthralling alligator feeding and capturing remarkable photos of the diverse wildlife that graced our path. This was my first experience with an airboat, and the sheer thrill of it was unforgettable. The ride lasted roughly 20 minutes, but the memories will endure much longer.



A map of the Everglades Alligator Farm, showing the different attractions and amenities available. The Escape Hatch RV Rental is located nearby.
Map of the Everglades Alligator Farm, a family-friendly attraction in Homestead, FL. The farm offers a variety of activities, including airboat tours, alligator shows, and animal encounters.

In total, we savored approximately three hours at the farm. It was an educational journey, rich with insights about the unique ecosystem of the Everglades. Surprisingly, it didn't put a dent in our wallets. With its affordability, the experience was all the more satisfying. The return trip to the campground was a breeze, taking us about 30 minutes. This day evolved into a truly romantic adventure, gifting us with treasured moments and a deepened appreciation for the natural splendors of the Everglades.


Awe-Struck by the Enigmatic Coral Castle: A Monument of Love and Devotion


A photo of the entrance to Coral Castle, a unique outdoor garden with sculptures handcarved by one man from more than 1,000 tons of coral. The Escape Hatch RV Rental is located nearby.
Visit Coral Castle, a unique outdoor garden with sculptures handcarved by one man from more than 1,000 tons of coral. This popular tourist attraction is located near The Escape Hatch RV Rental in Homestead, FL.

As the morning sun painted the campground with its gentle glow, we embraced the romantic serenity of nature, wandering hand in hand through the picturesque trails. Afterward, we relished a delightful breakfast of fluffy egg and cheese omelets accompanied by refreshing orange juice. A soothing, warm shower rejuvenated our spirits, preparing us for the eagerly anticipated highlight of our adventure.



A photo of a Coral Castle sculpture, a massive stone archway carved from coral rock. The Escape Hatch RV Rental is located nearby.
Another breathtaking view of Coral Castle, a unique outdoor garden with sculptures handcarved by one man from more than 1,000 tons of coral. This popular tourist attraction is located near The Escape Hatch RV Rental in Homestead, FL.

The Coral Castle, is what some would call a roadside marvel. Others call it Florida’s Stonehenge. What is really here is nothing short of astounding. It is 1,100 tons of coral meticulously hand-carved by a single person as a testimony to a lost love. The coral in some areas is more than 4,000 feet thick and was carved this with only manual tools in the cover of the night. It is said that the only other tribute that compares to the Coral Castle is the Taj Mahal.


Twilight Adventures and Culinary Delights at Snook Haven


A photo of Snook Haven, a restaurant and fishing spot located on the Myakka River. The Escape Hatch RV Rental is located about 30 min away
Take a scenic drive to Snook Haven, a popular restaurant and fishing spot located on the Myakka River. This hidden gem is located about 30 min from Larry & Penny Thompson Campground, and it's definitely worth the trip.

That night we decided to go to Snook Haven for dinner. As we rode up the enchanting dirt road our noses were treated to the tantalizing aroma of BBQ in the distance. When we got there, we still had a bit of daylight so we rented canoes and went down the river. We were greeted by the sight of exquisite birds and immersed in the lush embrace


of the jungle It's said that this very place served as the backdrop for the filming of Tarzan’s Revenge, adding a touch of cinematic magic to the experience.



 A photo of a child dancing at Snook Haven to the live band. The Escape Hatch RV Rental is located close by
A child dances with joy to the live music at Snook Haven, a popular restaurant and fishing spot on the Myakka River.

After our serene paddle, we disembarked the canoe and hopped on the shuttle back to the restaurant. Snook Haven exceeded our expectations. The lively tunes of the live band paired perfectly with the warm ambiance, creating an ideal backdrop for us to craft lasting memories. I opted for a Margarita, while he relished in a pitcher of River Brew. Though I'm not one for beer, he thoroughly enjoyed it.


After a couple of enchanting hours, we were ready to retreat back to The Escape Hatch, cherishing the promise of intimate moments and cherished memories together.

Smooth Sailing: A Seamless Experience with RV Rental and Return


A photo of the queen bed inside the Escape Hatch RV rental. The bed is covered in a white comforter and has two pillows. There is over-the-bed storage above the bed. The door is open and you can see the dining table and part of the counter.
Relax in the queen bed inside your Escape Hatch RV rental. This spacious bed is perfect for couples or families, and it comes with over-the-bed storage for all of your belongings. The open door lets in plenty of natural light and fresh air, and the dining table and counter provide a convenient place to eat and prepare meals.

The next day, we woke up and I took care of packing the interior while he handled the outside. In total, it took us approximately an hour to reassemble our belongings and dismantle our campsite. This marked our first experience with RV rental, and we were pleasantly surprised by how straightforward the packing-up and check-out process turned out to be. The journey back to Orlando spanned about five hours, which was quite manageable given the occasional stops and the fact that we were towing a rented trailer. Upon our return, we handed the RV back to Ben, and the check-in procedure was swift and hassle-free. After a brief walk-around, returning the key, and we were on our way back home. The following day, we received both the pre-and post-rental photos via email, along with our security deposit promptly refunded, accompanied by a gracious letter from the owners inviting us to return. As a side note, we opted to cover the additional cleaning fee to expedite the process and also paid a late check-out fee which afforded us ample time for our extended journey.


Embarking on a romantic weekend with The Escape Hatch proved to be an affordable and adventurous getaway, filled with explorations in the Florida Everglades and quirky roadside attractions. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try!




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