We Slept at a Ski Resort, an ATV Rental Parking Lot, a Boat Yard, and a Farm

Oak Mountain Ski Resort

As we drove up to Oak Mountain Ski Resort in Speculator, NY, we didn't know what to expect. In late September what would be open? Where would we park? There is always a little trepidation when we first arrive at a Harvest Host destination. But as yet, we have never been disappointed. Oak Mountain provided an excellent experience.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the owner and showed where we could park. There were several choices but because the dogs would be out walking we chose the area near some grass to keep their paws clean. From our passenger's window, we could see a small pond bordered by large rocks. From the dining room table, the lodge and ski hill were visible.

We were surprised to see the chair lift running up the side of the mountain and upon investigation learned wedding party had rented the facility. The inside of building was decorated in lights and tulle, an enchanting scene.

The restaurant was open so we found a table and previewed the menu. As guests of Harvest Host, we are allowed to spend the night on the property for free and in return we patronize the business. In this case we were excited to do so because we heard the chef once worked in Martha's Vineyard.

Randy and I both ordered a bowl of clam chowder, an excellent choice as it was steaming hot and flavorful. We shared a platter of fish and chips, glad that we didn't try to eat two complete dinners. The waitress was kind to serve us on two separate plates. I can't imagine eating twice as much as what laid on my plate before me. The meal came with two large fillets of cod so we each go one, a side of coleslaw, fries, and focaccia bread that was to die for. I never mind spending money on a quality dinner and enjoy an opportunity to not have to cook myself.

When the restaurant closed, we had the mountain to ourselves, a beautiful evening we will remember.

Northeast Snowmobile Rentals

When we travel our goal is not push ourselves too hard driving. But on this occasion, we had plans to meet my husband's brother in Maine in two days so we went a little further than usual. When this happens, it seems like a waste to spend money on a RV space just so we can go to sleep.

Fortunately, Northeast Snowmobile Rentals welcomed us to stay in their parking lot. We spent some time swapping snowmobile stories with the man in charge, and he showed us around the shop. The 4X4 machines they rented looked amazing but our time restraints kept of from going up the mountain. If we make it back that way again, we will definitely go exploring and do business with this company.

On this stay, where we parked wasn't anything special but it was clean and safe - exactly what we needed for the night.

Spillman Farms

Staying at the Spillman Farm in Wells, Maine provided us a different perspective of the state. Our prior experiences were along the coast. Here we parked beside the crops and could see the farmhouse in the distance. There were some tractors and machinery parked on the opposite side of our motorhome. It was a quaint environment.

Childhood memories warmed me when I learned we could go into the apple orchard to pick fresh fruit from the tree. I purchased an empty bag and filled it to the brim with Honey Crisp Apples. Then Randy and I walked to the family store and stocked up on food to replenish our fridge. Everything was fresh and produced on the farm, including the beef and apple cider.

While we were in Maine we hoped to see moose; we finally did in Wells but not in the way we anticipated. The hunter who bagged this animal looked proud as she shared her accomplishment.

These experiences remind us of why we stay at Harvest Host locations, to see customs, cultures, and lifestyles of the places we visit, so much better than sitting in an RV resort watching the couple in the RV parked beside us walk their dog. Though I felt a little guilty sitting in my lounge chair watching all the work activities, I enjoyed observing the function of a working farm.

Crocker's Boatyard

When I scheduled our stay at the boatyard, I really didn't know what to expect. It was awesome! We met the owner who showed us where to park. He informed us that everything was free just as we expected but offered electricity and water for $25. He also informed us that we were welcome to use the bathroom, showers, laundry room and swim pool. Wow! Because we are self-contained we didn't need much but did take him up on the offer of electricity so we could run the air conditioners for the pups the next day while we explored the town.

Surrounded by a fence and secured by a automated gate, the boatyard provided a comfortable place to spend the night. We enjoyed walking around and looking at the boats and found it fascinating watching how they use a blowtorch to shrink wrap a boat for winter storage. Who knew?

However, it wasn't until the sun disappeared that we realized what an astonishingly, mesmerizing sight sat before us when the lights illuminated the dark.

The darker the skies, the more beautiful the lights we were forced to stare out all evening. So much better than watching a couple in the space beside us bar-b-cue hamburgers.

People ask us why we use Harvest Host. Can't we afford to stay in an RV park? Our answer always assures them we like to save money but stay at Harvest Hosts for the experiences. Besides these that I share here, we have stayed at breweries, golf courses, a llama farm, wineries. The possibilities are limitless and we look forward to every one.

RVing in Retirement. He drives and I write. You are invited to read.

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