San Antonio to Tampa

[NavlAv8r]

In late Sep 09 we will travel from San Antonio TX to Tampa, FL via most direct route. We will stay in Pensacola for a day or two and while there detour to Mobile, AL for something to do (anything special to see there?)

What do you recommend to see as we travel along that route? Recommended RV parks to spend nights? Also, any comments re: construction, tunnels, etc. would be appreciated.

We are not on a tight schedule but do not want to necessarily travel for hours off the interstate to see the sights.

[GaryKD]

Hi Navl AV8R,
You'll be on the dreaded I10 through some of it's worst sections. Prepare to slow down. I do not know of two pieces of concrete that are the same height on I10 from Beaumont, TX to the Florida border.

If you decide to take route 98, instead of the interstates, do not get on route 98 any farther west than I am recommending. Route 98 is stop/go and traffic until about where I am directing you to join the route. From where I have directed, it is rural & small towns.

In the Pensacola area you'll want to (based on your screen name) visit the Naval Air Museum. In Mobile, there is the Battleship Alabama and other military ships and planes. In the Pensacola area we stay at the Milton/Gulf Pines KOA 888-562-4258. It is right at I10 exit 31. You may qualify to stay at the Pensacola Naval Air Station CG. It is very nice.

If you are in Pensacola on a Friday or Saturday night, consider attending a performance of Farmer's Opry House in Chumuckla, Florida 850-994-6000. It is a dinner and show. There is a CG there too. It is a nice CG, but based on your route, consider the above mentioned places to park the coach. The Farmer's Opry is real country, blue grass and gospel singing. Several of the local talent have gone on to become headliners in Nashville.

Something to consider:
1. Full tank of fuel before leaving Pensacola
2. I 10 East to Exit 174.
3. South on route 65.
4. Choice is yours:
4a. After about 20 miles make a left onto route 67 to route 98.
4b. Stay on route 65 to route 98.

5. Stay at Ho-Hum RV Park near Carrabelle, FL. 888-884-6486 It is about 4 miles East of the town of Carrabelle right on route 98. This CG is right on the Gulf of Mexico. There is nothing much to do, in the area. The purpose of staying here is to chill out for a day or two, before heading down to Tampa. If you ever want the flavor of old Florida, stay here a couple of days. Sample the foods at the local restaurants.

6. Take route 98 south/east to the Crystal River/Homosassa area. It is a leisurely day's drive. In the Crystal River/Homosassa area there are many seafood restaurants.

6a. In the Crystal River area there is Nature Coast Landings RV Resort 352-447-5820 It is right next to the old Florida Barge Canal. There is a levee one can drive, bike or run/jog/walk right down to the Gulf of Mexico. There is a small gazebo at the end of the levee. Nice sunsets from this point.

6b. In the Homosassa area consider Turtle Creek RV Resort 800-471-3722. This CG is about a mile from Homosassa Wildlife State Park. The absolutely best key lime pie (outside of Key West) is at Dan's Clam Stand 352-628-9588, 7364 W. Grover Cleveland Blvd., Homosassa. They take only cash as payment (no CC). There is a full menu, but their Key Lime Pie is an event to remember. Warning, upon seeing this place you would, most likely, not go in it. Take my word for it, you love the food and local color.

7. Leave the Crystal River/Homosassa area on route 98 south. Depending on where you are going in the Tampa area, you may want to leave route 98 at the Suncoast Parkway entrance or go all the way to I75 and head south from there. Routes 98 & 19 share the same road since you made the turn south at Perry, Florida. Once you leave this area route 19 and 98 split about 7 miles south of Homosassa. Do not stay on route 19. Once you pass this split, route 19, into Tampa is stop and go traffic. You will need to make a left turn to stay on route 98.

[StevePav]

In Louisiana, I like to boondock at the Atchafalaya Basin Welcome Center, I-10, I believe it's at exit 121. Bathrooms and vending machines open all night. Nice big parking lot almost right below the interstate.

Steve

[read & learn]

Hi Gary
Is I-10 that bad going East. I know going West it really isn't as bad. Ran I-10 past 2 year from Tampa Area to San Antonio and had about 50 miles of no two slabs same level, but due to repaving most of it isn't that bad.
Joe

[GaryKD]

I Joe,
You could be correct. The last time I was on I10 (west bound) was in 2007. However, every time I have traveled I10, in either direction, the one memory I leave with is that I will never drive I10 again. This summer we will be heading west, from south Florida. I will not take I10. I will go farther north and take I20. I will sacrifice the time and miles to save wear and tear on the coach.