Hello Friends!
I‘m So Excited!
I just got back from HippieFest, one of the coolest events ever!–Complete blog post coming soon on that, but right now I have some EXCITING NEWS to share with y’all! How would you like to stay overnight in your RV or van at awesome attractions in beautiful locations all across the country–FREE!? Well, technically it’s free with a yearly membership, but read on to see how you can receive a discount if you purchase through Gal Gone Camping!
Walking through Wildside Winery’s vineyards
What Is It & How Does It Work?
The name of the organization is Harvest Hosts and here’s how it works: Attractions such as wineries, museums, breweries, distilleries, farms, golf courses and some others, offer space where RVs, campers and vans can park overnight free of charge. You just pay a yearly membership which gives you access to participating locations.
You’re gonna LOVE this!
This arrangement benefits both the traveler and the business owner. The traveler gets a free space to park overnight at a beautiful location and the business benefits because the traveler will of course make purchases in the gift shops, buy a bottle of wine, a round of golf, eat a meal, go horseback riding, etc.
Membership
There are two membership plans available: Harvest Hosts Classic and Harvest Hosts + Golf. Both plans offer unlimited FREE overnight stays, a 100% money back guarantee and include at present, 393 wineries, 81
Owner of Wildside Winery, Neil, welcomes visitors
breweries and distilleries, 216 farms, 145 museums and other attractions; with more locations being added almost daily! By the time you read this more attractions will have been added. The +Golf Plan also includes 352 golf courses and country clubs with access to spa facilities and restaurants.
Get 15% Off!
Regular price for the Classic Plan is $79; the +Golf Plan is $119 per year. Not bad for unlimited overnight stays all over the country, and I know I’m gonna sound like an As Seen On TV commercial…BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE! Now, if you purchase a Harvest Hosts Membership through Gal Gone Camping at this link: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/galgonecamping you will receive 15% off the plan of your choice! That brings the cost of the Classic Plan down to $67.15 and the +Golf Plan to $101.15!
Stay overnight FREE at beautiful locations!
I don’t know about you, but I think that’s a small price to pay for a year’s worth of free stays at cool, out of the way places. Not to mention the absence of crowds and the big benefit of learning the ins and outs of the area from a trusted local!
Other Benefits
With your membership you get a downloadable membership card and vehicle badge, access to an online directory with map showing all participating locations and info, opportunity to read and leave reviews, ability to change your account, mobile apps, monthly newsletter with all the latest updates, and awesome customer service–they get right back to you with answers to your questions!
Wine tasting at Wildside Winery
My favorite feature by far is the route map which lets you enter your beginning point and your destination; then shows you all the Harvest Hosts locations along the way! It’s a great trip planning tool and just think of the money you will save on campgrounds or other overnight fees.
Details
Keep in mind–these are NOT campgrounds! There are no services, so your rig must be self contained– meaning you must have bathroom capabilities and water. There are a few locations that have electricity and/or water, but most do not. Most hosts can accommodate vehicles of any length, but you must call ahead to let them know you are coming and discuss all the specifics of their location.
Entrance to overnight RV parking
Don’t arrive unannounced. Do arrive during normal business hours unless told otherwise by the Host. This program is designed for just one overnight stay at a time, and to show your appreciation, you should spend a minimum of $20 at their facility–which is only fair considering what you are saving in campground fees.
During my last Harvest Hosts visit, I bought a bottle of wine (which was excellent) and a cool coaster that will be used in my camper decor.
Cool coaster–going in my camper!
I purchased a bottle of ‘Fearless’–was excellent!
My purchases probably equaled more than $20, but I was totally happy with my souvenirs because I had a great experience. For complete information on Harvest Hosts and to redeem your 15% membership discount, click here: http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/galgonecamping
Take A Walk On The Wildside!
I took a walk on the wild side y’all!–Wildside Winery that is–in Versailles, KY! Wildside Winery is a Harvest Host location situated in Kentucky’s beautiful horse country, less than 20 miles from Lexington.
Well marked signs point the way to Wildside Winery
What a picturesque drive it was on the way to the winery as I drove through some of the prettiest farms. I finally turned onto Eire Lane and discovered that I had found ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ at Red Fern Farm! (if you all don’t know that movie reference–it’s one of the sweetest but saddest movies ever!)
I found “where the red fern grows!”
Adjacent to the farm is Wildside Winery where I wandered in and was greeted by a friendly gentlemen who I had a great conversation with. He showed me around the building and then invited me to walk the grounds at my leisure.
Perfect place to “sit a spell”
Shady serenity
I strolled passed the vineyard and berry bushes (they make blackberry wine too!), the shady meadow that drew me in past the two wine barrels, then made my way to the the quaint little gazebo where I sat a for a spell (that’s southern talk y’all!) I watched the butterflies flock to the gorgeous flowers as I enjoyed the peace and serenity of my surroundings; thanking God for one more day of life and another awesome experience. Heading back to the building, I walked past the bamboo and up the deck to see a huge set of double doors which made a beautiful rustic
Great backdrop!
backdrop where I’m sure a lot of photos are taken; as Wildside Winery also serves as a wedding and other special event venue.
‘Fearless’ Wine Tasting
Back inside the building, after viewing the flowers and butterflies again from a large arched window, the delightful, anticipated ritual of wine tasting began. Goodness grapes it was delicious! One in particular, a red moscato, reminded me of the wine my Papaw used to make. It is called Fearless–LOL, fitting for me don’t ya think?!
Check Out Video On Gal Gone Camping FB Page!
Neil, the owner of Wildside Winery happened to be there that day. His last name starts with a V like mine, but I forgot how to pronounce it (sorry Neil!)
Great view!
Anyway, he showed me the section of property where the RVers stay–a nice flat, secluded area just a short walk from the winery. I conducted a video interview with him which you can see on the Gal Gone Camping Facebook Page. I also got to meet Wildside’s super sweet kitty cat, Snowball.
Be ‘FEARLESS’–Visit Wildside Winery!
If you’re traveling through the great state of KY, be sure and visit Wildside Winery.
Wildside Winery, Versailles, KY–check it out!
Whether you are just there for a day visit or choose to stay overnight FREE as a Harvest Hosts member, you’ll certainly have a very pleasant experience. Check out their website at: http://www.wildsidewinery.com or call 859-879-3982. Be sure and visit their FB page too. Tell ’em you heard about them on the Gal Gone Camping Blog!
Sweet Snowball
So, there you have it folks! Imagine staying at this place on the way to your next location–for FREE! Did I mention I was the only one there that day? How cool is that! One of my favorite things to do is find these hidden gems off the beaten path. A Harvest Hosts membership will help you discover treasures like this and many more. So what are you waiting for?! Go to http://harvesthosts.refr.cc/galgonecamping now, sign up and take advantage of your 15% discount!
Until next time remember…DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!
See ya down the road!
Catrina