Activities

Central option: South Padre Island KOA from Ontario, Canada

Midwest – Ontario, Canada to South Padre Island, Texas KOA

When you visit the South Padre Island, Texas KOA as often as John and Milan Grant, the route from Ontario, Canada, becomes almost second nature.

Some time in later October, when they complete their responsibilities in Kingston, they’ll prepare their 42-foot Gulfstream for the 2,200-mile trip to Texas. That includes attaching their Jeep in a car hauler behind them.

This is the fourth year at the South Padre KOA for the Grants. The first time there, they stayed six weeks. They liked it so much that they now make it a point to stay at South Padre Island until some time in April.

Their route depends if they leave home after Nov. 1 or not.

“If we go west and then south, we can’t be guaranteed campgrounds, and we’re always risking the weather,” Milan says.

So if they end up leaving after Nov. 1, the Grants will cross the border into the U.S., where they’ll stay on Interstate 81 for more than 600 miles through New York, Pennsylvania and into Virginia.

Somewhere just before Nashville, Tenn., I-81 turns into I-40, The Grants will travel approximately 360 miles.

Once past Little Rock, the Grants will travel on I-30W for more than 140 miles, before switching to Route 59 in Texas. After less than a week of travel, the Grants will arrive at South Padre Island KOA to breath in the ocean air and take in some sunshine.

Suggested route from Google Maps.

KOAs Along the Way

Canada

Pennsylvania

Maryland

Virginia

Tennessee

Arkansas

Texas

 

Places to See, Things to Do

Virginia
Monticello – Situated on a mountaintop outside Charlottesville, Virginia, you’ll discover Monticello, the well-known estate of Thomas Jefferson.

 

Pennsylvania 
Chocolate World – Explore the many wonders of chocolate in Hershey, PA at Hershey’s Chocolate World, just 10 miles away from Harrisburg on your route. Free samples. Need we say more.

 

Tennessee
Country Music Hall of Fame – Among your many choices to see in Nashville, TN, be sure to boogie on over to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, home of America’s music since 1967.

 

Tennessee
Graceland – be sure and pay your respects to the “King” and see the most visited house in the U.S.

 

Arkansas 
Clinton Presidential Library – In addition to the archival collection and research facilities, the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum features exhibits, special events, and educational programs.

 

Texas
Houston Space Center – If you’ve ever dreamed of being an astronaut or love technology, this is a must see stop along your way.