Memphis, TN and Gainesville, FL

[phins_jazy]

We are getting closer and closer to our Christmas trip and it's time to start planning out our route. We are traveling from Amarillo, TX with our camper and will spend the night in Memphis, TN and Gainesville, FL. We are looking at staying at a walmart along the way. Has anyone else ever stayed in these two locations and do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks!!!

 

[bama_ed]

We are getting closer and closer to our Christmas trip and it's time to start planning out our route. We are traveling from Amarillo, TX with our camper and will spend the night in Memphis, TN and Gainesville, FL. We are looking at staying at a walmart along the way. Has anyone else ever stayed in these two locations and do you have any recommendations for me? Thanks!!!

Take Gainesville off your list, phins_jazy. Many of the Wal-Marts below the I10 corridor in Florida do not allow RV overnight parking. Here is a resource for you:

http://www.walmartlocator.com/no-park-walmarts/

Just past Gainesville, though, is a Rest Area on I75 where you can probably do an overnighter.

Good luck!

Bama Ed

PS - wish I was in Amarillo getting a steak at The Big Texan!

 

[LBHouse]

We spent last Wednesday night at the Cracker Barrel in Gainesville, i75. Exit 384 I believe. It was good. A bit noisy and bright for us but we are in a hybrid camper so a bit more sensitive than most. We would do it again. Also at same exit is a BRAND NEW bass pro that will be allowing overnight after 11/09. It looked really nice.


My geography must be a bit rusty. Is TN on the way from TX to FL?

 

[phins_jazy]

Thanks guys.

Bama Ed, I am a stones throw from the Big Texan.

LBHouse, we live in the square part at the top of Tx so we will be taking I40 over. we will be sure to check out the new Bass Pro.

 

[peg110]

Bama Ed, I am a stones throw from the Big Texan.

Ever do the "Challenge"? I was there once and I had a 10 ounce steak and I struggled to finish it. I can't imagine those that do the challenge (successfully). I was getting stuffed WATCHING someone try and do it.

Excellent steak though either way.

 

[peg110]

http://www.walmartlocator.com/no-park-walmarts/

I have to question the accuracy of this list. I checked it out just to see. Of course I had to check my "Local" area, and I am hear to tell you that the Walmart Supercenter in Wilkes-Barre PA definitely DOES have RV parking. Sometimes it seems just like it's a campground there with all the RVs parked there.

 

[bama_ed]

Well, Paul,

I have no idea how the list was put together.

I also have no idea how well local ordinances are enforced on a regular basis. Perhaps you should send in an update?

I have heard word-of-mouth how they are enforced in Central Florida.

As for the Big Texan, I have been through there twice in 2010 and 2012. I have not done the challenge nor would I want to although the 36oz Ribeye dinner has been massacred on my plate on both trips. I did watch two guys in my group both fail miserably on the 2010 trip on the 72oz challenge (one got half way, one got three quarters). That they failed was expected - but the cooking/prep time added an extra hour beyond the usual dinner stop time which I wasn't happy about.

Bama Ed

 

[peg110]

Well, Paul,

I have no idea how the list was put together.

I also have no idea how well local ordinances are enforced on a regular basis. Perhaps you should send in an update?

I have heard word-of-mouth how they are enforced in Central Florida.

No doubt on that. The "Word of mouth" is probably the absolute BEST advice you can get though.

Funny thing is the DW, DD11 and I went out to dinner tonight up at the Cracker Barrel by the Wilkes-Barre Walmart Supercenter, and if there wasn't a half dozen RVs there, there wasn't any. I don't think local ordinance prevents it up here. I honestly don't know. For me the Walmart is not the first choice (locally or otherwise) but a final alternative. I prefer actual rest stops or truck stops (off to the back/side though).

As for the Big Texan, I have been through there twice in 2010 and 2012. I have not done the challenge nor would I want to although the 36oz Ribeye dinner has been massacred on my plate on both trips. I did watch two guys in my group both fail miserably on the 2010 trip on the 72oz challenge (one got half way, one got three quarters). That they failed was expected - but the cooking/prep time added an extra hour beyond the usual dinner stop time which I wasn't happy about.

Bama Ed

36 Ounces? You are half way there! As much as I love steak, I don't think I could do that much. The secret though is to get it done in like 20 minutes before the belly can tell the brain it's full.
If I were to order the challege, I don't think it would add an hour though. I like mine medium rare. (Pink but warm on the inside.) I don't think it would take that long to cook. I guess I will never know though. I just cannot envision even ordering that much meat (nevermind a potato, roll and salad). Heck that much can feed my family +

 

[bama_ed]

When you've done nearly 100 miles in the Rocky Mountains at altitudes up to 12,000 feet over the previous 11 days carrying a 60-70# backpack and eating only freeze dried food over that time with only a real meal the day before the Big Texan, 36oz is easy-your motor is running. Hell I had one kid order the 24oz ribeye meal, polished that off, and while we were waiting on the cook/prep challenge time, he ordered an 8oz filet meal and killed it too. Funny thing was, before the trip his mom had told me he was a picky eater! Glad I took care of that for her.

They also let you pre-cut the meat before the clock starts but I agree you have to get off to a fast start. One boy's mom called me at the Big Texan while we were waiting at the table and said, "is that my son I see on the internet waiting for his meal on the challenge?". All of a sudden our connection went bad....

My collection of BT cups is getting beat up by the dishwasher so it may be time soon for another trip to Amarillo.

OK, I've gone enough Off Topic.

Bama Ed