tlenzendorf
Always Dreaming of Disney!
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2009
- Messages
- 3,686
Spartanburg SC is where my grandpa lives 
"Personally, I think I would make a great stripper!" 8/10 The End
- Thread starter Dizneydawn
- Start date
mousetravel
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2007
- Messages
- 2,760
Dawn,
While we're on the subject, here's the "Diners, Drive Ins, & Dives" special on the Beacon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCuhtoxqKXk
While we're on the subject, here's the "Diners, Drive Ins, & Dives" special on the Beacon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCuhtoxqKXk
Wofford College Graduate here....Class of 1989
Ate Lunch at the Beacon on Saturday whch is located 3.2 miles from the house. You can only go about once a month or it will flat out kill you. They should put a Pepto vending machine next to the exit.
Ate Lunch at the Beacon on Saturday whch is located 3.2 miles from the house. You can only go about once a month or it will flat out kill you. They should put a Pepto vending machine next to the exit.
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2006
- Messages
- 3,589
Chapter Ten: "Exactly how long is another 13 hours?"
As we were heading to the Beacon, Treyner noticed something pretty rare for us.
You see when we get off the beaten track and take "short cuts" that always end up taking longer than if we stuck to the main highway, we never get back to the short cut.
So if we see something cool, ya better enjoy it the first time through.
Well in July, when we were heading back from Florida, we cut though SC on our way to the Biltmore. This quick jaunt led us through the path of the crackpot serial killer last summer that was in SC, a few towns that had one stop sign but a ton of tobacco fields
(which we had never seen in person,) a civil war cemetery we explored and got bitten by fire ants in 
and last but not least, one of the original Krispie Kreme doughnut shop's.
In...
Spartanburg, SC.
Which we did not remember because we had no idea where we were when we saw it last summer.
So a few steps from Wofford College, we saw the same Krispie Creme and Treyner freaked out as did Dan, I and Baylor. When we had stopped last summer at it, we knew it looked like an old building, asked the drive through girl if it was the original and she pointed across the street to the original and said the building we were at, was the second one.
For almost the past year. We believed this to be true.
Today, I find out, none of what she said was accurate totally. Turns out with some investigating on my part, that the Krispie Kreme franchise started in New Orleans, then really took off in the 1930's in Winston- Salem, NC.
Yes, the one in Spartanburg is one of the first franchises, but not the original. Let alone the fact that the "original" building she pointed out was the second one built and the "new" one she was in was the third. She probably did not know the difference but after being all excited we were at another original (like KFC) and then find out it was not true - was disappointing.
Dan just asked if we can get our money back from last summer since we were given false advertising!!!!!!
And yes, it took me 1/2 hour of digging to find out what I did.
It was interesting and the other tidbit I did not know was that Senator Glenn Reese from SC, owns the Krispy Kreme we were at. His bio had the most info on it of anybodies - including Krispy Kreme's website.
I say vote for him you S.C. people. Any man who likes doughnuts as much as him is a good guy.
Now watch, I will find out he has a bad reputation...Don't tell me. I don't want to ruin my image of a man eating a maple glazed in the Rotunda of the Capital.
Here is what I found out about the history of Krispy Kreme in the Reese family that started with Senator Reese's father:
In 1966 the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Company approached W.W. Reese about accepting the Spartanburg Krispy Kreme franchise. The original Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop was located at 793 N Church St in a small block building across from Coggins Flower Shop near the Spartanburg General Hospital, now known as the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Amazingly, after God had provided the smaller donut business for him to gain the needed business experience, Wilford humbly and thankfully accepted the Krispy Kreme offer.
The doughnut business did so well that W.W. built a new store in 1969 at 751 N Church St beside the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. The small original first store at 793 N Church St is no longer in existence.
W.W. passed away from complications from chemotherapy treatments for cancer and died of a stroke on 5/25/1979. His beloved wife, “Gennie” Reese, passed away in July of 1984 from complications of Alzhiemer’s Disease.
The unexpected death of his father forced Glenn to take over his father’s business, Spartanburg’s Krispy Kreme, shortly after. The smaller store, beside the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium (built in 1969), is still there although not in constant use. Glenn now owns Krispy Kreme and recently built a new and much larger facility across the street from the second store. He has the complete support of his wife and family which allows him to serve as a dedicated South Carolina State Senator.
Anyway.... Here was that same Krispy Kreme again and the thought was to get some for breakfast in the van for the next day because we would be driving into the Keys early morning.
But....
After the belly busting bulge fest at Beacon, nobody even wanted to look at food or smell it. Including doughnuts.
Treyner said, "Do not stop," and I knew if the doughnut king of MN was declining having his favorite, it was not a good idea to get them in the car. I did not want a vomit-a-roma to ensue.
But I did get some pics as we passed by, leaving Spartanburg (and if I remember right...getting turned around and taking the long way out of town.)
The second Krispy Kreme that was originally sold to us as the first.
The one across the street that we ordered in.
Ok - enough educational foodie diatribe...
When we got on the highway, Dan and I sat up front and let the kids sleep.
We were in a downpour from S.C. through GA. Just like last Dec.
We stopped for gas as needed and then, in southern GA, found a Walmart we needed a few things at (water) and then...
Heard a clunk.
Actually a few clunks coming from the right front.
We stopped and looked at it.
We being Dan and Treyner.
Nothing seemed loose. Nothing was leaking. It happened as we turned the van and was driving slow.
Well the decision was made to press on.
Drove slow and pretty soon the clunk was not there anymore and we averted sleeping in a Walmart parking lot!
Let me tell you though, the thought of being stuck in GA for a few days while a van was being serviced was not high on the priority list. If we had reservations in GA - fine, but it was cold there and we had hopes for some balmy weather in the Keys.
We got past Jacksonville and wanted to make it just to Daytona. We were getting tired and playing the mind game of...just a bit longer.
Well Treyner had slept a ton and he and Taylor were ready to go a bit farther.
Before they took the helm though, we needed to get gas again and this was where I knew I needed sleep.
I had gone in while parked and used the facilities in the convenience store we were at.
Taylor was making her way out of the van and asked me, "Where is the bathrooms?"
I said, "I am guessing in the building. Usually it is a small white thing with water in it."
She looked at me with her head tilted and said, "What?"
I was laughing like a loon. I knew she had meant is it an indoor or outdoor bathroom but it was one of those slap happy moments where everything is funny.
Taylor started laughing, had to find her flip flop as she was jumping up and down, doing the potty dance and Treyner who looked like Ace Ventura with his hair sticking up everywhere, thought we had lost our last nut.
I do not even remember sleeping. That is how tired I was.
Treyner and Taylor got a coffee and some snacks and drove another hour. Then we all slept at a rest station for a few more hours.
Woke up at around 4 a.m. and Dan and I told the kids to get in the back and we were heading south. With the sleep we were a few hours off our arrival time but did not care. It was good just to be in the vicinity. Our biggest fear was we were heading into Miami during the later morning and were not sure how busy the freeways would be on a Sunday.
Since neither Dan or I had ever been to the Keys, we did not know what to expect for prices for gas or groceries. We knew we wanted to get both before heading over the bridge from the mainland. Just not sure where to find groceries so took a short cut again.
Then on our off the beaten path excursion, found a race track in front of us in Miami.
Soon though, in Homestead, FL - we got groceries from a small Hispanic Market and gas to fill off the tank.
Back on the highway we knew we were close when:
loomed ahead.
Just when we figured the ocean was within reach, we were hit with miles of road construction with no construction vehicles around. Not sure how long it has been an issue but it did not look like it would be resolved anytime soon.
Everyone was on the edge of their seat by this point. It had been a long road and we wanted water and sand.
For now, the view would have to do!
We knew we had a ways to get to Marathon. It was half way down the chain of Keys.
The traffic moved quite quick but the speed limit is slow so it does not make for a fast destination from Homestead.
I was surprised by the feel of the Keys. Very much like touristy Mexico IMO. I was shocked at the laid back feel and wondered why I had gone to Mexico 3 times but never the Keys which supports US dollars. There was a mix and match of shops and some very touristy locations as well as some that were upscale. A ton of vibrant paints were used on buildings and there were gas stations and grocery stores everywhere.
We knew now at least that gas prices were equal to what we saw on the mainland - at least till Marathon. They also had Winn Dixie's so the need to have gotten groceries was not a big deal.
Soon though the sun started peeking out and the water grew clearer as we headed farther south.
Soon enough...we were at our Island and our hotel!!!
As we were heading to the Beacon, Treyner noticed something pretty rare for us.
You see when we get off the beaten track and take "short cuts" that always end up taking longer than if we stuck to the main highway, we never get back to the short cut.
So if we see something cool, ya better enjoy it the first time through.
Well in July, when we were heading back from Florida, we cut though SC on our way to the Biltmore. This quick jaunt led us through the path of the crackpot serial killer last summer that was in SC, a few towns that had one stop sign but a ton of tobacco fields
(which we had never seen in person,) a civil war cemetery we explored and got bitten by fire ants in and last but not least, one of the original Krispie Kreme doughnut shop's.In...
Spartanburg, SC.
Which we did not remember because we had no idea where we were when we saw it last summer.
So a few steps from Wofford College, we saw the same Krispie Creme and Treyner freaked out as did Dan, I and Baylor. When we had stopped last summer at it, we knew it looked like an old building, asked the drive through girl if it was the original and she pointed across the street to the original and said the building we were at, was the second one.
For almost the past year. We believed this to be true.
Today, I find out, none of what she said was accurate totally. Turns out with some investigating on my part, that the Krispie Kreme franchise started in New Orleans, then really took off in the 1930's in Winston- Salem, NC.
Yes, the one in Spartanburg is one of the first franchises, but not the original. Let alone the fact that the "original" building she pointed out was the second one built and the "new" one she was in was the third. She probably did not know the difference but after being all excited we were at another original (like KFC) and then find out it was not true - was disappointing.
Dan just asked if we can get our money back from last summer since we were given false advertising!!!!!!
And yes, it took me 1/2 hour of digging to find out what I did.
It was interesting and the other tidbit I did not know was that Senator Glenn Reese from SC, owns the Krispy Kreme we were at. His bio had the most info on it of anybodies - including Krispy Kreme's website.I say vote for him you S.C. people. Any man who likes doughnuts as much as him is a good guy.
Now watch, I will find out he has a bad reputation...Don't tell me. I don't want to ruin my image of a man eating a maple glazed in the Rotunda of the Capital.
Here is what I found out about the history of Krispy Kreme in the Reese family that started with Senator Reese's father:
In 1966 the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Company approached W.W. Reese about accepting the Spartanburg Krispy Kreme franchise. The original Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop was located at 793 N Church St in a small block building across from Coggins Flower Shop near the Spartanburg General Hospital, now known as the Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. Amazingly, after God had provided the smaller donut business for him to gain the needed business experience, Wilford humbly and thankfully accepted the Krispy Kreme offer.
The doughnut business did so well that W.W. built a new store in 1969 at 751 N Church St beside the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. The small original first store at 793 N Church St is no longer in existence.
W.W. passed away from complications from chemotherapy treatments for cancer and died of a stroke on 5/25/1979. His beloved wife, “Gennie” Reese, passed away in July of 1984 from complications of Alzhiemer’s Disease.
The unexpected death of his father forced Glenn to take over his father’s business, Spartanburg’s Krispy Kreme, shortly after. The smaller store, beside the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium (built in 1969), is still there although not in constant use. Glenn now owns Krispy Kreme and recently built a new and much larger facility across the street from the second store. He has the complete support of his wife and family which allows him to serve as a dedicated South Carolina State Senator.
Anyway.... Here was that same Krispy Kreme again and the thought was to get some for breakfast in the van for the next day because we would be driving into the Keys early morning.
But....
After the belly busting bulge fest at Beacon, nobody even wanted to look at food or smell it. Including doughnuts.
Treyner said, "Do not stop," and I knew if the doughnut king of MN was declining having his favorite, it was not a good idea to get them in the car. I did not want a vomit-a-roma to ensue.
But I did get some pics as we passed by, leaving Spartanburg (and if I remember right...getting turned around and taking the long way out of town.)
The second Krispy Kreme that was originally sold to us as the first.
The one across the street that we ordered in.
Ok - enough educational foodie diatribe...
When we got on the highway, Dan and I sat up front and let the kids sleep.
We were in a downpour from S.C. through GA. Just like last Dec.
We stopped for gas as needed and then, in southern GA, found a Walmart we needed a few things at (water) and then...
Heard a clunk.
Actually a few clunks coming from the right front.
We stopped and looked at it.
We being Dan and Treyner.
Nothing seemed loose. Nothing was leaking. It happened as we turned the van and was driving slow.
Well the decision was made to press on.
Drove slow and pretty soon the clunk was not there anymore and we averted sleeping in a Walmart parking lot!
Let me tell you though, the thought of being stuck in GA for a few days while a van was being serviced was not high on the priority list. If we had reservations in GA - fine, but it was cold there and we had hopes for some balmy weather in the Keys.We got past Jacksonville and wanted to make it just to Daytona. We were getting tired and playing the mind game of...just a bit longer.
Well Treyner had slept a ton and he and Taylor were ready to go a bit farther.
Before they took the helm though, we needed to get gas again and this was where I knew I needed sleep.
I had gone in while parked and used the facilities in the convenience store we were at.
Taylor was making her way out of the van and asked me, "Where is the bathrooms?"
I said, "I am guessing in the building. Usually it is a small white thing with water in it."
She looked at me with her head tilted and said, "What?"
I was laughing like a loon. I knew she had meant is it an indoor or outdoor bathroom but it was one of those slap happy moments where everything is funny.
Taylor started laughing, had to find her flip flop as she was jumping up and down, doing the potty dance and Treyner who looked like Ace Ventura with his hair sticking up everywhere, thought we had lost our last nut.
I do not even remember sleeping. That is how tired I was.
Treyner and Taylor got a coffee and some snacks and drove another hour. Then we all slept at a rest station for a few more hours.
Woke up at around 4 a.m. and Dan and I told the kids to get in the back and we were heading south. With the sleep we were a few hours off our arrival time but did not care. It was good just to be in the vicinity. Our biggest fear was we were heading into Miami during the later morning and were not sure how busy the freeways would be on a Sunday.
Since neither Dan or I had ever been to the Keys, we did not know what to expect for prices for gas or groceries. We knew we wanted to get both before heading over the bridge from the mainland. Just not sure where to find groceries so took a short cut again.
Then on our off the beaten path excursion, found a race track in front of us in Miami.
Soon though, in Homestead, FL - we got groceries from a small Hispanic Market and gas to fill off the tank.
Back on the highway we knew we were close when:
loomed ahead.
Just when we figured the ocean was within reach, we were hit with miles of road construction with no construction vehicles around. Not sure how long it has been an issue but it did not look like it would be resolved anytime soon.
Everyone was on the edge of their seat by this point. It had been a long road and we wanted water and sand.
For now, the view would have to do!
We knew we had a ways to get to Marathon. It was half way down the chain of Keys.
The traffic moved quite quick but the speed limit is slow so it does not make for a fast destination from Homestead.
I was surprised by the feel of the Keys. Very much like touristy Mexico IMO. I was shocked at the laid back feel and wondered why I had gone to Mexico 3 times but never the Keys which supports US dollars. There was a mix and match of shops and some very touristy locations as well as some that were upscale. A ton of vibrant paints were used on buildings and there were gas stations and grocery stores everywhere.
We knew now at least that gas prices were equal to what we saw on the mainland - at least till Marathon. They also had Winn Dixie's so the need to have gotten groceries was not a big deal.
Soon though the sun started peeking out and the water grew clearer as we headed farther south.
Soon enough...we were at our Island and our hotel!!!
Disney_Jill
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2009
- Messages
- 507
Love the pictures of the Keys. I LOVE Key West. I went to college in Miami, and we didn't have class on Fridays, so we would drive down to Key West for the 3 day weekend. This was in 1988-89. I have so many great memories, so I know I will LOVE your pictures and I know you all will have a grea time! It is a long drive, though, it was like 3 hours from where we were in Miami. And if there is traffic on the 7 mile bridge, get ready to camp out there for awhile.
podsnel
<font color=blue>just skippin' around, amusing mys
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
- Messages
- 7,069
Hi there! You are totally crackin' me up!! You really tell a great tale- and you haven't even gotten to some of the best parts yet, I bet! This last installment makes me laugh- I'm writing a TR with a girlfriend of mine named Kara (karajeboo) right now- we just got back from another DISmoms trip. Anyway....Kara is about to move back (from Fla) to.....SPARTANBURG!!! 
I think she has mentioned that Krispy Kreme as I reason why we should all visit her in the future...
Anyway, thanks for all the entertainment!!
Ellen
ps- I completely understand the cooking=love thing- I do it too, host every holiday in my family and every major event as well!
This last installment makes me laugh- I'm writing a TR with a girlfriend of mine named Kara (karajeboo) right now- we just got back from another DISmoms trip. Anyway....Kara is about to move back (from Fla) to.....SPARTANBURG!!! I think she has mentioned that Krispy Kreme as I reason why we should all visit her in the future...Anyway, thanks for all the entertainment!!
Ellen
ps- I completely understand the cooking=love thing- I do it too, host every holiday in my family and every major event as well!
Disneymom77
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2008
- Messages
- 229
Can't wait until you get to the Keys! My husband and I desperatly want to go there 
SRUAlmn
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2004
- Messages
- 9,821
On your next trip you can save yourself the trouble and just drive from Spartanburg to Charleston and take a cruise to the Keys
Seriously! I LOVE road trips, but yours is exhausting me and you haven't even reached your first destination yet
Seriously! I LOVE road trips, but yours is exhausting me and you haven't even reached your first destination yet
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2006
- Messages
- 3,589
Chapter Eleven: "I May Have Just Died and Gone to Heaven."
We got to our resort once we crossed into Marathon Key. Found it with no problems and it was fantastic. Check in was 3 p.m. but we had packed our suites separate. It was 11 a.m. and we were ready for some sun, beach and water.
I did double check with the office that our room was not ready and the office manager was short and curt. I was surprised to find him there because I had been told how to get in the lock box for our key when it was available.
The fact it was a Sunday and he was there might explain part of his abrasive, "No, it's not 3 p.m. yet" attitude. I got to know him better at the end of the trip and he is an ex military man. So his bedside manners may not be ideal but he runs a decent place.
So we went right to the beach! WE all actually changed in the van, if we had investigated, we would have known there was a bath house but I think we were too excited to care.
The kids were done first and ran ahead. Then Baylor ran back to tell us it was "amazing." I was glad to hear him think that because I worked my tail off to find a place with a pool, hot tub and a private beach. In the keys it is unusual to have a beach that is not a state park. Due to the rocky nature of the islands, most places do not have that luxury.
This place had an infinity pool overlooking the beach. I felt spoiled beyond belief.
Dan and I walked to the beach and just took it all in.
Beach
Pool
The kids were already moved in!!
Boat pier that is for the resort, just to the left of the beach.
Looking to the right from the beach.
The picnic pavilion we ate lunch at on the beach! You can see the laundry room entrance here on the lower level for one of the other bungalows.
I found CoCo Plum Beach and Tennis Resort online many years ago but never went. The reviews of the place were pretty much of the opinion that it was 1970's Three's Company motif but, clean and the location was second to none. It may not have the highest in interior design points but it was more than some places I have been to and the location - is worth every penny plus some. I do not need a $200 wine-opener at my vacation destination but I do want something that I can't get in MN and this was it!!!
The ocean!!
Literally, we were at the back of the complex and at that point, maybe it was a 45 second walk to the beach. The closer you got to the beach, the more expensive the rooms were. I liked the fact we were in the back because we only had neighbors to one side, the back of our place faced the tennis courts. It is more private and not looking into the rooms of all our neighbors all the time.
When I had looked at places to stay in the Keys, prices were spendy. Campgrounds wanted up to $100 a night for a tent site. We got this place for $160 per night. Best deal ever.
The resort is set up with octagon bungalows that are there own units. The first floor has a laundry room you enter from the sidewalk.
Then, you walk up a staircase to the second floor that shares a common deck space with a total of three units. You enter your unit and you are in a large entry way, dining room. There is a screened in porch that wraps around 1/2 the building that has chaise chairs as well as an outdoor seating area for meals.
The kitchen is small but has everything you need to cook for a family and has a pass through window into the screened porch for serving outdoor meals easy. The other half of the first floor has sliding doors that let you open up to the breezes from all around.
You go up to the third floor via a wrought iron spiral staircase. The second floor has a table as well with chairs, plus a living room. For sleeping arrangements there is 2 bedrooms and a pull out sofa sleeper bed. It does have a wet bar on this floor.
Our unit had a master bedroom with a queen bed (best mattress I have ever slept on), master bath and the second bedroom had a queen and a twin. The second bathroom was also located on this floor. Again, sliding glass windows everywhere to let ocean breezes in. To die for!!!!!
The decor is fern, mirror, green a go- go but nothing was dirty at all. It looks like they have put in new carpeting (how they found the green carpeting I had in my bedroom in 1978 I do not know) and the couches have all been re-done as well. Baylor slept on the couch and at 5'8 he did not want to pull out the sleeper sofa - was more comfortable on a sheet and right on the couch.
The girls got the queen bed and Treyner took the twin.
Here are some pics of the place.
Kitchen
Dining room and the front entrance.
Looking from the entrance.
View of our neighbors lower level screened in porch to give you an idea of what ours looked like.
Our lower deck.
View from the second floor windows.
Upstairs view from the far end overlooking living room.
Other end with wet bar and mirror wall of glass - hello Saturday Night Fever!!
Sorry this one ended up dark!
Another one of upstairs. What IS Dan watching on TV??? Hmmmm....???
I have no idea what Carsyn was doing in this one!
Twin bed
Everybody bunked up watching TV in the second bedroom!
Master bed
Master bed room windows (make sure you are decent if the curtains are back or you can see your neighbor and they can see you!)
We got to our resort once we crossed into Marathon Key. Found it with no problems and it was fantastic. Check in was 3 p.m. but we had packed our suites separate. It was 11 a.m. and we were ready for some sun, beach and water.
I did double check with the office that our room was not ready and the office manager was short and curt. I was surprised to find him there because I had been told how to get in the lock box for our key when it was available.
The fact it was a Sunday and he was there might explain part of his abrasive, "No, it's not 3 p.m. yet" attitude. I got to know him better at the end of the trip and he is an ex military man. So his bedside manners may not be ideal but he runs a decent place.
So we went right to the beach! WE all actually changed in the van, if we had investigated, we would have known there was a bath house but I think we were too excited to care.
The kids were done first and ran ahead. Then Baylor ran back to tell us it was "amazing." I was glad to hear him think that because I worked my tail off to find a place with a pool, hot tub and a private beach. In the keys it is unusual to have a beach that is not a state park. Due to the rocky nature of the islands, most places do not have that luxury.
This place had an infinity pool overlooking the beach. I felt spoiled beyond belief.
Dan and I walked to the beach and just took it all in.
Beach
Pool
The kids were already moved in!!
Boat pier that is for the resort, just to the left of the beach.
Looking to the right from the beach.
The picnic pavilion we ate lunch at on the beach! You can see the laundry room entrance here on the lower level for one of the other bungalows.
I found CoCo Plum Beach and Tennis Resort online many years ago but never went. The reviews of the place were pretty much of the opinion that it was 1970's Three's Company motif but, clean and the location was second to none. It may not have the highest in interior design points but it was more than some places I have been to and the location - is worth every penny plus some. I do not need a $200 wine-opener at my vacation destination but I do want something that I can't get in MN and this was it!!!
The ocean!!
Literally, we were at the back of the complex and at that point, maybe it was a 45 second walk to the beach. The closer you got to the beach, the more expensive the rooms were. I liked the fact we were in the back because we only had neighbors to one side, the back of our place faced the tennis courts. It is more private and not looking into the rooms of all our neighbors all the time.
When I had looked at places to stay in the Keys, prices were spendy. Campgrounds wanted up to $100 a night for a tent site. We got this place for $160 per night. Best deal ever.
The resort is set up with octagon bungalows that are there own units. The first floor has a laundry room you enter from the sidewalk.
Then, you walk up a staircase to the second floor that shares a common deck space with a total of three units. You enter your unit and you are in a large entry way, dining room. There is a screened in porch that wraps around 1/2 the building that has chaise chairs as well as an outdoor seating area for meals.
The kitchen is small but has everything you need to cook for a family and has a pass through window into the screened porch for serving outdoor meals easy. The other half of the first floor has sliding doors that let you open up to the breezes from all around.
You go up to the third floor via a wrought iron spiral staircase. The second floor has a table as well with chairs, plus a living room. For sleeping arrangements there is 2 bedrooms and a pull out sofa sleeper bed. It does have a wet bar on this floor.
Our unit had a master bedroom with a queen bed (best mattress I have ever slept on), master bath and the second bedroom had a queen and a twin. The second bathroom was also located on this floor. Again, sliding glass windows everywhere to let ocean breezes in. To die for!!!!!
The decor is fern, mirror, green a go- go but nothing was dirty at all. It looks like they have put in new carpeting (how they found the green carpeting I had in my bedroom in 1978 I do not know) and the couches have all been re-done as well. Baylor slept on the couch and at 5'8 he did not want to pull out the sleeper sofa - was more comfortable on a sheet and right on the couch.
The girls got the queen bed and Treyner took the twin.
Here are some pics of the place.
Kitchen
Dining room and the front entrance.
Looking from the entrance.
View of our neighbors lower level screened in porch to give you an idea of what ours looked like.
Our lower deck.
View from the second floor windows.
Upstairs view from the far end overlooking living room.
Other end with wet bar and mirror wall of glass - hello Saturday Night Fever!!
Sorry this one ended up dark!
Another one of upstairs. What IS Dan watching on TV??? Hmmmm....???
I have no idea what Carsyn was doing in this one!
Twin bed
Everybody bunked up watching TV in the second bedroom!
Master bed
Master bed room windows (make sure you are decent if the curtains are back or you can see your neighbor and they can see you!)
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2006
- Messages
- 3,589
I am experiencing technical difficulties with photo bucket and am ready to throw the stupid computer through the window. I will try and come back and see what is going on in a bit. Half of the pics are not showing up on this end. I am not sure what you can see and what you can't.
Sorry!!!
Sorry!!!
PirateFish989
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2007
- Messages
- 481
I'm like 12 years late here, I know, but I'm in! I'M IN!
Dawn, I love reading your reports. They are so much fun. I can't believe you stayed at CoCo Plum! I stayed there years ago when I was a kid..probably almost 20 years ago..yikes! I loved the place. I thought the treehouses were so cool. The beach was so nice and close plus the pool was there. I've been thinking of going back for some time. It took me many hours of searching the internet to find the place but I was excited to see it still there when I found it. I wonder, did you have to still do the checklist when you check in? I remember doing that and everything was on there except the screwdriver. When we turned it in they said yes, we know. We just do that to make sure you actually go over the list.
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2006
- Messages
- 3,589
It's alright but since you missed 12 of my Birthdays ya better do something big this year!
Dawn, I love reading your reports. They are so much fun. I can't believe you stayed at CoCo Plum! I stayed there years ago when I was a kid..probably almost 20 years ago..yikes! I doubt much has changed!!
There was no checklist but a ton of info and rules about cleaning it up before you leave. Nothing different than DVC has done so I was not bothered by it.
You should go. It is great. We will be back for sure. Who want's a regular hotel room for the same amount when you can have that? Plus most hotel rooms did not have a beach and the pool would be a farther walk!
I know some people hate cooking while on vacation but we camp and stay DVC most times so for me, it saves money and you always can head out for a few meals.
We packed a cooler almost every day, could wash clothes and be on different levels of the place if someone was awake and someone wanted to sleep. I only wish they were handicap accessible but not so much.
It was cold out right until we got there so the water was a bit too cool to swim in all the time. Just our luck one of the coldest winters in Florida history - even in the Key's! The hot tub there was really big as well.
MEK
DIS Legend
- Joined
- May 8, 2005
- Messages
- 20,088
Dawn =
Great updates. I can't believe you finally made it to the Keys. That is one hell of a ride! I have never been to the Keys but the beach looks beautiful. It looks so beautiful and relaxing. Perfect location! Your vacation is off to a great start. Bring on the beach drinks!
Great updates. I can't believe you finally made it to the Keys. That is one hell of a ride! I have never been to the Keys but the beach looks beautiful. It looks so beautiful and relaxing. Perfect location! Your vacation is off to a great start. Bring on the beach drinks!
Illini4ever
Travel Bug
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2007
- Messages
- 78
Hi,
Well I found your trip report on Friday and I have been hooked ever since. I just now got caught all the way up. I love your sense of humor. You crack me up! I come from a loud family and when the whole fam gets together it is one big laugh fest. So I appreciate your outlook on life.
Well I found your trip report on Friday and I have been hooked ever since. I just now got caught all the way up. I love your sense of humor. You crack me up!
I come from a loud family and when the whole fam gets together it is one big laugh fest. So I appreciate your outlook on life. Great TR! I will de-lurk as requested so as not to seem creepy. I love the shots from the drive down the keys! It's making me homesick- I grew up in Key West. Definitely a long drive through Florida, but the trip down the keys makes it all worth it! Great shots of Coco Plum, too. I've never been there (Marathon is practically the far side of the moon if you live in Key West, lol), but I remember their funny-shaped buildings from the side of the road (they're built that way to be more wind-resistant in hurricanes, or at least, that's what my parents told me). They have a nice beach!
tiggerplus5
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2005
- Messages
- 373
Thank you for posting your pics. I have been waiting for this since you announced the key west trip. On the news this morning they are reporting that the oil spill in the gulf may have reached key west. So sad.
I luv the beach and the screened in porch. Looks like a perfect place to read a book.
I luv the beach and the screened in porch. Looks like a perfect place to read a book.
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2006
- Messages
- 3,589
She actually called him when he was on Ellen to wish him well and told him to stay away from girls!
So pretty. Carsyn would have a field day taking pics all over the campus...
Shout out to Pops!!!!Spartanburg SC is where my grandpa lives
Thanks for posting it. I meant to and forgot!!!
There were a ton of people there who said they ate there daily. I could not do it. Maybe not even once a month unless I split a meal with someone else.
We did but that is coming a bit later....
That would have been a perfect reason to attend Miami! Trying to have my kids go to colleges around the country I like to vacation at!!
Yeah for another food countess!!!!Hi there! You are totally crackin' me up!!
Ellen
Thanks Ellen! Have you read the old ones???
ps- I completely understand the cooking=love thing- I do it too, host every holiday in my family and every major event as well!
It is affordable...just drive!!!Can't wait until you get to the Keys! My husband and I desperatly want to go there
On your next trip you can save yourself the trouble and just drive from Spartanburg to Charleston and take a cruise to the Keys
That might be a great idea!!! I get motion sickness a lot though so we will see...
It was - I like calmer water so for me it was great! I just wish it would have been warmer.
Thank you for not thinking we are totally helpless.Hi,
Well I found your trip report on Friday and I have been hooked ever since. I just now got caught all the way up. On this one or did you read all the old ones too??? I love your sense of humor. You crack me up!
What was that like? I can't imagine having that beauty my whole life but I know some people say it feels isolated.
Me too.sweet, nice place. I like the hokeyness of it.
It was!!!
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