Pitching Camp Along the Okeechobee Waterway

This week's guests:  Capt. Mike Conner, Joe Pilla
and Mike Nichols.

After a very short drive west from Stuart, the Talkin’ Tourism’ team was in the woods heading down Lost River Road and entering Phipps Park. Joe Pilla, supervisor of Phipps Park, stood ready to greet Gary and Robin and to welcome them to the great outdoors! After quickly converting the supervisor's residence into the on-the-road studio, the duo were ready to talk camping and, as usual, the fun began.

Joe painted pictures with words, detailing the Phipps Park's features and amenities. From traditional primitive sites to RV sites with electric and water connections, Phipps Park is well-suited to accommodate camping and RV enthusiasts. Joe told us where the park's guests come from, both during the off-season as well as during the traditional in-season. He even shared that not all guests come from afar, meaning locals like to get off the grid sometimes too and the park is a great escape not far away (hmmmmm....sounds like a tourism campaign).

Camping is traditionally a family endeavor and Phipps Park features a few amenities specifically designed for families with children. For river fishing enthusiasts, Phipps Park is a perfect venue!

There is always some truth to rumors, and in this case, the rumor turned out to be true. Mark Nichols, founder of D.O.A. Fishing Lures, and fishing guide extraordinaire Capt. Mike Conner made guest appearances on the show. Both enthusiastically shared the various types of fishing available in the waterways borderin the park. These two fishing professionals certainly know their stuff.

If you are a visitor thinking about a camping vacation in Martin County or a local contemplating a camping stay-cation, download last Friday’s show, pop out some marshmallows, light up the camp fire, and don't forget to gather the kids and grab your favorite fishing pole. You're in for a real treat! To see photos of the park, see the slide slow below.

• Download the January 28 Talkin' Tourism show.
• Download the Phipps Park brochure.

Treasure Coast Bike Fest and more

Listen this week as Talkin' Tourism host Gary Guertin and co-host Robin Hicks-Connors rev their engines with CEO of The ARC of Martin County, Keith Muniz, and Funding and Development Director Ken DeAngeles as they share the excitement of the up coming John Pierson, Toyota of Stuart’s Treasure Coast Bike Fest. Also, learn about The ARC and why this worthy cause needs your support.

Biker’s will 'invade' Stuart’s Flagler Park May 30 and 31 as Bike Fest descends on the sleepy town of Stuart, Florida! Organizers promise there will be something for everyone.

Hospitality Recognition Awards were presented at the Martin County Convention & Visitors Bureau's first Industry Appreciation Luncheon. Sample of the nominees? How about a breakfast cook at a local hotel who has not missed a day’s work in 10 years? Now, that's dedication!

Learn about the 1,500 anglers competing in eight fishing tournaments in one weekend! Here, only on the Treasure Coast.

As always, Robin’s 10 Picks for this weekend will get you thinking about “Things to do and Places to go” on the Treasure Coast this weekend.

Did you know that this week in Treasure Coast History the Ashley Gang held up the local bank…or that a major feature film was produced in Stuart in 1916?

Enjoy another fact and fun filled episode of Talkin Tourism on Florida’s Treasure Coast. Enjoy AND tune in next week on Friday, May 22 to WPSL 1590 AM at 10 a.m. to listen to us live.

Download or listen to the show on your computer by clicking HERE.

See you next week!