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.

Camping in the Wonderful Outdoors!

Grab your sleeping bags, canteens, and mess kits! This week, in the quest to explore all forms of tourism endeavors, Talkin’ Tourism delves into the wonderful world of camping. How popular is camping and who is the "average" camper? According to the Outdoor Federation:

• In 2008, 33.7 million Americans between the ages of 6 and older participated in car or backyard camping activities and 16.5 million Americans participated in RV camping
• 56 percent of all campers are male and 43 percent are female
• 24.7% of campers have a household income between $50,00 and $75,000 and 24.9% over $100,000

Well, according to the facts above, camping represents a substantial segment of the overall tourism industry. So, how does the world of camping fit into the Treasure Coast, and specifically Martin County? We plan to find out.

Talkin' Tourism hosts Gary Guertin and Robin Hicks-Connors have been invited by Joe Pilla, the park supervisor of Phipps Park located in Martin County, Florida, to learn more about camping and RV opportunities in our neck of the woods. Phipps Park is the only County managed campground in Martin County. The remaining campgrounds and parks in the county are either run by the State of Florida or federal government.

Phipps Park has recently been significantly improved and we'll learn more about those improvements. In addition, Joe will share his insights into his segment of the Treasure Coast tourism scene.

Also rumored to be joining this week’s show is Mark Nichols, founder of the popular DOA Fishing Lures company based in Martin County, and fishing guide Capt. Mike Conner, freelance outdoor writer and contributor to numerous national fishing publications. This should be a great show for all outdoor enthusiasts!

So, get the campfire going, bring out the marshmallows and keep watch for Yogi and Boo-Boo because Friday, January 28, Talkin' Tourism is headed for fun in the great outdoors! Tune in to the fun at 10 a.m. on either your radio dial--WPSL 1590 AM--or via your Internet browser--www.wpsltv.com.