Wow! Thanks, Mark, SINSULL and Mudlark, for the tips about Arkansas. It sounds very lovely. SINS, I stopped at a similar spot in Montana that featured sapphires, however, there were MANY catches to the deal - too many to interest me. LilyFestre, I'll try to make it a point to see that stretch of road near Gatlinburg. I've hiked a section of the AT before, but have been told that the part you mention is far more beautiful. I've zipped through some of the areas you mention, Les, but hope to make a more leisurely tour next time. Janie, I'm sure I'll be in your neck of the woods between now and the Getaway. Susan, it seems very likely that I will be near you at some point. I'm sure I can manage a visit. SueB, I appreciate the tips. Those all sound tempting.

Nancy, what a generous offer! You may not know that I am a native Californian. I know I said something about four seasons. I suppose what I really mean is that I want a moderate climate - a place where there is something more than just "the time when it snows" and "the time when it doesn't". Your offer of a spare room brings up an interesting point. A lot of people believe that the beds in RV's are substandard. Many years ago, this probably was true. Because of that it is not uncommon to hear an offer of "a night in a REAL bed". I'll be bringing my "spare room" with me and so my visits will be rather low impact with regard to space requirements. BTW "South Coast" is among my favorite songs.

Speaking of beds -- the one and only bedroom contains a double bed. The sofa folds out to make another double. The dining booth converts to make a third double bed.

Kaleea, thanks for the info on the Walnut Valley Music Festival. That sounds enticing!