REDDICK, FL (352today.com) – Southern Hammock is a popular destination for “wellness RV travelers” from all over the nation. With an emphasis on community, Southern Hammock, located at 16905 NW HWY 225 in Reddick, has secured a reputation as second in the U.S. for their particular travel-and-recreation niche. They offer a variety of services to customers and the community with amenities, events and activities.
Nestled between Marion and Alachua counties, Southern Hammock caters to short, one-day trips and annual stays with rental RV spots and cottage homes. They feature an app that allows guests to know everything they offer on-site through amenities and activities as well as providing updates for emergencies, weather, calendar items and more. For those interested in traveling with pets, Southern Hammock encourages guests to bring their pets, allowing up to three dogs of any breed as long as they are trained, leashed and follow park rules. The resort features multiple private dog parks with a large one for all resort guests near the entrance.
“We offer every type of accommodation you can imagine,” Resort Manager, Melissa Jones, stated. “You can come and stay here for one night in your RV, you can stay for a week, a month, a year. We do short term and long-term and we also offer cottage homes for rent short term and long-term.”
The resort collaborates with local businesses, featuring them during events for residents including food trucks, florists and vendors for different occasions. They also support local nonprofits including Sheltering Hands, Brother’s Keepers, local food drives and Angel Trees for elementary schools. Business cards can also be found on-site with local businesses for anyone in need of RV repairs, glass replacement, mobile grooming and more. The resort is also host to RV rallies where groups of guests gather for a community get-together. Some of these groups have included guests with the same RV brands, firefighters, churches, family reunions and more. The sense of community the resort brings doesn’t end with residents as most of the staff live on-site as well, supporting the resort and building a stronger connection with guests.
“You get so much community here–along with activities–that even if you don’t participate in activities, it’s like your neighbors really make what we are [sic],” Assistant General Manager Lizzie Almendarez stated. “So, we’re just a really tight-knit community; welcoming and friendly.”
Guests at the resort are welcome to utilize some of the many amenities available on-site including the general store, fitness center, clubhouse, game lounge, swimming pool, dog parks, sports courts and more. Some of the services also include Wi-Fi, golf cart rentals, a post office, businesses services, propane refilling, trash service, activity equipment rental and laundry rooms. They also host food trucks year-round for guests and the public to enjoy local foods and treats at the resort. Fire pits are also included in the amenities, whenever burn bans are not in place.
Beyond the amenities, they also feature activities curated for everyone of all ages and abilities to join including crafts, cornhole, movie nights, pop-up markets, Bible study, cook-outs with dietary restrictions in mind and going away parties. A recent addition is their bus trips where guests can pay for their seat on the bus and do a poll to decide where they go with recent options including Hard Rock in Tampa and Downtown Disney Springs. The resort also features certified instructors to assist with a few of the offered events.
“We offer a lot of fitness and wellness-type activities and events,” Jones stated. “We have two employes who are both certified fitness trainers in all sorts of different categories, and we do yoga classes, step classes, dance to music classes, water aerobics, group walking and we have a big focus and emphasis on relaxation and doing things that are more self-care related.”
Melanie Haines, an “ambassador of fun” at the resort, explained that guests are also treated to holiday-themed activities, including a St. Patrick’s Day poker run, Valentines’ bouquet making supported by a local florist and a Kentucky Derby “Night of the Races” going-away party ending their busy season. This year’s theme will follow 250 years of America with patriotic-themed decorations and activities to follow.
Due to the open nature of the resort, there is a variety of wildlife including birds and alligators that occasionally enter the resort. Guests are encouraged to enjoy nature but keep a safe distance from all wildlife to ensure responsible coexistence between guests and animals.
The resort’s office hours are Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. To learn more about RV and cottage reservations, amenities and the resort, call them at 352-421-3444 or email them here.