This circuit will begin in Savannah, GA, the most southern location and will proceed north to Bangor, ME. Gatherings include the Outer Banks, Assateague, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, the Atlantic Boardwalk, NYC, and Acadia National Park with many others along the way. Activities may include biking, hiking, kayaking and siteseeing. The number of participants will need to be limited due to the number of sites available at most of the stops that are Moose or Elk Lodges, suggested 10 to 12 participants. Please note that several Federal campgrounds are included, and they all now require reservations to be made through Recreation.gov.

Circuit leader: Jenell Jones, 817-455-4911 jenelljones15@gmail.com

Space is very limited. Contact (email) Jenell if you plan on attending/staying at any of the Elk or Moose lodges. The lodges have already been contacted for reservations.

Start with a trip to the Visitors Center for a movie on Charleston and pickup event brochures, then continue to the City Market. Take a tour of the Tea Planation and visit the Angel Oak tree, estimated to be 500 years old and stands 66 ft tall and 28 ft in circumference. Take a self-guided walking tour of the Battery District of Old Charleston, including Saint Michael’s Church (built 1752-1761), the Old Post Office (1896) and the seawall with a view of Fort Sumter at the mouth of the bay. Board the ferry at Patriots Point for a tour around the harbor on the way to the Fort Sumter, where the first shots were fired starting the Civil War.

Lake Aire RV Campground, 4375 Highway 162 Hollywood, SC 29449

Spell out the word “highway” when entering in Google Maps for the best directions to RV park or use GPS coordinates. Call (843) 571-1271 for reservations.

N32.77754,W80.14794 – Click on link to see Google Map

Tour the State Capital Building and the SC State Museum, visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens, visit other museums and Historic Columbia. Bike or walk the West Columbia Riverwalk. Tube down the Saluda River. Hike and kayak in the Congaree National Park.

Moose Lodge, 1541 Old Dunbar Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169 (803) 955-0810

Use address or GPS coordinates. Donation.

N33.92623,W81.11221 – Click on link to see Google Map

Murrells Inlet is a short drive from Myrtle Beach where you can take a stroll on the boardwalk and beach and have lunch at Duffy’s – where the house band for several years was Alabama. There is plenty of great shopping and activities at Broadway at the Beach, Tanger Outlets and the Malls. Visit the Huntington Beach State Park and the nearby Brookgreen Gardens, a unique combination of botanical gardens with outdoor sculptures and exhibits of wild animals. Dinner and dancing available at the American Legion. Take a boat tour or kayak the intercostal waterways or salt marsh.

The Beaver Bar, 3534 US-17 BUS, Murrell’s Inlet, SC

From US-17N, turn right onto Carson Ave, go .3mi turn right onto US-17 BUS S, arrive at Beaver bar on the right. This is private property, please do not arrive early or plan to stay after the gathering ends. $10 drycamping

N33.57151,W79.02675 – Click on link to see Google Map

Take a trolley ride through the downtown Historic District, then explore the river walk along the Cape Fear River and the Saturday Market and the vibrant shopping streets. Visit the battleship USS North Carolina, a huge floating relic of World War II. Take a tour of Bellamy Mansion, built in 1861, a most spectacular example of antebellum architecture, and Poplar Grove, one of the country’s oldest peanut plantations. A boat tour of Cape Fear River offers a view of the city. Visit Fort Fisher and the pier at Carolina Beach.

Moose Lodge, 4610 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC

From US-17 N/US-17 BUS N/US-76 E, take the Exit to State Port, go .2mi and take slight Right onto S Front St, go .8mi continue straight onto Carolina Beach Rd, go 4.3mi and arrive at Moose Lodge on the Right.

N34.15726,W77.91154 – Click on link to see Google Map

Visit New Bern where the British Governor Tryon lived in the 1770’s and where Pepsi Cola was invented in 1898. Drive to Beaufort walk and/or sail the Bogue Sound and visit the NC Maritime Museum. Tour Ft. Macon, one of many old forts along the Atlantic Ocean dating back to 1794. Explore the Cedar Point Tideland Trail in the NF and enjoy the beaches and restaurants on nearby islands.

Cedar Point Campground, 391 VFW Rd, Cedar Point, NC

From NC-24E that the Exit toward Camp Lejeune/Morehead City, go 21mi and turn Left onto Old NC-58N, go .8mi and turn Left onto VFW Rd, go .5mi and turn Left onto Croatan Forest Rd, go .7mi and turn Left to stay on Croatan Forest Rd, then slight Left to continue on Croatan Forest Rd, then turn Right to stay on Croatan Forest Rd, arrive at Cedar Point Campground. All campsites have electric with a fee of $20/night and a $7/day electrical surcharge. Senior pass discount applies. Reservations need to be made ahead of time at recreation.gov.

N34.69334,W77.08232 – Click on link to see Google Map

Visit the Bodie Island and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Tour Kitty Hawk and the Wright Brothers National Memorial. Celebrate our Elizabethan Heritage with visits to the Lost Colony, Roanoke Island Festival Park. Travel to the village of Rodanthe to visits the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, one of the most complete sites of all remaining life-saving stations in the US.

Oregon Inlet Campground, Nags Head, NC

From US-64 Bypass E, take slight Right onto S Virginia Dare Trail, go .1mi turn Right onto NC 12 S/Cape Hatteras National Park Rd, go 8mi, turn Left to arrive at Oregon Inlet Campground. $28/night for non-electric RV sites, $35/night for electric. Senior pass discount applies. Reservations need to be made ahead of time at recreation.gov.

N35.79909,W75.54477 – Click on link to see Google Map

Visit Chesapeake Arboretum, Big Woody’s-Great Bride, Clarke farms market, Whalers Wharf, Norfolk Naval Yard, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Mariners Museum, USS Monitor Center, US Army Transportation Museum, and Victory Arch. Bike/walk the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Celebrate Memorial Day.

Moose Lodge, 1400 George Washington Hwy N, Chesapeake, VA

From US-158W, take Exit 2 and turn Left onto US-13/Military Hwy, go 2.8 mi turn right toward Canal Dr, go .9 mi turn right onto George Washington Hwy N, go .4 mi and arrive at the Moose Lodge on the left. Donations.

N36.79102,W76.33117 – Click on link to see Google Map

Assateague is a 37mile long barrier island on the Atlantic Coast of Maryland and Virginia. The terrain is a mix of sand dunes, maritime forests and salt marshes. Two herds of wild horses inhabit the island. The horses are descended from late 17th century horses brought by colonists attempting to avoid livestock taxes. Activities are abundant on the island with crabbing and clamming and a long stretch of beach for swimming, kayaking and fishing. Tour the Island and Visitors Center, enjoy the quiet away from the city. Don’t pet the horses

Assateague Island National Seashore, 7206 National Seashore Lane, Berlin, MD

From US-113N turn right onto Harrison Rd, go 2.6mi turn right onto MD-376E, go 2.8 mi turn right onto MD-611S, go 4.4 mi and turn right onto Campground Rd. $30/night for non-electric RV sites. Senior pass discount applies. Reservations need to be made ahead of time at recreation.gov.
***Very difficult to get reservations during this holiday period. Try the National Park, State park and Cherry Hill RV campground.***

N38.03863,W75.2654 – Click on link to see Google Map

Tour Washington DC Area, Baltimore Area, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ft McHenry National Monument, John Hopkins University, Annapolis State House, Annapolis National Cemetery, and the US Naval Academy.

Cherry Hill Park 9800 Cherry Hill Rd College Park MD 20740 301 937 7116 Greenbelt National Park is closed for renovations

Park is expensive.
***Very difficult to get reservations during this holiday period. Try the National Park, State park and Cherry Hill RV campground.***

N38.98303,W76.90114 – Click on link to see Google Map

ELKS #15 5 Taft Ct Rockville MD 20850

– Click on link to see Google Map

Gettysburg National Military Park, Mason Dixon Paranormal Society, Codorus State Park, UTZ Potato Chip Factory, Warehime-Myers Mansion, Aldus Brewing Company, Markets of Hanover, Eichelberger Performing Arts Center, High rock Winery

Hanover Elks Lodge, 47 N Forney Ave, Hanover, PA

Use address or GPS coordinates. Donations.

N39.79694,W76.98955 – Click on link to see Google Map

Tour Philadelphia, Independence National Historic Park, Eastern State Penitentiary, Independence Hall, Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Reading Terminal Market, Masonic Temple, National Constitution Center, Liberty Bell Center, Hop-on hop-off tours, Rocky statue and Stairs, Betty Ross Center, Ben Franklin Museum

Coatesville Moose Lodge, 1200 Airport Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320 (610) 857-8227

Use address or GPS coordinates. Donation.

N39.99101,W75.87698 – Click on link to see Google Map

Visit Atlantic City, the Convention Center and the Boardwalk Hall to see the world’s largest pipe organ, Historical Society’s Roundhouse Museum, German Community, the Naval Air Museum. Tour the marsh on a pontoon boat.

Elks Lodge, 1815 Somers Point Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ

From I-76E, keep left at the fork to stay on Atlantic City Expy E, go 10mi and take Exit 7S toward Parkway S, keep left follow signs for Cape May, go 6.9mi take exit 30 toward N Laurel Dr, turn right onto New Rd, go .6mi turn right onto Atlantic 559/Mays Landing Rd, go 1.1mi and arrive at Elks Lodge on the Left. Donations.

N39.31598,W74.63209 – Click on link to see Google Map

Nearby sites include the Columns Museum, the Grey Towers, Pike County Historical Society and the Pocono Environmental Education Center.

Dingmans Campground, 1006 US 209, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328 570 828-1551

From Community Dr, turn right onto US-209N, go 12mi and arrive at CG on the right. Call to reserve. $44 for 50AMP, $42 20AMP, $40 BD, Sr Pass is 50% off. Flush toilets, showers and dump on site. Very narrow roads between trees and heavily shaded.

N41.211402,W74.873891 – Click on link to see Google Map

From Westwood take the train to NYC, Penn Station and take the Big Bus Tour to see all the sites the city has to offer. It will take a few days to get in all the sites, like Central Park, the Statue of Liberty on Ellis Island, Brooklyn Bridge, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Times Square and so much more available. Visit Jersey City to see their 9/11 Memorial. Celebrate July 4th.

Elks Lodge, 523 Kinderkamack Rd, Westwood, NJ 07675 (201) 666-1562

From the Garden State Parkway/I-95, take Exit 168 and turn right onto Washington Ave, go .6mi and turn left onto Pascack Rd, go .4mi and turn right onto Hillsdale Ave, go 1.2mi and turn right onto Kinderkamack Rd, go .3mi and arrive at Elks Lodge on the left.

N40.99892,W74.03328 – Click on link to see Google Map

Visit the Submarine Force Museum to see the historic ship Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine. Tour the Avery Point Lighthouse, Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park, and take a walk on the Poquonnock River Walkway. The Foxwoods Casino offered senior buffets twice a week, and the Mohegan Casino has beautiful architecture. The Gatehouse Tavern, an old historic gatehouse is also a treat not to be missed.

Elks Lodge, 700 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340, (860) 445-2163

From I-95N, take Exit 87 for CT-349 S/Clarence B Sharp Hwy, go 1.5mi continue straight onto Brandegee Ave., go 1.4mi and arrive at the Elks Lodge on the Left.

N41.3278,W72.05769 – Click on link to see Google Map

Spend a day at the beach in Seabrook or Hampton. Dine at the Smoky Quartz Distillery, a craft distillery producing bourbon and rum. Eastman Docks offers fishing charters. In Newburyport, there are whale-watching tours, Plum Island Beach with a lighthouse. Tour the Merrimack River Station of the Coast Guard, the birthplace of the Coast Guard. There is also a bike ride available on the Clipper City Trail.

American Legion, 169 Walton Road, Seabrook, NH

From I-95N, take Exit 60 and turn left on Main St, go .8mi and take slight right onto US-1S, then immediate left onto US-1N, go 400ft and turn right onto Walton Rd, arrive at American Legion on the left. Donation for dry camping.

N42.87851,W70.85538 – Click on link to see Google Map

Crescent Beach, Rockland; Owls Head State Park (SP), Owls Head; Birch Point Beach SP, Port Clyde; Camden Hills SP, Camden (bird watching); numerous towns including Belfast, Camden, Rockland, Port Clyde; Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, 16 Museum St, ; Maine Lighthouse Museum, Sail Power and Steam Museum, Project Puffin Visitor Center; Maine Maritime Museum; Penobscot Marine Museum; Marshall Point Lighthouse Museum, Rockland Breakwater Light; Mount Battie hike, Camden; Monhegan Island ferry from Port Clyde, Puffin Nature Cruise from Port Clyde; kayaking.

Elks Lodge, 210 Rankin St, Rockland, ME

From I-95N keep right to continue on I-295N following signs for S Portland/Downtown Portland, go 28mi use right 2 lanes for Exit 28 for US-1N, go 2.4mi and turn left onto US-1N/Mill St, go 8.5mi keep left to stay on US-1N, go 41mi and turn left onto Meadow Rd/Old Country Rd, go 3.1mi and turn right onto Rankin St, go .2mi turn right onto Soffayer Dr and arrive at the Elks Lodge. There are a few electric sites available. Donations.

N44.11295,W69.12693 – Click on link to see Google Map

Visit Acadia National Park, Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show, Downeast Scenic Railroad, Big Chicken Barn. Take a drive to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge Observatory which is the tallest bridge observatory in the world at 447 feet tall and tour Fort Knox which is full of history and great architecture.

Elks Lodge, 317 High St, Ellsworth, ME

From US-1N, turn right onto High St, go 1.5 miles to arrive at Elks Lodge on the right. Donations.

N44.52588,W68.40117 – Click on link to see Google Map

Tour both the Art Museum and the Hudson Museum at the University of Maine. Visit the Cole Land Transportation Museum, Paul Bunyan Statue, and the home of Steven King. Perhaps take in a show at the Penobscot Theatre Co. Take a walk or bike the Waterfront on the Penobscot River. Lots of great restaurants nearby.

Elks Lodge, 108 Odlin Rd, Bangor, ME

From Oak St headed North, take the I-395W ramp to I-95/Bangor, go 5.2mi turn right onto Odlin Rd, go .7mi to arrive at Elks Lodge on the right. Donations.

N44.79550,W68.80615 – Click on link to see Google Map