Once upon a time, our weekend escapes were to places where the only gates were the ones we imagined in the stars. Those places now have actual gates, shiny mailboxes, and homeowner association (HOA) meetings. Let’s revisit those cherished campsites, now transformed into bustling gated communities, and explore how the echoes of our laughter have been replaced by the sound of doorbells.
Lakeview Retreat
There’s something ironic about Lakeview Retreat’s transformation. The lake in East Texas, where kids once splashed around freely, is now bordered by exclusive waterfront properties. Can you imagine catching a million-dollar view where you once caught tadpoles?
Pine Grove Estates
Gone are the days when Pine Grove’s soil was pressed down by the feet of festival-goers. Now, the DeRidder Louisiana grounds host serene villas and offer full hookup RV camping for short- and long-term stays. It’s quieter, sure, but sometimes we miss the strum of banjos in the air.
Summit Peaks Place
At Summit Peaks Place, the altitude might be the same, but the attitude sure has changed. Where once hikers sought the thrill of the summit, now residents discuss property values. High elevation, high cost—some things don’t change.
Riverbend Ranch
Our old splashing grounds, Riverbend Ranch in Pegram, Tennessee, now mirror a luxury spa resort. The river still flows, but it’s mostly admired from balconies instead of its banks. There’s no denying it’s beautiful, but it’s a different kind of beauty.
Maplewood Commons
Maplewood Commons once challenged our sense of direction with its maze-like trails. It’s laid out with neat streets and even neater garden edges. Remember getting lost and finding your way back before dinner? Now, you’d just use an app.
Starlight Terrace
Where we used to count shooting stars, residents of Starlight Terrace in Nevada now count thread count in their luxury linens. It’s still a magical place, just with a touch more silk and a little less starlight.
Echo Valley Village
Echo Valley, with its once-resounding canyon calls, now boasts quiet cul-de-sacs. The echoes of nature have been replaced with the echoes of remote control clicks. Located in Pittsburg, New Hampshire, it is still a valley, but the echoes are less lively.
Cedar Hill Highs
Cedar Hill’s infamous climb near downtown Dallas is now a sculpted staircase in a high-end gym. You can still get a workout, but you’ll miss the fresh air and the panoramic views at the top. Some might say it’s an improvement, but we’re unsure.
Golden Meadows Manor
Golden Meadows, where wildflowers once bloomed unchecked, now showcases carefully planned landscaping. The wild spontaneity is gone, but the flowers bloom just the same. Sometimes, we wonder if they miss the wildness.
Blue Lake District
The Blue Lake District in California has traded swimming lessons for golf lessons. The lake is still there, but it’s more for viewing than diving. It’s a change, but the green is perfectly manicured, so there’s that.
Sandy Shorelines
Sandy Shorelines, our once beloved rustic beach camp in Blaine County, San Andreas, now flaunts smooth stone pathways and not a grain of sand in sight. It’s chic and sleek, but boy, do we miss the sand castles.
Whispering Pines Circle
Whispering Pines Circle, situated between Albany and Lake George, has turned its soft whispers into high-speed Wi-Fi signals. The trees still whisper, but now it’s mostly to high-tech security cameras. It’s safer, they say, but we miss the simple rustle of leaves.
Falcon Crest
Falcon Crest’s rugged trails have been paved over for jogging paths. It’s easier on the knees, but the falcons are harder to spot. These birds are remarkably swift and adept predators, achieving velocities exceeding 240 miles per hour while expertly snagging their prey during flight.
Twilight Hollow
Twilight Hollow, once famous for its ghost stories and eerie atmosphere, now features state-of-the-art security systems. The only ghosts you’ll find here are the ones in the virtual reality games played in expansive living rooms. Spooky in a different way, isn’t it?
Misty Creek Country
At Southwest Florida’s Misty Creek Country, the mist still rolls in, but now it’s viewed from behind the safety of storm windows rather than the flaps of a tent. It’s warm and cozy, but some mornings, we really miss the chill and the thrill of the outdoors.