With summer officially here, activities are heating up at The Ford Field & River Club. Whether you’re looking forward to venturing out each day to embrace the warm weather or you’re more inclined to spend the sunny quiet afternoons strolling under the shady oaks or kicking back on the porch while the kids run free—The Ford is where everyone can have their perfect summer.
Below, Mike Womble, Director of Outdoor Pursuits at The Ford, shares some of our members’ favorite ways to stay cool (or embrace the heat) and create summer memories that will last a lifetime.
Pool Days
Solo or with family and friends, days at the Lake Dye Pool are not to be missed. “With kids out of school and adults wanting to take a cooling plunge, we have lots of excitement happening in and near the pool,” says Mike. Plus, the adjacent Lake Dye Grill is open for the season—serving fresh burgers, icy cocktails and more to enjoy poolside.
Summer Camps
In the summer months, The Ford’s staff naturalist Brittany Dodge hosts two-week-long Kids Summer Camps. “During each session, 15 to 20 kids enjoy the pool, learn about nature, make nature-themed crafts, try their hand at golf, create (and eat) fun treats with The Ford’s on-site chef, go fishing and just have a blast being a kid,” says Mike. As for parents—they’ll get days to themselves, followed by tired-out (and happy) kids in the evenings.
Evenings by the Campfire
No summer at The Ford is complete without at least a few evenings under the stars. Head to The Main House and watch the sunset by the pool, fire up s’mores at the Oyster House’s outdoor fire pit, or opt to get a table at the Clubhouse and take in the evening—and the golf course greens—alongside a great meal. Wherever you go, keep your eyes peeled for flickering lightning bugs and listen to the crickets sing—this is what summer dreams are made of.
Crabbing
“All summer long, crabbing for Georgia Blue Crabs is in full swing at the flood gates along Lake Clara,” says Mike. “Huge 6- to 9-inch crabs can be caught at these ‘pinch points’ along the Lake Clara Dike Trail. You can throw out a trap and wait, but the most fun is to take crab lines with chicken necks tied to them and lure the crabs to the surface to net them. Expect hours of fun for the kids and the kids-at-heart in your family.”
Horseback Riding
Exploring The Ford from about five feet off the ground is a spectacular way to enjoy both nature and adventure any time of the year—and summer is no exception. The Ford houses more than 10 miles of bridle trails—explore them on your own horse, borrow one of ours or set out on a guided tour. Make sure to cool off in the Equestrian Center’s comfy members’ lounge after a leisurely ride through the lowcountry.
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