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  • Everything’s Bigger in Texas!

    Photo by: coolarrow2
    http://s253.photobucket.com/profile/coolarrow2



    Lake Livingston in Lake Livingston State Park is one of the largest lakes in Texas and is the perfect place to take the RV for a ride. The park spans over 635 acres in its entirety and offers visitors many ways to get in touch with nature. Campsites at the park range from just $10-$25 nightly.

    One of the more popular activities is horseback riding. Visitors have the opportunity to rent a horse and tour over 2 miles of scenic and wooded terrain thanks to Faith Ridin Stables. Visitors can also view magnificent views from the hundreds of biking and hiking paths located throughout the park. There are paths for every skill level so that both beginners and pro’s can enjoy the splendor of Lake Livingston. For visitors looking for a little more speed, off-roading may be the perfect activity.
    It wouldn’t be a lake without water. For visitors looking to enjoy the liquid nature of Lake Livingston there’s swimming, boating, and paddling. Along with a swim in the lake, visitors can also enjoy a dip in the pool courtesy of the park.
    For visitors that want to get in touch with their inner hunter, there are plenty of great places to fish and hunt for game. Some of the most common fish in the lake are the crappie, perch, catfish, and bass. For more information on obtaining a license please visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/.
    Lake Livingston State Park also offers a park store stocked with groceries, ice, bait, tackle, firewood, camping and RV supplies, souvenirs, T-shirts and mountain bike rentals. There is also a marina which offers fuel on the water and boat rentals such as kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and rowboats.
    It’s obvious that Lake Livingston has a lot to offer to anyone that chooses to visit. For more information on Lake Livingston State Park or to plan your trip please visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/lake-livingston.

  • The Luck Runs Deep!

    Photo by: faungg

    The world’s luckiest fishing village has a lot to offer an RV traveler. Just 50 miles from Pensacola, Destin, FL  is a great place for a road trip. Once you get there, you can experience true beach camping at Camp Gulf RV Parkand Campground. The park puts campers literally ON the beach to experience some of the most beautiful views and convenient beach access anywhere. 

    Camp Gulf doesn’t just stop at the awesome location. It also boasts its own solar heated pools, water slide, spa, activity center, camp store and gift shop. In addition guests are provided with beach wagon, segway, and golf cart rentals. The park also has commercially equipped laundry facilities and 22 family style bathrooms located throughout 3 bath houses. If sand at your door isn’t quite your idea of fun, Camp Gulf also offers full hookup and big rig friendly sites just off of the beach.

    Now that you’re settled, it’s time to explore. There’s great food to taste at local favorites like Cuvee Bistro, Seagar’s Prime Steak and Seafood, and Palace Louisiana Lagniappe.
    Once your belly is full there are many great things to do in Destin. They don’t call it the world’s luckiest fishing village for nothing. Destin has the closest deep water access in the Northern Gulf and no shortage of services that will float you out to the deep blue sea to test your luck.

    Visitors can also enjoy the clear waters from some more original vantage points. Helicopter tours are available for visitors to get a bird’s eye view of the lucky city named one of the 10 Most Beautiful Places in America by Good Morning America. Adventurers can also view the sea from below the water line on a mission to find flipper and other marine life. Visitors board a glass-bottom boat and sail out to enjoy the marine life in their natural habitats and maybe even spot a pod of dolphins. You can also visit the marine life of the gulf at the Mid-Bay Marina; however you won’t be looking for them in the water. Destin is home to famous marine life artist Wyland’s Whaling Wall #88. The massive mural stands 60 feet high and 1,480 feet long and is meant to raise awareness for the marine life of the Gulf.

    These are just a few awesome adventures, but there are a lot more great things to see and do in Destin. For more information or to plan your trip please visit http://www.emeraldcoastfl.com/.
    Photo by: faungg
     http://www.flickr.com/photos/44534236@N00/

  • RV Trip Must Haves

    Photo by: Deniz Eda

    Going on an RV trip? Here are a few must haves everyone should consider before hitting the road!

    1. GPS
    Unless you enjoy a challenge or have a great memory, then some form of direction is needed when traveling. You may decide to make an extra stop or take a wrong turn, but no need to worry! Your electronic map is there to lead the way! With the option of listed, picture, or turn-by-turn navigation you will never hit a bump in the road as long as you have your GPS.
    (Always charge when not in use).
    1. First Aid Kit 
    Accidents happen, but the best way to deal with the pain is to always have a stocked first aid kit prepared for any emergencies. (For severe conditions please see a doctor).
    1. Music
    What’s a trip without your favorite tunes? Make sure you gather your best CDs; create playlists for your MP3 players, and let the music play!
    1. Games
    Whether it be Spades, never ending Monopoly, Chess, or any other game that keeps you going; find and create games to keep everyone involved and entertained.
    1. Can opener
    Sometimes it is so easy to forget the simplest things. Do not forget this item because when it is time for that can of beans to be opened, all of the hungry eyes will be staring at you!
    1. Photo/video Camera
    Memories are great to share but photos/videos are better to see. Plus these can be stored for years to come. It is fun to look back and remember an adventure you took, site you saw, or remember your vacation. Creating scrapbooks are always a great idea, too! (Keep the cameras charged when not in use)
    1. Flashlights
    Can you see me now? Not if you are stuck in a storm or there is no light around you. Be sure to have those emergency flashlights on hand. Remember to have the batteries necessary to operate them, and a few spare ones too, just in case!
    1. Batteries/Chargers
    Cell phones, MP3 players, laptops, tablets, GPS, and all of those necessary electronics that we just can not live without, all need batteries and/or chargers. What works best is to make a list of all of the items you plan to take and gather the chargers/batteries that are necessary for each item to operate properly.
    1. Emergency Contacts List
    Technology has made it so easy to store information at our finger tips. But what happens when one of the sources we depend highly upon decides to not work at the time we need it? Make sure you have sat down to think about the more important numbers you may need to have if a situation like this does arise, and make sure to also write them down and keep in a safe place.
    (Inform all parties on the trip about the list so that everyone can be aware of this important information).
    1. Tool bag
    “If it weren’t for bad luck I wouldn’t have any luck at all”—is an old saying many have heard before. Something always needs fixing at the most unplanned times. Keep those tools handy, you never know when you may need them.
    1. Knitting supplies
    Don’t forget the needles and yarn! Knit crafty accessories along the ride that the family will love and stay busy while the kids are playing with their electronics.
    1. Tablet
    This is the perfect time to test out those new apps or read that book you’ve been hearing so much about. Bring along your tablet to keep yourself entertained on long car rides or trips when you’re not behind the wheel!
    1. Fishing supplies
    Catching your own dinner tonight? Not if you forget the fishing poles! Make sure to remember to grab some bait and extra supplies for those unexpected issues.
    1. Rain gear
    Those unexpected rain days always come. Make sure to bring rain jackets, boots, and umbrellas.
    1. Dogs/Cats
    Those little rascals we can not bear to leave behind! Be sure to bring your family favorites with plenty of pet food, toys, beds, and supplies to keep them happy.
    Most importantly, don’t forget the kids and your spouse! They will make great company!

  • High Times at Hoover Dam!

    Photo by: dherrera
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dph1110/

    What is over 700 feet high, 1,200 feet across, up to 660 feet thick, and a reservoir of up to 9.2 TRILLION gallons of water from the Colorado River? 
    The Hoover Dam in the historic Lake Mead National Recreational Area is an architectural marvel that has created an oasis for campers and water sport enthusiasts alike.
    Lake Mead National Recreational Area offers many RV sites with full hookups (electric, water, and sewage) that are offered by concessioners.  Some of the concession RV sites with hookups in the area include Lake Mead RV Village at Boulder Beach, Katherine Landing, Callville Bay, Cottonwood Cove, and Temple Bar. For reservations, RV’ers are encouraged to contact the concessioners directly.
    Visitors can tour the power plant and see presentations and exhibits on how the dam operates, while guided tours will take them on an exploration of the dam’s lesser-known areas. Outside of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead National Recreational Area also offers many other activities. With up to 9.2 trillion gallons of water it’s no surprise that there are an abundance of water activities to enjoy. Boating, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are just a few of the activities to enjoy at the oasis of the Mojave Desert.
    Land lovers can go horseback riding throughout the park or explore the backcountry and hundreds of paths and trails for biking and hiking. This is also a great destination for hunters. The park boasts vast areas for hunting. However, be sure to refer to park hunting maps for designated hunting areas and to review state hunting regulations for seasons and ensure you possess the appropriate hunting licenses.
    Hoover Dam and Lake Mead National Recreational Area are also close to many different locations that make for promising day trips. Only 30 minutes away from Las Vegas, two hours from Peach Springs, four hours away from the Grand Canyon, and two hours away from Lake Havasu, the dam offers just enough proximity to allow visitors to visit many places in the surrounding area. Aside from activities, Lake Mead National Recreational Area also offers stunning views and long roads for scenic drives.
    For more information on visiting the Hoover Dam, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/.
    Photo by: Mike Miley

  • Desert Your Worries!

    Photo by: Squeaks2569http://www.flickr.com/photos/squeaks2569/

    It’s hard to imagine how a dog-friendly, award-winning RV park with easy access to local attractions and restaurants in a major American city can be any better!  Well, add concrete patios, a heated pool and spa, a fitness center, a game room, a book exchange, a playscape, and spotless laundry and restroom facilities, and you’ve certainly sweetened the deal. Take all of these amenities and place them in Phoenix, AZ and you’ve just found water in the desert!
    Rightfully coined, Desert’sEdge RV Park is located just east of I-17 on the north side of Phoenix and only minutes away from shopping, dining, sports arenas, entertainment pavilions, convention halls, and Downtown Phoenix. Transportation to and around downtown is also very convenient. Car services and taxicabs operate throughout the city as well as METRO Light Rail service. For more information on transportation in and around Phoenix please visit http://www.valleymetro.org/about_lightrail/.
    Phoenix is a melting pot for different types of food and dining. There are many international eateries like Avanti Restaurant and Caterers of Distinction as well as places to enjoy American cuisine like AZ88. There are also lots of locally unique wineries and wine bars like Cheuvront’s. And of course, there are plenty of places to grab a great steak or southwestern and Mexican food like Bandera and Barrio Café.
    There are also many fun events in America’s sixth largest city. You can enjoy live music in the Desert Botanical Garden which is home to over 50,000 desert plants along five themed trails. You can also stop by Artlink’s First Fridays, the nation’s largest self guided art walk with over 70 galleries. Whether you’re rooting for the Diamondbacks at Chase Field or the Rattlers at US Airways Center, if you’re a sports fan, Phoenix has room for you too!
    One thing is for sure, whether you’re sampling local cuisine, cheering your heart out at a sporting event, enjoying the many cultural activities, or experiencing any of the other wonderful things Phoenix has to offer, you are sure to have a blast on this RVing adventure.
    For more information on visiting Phoenix please visit http://www.visitphoenix.com/about-phoenix/index.aspx.  
    Photo by: KINKISHARYO
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/kinkisharyo/

  • Head of State says Head Outside!

    Photo by msuppa

    It’s time to saddle up the RV and get outdoors. President Obama has proclaimed June to be Great Outdoors Month. According to the proclamation the Great Outdoors Month initiative is meant to, “celebrate our long legacy of environmental stewardship and resolve to preserve clean and healthy outdoor spaces for generations to come.”
     As part of the Great Outdoors Month initiative there are many different events such as National Fishing and Boating Week (June 2nd-10th), National Marina Day (June 9th), Great American Backyard Campout (June 23rd), and of course National GO Day (June 9th).
    Great Outdoors Month isn’t the first push from the White House for us all to enjoy the outdoors. First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move Outside! initiative also encourages families to participate in healthy outdoor activities and engage their children in outdoor recreation.
    With all the great things going on this month there’s no reason to be cooped up in the house. Gas up the RV and go, because the president said so!
    For more information on outdoor activities to enjoy during Great Outdoors Month please visit http://www.recreation.gov/recgovHome.do?topTabIndex=Home 
    Photo by MyFWCMedia
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/

  • Get Up and Out!

    National Get Outdoors Day, a fairly new annual event to encourage outdoor fun and activity, is fast approaching. On June 9, several federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and the recreation industry are teaming up for the fifth time to host the National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day)!
    There are over 100 National Get Outdoors Day locations that will have a wide array of events that encourage a healthy outdoor lifestyle. In addition, participants will have free admission to a list of national and state parks. If you’ve been wishing for a day to just enjoy nature and the great outdoors, grab a few friends and get up and out!
    To find more information on National GO Day and how you can be part of the festivities, please visit

  • Joel Grimm Announced As Gas Motorhomes National Sales Manager

    Elkhart, Indiana May 29th, 2012 – Leading motorhome manufacturer Thor Motor Coach, Inc. has announced the promotion Joel Grimm to the position of National Sales Manager for the Gas Powered Class A and C motorhome divisions.

    Joel holds degrees in management and marketing from Florida State University, which helped him break into the RV market in 2004. Joel has served as a retail sales person and general manager at a large RV dealership in Florida, while spending the last 5 years as a regional sales manager at Thor Motor Coach.

    “Working in retail right out of college has enabled me to understand the dealer and retail customer’s needs in the marketplace. I have made some really close relationships with dealers and customers over the years which make this industry so rewarding. I look forward to creating many additional relationships as I challenge our group to continued excellence and improvement.” explained Grimm.

    “Joel’s experience in retail and wholesale, as well as his commitment to his dealers made him an exceptional choice to lead the gas sales team”, stated Dana Simon, V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Thor Motor Coach.

    Joel and his family will relocate to northern Indiana this summer and he can be contacted at 800-860-5658.

    Joel Grimm’s product offerings Includes: Class A Gas Motorhomes; A.C.E., Daybreak, Challenger, Hurricane, Windsport, and Outlaw Toy Haulers, Class B+ Gas Motorhomes; Siesta and Citation, Mercedes Benz Sprinter Based Diesel Motorhomes; Siesta Sprinter and Citation Sprinter, Class C Gas and Diesel Motorhomes; Four Winds and Chateau. More information about Joel’s product lines can be found at http://ThorMotorCoach.com/product-lines.php.

    For more information on Thor Motor Coach motorhomes, call (800) 860-5658, visit http://ThorMotorCoach.com, or write to: Thor Motor Coach, Inc., PO Box 1486, Elkhart, Indiana 46515.

    About Thor Motor Coach

    Thor Motor Coach, Inc is an operating unit of Thor Industries, Inc. (NYSE:THO), producing various motorized recreation vehicles that are sold throughout the United States and Canada. Thor Motor Coach RV brands include Class A Diesel Motorhomes; Palazzo and Tuscany TAG & XTE, Class A Gas Motorhomes; A.C.E., Daybreak, Challenger, Hurricane, Windsport, and Outlaw Toy Haulers, Class B+ Gas Motorhomes; Siesta and Citation, Mercedes Benz Sprinter Based Diesel Motorhomes; Siesta Sprinter and Citation Sprinter, Class C Gas and Diesel Motorhomes; Four Winds and Chateau.

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  • Live it Up on the Lake!

    Photo by VJ_fliks. http://www.flickr.com/photos/vj_flicks/

    Picturesque in its splendid clarity and purity, Lake Tahoe spans 22 miles long and 12 miles across both Nevada and California. Its northern shore boasts diverse beaches and infinite wilderness for hiking, biking, and camping. For anyone looking to pack up and go RVing, it’s time to hit the road because Lake Tahoe’s northern shore is a sure fire bull’s-eye.

    Lake Tahoe’s northern shore has many different kinds of beaches. Secluded waterfront getaways at the end of a hike through the wild, vast sandy wonderlands that host weekly events and concerts to remember, the perfect place for a waterside picnic, and rocky shorelines to explore all line the pristine shores. Also a perfect destination for hikers and bikers, the northern shore offers infinite paths and trails to discover. The northern shore offers paths for beginners and experts and even sports nationally ranked mountain bike trails. For true enthusiasts, June, which is Lake Tahoe Bike Week on the shore, is a great time to plan a visit.

    Everyone can feel like a pro on the northern shore’s 10 golf courses. Home to six championship courses and four executive courses as well as a host of PGA Pro’s, Lake Tahoe can provide the course or coaching you’re looking for.

    If golf isn’t your cup of tea, there are many other activities to enjoy at Lake Tahoe. Fishing, horseback riding, art classes, ropes courses, climbing walls, and even a swing on the trapeze are just a few of the activities offered on the northern shore. There are also live outdoor concerts and movies to enjoy at various times and locations. The shore forgets no one. Even the family dog can enjoy activities at the shore. Dog parks, doggie day care, and even dog friendly restaurants, all ensure that your pooch enjoys the trip to the shore as much as you do. Dog owners may also want to consider planning a trip during late August this year. The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe is having their 3rd annual Peaks and Paws festival the weekend of August 25. The festival will feature live music, local art and lots of fun for you and Fido.

    The moral of the story is this: pack up the RV, head to Lake Tahoe, and make some memories at the northern shore this summer!

    For more information on Lake Tahoe’s northern shore please visit, http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/.

    Photo by  Fovea Centralis. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sivaprakash/

  • Park and Play in the Bay!

    Local RV Park:

    Only ten miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Park is the closest RV Park to San Francisco. The park is just ten minutes away from the Larkspur Ferry and Golden Gate Transit Bus stop. Also in close proximity to the park is MUNI (San Francisco bus and cable cars) that can take you almost anywhere in the city! During the summer months, the rates for Marin Park are $50.00 + 10% tax for 2 people, plus $2.00 for extra persons (over the age of 5). The park also offers travel discounts such as AAA. If you enjoy RVing, this is the place to stay to enjoy San Francisco. While there are many great things to do in the area, Fisherman’s Wharf is a definite must-see!

    What to Do:

    Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco is a great place to enjoy many different activities. Ripley’s Believe It or Not, the San Francisco Maritime Museum, the Wax Museum at Fisherman’s Wharf, and remarkable views of Alcatraz Island are just a few of the attractions. In addition, Fisherman’s Wharf sports the Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco’s only aquarium dedicated to the marine animals that live in San Francisco Bay and nearby waters. Pier 39 at the wharf is also home to some of California’s most lovable sea creatures. A group of sea lions, who have been endearingly coined “Sea Lebrities”, have been a hot tourist attraction at Pier 39 since 1989. Another marvel of the sea, The USS Pampanito also calls Fisherman’s Wharf home. The USS Pampanito sank six Japanese ships in the Pacific during World War II and damaged four others. Although the Pampanito is retired from battle, she is still open daily for visitors as a museum and memorial.

    For the Adventurous Traveler:

    For the more adventurous traveler the wharf also sports bike paths and tours, as well as guided electric bike tours across the golden gate bridge. Visitors can also take in awesome views of Aquatic Park, Cupids Arrow, McCovey Cove and the Bay Bridge from kayaks provided by City Kayaks. Advanced kayakers can even paddle around Alcatraz Island. The wharf also offers many sport fishing tour and charter boats that offer everything you need to catch a monster fish, including bait, equipment rental, and fishing licenses.

    Time to Eat!

    The fun of Fisherman’s Wharf isn’t just in the adventure. The wharf also holds some gems that everyone should visit for food and wine. From cafes and bistros to bars and grills, Italian to Vietnamese, and bakeries to seafood, the wharf has just what you’re looking for in a full dining experience. A few of the big names on the wharf include Alioto’s Restaurant, which has been owned and operated by the Alioto family since 1925, Beach Street Grill, home to the famous original Phyllis’s giant burgers of Marin, and Castagnola’s. The wharf is also a great place for wine lovers. Cellar 360 and Wattle Creek Winery, among others, are great places to browse, sample, and purchase wine.

    After an appetizing meal and a hearty adventure there is nothing more satisfying than sinking your teeth into something sweet. Fisherman’s Wharf has dessert for you too! Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Shop, Cold Stone Creamery, Ben and Jerry’s, Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop and Caffe, Mrs. Field’s Cookies, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and Maui Wowi Hawaiian Smoothies are just a few of the big names on the wharf for sweet indulgences.

    For anyone visiting the San Francisco area, Fisherman’s Wharf is a premier destination. For more information on any of the establishments mentioned in please visit http://www.fishermanswharf.org/

    It’s time to pack up the RV and enjoy your stay at Fisherman’s Wharf!