Young Fulltime RVers - Keep or sell the house?

Ohio Road Trip | Covered Bridges, Football & Rock 'N Roll

Ohio is a fantastic state to spend some time exploring. Visitors will find all sorts of interesting destinations, some historic, others great for recreation and much more. For those visitors that are interested in the weird and whacky destinations of Ohio, here are a few great options.

American Sign Museum
The American Sign Museum is the only sign museum in the country and is a great place to stop and learn all about the history and manufacture of signage in the country. The museum's exhibits include a wide variety of signs including neon signs, historic signs before neon, exhibits on the history and manufacture of signs and much more.

Jungle Jim's International Market
Jungle Jim's International Market is a fascinating destination all by itself, which is filled with different statues and animatronic attractions. There are also large outdoor sculptures and attractions, including a sea serpent and a monorail. Visitors have to stop at the restroom at Jungle Jim's, which was voted "America's Best Restroom." Each entrance to the restroom is a porta-potty, but inside there are real restrooms.

National Construction Equipment Museum
Those visitors to Ohio interested in learning about the history of construction equipment should stop in at the National Construction Equipment Museum in Bowling Green. Visitors can explore the indoor exhibit which is filled with restored machines, which show the history of all different types of construction equipment. Another interesting function of the museum is the restoration shop, where volunteers come together to restore some fascinating historic machines.

Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame
Ohio is filled with Halls of Fame, this fabulous Hall of Fame option is located in Cleveland is an ideal spot to enjoy learning about the history and evolution of rock and roll. Visitors to the museum are greeted by the distinct architecture of the museum, including an amazing glass pyramid. The museum's exhibits are filled with iconic pieces of Rock and Roll history, including items from Michael Jackson to John Lennon and many more.

Pro Football Hall of Fame
Another of Ohio's Halls of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton is a great destination to learn all about the sport of Football. This museum presents visitors with information on some of the best Pro Football players in the history of the sport, as well as information on the history of football and much more.

American Classical Music Hall of Fame
Located in Cincinnati, this Hall of Fame recognizes and honors all different aspects of American classical music. This includes those who have made a significant contribution to classical music. The exhibits located in Memorial Hall are not open for tours, but are a great attraction to enjoy while attending an event at Memorial Hall, which is home to the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra.

World's Shortest Street
Located in Bellefontaine, McKinley Street is known as the World's Shortest Street. Although the title has been claimed by an even shorter street, McKinley Street is 15 feet long, making it an interesting attraction for those looking for the weird and whacky. Interestingly enough, Bellefontaine is also home to the "World's Oldest Concrete Street," which is located on Court Avenue. Today there is a statue of the creator of concrete on the street, which no longer has car traffic.

Zanesville "Y" Bridge
Bridge enthusiasts have to visit the "Y" Bridge in in Zanesville. Although this bridge design is not the only of its kind in the world, it is an unmistakable "Y" shape that makes for an interesting attraction. The bridge in Zanesville spans the Muskingum and Licking Rivers. Visitors should be sure to explore this interesting Ohio attraction.

Courtesy of Camping.com

RV Sweet RV for the Holidays

Living in your RV over the holidays will present a few unique challenges, but will also be amazingly rewarding. Here are a few tips to help you weather the challenges of the holidays in your RV.

Overcoming the Space Challenge

One of the greatest challenges of an RV is the limited space. During the holidays, with all of the shopping and gift giving, the space can seem even more limited. When you plan what gifts to give, you may want to choose items that are easy to store in the space that you have. This means purchasing smaller gifts.

Many stores have options for shipping directly from the store. This is a great option for RVers since it doesn't require any storage. Online shopping is one of the best ways to take advantage of direct shipping. You can also make your purchases and then take them directly to mail them, in order to avoid using space in your RV.

In addition, you may not have space to store the supplies you need to do all of your gift wrapping. You would need to have wrapping paper, ribbon, tape and other items in order to wrap all of your gifts. However, if you do not have space for these items, you can take advantage of the gift wrapping options that many stores offer. Even if you need to store these wrapped gifts, you won't have to store all of the items for gift wrapping.

Decorate the RV for the Holidays

When RVing over the holidays you will also have issues with limited storage for decorations. If you celebrate Christmas, you won't have room for a full sized tree. You may find that some of the traditions you celebrate in your home may not be possible in your RV. However, there are many options for modifying your holiday traditions to make it as much fun as you normally have at home.

To make your RV feel more like the holidays, you can do exterior and interior of your RV. Lights are a great option, they are fairly simple to store and find wherever you might be. Lights are also a great way to make your RV feel like the holidays. You can also find garlands and other items to spruce up your RV for the holidays. If you really enjoy having a decorated tree you can find a small tree to place on your table top. You can find a small live tree, which you could find a place to plant after the holidays are over. You could also find a small shrub like plant that you have room for in your RV throughout the year that you can decorate for the holidays as a replacement for the full-sized tree.

Gifts for RVers

Another aspect to consider when RVing for the holidays is the purchasing of gifts for other RVers. If you are purchasing for a fellow RVer you may already know what types of items might be most useful, which can make great gifts. If you are not an RVer, but are purchasing for an RVer you may want to remember when purchasing a gift that RVs have limited space. Gifts should be small, or have a space saving purpose, or be an type of RV gear. If you want to give a type of RV gear to an experienced RVer you will probably want to be sure that you have the correct type of item. Gift cards are also excellent options to give to RVers since they leave many options open for satisfying all types of needs.

The holidays always present some special challenges, especially for those that spend the holidays in an RV, but the rewards are great and many.  Make the most of your holiday by celebrating with family and friends - new and old.  And always remember how blessed you are to be able to live (even if for just a few weeks) the RV lifestyle.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Jensen TV Installation by RV Education 101

Celebrate the holidays with a new RV or trailer!

Still stressed about what present you are going to get for that special someone on your list? Or you feel like treating yourself to a special something this holiday season? Make sure you get the perfect gift for the holiday season, a new RV or trailer from All Seasons RV. Check out our website below!

Click here to check out our inventory!

 

The Best US National Parks You've Never Heard Of

The United States has an amazing National Park System, which preserves some of the most unique, beautiful, and fun natural landscapes found throughout the country.

Some of the 58 parks get millions of visitors each year, but some others are a little less well-known, but equally amazing. If you want to beat the crowds and enjoy some of the most amazing scenery in the country try one or all of these national parks.

 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, CO

The magnificent canyon at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was formed by the waters of the Gunnison River. This unique canyon is deep, with a narrow opening and almost vertical canyon walls. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a fantastic destination for hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, and it also has a great scenic drive. Experienced rock climbers may want to try climbing the difficult vertical walls of the canyon. The canyon is known for its high walls and crumply rock, which makes it appropriate for only the most experienced rock climbers.

Capitol Reef National Park, UT

Capitol Reef National Park preserves an amazing geologic formation called the Waterpocket Fold. The Waterpocket Fold stretches for almost 100 miles and is a warp in the Earth's crust. Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park can see the scenic sandstone domes in the Capitol Reef area, the free-standing monoliths in the Cathedral Valley, the lush vegetation and orchards of Fruita and much more. In addition, Capitol Reef National Park is filled with recreational activities, including backpacking, picking fruit in the orchards when in season, hiking, rock climbing and much more.

Great Basin National Park, NV

Great Basin National Park is a great example of Nevada's natural environment. This park is located in the shadow of Wheeler Peak. Visitors can see the stunning marble cave with stalactites, stalagmites and more on a Lehman Cave Tour. On the 12 mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive visitors can enjoy view of the valleys and mountains. Throughout the park visitors can enjoy backcountry hiking, including overnight backcountry adventures. Another special feature of the park is the Bristlecone Pine Trail on which visitors can see the oldest living organisms in the world, 5,000 year old Bristlecone Pine Trees. Great Basin National Park is also known for its amazing night skies, which can be enjoyed during overnight stays and at one of the parks Astronomy Programs.

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, AK

This unique Alaskan destination covers over 13 million acres and is the largest unit in the National Park System. Those travelers looking to experience wilderness exploration are sure to find an adventure in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Located in the southeastern corner of Alaska, this park provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities. There are a variety of rafting options along the rivers within the park, and there are even areas that are ideal for sea kayaking. Visitors can also enjoy backcountry trips, mountaineering, fishing and much more.

North Cascades National Park Complex, WA

This National Park Complex is composed of the North Cascades National Park, and the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Within these three parks, visitors will discover the amazing scenery of the North Cascades, including peaks, waterfalls, and more than 300 glaciers. The North Cascades National Park is filled with hiking trails, some that are fairly easy and others that are rigorous, steep, mountain climbs. Visitors can also enjoy climbing, boating, fishing, and more throughout the year. Access into the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is limited to passenger ferry from Chelan to Stehekin or plane into Stehekin.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

The Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great park to view some of the volcanic areas of the Cascade Range. There are 30 volcanoes that have been active in the last 300,000 years located within Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen Volcanic National Park has many fascinating outdoor activities. There are miles of trails ranging from difficult to easy. Most of the time you can hike up to Lassen Peak. In the Lassen Volcanic National Park you can view many hydrothermal areas. There are steam and volcanic-gas vents, called fumaroles, as well as mud pots, steaming ground and boiling pools. One of the best areas to see the park's hydrothermal areas is at Bumpass Hell.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX

Guadalupe Mountains National Park extends from the low desert to the high mountains, encompassing the wide variety of plant and animal life within these different ecosystems. Visitors to this park can enjoy over 80 miles of trails throughout the park, which travel through canyons, woodlands, springs, mountainous wilderness and more. McKittrick Canyon has beautiful limestone walls, and Dog Canyon is a wonderful forested canyon at the edge of the wilderness in the park. Guadalupe Mountains National Park is also home to the Salt Basin Dunes, which are a fascinating, windswept landscape.

Dry Tortugas National Park, FL

Located 70 miles west of Key West, this cluster of seven islands is a great destination to enjoy some of Florida's nature. The islands are composed of coral reefs and sand, and they are famous for their bird and marine life. There are also legends of pirates and sunken gold.  Visitors can also enjoy Fort Jefferson, which is the largest 19th century American coastal fort.

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is divided into two units, a northern unit and a southern unit. Between the two sections, this park gives visitors the opportunity to experience some of North Dakota's unique scenery, including the Badlands, painted canyons and more. The hiking trails allow visitors to see some of this countries natural wonders and amazing wildlife.

Isle Royale National Park, MI

Isle Royale is one of the United States special parks. The islands isolation means that it is only accessible by boat. Once there, you can enjoy the wilderness that has been protected by its isolation. The island has a beautiful, rugged coast that can be explored by canoe or kayak. You can also explore the island by hiking its many trails. Another unique feature of the island are the shipwrecks, which can also be explored.

Courtesy of Camping.com

HOW TO: RV in the Winter

Gas Saving Tips

We're never going to recommend shutting down your engine and riding a tractor-trailer's draft, but you can learn a thing or two from the folks who take their gas mileage very, very seriously. Here are a few tips:

Track your mileage: You can't tell if your efficiency efforts are working unless you're keeping track. Try resetting the odometer every time you refill your tank, rather than trying to note and guess mileages individually.

Leave lots of space ahead of you: It not only shows you paid attention during driving lessons, it gives you more time to gradually slow down instead of slamming on your brakes and losing all your momentum.

Use cruise control more often: Accelerate gradually over a distance and you save on all the gas eaten up by lead-footed acceleration.

Courtesy of Lifehacker

World's Most Expensive Recreational Vehicle

Top Ideas for a Money Free Weekend

Perhaps you have been living on a tight budget, or you are traveling on a budget. Maybe you want to go out and enjoy the activities in your area, but feel constrained by your budget. One fantastic way to save some money is to try a Money Free Weekend. A Money Free Weekend is a two days on the weekend when you literally don't spend any money. This includes grocery shopping, and extra entertainment expenses. So make sure that you get your groceries ahead of time and try some of the many fantastic options for money free activities.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Learn that new hobby you have been wanting to try. You may already have the supplies you need, or maybe you don't need any supplies. There are many options for learning new activities through free online guides and videos. If you want to try some handcrafts there are great options for learning through online videos. Maybe you want to learn about gardening or woodworking. Each of these activities and many many more have excellent online resources for beginners.

VISIT A LIBRARY

You can even take a trip to the library to find books on your new hobby. The library is a great free resource within your community. If you are looking for some new entertainment during your money free weekend you can take a trip to the library to look at their collection of videos and music. You can also spend your weekend catching up on the reading you have been wanting to do. Maybe your read about a great book in the newspaper or you got a recommendation, your money free weekend is the perfect time to so some reading.

HIKE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

Get out and explore your area on foot. There is no better way to get to know a place than on foot, and walking is completely free and is amazingly healthy. Start by taking a trip around your own neighborhood. Then branch out to your local parks and nature trails. If you already have a full tank of gas you can also drive to some wonderful places nearby. Most people live within an easy distance of a state, national or other type of park as well as some great trailheads. Within our busy lives it can be difficult to get out for a walk, so a money free weekend is the perfect time.

SHOP YOUR PANTRY

Check out some of the fantastic free online resources for recipes based on what you already have at home. Not only is learning a new recipe a lot of fun, but you will also end up with a delicious meal. You can find apps for your smartphone, or use online resources to input some ingredients you have in your pantry and the app will come up with recipe ideas.

ORGANIZE AND CATCH-UP ON CHORES

One great idea, which often doesn't sound like fun, but is sure to make you feel great is to take some time to catch up on all of these household chores you keep putting off. Maybe you want to clean a room, or try rearranging your furniture. Maybe your home office has become disorganized in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Each of us has some simple household activity that we have been awaiting to accomplish, but have not found the time to do. A money free weekend is the perfect time to accomplish some of these tasks.

SAVE MONEY FOR YOUR NEXT CAMPING TRIP

These are just a few of the ideas that you can try during a money free weekend. No longer will you have to cringe at the thought of a tightly budgeted weekend. There are many creative ways you can spend your weekend time without spending even a cent. Come up with your own ideas and try some of those activities that you have been wanting to do that don't cost anything.

Courtesy of Camping.com

RV Cooking Show - Aunt Lucy's Thanksgiving Stuffing

Cleaning & Protecting RV Roof

Are you looking to get some regular maintenance done on your RV or trailer?

We know how much you love RV or trailer and we want to help you maintain it in perfect condition. Check out our prices on regular maintenance services below.

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How to Make an Igloo

Building an igloo is a great way to spend a day enjoying the snow. You will need to be prepared to work hard, but if you do you will have a lot of fun. Building an igloo is a fabulous way to enjoy and spend some good quality time with friends and family.

To build an igloo you will need a few tools, you will need a nice cold, snowy area, a shovel or snow spade, a saw and possibly a ski. After you have your materials you will need to find an appropriate spot to build your igloo. The spot you choose should have a nice hard snow field to build the igloo and cut the blocks to make the igloo. Where you finally decide to place your igloo, the snow should be about 3 feet deep.

Draw a circle in the snow at the spot where you will build your igloo. Don't make the circle too big, or your igloo will be too big and unstable. You want you igloo to fit about 3 people at the maximum. Use your saw to cut the blocks for your igloo. Don't cut the blocks in the spot where you have draw your circle. Your blocks should be about 6 to 12 inches thick, and not so big that they break when carried. The blocks for the base should be larger than the blocks for the top.

When you have your blocks cut out, you can start building your igloo. Place the larger blocks in at the base on your drawn out circle. At one point in your circle you will need to make an opening, the door to your igloo. To make the door, place two blocks perpendicular to your base blocks. Complete the door by placing another block horizontally over the other door blocks. 

Once you have your base set of blocks laid, you will need to cut an angle into the blocks. To make this easier, you can place a ski in the center of your igloo and cut an angle into the top of your base layer of blocks. If you don't cut the angle into your blocks you will end up building a tower. The angle sets up the curve that creates the dome shape of the igloo. Add a few more layers of blocks to your igloo.

At some point you will need to dig out the floor of your igloo, as well as dig out the floor of the door. Digging out the floor will increase the head room in your igloo. As you continue adding layers of blocks. As you build, you will want to continue cleaning out the floor of the igloo.

When you get to the topmost layers of blocks you might want to use a stick to prop up the top if you are worried about stability. When you get to the final block to finish the dome you will need to pull the block in through the door and place it from the inside. 

To finish the igloo pack the cracks, there will be a few, with snow. From the inside you will want to smooth out the walls. Once your cracks are filled and your walls are smooth you are ready to enjoy your newly made igloo.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Using Aluminum Foil to Make Celery Last a Month!

Hey fans, we have a great deal for you this month! Don’t forget to take advantage soon, this offer won’t be around forever.

Click here to print out your copy now!

GPS Buying Guide

If you've never taken a trip with a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit, you've probably spent too long getting where you're going - and missed a lot of interesting stuff along the way. GPS has taken a lot of the stress out of the typical road trip, and many of the new features are making GPS navigation systems a fun and essential accessory to pack along.

In a nutshell, a GPS receiver relays information to and from satellites positioned in orbit around the earth. This information is then applied to the mapping software on the receiver itself, which tells you where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there in real time and with impressive accuracy.

Owning a GPS receiver has numerous benefits including not getting lost, planning a trip, and knowing gas stations, restaurants, tourist attractions and emergency services are close by. Some even have features like Bluetooth® for easy hands-free calling and multimedia playback, so you can listen to your MP3s or view pictures from a memory card. With this guide, we'll walk you through some of the basics of GPS, the latest technology they offer, and some of the cool extras you can find on some receivers.

The Basics

Type

Do you want a GPS for your automobile, motorcycle, marine vessel, or for hiking and other outdoor activities? Since hitting the consumer market, GPS navigators have been designed to suit different purposes, from being weather-proof for marine or motorcycle applications to including a two-way radio and trail maps for hiking or back-country skiing. Newest to the market are GPS trackers – small devices that you put in your car's glove compartment that let you track where your car is and has been if it's stolen. As these different kinds of GPS receivers are suited to different purposes, not all features and technology listed below apply to all receivers.

Screen Size

The majority of GPS receivers have 3.5 to 4.3 inch widescreen displays which is usually sufficient for basic navigation. However, it's worth it to consider larger screen options (up to about 7 inches) for better map detail, easier to navigate touchscreen menus, viewing pictures and using some of the GPS navigator's extra features. Some larger GPS screens even have an input that lets you connect a camera that's attached the rear end of your car, which makes backing into spaces much easier – especially in larger vehicles.

Maps

Most automobile GPS navigators come with pre-loaded maps of Canada and the US. Be sure that any GPS navigator you consider comes equipped with at least a map of Canada out of the box. On these maps are various points of interest (POI) like hospitals, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, amusement areas, tourist sites and more, so you'll always know where to get something to eat or fix a flat tire. You can even add your own POIs to reference for future trips.

Marine GPS navigators have maps of bodies of water, seabed depths, and are often able to track schools of fish, making them a must-have accessory for any sport fisher.

Trail GPS navigators are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who are as comfortable off the beaten path as they are on it. They provide accurate navigation in all sorts of terrain, mapping location and elevation, so you always know where you are.

Additional maps can be added through a download or purchase of a DVD map upgrade.

What' new. 

While all GPS receivers help you get from A to B, many offer additional features for enhanced navigation, safety and entertainment. Consider some of these features if you're looking to get more out of your experience than just simple navigation. 

Text-to-Speech
You'll find basic voice guidance capabilities in all automotive GPS navigators, but one of the features available in newer units is Text-to-Speech technology (Also called 'Spoken Street Names'). Instead of having to constantly glance down at your screen, Text-to-Speech audibly tells you where to turn using real street names. For instance, when coming up to a confusing or unfamiliar intersection, the GPS receiver will announce "Turn left in 50 metres onto Barclay Street." This feature lets you concentrate on when and where you need to turn, rather than peering at the on-screen map. Often, this feature comes with multiple computer-generated voice options. 

Voice Address Input
Don't feel like typing out your destination's address? With Voice Address Input technology, you don't have to. Just say where you want to go and the Voice Address Input function updates your maps with the information. 

Lane Assist
Major metropolitan areas can be major headaches to drive through – especially if you've never been there before. But all that changes with Lane Assist. Lane Assist lets you know when you need to change lanes in order to exit at an off ramp. This feature is a must-have if you often find yourself in large cities with multi-lane expressways, one-way streets, roundabouts, jug handles and other complicated routes.

Reality View
Reality View takes 3D maps to new levels, displaying true-to-life graphics of actual structures and landmarks as reference points when driving through an unfamiliar area. Reality View also provides a realistic image of complicated intersections to help you navigate your way through, complete with the signs you'll see on the road.

Extras 

GPS doesn't end with navigation. If you're looking for something with a little more under the hood, GPS delivers. Many manufacturers equip their navigators with lots of robust additional features that go beyond simple navigation, delving into the world of multimedia, communications and more.

EMultimedia Playback

Some units feature a memory card slot that allows you to play music, pictures, and in some cases, video on the display. With this feature, you simply slide in a compatible memory card loaded with your media into the card slot and listen to music through your car's speakers, flip through pictures, or watch a video. Some GPS receivers even let you connect your iPod, MP3 player or satellite radio receiver. Because GPS navigators are portable, they make it easy to share your media with others, too.

Traffic
Find out where the traffic tie-ups are, in real time, and tap the screen to find an alternate route. It's now available in a few Canadian cities with more coming. The feature usually requires a subscription, but a few models offer the service for free. 

WiFi
This is a truly useful feature that more and more manufacturers are starting to include. With built-in Wi-Fi all you need to do is find a hotspot and download new maps, find additional points of interest and more.

Courtesy of Future Shop

RV Solar Panel Installation Overview

RV Refrigerator: Shopping, Packing and Performance Tips

RV Travel with Pets

Family RV Travel: Crafty Nature Creations

Crafts really are a great way to encourage creativity, but you don’t need to buy packaged supplies to create fun projects. The following tried-and-true projects (I’ve done them with hundreds of kids at camps and recreation programs) require only household items or those found in nature. Enjoy!

Coffee-Ground Fossils

It’s fun for older kids to make these “fossils” and then bury them for younger campers to find. Simply mix together:

2 cups old coffee grounds

2 cups flour,

1 cup cold coffee

1 cup salt

Knead the dough until it’s smooth. On wax paper, shape it into pancakes, or, if you’re really creative, sculpt it into the shape of bones. Pat the dough flat, and press leaves or twigs into it to create an imprint. (My husband would press chicken bones into a few of the fossils for an even more realistic effect. After all, it’s always fun to dig up a prehistoric dinosaur bone!) Let your fossils dry in the sun for two days, or bake them on cookie sheet at 200 degrees for several hours until the dough is hard. Then it’s time for “fossil hide-and-seek” in a designated area of your campsite.

Leafy Forest Creatures

Take the kids on a short walk to collect fallen leaves. Afterward, give your children construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers, and encourage them to use their leaves as the basis for a “creature.” Could their leaf be the skirt of a fairy? Maybe their leaf resembles an umbrella. Use the scissors to cut the leaves into distinct shapes. Your kids will no doubt shout, “Hey! I never thought of cutting leaves!” Glue the leaves on the construction paper and use markers to add embellishments. Be sure to display these masterpieces from nature.

Nature Tree Weaving

Find a flexible branch (on the ground) about 2 ½ to 3 feet long. Bend the branch into a circle and tape its two ends together with masking or duct tape. Cut twine or dark, heavy-duty yarn into 13 pieces, each about twice the length of the diameter of your circle. (This is a great way to incorporate a little math.) Tie one end of each strand of twine/yarn to the top of circle, spacing each about 1 inch apart. To make weaving easier, tighten all the loose ends by gathering them into one “trunk” that is then tied off at the bottom of the circle. Begin weaving 1-inch-wide ribbons or strips of fabric crosswise through the strands. Poke the ends of the weaving material into the back of your work of art. You can even do smaller-scale versions of this project using reeds and thin twigs. Each weaving will be completely unique.

Courtesy of BestOfTheRoad.com

Streetsboro Trick Or Treat Trot

Make sure you guys check out the Streetsboro Trick or Treat Trot on Sunday! Whether you are participating or just watching, this is a very fun event for the family!

Click here to register and learn more!

Some Tips on Minimizing the Risk of Your Vehicle Being Broken Into or Stolen

Keep it inside a locked garage with an armed guard and Doberman on duty! Or, drive a car that nobody would want to steal.

Seriously, there are some common sense precautions you can use to minimize the risk of your vehicle being stolen or broken into:

• Never leave the keys in the ignition, and never leave the engine running while you run into a store or drop something off. You car might not be there when you come back, and you might even be issued a ticket for such stupidity!
• Always lock your car, even when running short errands to the grocery store or leaving your car in your own driveway. A car thief will walk right up to an unlocked car in broad daylight, hop in and be gone in 30 seconds. Locking the doors won't prevent him from breaking into or stealing your car, but it will slow him down and may discourage him enough to pick on someone else's car.
• Never leave valuables (purses, briefcases, radar detectors, money, portable electronic devices, leather coats, etc.) in plain view. They encourage thieves to break in and help themselves. Either take the valuables with you or lock them out-of-sight in the luggage compartment.
• Avoid parking where you have to leave your keys with a valet or parking attendant. It's a simple matter to make a duplicate key and steal your car later. Use self-park facilities where possible.
• Park in well-lighted areas, preferably where there are people and/or traffic nearby. This discourages casual thieves from breaking and entering.
• If you're installing an expensive stereo system in your vehicle, think hard about getting a "pull-out" unit that can be removed for safe-keeping if you have to park the vehicle outside. Or at least buy a radio that has a theft-deterrent code that makes it inoperable if somebody rips it out of your dash.

Courtesy of Yahoo! Autos

RV TRIP TIP: Rocket Science Ice Cream

5 Haunted Towns to Visit This Halloween

Bored with haunted houses? Hokie masks and gory gimmickry not doing it for you? Skip the overpriced, underwhelming fright factories this year and get a real scare in one of America’s most haunted cities. Let’s put it this way. Who would you rather spend Halloween with–a 19-year-old theater kid in a Freddy Krueger mask or the lingering soul of an unjustly executed 17th century witch? If you have a penchant for the paranormal, here are 5 American cities you should visit–if not this year–at some point before you officially join the ranks of the dead.

Savannah

Whether Savannah is actually America’s most haunted city or it just looks like the epitome of a ghost-infested Southern town, there is no denying the all-encompassing creepiness that permeates every brick road and Gothic mansion. Replete with canopies of drearily beautiful Spanish moss and antebellum architecture that managed to stand the travails of the Civil War, Savannah has done well in preserving its tumultuous history–and with it a substantial chunk of the spirit world. Haunted sites sprawl across the historic downtown area, and numerous ghost tours are available on a nightly basis. Be sure to check out both the very haunted Colonial Park Cemetery and the always gorgeous Bonaventure Cemetery. Grab a meal at the Pirate’s House–a restaurant with underground tunnels and a history of pirate patrons thought to be an inspirational source for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. In addition to the many historic homes and hotels scattered throughout downtown, Fort Pulaski stands not too far off and harbors its own collection of ghastly tales. And, of course, don’t forget to visit Chippewa Square for a chance to see the ghost of Forrest Gump.

New Orleans

Another Southern port town, New Orleans gives Savannah a run for its money as America’s most haunted city. Built on sacred Indian burial grounds (always a good start), the city’s history is fraught with tales of pirates, voodoo and murder. A couple infamous historical figures form the crux of the New Orleans paranormal scene. Marie Laveau, a 19th century Creole woman, is at the center of the city’s voodoo folklore. She amassed a sizable following during her time and earned the moniker “Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.” Her life has become irrevocably intertwined with myth, and a good many people have claimed to have seen her ghost wandering the French Quarter. By far, the city’s most horrific tale is that of Louis and Delphine LaLaurie. The affluent socialites owned an elegant mansion in the French Quarter. Not long after Delphine allegedly instigated the death of a 12-year-old slave girl, a fire, likely set by slaves in a desperate plea for attention, erupted in the mansion’s kitchen. Firefighters arrived to quell the flames. They kicked down the door to the slave quarters and were met by a horrifying site. Several slaves were chained to the walls, dungeon-style. Local legend purports the slaves had been subjected to crude medical experimentation, but those claims are unverified. The LaLauries disappeared soon after the appalling discovery. You can still visit the mansion to this day.

Salem

Welcome to “Witch City,” USA. The infamous Salem witch trials of the late 17th century forever cast a macabre shade over the city. The mass hysteria began when 9-year-old Betty Parris and her 12-year-old cousin Abigail began to have fit characterized by screaming, throwing objects, crawling under furniture, uttering strange sounds and contorting their bodies into unnatural positions. When other girls in the town began exhibiting similar symptoms, accusations of witchcraft began to fly. Over 150 people were arrested, and 19 were publicly hanged. Today, Salem witchcraft practitioners guide visitors through the city’s many haunted locations, including Gallows Hill and the Joshua Ward House. Salem also hosts one of the nation’s best Halloween celebrations. A series of events called “The Festival of the Dead” takes place every October and includes everything from ghost hunting lessons to a psychic fair and witchcraft expo.

Athens

A small town in Ohio, Athens is home to Ohio State University–the world’s most haunted college campus. Athens is a patchwork collection of ghostly tales, spanning the gamut from headless train conductors to occult practices. The town’s paranormal history can be traced back to the Koons family in the mid 19th century. Their home, sitting atop Mt. Nebo, was built on ground the Shawnee considered too sacred for hunting or camping. The Koonses found their home a veritable spirit magnet. They began holding highly successful seances, during which attendees reported feeling cold hands and hearing disembodied voices. These “spirit parties” grew to such popularity that the Koonses built a separate cabin just for communion with the dead. Eventually, the locals got spooked and burned down the Koons homestead. If you make it out to Athens, be sure to spend some time at the Moonville Tunnel, the old Athens Lunatic Asylum and the town’s five cemeteries that were supposedly placed to form the shape of a pentagram. If you know anyone at Ohio State, see if they can get you into some of the haunted college buildings, especially Wilson Hall.

Gettysburg

Gettysburg, as the site of America’s bloodiest battle, has more than a few ghost stories to tell. In July of 1963, 50,000 American soldiers were killed, wounded or went missing. Ghost tours take visitors along battlefields, cemeteries and miscellaneous sites of carnage and woe. Make stop at the Farnsworth House, a bed and breakfast with over 100 bullet holes in the walls. Union soldiers used the attic to shoot Confederates over on Cemetery Hill, and guests experience apparitions and unexplained footsteps. The Jenny Wade house is also a popular haunted destination. Jenny Wade was a civilian killed by a stray bullet during the Battle of Gettysburg. Spectral residents include Jenny, children from an orphanage down the street and a cigar-smoking man. And of course, be sure to check out Devil’s Den. Supposedly haunted by both Indian warriors and Civil War soldiers, Devil’s Den was a rocky outcropping that provided excellent coverage for sharpshooters during the battle. Today, people experience apparitions  malfunctioning cameras, drum rolls and gun shots.

What To Do After A Car Accident

Whatever your reactions after a car accident, it’s vital to keep a clear head. These five steps could reduce the risk of further damage or injury, prevent hassles, and save you money later on. (You might want to keep this list in the glove compartment.)

1. If possible, move your car out of traffic and turn on its flashers. Put out warning triangles or flares if you have them. Then stand a safe distance away while you talk to other drivers or wait for help.

2. Double-check yourself and your passengers to make sure no one is hurt. Even a fender bender might have caused an injury that’s not noticeable right away. Summon medical help if there is any doubt.

3. Call the police, especially if there has been substantial damage or anyone is injured or acting confrontational. Ask for the investigating officer’s name and contact information, and for the accident report number so that you can follow up.

4. Obtain the name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, plate number, and insurance information of any other drivers involved in the accident, along with the names of anyone with injuries and any witnesses. But don’t argue over who is at fault or admit blame.

5. If possible, take photos of the scene (a cell-phone camera can come in handy) or draw a diagram showing the cars’ positions. Contact your insurer right away.

Courtesy of Consumer Reports

HOW TO: Super Clean Your Windshield

How To Winterize Your RV Seminar - October 27th

Did you miss out on our seminar this past Saturday on how to winterize your RV? No worries, we've got another coming up on the 27th! Follow the link below to sign up and don't miss out.

Click here to sign-up for the October 27th class today!

Relieve Pressure at the Pump: Money-Saving Tips for RVers

Don’t let steep fuel prices squelch your travel plans. With a little advance planning, you can travel smarter and still enjoy your RV travel to the fullest.

Despite high prices at the pump, RV travel is still one of the most cost-effective and enjoyable ways to travel. The biggest advantage? You can easily control your travel budget. Here are some simple ways to cut costs on travel:

• Join Good Sam Club and enjoy valuable member benefits and discounts.
• Spend less time driving and more time enjoying. According to the RVIA, 52% of RV owners plan on spending more time at campgrounds (or in one place) and 45% will reduce the distances they travel this season. Take advantage of destinations that offer plenty of activities your family enjoys.
• Keep your tires properly inflated.
• Use the air-conditioner sparingly. When the air-conditioner is running, it puts an extra load on the engine, increasing fuel consumption.
• Avoid long idles. If you plan on being stopped for more than one minute, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.
• Keep the latest edition of the Trailer Life Directory in your rig so you can quickly locate campgrounds and attractions offering a discount to Good Sam members.
• Protect your RV and your family while on the road with Good Emergency Road Service

Courtesy of LovetheOutdoors.com

HOW TO: Hook Up an RV

Are you worried about a propane leak in your RV or trailer? Take advantage of this months offer and have us take a look for free!

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10 Tips For New RV Owners

First time campers need help for their first outing, and with 10 tips for new RV owners many problems will be avoided. RV owners have an idea of what the first trip will be like, but it can take a few trips to learn what works best.

1. Plan the route. Look at the route to your destination and plan where you will need to make fuel stops or to eat. Getting an RV in and out of some gas stations can be challenging. Truck stop style fuel stations are the best to use since they have plenty of turn around space.
2. Start Packing a few days before the trip. Plates, utensils, towels and pans can all be packed well in advance of the departure date.
3. Check vehicle maintenance. Get the oil changed if it's time, check the tire pressure, check the windshield washer fluid.
4. An emergency road service membership is also something nice to have. Some of them also give discounts on camping reservations.
5. Check RV status. Check that the fridge, air conditioner, water heater etc. all work well before leaving.
6. Make sure you have sanitized the fresh water tank before filling for a trip. The tanks sit with appropriate amounts of bleach overnight.
7. Fresh water supply status. If you will use the onboard toilets or sinks during the trip make sure you have some fresh water in your fresh water tank.
8. Bring a portable dump tank cart. If you stay at a location that doesn't have full hookups you'll need a method for emptying the black and gray water tanks, otherwise you'll need to move the RV to the dump stations.
9. Bring a door mat to place outside, to keep sand and dirt out of the RV.
   
10. Get where you are going while it's still light out. Not much is more frustrating than setting up camp in the dark. It's harder to see backing up, looking for tools, etc.
11. Courtesy of MadeMan.com

Top 10 RV Tailgating Tips

Tailgating is a uniquely American tradition and experiencing it in a motorhome takes it to a whole new level.  You’ll have a roof over your head to endure any weather, your own bathroom to skip the porta potty lines and a full fridge to keep your drinks cold.  And forget about sitting in traffic right after the game.  Grill a few more dogs, watch the game highlights on your TV or play a game of cards.  Let everyone else sit in those long lines to get out of the stadium! 

If you’re planning on catching your favorite college or NFL team this season, here are ten tips to prepare for the perfect tailgate party in your RV. 

1. Pack items that everyone seems to forget.  These items include tons of paper towels (more than you think), garbage bags, sunscreen, Ziplocs bags and aluminum foil, Frisbees and footballs, toilet paper, extra ice, chairs, spare tupperware, antacid, and a first aid kit.  Be a hero by having jumper cables on hand if someone’s battery goes out.

2. Plan your menu.  If you are going with a big group, make it a potluck.  It’s fun to share and exchange dishes, plus it saves everyone a little money.  Prepare burger patties in advance.  If you’ll have dishes out in the hot sun during early autumn games, use heat-friendly ingredients. 

3. Start your RV refrigerator several hours before.  Turning on your fridge before the big game will make sure food stays fresh and cold.  Load with pre-cooled items so it doesn’t have to work too hard.

4. Prepare your water tanks.  Add enough water in the black tank of your RV to cover the bottom after dumping and flushing.  Make sure those that aren’t familiar with RV bathrooms know what can and cannot be put in the toilet.  No paper towels or baby wipes – and make sure you have septic-safe toilet paper on hand, as always.

5. Get there early to secure a spot.  Look for a prime spot near the end of a row to have space to open your awning and set up chairs.  If you own a new Class A motorhome, you’ll be in a luxurious home away from home; you may not even want to go into the stadium at all!  (Note: you should call in advance to confirm whether a special parking permit is needed for your RV.)  

6. Have lots of water. Drinking water will help you and your friends stay hydrated to last till the end of the fourth quarter.  

7. Know the limitations of your RV generator.  Be careful when running the microwave, blender and TV all at once.  You might trip a circuit breaker.  Know where the breaker panel is just in case to be prepared and not slow down your fun.  Check your generator a day or two before.

8. Meet your neighbors.  Tailgating environments are like a great American neighborhood, where you can walk through “backyards” of fellow fans without privacy fences.  Have extra food on hand, be a friendly neighbor, be respectful to opposing fans and have a good time.  You may meet some new friends or pick up some great RV tips.

9. Clean up after yourself.  Respect your team and respect the stadium grounds by keeping the place clean.  Have plenty of trash bags in your motorhome to minimize litter.

10. Don’t forget to have your RV serviced regularly.  If you are taking your RV out for the first game and it’s been a while, make sure everything is safe by going in to a RV service center. 

Courtesy of experiencelife.lamesarv.com

 

HOW TO: Hang Things on RV Walls using Pop Rivets

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Turn your RV in a playhouse for the kids!

Every kid dreams of having a playhouse - a place where imagination can run wild, ideas can brew and all those special kid things (like twisted sticks and magic sorcerer stones found in the garden) can be safely stowed away from prying eyes of mom and dad! So instead of leaving your RV vacant and sitting in your driveway, why not turn it into a magical playhouse on wheels? We show you how to create a play space that will give the kids a little room of their own and be the envy of the neighborhood.

Firstly, remember that an RV is a recreational vehicle. Vehicles can be dangerous even if they are stationary, which means before letting the little ones play to their hearts' delight, it is important to think about safety. Here are five must do checks:

1. Ensure that you have turned off and disconnected all gas, water, electric, and any pumps that may be in easy reach of sticky little fingers.
2. Scan the space for danger spots that are age appropriate for your kids. For example, hanging blind cords, bulging cupboards that may be opened by a curious child, loose objects that could fall if climbed upon, sharp corners, and small knobs that can easily come loose.
3. Remove or lock away all flammables like lighters and emergency flares, batteries, machinery, ropes and cords, poisonous materials, and other non-edible household chemicals.
4. Affix child safety latches for bathroom and kitchen sink cabinets, doors, and windows.
5. Show your kids how to open the RV doors to avoid pushing on the screen, popping it open, and tumbling out.

Once the RV interior is safe, it's time to have fun creating a cool kid space. This could be a great project for you and your children. Tap into their imagination as you decorate. A wannabe astronaut will need an RV rocket, a tiara-wearing princess must have a four-wheeled castle, and every horse-loving kid needs a stable for his hoofed friends. Here are a handful of bright ideas to turn the RV into a great space for kids:

1. Add a colorful floor rug to make playing on the floor a little more comfy.
2. Use see-through plastic storage boxes, drawers or a storage chest to store toys, artwork supplies, dress-ups, and anything else the little ones love.
3. Make it feel like a home away from home with art work on the walls.
4. Work with your little ones to write a set of "RV Playhouse Rules" that gets posted on the fridge. (For example: All adults must knock before entering!)
5. Get a pair of walkie-talkies for communication from home base to RV.
6. Add a little cookie jar for playtime snacks.
7. Reuse holiday decorations to turn the RV into a magical playroom.
8. Stock the shelves with books to encourage some quiet time reading.

It was Albert Einstein, after all, who said, "imagination is more important than knowledge", so let your kids run away with theirs. Put that RV to good use during the off season and let your kids have some fun with a place they can truly call their own and give them a (safe) place space to think, imagine and play.

Courtesy of CampingRoadTrip.com

How to Eat Healthy While Traveling

It's easy to give up on your diet or general healthy eating plan while you're traveling. Whether the trip is for leisure or business, the constant rush of activities may make it tempting to stop at a fast-food outlet whenever hunger strikes, or indulge in unhealthy snacks or beverages. But if you keep healthy food choices at bay, you may maintain a healthy regimen during your travels with no regrets.

Step 1

Pack your own meal on the airplane flight or mode of transportation of your choice. This provides you with an alternative to eating the expensive and typically unhealthy prepared meals offered through the airline. Bring protein- and nutrient-dense dry food that won't easily leak or get smashed in your bag. Examples include nuts, protein bars and firm fruit, like apples.

Step 2

Drink plenty of fluids during your trip. If you can, choose water over other beverages while you're in transit. Milk and juices are adequate, but avoid soda and an excess amount of alcoholic beverages. Avoiding the latter is especially important for minimizing travel-related health conditions, such as jet lag.

Step 3

Stock your hotel room with bottled water, fresh fruit and healthy snacks like granola bars or fiber cookies. Doing so helps remove the temptation to raid the room's mini bar, and can be indispensable for staving off hunger between business meetings or tourist activities.

Step 4

Avoid fast-food outlets. Though they may be a comforting choice when you're in a new city, these kind of meal options are often high in fat and calories, and more importantly, they may cheat you out of experiencing the local culture. Wherever you decide to eat, focus on meals that incorporate healthy components, like fresh vegetables and lean proteins.

Step 5

Don't forget to eat breakfast. This is usually easier said than done in the whirlwind of a vacation. However, breakfast helps prime your system and prepares you for a full day of activities or business meetings. If your hotel offers a complimentary breakfast, choose a high fiber and protein meal, such as whole grain toast with peanut butter, to give you instant energy and fill you up until lunch. This way you may reduce the temptation to snack in a few hours' time.

 

Courtesy of USA Today

 

HOW TO: Organize an RV Basement

A Squeaky Clean (and Green) Camping Machine

Tips for Green RV Cleaning

There’s good news and bad news when it comes to cleaning the inside of your “home away from home”. The good news is that RVs are compact – usually no more than a few hundred square feet in all. The bad news is that our RVs are “fun machines” – found in the pine-sappy woods, on the sandy seashore or in the dusty desert. And the fact of the matter is, your RV is made of lightweight, chemical sensitive materials – unlike a stick and mortar home and requires non-toxic, gentle cleaning agents and techniques.

Let’s take a walk through the camper…

Floors:

The bottoms of our shoes tend to bring the outside in. Consider instituting a house rule – no shoes inside the rig. Provide a rug at the entrance for wiping and a nice spot alongside it to “deposit” shoes. Vacuum carpeting, wood and linoleum often – more so than in a house. Wipe the wood or linoleum down frequently with a damp cloth to remove dirt and food spills. Clean your wood or linoleum with a very weak mixture of Mop’n Glo or something along those lines.

Sinks/Showers-Tubs/Toilet:

Never use an abrasive cleaner such as Soft Scrub in your RV’s sinks, showers-tubs or toilet. The chemical can damage your tanks and scratch the finish. Instead use a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. You’ll get a surprising swell of bubbles and a clean fresh fixture every time.

Consider using a disinfecting wet wipe to clean the toilet seat, lid and sides. I also use this on the floor around the toilet.

Accordion shower enclosures will also clean up well with the baking soda/vinegar mixture. If you have an actual curtain, consider taking it down and laundering according to directions. 

Bleach is another no-no. It can degrade the seals around your tanks – causing an unpleasant and messy problem.

Stovetop:

Clean your stove top after each use to remove spills and other food messes. Remove the stove top plate from the appliance at least twice a year and wipe out any crumbs, spills, etc. with a damp, lightly soaped cloth. Rinse well.

Polish the enamel coated metal with regular white toothpaste to shine and remove stains and marks every so often as well. Apply with a soft, damp cloth in a circular motion and wipe residue with a clean damp cloth.

Clean your aluminum mesh filter element above your stove top (in the range hood) frequently to remove grease buildup. Do so by soaking it in warm soapy water, swishing back and forth to dissolve the grease. Don’t scrub the filter as this may damage the screen. Rinse thoroughly under clean water and dry completely before replacing.

Woodwork/Cabinets:

Many campers have solid wood cabinet doors and veneer (vinyl-decal-wood) cabinets. A few times a year it’s a good idea to orange oil your solid wood doors. Not only does it restore the luster it smells delightful, too.

Wiping the veneer down with a damp cloth will keep them dust and fingerprint-free. Be sure not to orange oil the veneer – it may cause it to deteriorate and fade (and it doesn’t do anything for it anyway).

Window Sills/Frames:

Chances are you’ll have your camper’s windows open a lot. Remove dust and dirt by vacuuming the frames and sills often. Use a disinfectant wet wipe to clean any stubborn dirt or budding mold (from condensation).

Blinds:

Clean metal mini-blinds by removing, spraying with a cleaner such as Simple Green, scrubbing gently, rinsing and chamoising to remove water spots. Cloth blinds should be vacuumed frequently to combat dust.

A/C Filter:

Keep your A/C chilling by frequently removing, washing and drying the foam filter. Not only will in tax the unit less, you’ll have better air quality as well.

Furnace Vent:

Vacuum the louvers on the furnaces return air vent often. Remove the vent cover and vacuum the furnace area to remove dust and dirt – making your furnace safer and more efficient.

Just like your house, give your rig a thorough cleaning every so often and it’ll be a pleasure to travel in.

 

Courtesy of Camping.com

Saving Money on a RV Camping Trip

Travel of any kind can be expensive. Experienced RV travelers already know that there are savings to be found in traveling in an RV as opposed to flying and staying in hotels. However, traveling in an RV is still an expensive option. There are a few ways to make these travels even more budget friendly.

RESEARCH

Start by spending some time researching RV sites and campgrounds. There are many options for budget camping. You can use the RV park finder and directory here on Camping.com. You to search for sites by state and region. In addition you can read about the site, learn about the options and amenities, and even read guest reviews. Not only are these helpful in finding a spot that fits your needs, but you can also take advantage of the online reservation system for many of the RV parks listed. You can save some by determining how much you will spend on sites ahead of time.

COOK YOUR OWN FOOD

Another great option you have when RV traveling is having your own kitchen. One of the biggest expenses while traveling is eating out for every meal. Of course you can still enjoy eating out at local restaurants, but you can be much more budget friendly by reserving eating out as a special occasion. Not only do you save money by cooking your own meals you can take the opportunity to enjoy local flavor by seeking out a farmers market, which is also a great activity to enjoy. Although you have limited space in your RV for food supplies, you can make sure you keep some staples and shop in bulk as much as possible since it reduces costs.  Find great recipes at CampingCafe.com

LOW COST OR FREE ACTIVITIES

Try enjoying actives that have little or no cost. Many recreational activities that allow you to explore your destination are also free. Research some great places to hike and if you brought your bikes look for some great biking trails. You can learn about the flora and fauna in the area by using free wifi when you can find it and looking up the local species. You can also enjoy taking plenty of digital photographs and much more.

Many other activities sometimes do have a minimal cost, but often you can find days when the entrance fees and costs are discounted. Museums will often have days with no entrance fees. Other attractions also have days with discounts, which is a great way to save money and enjoy all of the destinations you have been wanting to visit.

HAVE FUN - MAKE FINDING NO OR LOW COST ACTIVITIES A FAMILY CHALLENGE

There are many ways that you can enjoy RV travel on a budget. With a little research it is easy to find free and low cost activities wherever you go. You can save money by cooking in and planning ahead. Budget travel might take a little more effort, but often you will find that you enjoy some fantastic activities that you may not have tried otherwise.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Have an older RV or trailer and wish you could see where you were going when backing it up? Here's a great tutorial on how to add a back-up camera to your RV or trailer!

Last Days of Summer Camping Tips

As the days of summer vacation wind down its the perfect time to take one last family summer camping trip. Here are some ideas and tips to help you make the most of this camping trip.

Plan The Trip
The very best way to make sure you have an excellent final camping trip of the summer is to plan in advance.  The final days of summer before school starts are a popular time to take camping trips and vacations, so find a campground with available campsites before you head out.  

Choose the Type of Camping
You will need to determine what type of trip you would like to take, so you can find the best spot to enjoy your summer camping trip. Perhaps your family loves to mountain bike, maybe you would prefer to go to a local lake, or maybe your family likes to take backcountry backpacking trips. Whatever your families passion is, it requires a bit of preparation to determine the best locations for your camping trip.

Last Minute Tips
If you cannot plan in advance and just want to get away for the final weekend before school starts, think about looking at local campgrounds. Start by choosing a nearby destinations, everyone knows of a local lake or other spot that can be a fun getaway close to home. At Camping.com you can search for campgrounds by state or even by distance from a nearby landmark or address. In addition, you can also reserve certain campsites online, making it much simpler to ensure that you have a spot.

By staying close to home you have the ability to enjoy a nice relaxing getaway, without having to worry about the extra planning that is required for a longer trip. You don't have to plan to take days off work, and can spend relatively more time at the destination rather than traveling to the destination.

Be Prepared
Once you have reserved your campsite you will need to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies. Check all of your camping gear, especially if you have not used it all year. Make sure that your tent, sleeping bags, cooking supplies and other camping gear are in working order. You will also want to make sure to pack enough food for the duration of the trip. It's always more fun to stay at the campsite, rather than seeking out a grocery store because you didn't pack enough dinner supplies. 

Camping Food
Make the most of the last days of summer by packing supplies for your families favorite campsite meals. Maybe your family loves tacos, or hamburgers and hotdogs, S'Mores. Be sure to bring all of the supplies to make your favorite meals.

Try Something New
You can also make the most of your last days of summer by researching some of the fun activities near your camping destination. If you visit a lake, maybe you can go kayaking or canoeing, many lakes offer rentals for gear. You can find trails that are appropriate for your families combined level of experience. Knowing these options in advance will allow you to take the time to enjoy the activities rather then spend precious time planning the activities.

Be sure to pack all of the supplies you will need, including sunscreen, first aid supplies, bug spray and all of your personal camping gear, clothing and any recreational gear that is appropriate. You don't want to have a problem because you forgot an essential item during your last summer camping trip.

Final Words of Wisdom
The very best way to make sure you can enjoy all the time you have during your last camping trip is to come prepared with knowledge of the area, a reserved campsite, any necessary gear and a good attitude. With a little bit of planning you can have a fantastic camping experience at a site near your own home. You will be surprised by how many new things you discover near your own home, and you don't have to worry as much about travel times, leaving you the ability to sit back, relax and enjoy your last days of summer.

Courtesy of Camping.com

Honoring those lost on 9/11

Today we take the time to honor all those brave men and women lost on 9/11/2001. We will never forget.

Come take a look at our Sales & Specials to get a deal!

Are you looking for a great deal on a new or used motorhome, trailer, or fifth wheel? Well your search stops right here! Go check out the sales & specials page on our site to see what unbelievable prices we are selling some of our models at! Click here to go visit the page.