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450 Years of History – Pensacola’s Historic Downtown
Visitors are whisked back to the time of Spanish explorers, seafaring men, brightly dressed Creole women, and Victorian ladies as they explore over 450 years of history. Take a stroll and discover remnants of early colonial military life in Pensacola that includes portions of forts that existed between 1752 and 1821. Allow 3 – 3.5 hours. Stops along the way:
Eco-Tour
Visit the longest barrier island in the world, enjoy a ranger-led tour of one of the five most visited national parks in the United States and explore a pre-Civil War fortress. Enjoy lunch and shopping along the boardwalk. Join a representative of the Florida Department of Environmental Education for a hands-on-tour of Project GreenShores, a habitat restoration project. Here more than 400 local and migratory birds are often found basking placidly in the Florida sun atop 10,000 tons of the limestone rock that is part of a man-made oyster reef. Get an up-close look at marine life and learn how salt marsh grasses help create a healthier marine environment. Allow 3 – 4 hours. Stops include:
Many thanks to the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for providing us with these itineraries.
Blues & Beyond – Naval Air Station Pensacola
Watch the world-famous U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron practice awe-inspiring maneuvers and meet the pilots. Visit one of the largest air and space museums in the world. Dine among naval aviation memorabilia from across the globe at an exact replica of the famous Plaque Bar of the Naval Air Station Cubi Point in the Philippines. Explore a fortification built in 1763. Allow 4.5 – 5 hours.
Attractions on this itinerary:
Art & Culture – Downtown Shops & Galleries
Enjoy the many galleries, boutiques, and restaurants lining the streets of historic downtown Pensacola. A visit to the Pensacola Museum of Art, formerly the old City Jail, reveals a collection of 19th, 20th and 21st century works and famous traveling exhibits. Visit Quayside Art Gallery, and the largest co-op gallery in the Southeast. Before leaving our downtown area, stop off at Joe Patti’s Seafood for a tour of the largest seafood distributor in the Southeast. Allow 2 – 2.5 hours.
Attractions on this itinerary:
Many thanks to the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for providing us with these itineraries.
Are the pressures of daily life getting you down? Would you like to simply get in your RV and drive? Idaho’s Salmon River Scenic Byway, from the Montana border along the wild and beautiful Salmon River to Stanley, Idaho, may be just what you need to recuperate.
Salmon River Scenic Byway – The Route
Even if you’re not from the region, getting to Idaho’s backcountry isn’t all that difficult. Salt Lake City is only about six hours south of our starting point in Stanley, Idaho. Reno, Nevada is a ten hour drive across the Northeast corner of Nevada. Even from the West Coast, the Salmon River Scenic Byway is just a twelve hour drive from either Sacramento, CA or Seattle, WA.
Here’s the lowdown on the actual Scenic Byway route, once you get to Stanley, ID. Follow the Salmon River north and then east through the Salmon-Challis National Forest on Hwy 75. You’ll pass over Sunbeam Dam and link to Hwy 93 North about fifty miles into your drive. After one hundred sixty unbelievably scenic miles across the high ridges of the Northern Rockies, you’ll arrive at Lost Trail Pass on the Montana Border. You’ll begin and end your drive at about 7000 ft. elevation, so the opportunities for mountain photos and stirring memories are endless.
Salmon River Scenic Byway – The Attractions
It may be only one hundred sixty miles long, but plan to slow down and enjoy the many historical and natural attractions along the way. Your starting point at Stanley, Idaho is surrounded not only by three rugged mountain ranges, but also by the same number of national forests.
You’ll be traveling along the Salmon River’s untamed route, crossing numerous mountain creeks and streams. One of the natural attractions you’ll want to save time to visit is Salmon-Challis National Forest, home to Borah Peak, Idaho’s highest mountain.
Explore the Salmon and Middle Fork Salmon Rivers, world famous for their whitewater rafting opportunities and the Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness, the largest pristine wilderness area in the continental US. At the end of the trail, you’ll find Lost Trail Pass, where hiking and horseback riding trails challenge outdoor adventurers.
Northern and Central Idaho are also Lewis & Clark and Sacajawea country, providing abundant history lessons for the kids.
Salmon River Scenic Byway RV Camping!
Here are just a few suggestions for comfortable RV camping along the Salmon River Scenic Byway. Twenty miles south of Salmon, Idaho, right on Hwy 93, RV campers will find Salmon River RV Park. It’s surrounded by mountains, right on the river and prime wildlife watching territory.
Also plan to make a stop at Challis Hot Springs to swim in the natural mineral springs pool and camp at one of their RV campsites on the Salmon River. One more area park that’s highly recommended is Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground near the Montana border. Not only will you find modern campground amenities, you can also fish for trout, hike canyon trails or follow Lewis & Clark’s footsteps to Thompson Gulch.
Put the Salmon River Scenic Byway on your “must see” list. The history, beauty and prime RV camping you’ll find there will linger in your memory.
We are proud to have provided a blog post to the Travel Oregon Blog. The Travel Oregon Blog is the blog of the Travel Oregon site, the site of the Oregon Tourism Commission.
You can see our blog post here:
Multnomah Falls – A Delight for RV Travelers
If you have a blog or a site that you think might benefit from a guest article from El Monte RV please let us know.
Four hours north of New York City, RV campers will find Saratoga Springs, a fabled Adirondacks town rich in horse racing history. Once home to exclusive mineral springs spas, it’s still filled with plenty of exciting attractions. We’ve created a five-day itinerary for your Saratoga Springs RV camping adventure.
Day One: If you’ll be taking your RV trip in late summer, Saratoga Race Course should be the first thing on your itinerary. For forty days each summer, visitors from around the world come to Saratoga to see the best in Thoroughbred racing. This year’s race schedule starts the last week of July. Keep it casual in the stands or rent a box seat and dress for the occasion, either way, plan to spend a day at the oldest operating race track in America!
Day Two: On your second day in Saratoga Springs, retrace your steps to right across street from Saratoga Race Course. That’s where you’ll find the National Museum of Racing & Hall of Fame. Anyone who loves horse racing will enjoy the exhibits, racing movies and even a racing simulator at this award-winning monument to the Sport of Kings.
Day Three: Saratoga National Historical Park, commemorating the American victory at the 1777 Battle of Saratoga, is a fantastic way for families to spend Day Three. Let tech-savvy kids take the cell phone or mp3 tours of Saratoga Battlefield. Take time to visit Saratoga Monument, as well as the restored home of General Phillip Schuyler. The beauty and history you’ll find at Saratoga NHP will satisfy the entire family.
Day Four: Long before the days of interstates and RVs, Saratoga Springs was already known as a plush resort town. Saratoga Spa State Park recaptures the fabulous spa experience that scores of visitors came to find. In the park’s beautifully restored buildings, you’ll find not only prime examples of classical architecture, but also the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, dining from casual to upscale and a chance to experience the mineral baths for yourself. Combine that with special presentations at the theater and performing arts center and both 18-hole and 9-hole golf courses, and you may want to spend more than one day here!
Day Five: Before you leave the Saratoga Springs area, treat yourself to a day on the water at legendary Lake George, only thirty minutes north. Take a ride on a steamship, spend the day fishing for bass, salmon or lake trout or simply relax on one of the many beaches. The Lake George area offers something for everyone, from amusement parks to butterfly museums. What a wonderful way to round out your Saratoga Springs experience.
As you can see, Saratoga Springs, NY makes a fabulous destination for RV campers with five days to play. Make one of these highly-recommended area RV campgrounds your home away from home while you’re there:
An RV camping trip to Twin Falls, Idaho will open your eyes to the joys of the Gem State. One of the real jewels of the Twin Falls area is Snake River Canyon, crowned by Shoshone Falls, the “Niagara of the West.”
We want to help you plan your RV trip there by giving you lots of information about this wonderfully scenic area. To begin, let’s talk about how to get to Twin Falls, ID, home to Shoshone Falls. This town on the Snake River is just three hours north of Salt Lake City on I-84, and seven hours northeast of Reno, NV, mostly on I-80.
But let’s get back to the star attraction, Shoshone Falls. This thousand-foot wide, two-story high waterfall on the Snake River sits in the heart of the Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake Complex run by the city of Twin Falls. (By the way, well-maintained hiking trails combined with scenic lake swimming and picnic areas will make this Park a hit with your entire family!)
The Falls themselves will capture your imagination, crashing down over impressive rock faces. Snake River Canyon also offers abundant scenery, wildlife viewing and recreational activities. Area outfitters offer guided tours and a wild Class IV whitewater rafting experience when the River’s running at peak.
Once your senses have feasted on the Falls, there are plenty of other attractions to round out your motorhome vacation in Idaho. Plan to spend some time visiting these area wonders while in Twin Falls:
Where to Camp Near Shoshone Falls
RV camping in Idaho is an unforgettable experience. Much less traffic than found around many other Western US attractions and scenery out every window have made the area a favorite with motorhome campers. Here is an RV camp near Shoshone Falls that stand out for its amenities:
Anderson Camp – Eden, Idaho – Walking distance to Snake River Canyon and equipped for any size rig.
Idaho’s ready and waiting to thrill your entire RV camping crew. Plan a visit to Shoshone Falls and these memorable area attractions soon!
We’ve spoken in the past about traveling Colorado’s scenic Rockies by RV, but today let’s focus on that stretch of road known as the “Million Dollar Highway.” From Silverton to Ouray, there is not a mile of this road that doesn’t offer unforgettable mountain scenery. Still wondering where to visit by RV this year? Find out why this scenic byway is a favorite.
Million Dollar Highway Route
As we mentioned, this highway stretches from Silverton, Colorado north to the rustic Victorian town of Ouray. Its official name is “CO-550.” This road, once built to link mining towns, is part of the San Juan Skyway that makes a spectacular loop from Durango through the San Juan Range to Ridgway then swoops south through Telluride down to Cortez before marching across southern Colorado back to Durango.
The Million Dollar Highway section of this famous route is only twenty-three miles long, but you should plan to take your time enjoying the sights. By the way, driving this byway requires a calm RV driver, as the route travels through high mountain passes, with the accompanying sheer drops beyond the guard rails.
What to See & Do along the Million Dollar Highway
Some travel information first: if you’re picking up a luxurious RV rental at our El Monte RV Rentals location in Denver, you can head south on I-25 to Hwy 50 at Pueblo, then west to Montrose. From there it’s a short drive south to Ouray, at the northern end of the Million Dollar Highway. That way you can experience both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Royal Gorge along the way.
We’ve put our tips for things to do and see along the Million Dollar Highway in order by that north to south itinerary.
- Ouray: Don’t miss these sights while you’re in Ouray – cross the suspension bridge on the edge of town into Box Canyon’s Falls Park, take a refreshing dip in the town’s enormous Hot Springs Pool and take a Jeep tour into the mountains to look for ghost towns. The carefully-preserved Victorian downtown is also a wonderful place to spend a day.
- Silverton: Take your family on the steam-powered Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railway deep into the San Juan Mountains. Hike, bike or four-wheel your way into the rugged surroundings or simply walk this restored mining town’s streets and learn about its silver-rich history.
- Durango: It may be an historic mining town, but it offers restaurants from bistro to honky-tonk. Start the day on your bike following a mountain trail, soak your sore muscles in the hot springs and then treat yourself to a new culinary experience!
RV Camping Along the Million Dollar Highway
Did we mention that the RV campgrounds along this scenic byway are equally memorable? These RV parks each offer enough nearby activities, tour services and scenery to build a vacation around.
Longing to reconnect with nature in a beautiful setting? An RV trip along Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway is the perfect solution. Hope to see each of you this summer in Colorado!
 It’s hard to believe that the dense forests and awe-inspiring scenery of Shenandoah National Park can be found only seventy-five miles from Washington DC. RV camping fans have found that, once you’ve visited Shenandoah, it tempts you to return often. Find out why you, too, should make a motorhome trip soon to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park.
Four Ways to Enter Shenandoah NP
More than one hundred miles long, Shenandoah National Park is bounded by I-66 on the north, very near I-81 along its western length and has I-64 as its southern boundary. What that means for you, intrepid RV travelers, is that it’s very accessible by the Interstate system. There are actually four entrances to the Park, at Front Royal, Thornton Gap, Swift Run Gap and Rockfish Gap. Here’s a link to more specific directions to the Shenandoah NP entrances.
Favorite Shenandoah NP Activities
But you might be wondering what exactly makes the Park so attractive to RV campers. We’ve created the following list of favorite Shenandoah National Park activities to help you discover the answer!
RV Camping in the Virginia Woods: Three of Shenandoah National Park’s campgrounds are designed to accommodate RVs, giving you a choice of scenic camping venues. You won’t find hookups within the Park, but the campgrounds do make potable water and dump stations available. Use the link above to choose a campground, and be sure to make reservations before you go.
Shenandoah’s Waterfalls: Pull off Skyline Drive at one of the overlooks and there’s likely a waterfall nearby. Schedule a time to hike the well-maintained trails to at least a few of the more than one dozen large falls in the Park.
Skyline Drive: This jaw-droppingly scenic drive runs through the heart of the National Park and is its most popular attraction. At a maximum speed of thirty-five miles per hour, you’re going to have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery. Plan to spend at least half a day traveling this one-hundred five mile long north/south artery along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dozens of overlooks will give you a chance to stop and gaze at the majestic mountains and valleys of the Shenandoah. You’ll also want to keep a camera close at hand, because wildlife is abundant in the area.
Hiking Old Rag Mountain: Physically-fit RV camping fans who also love a challenging hike should consider a climb up Old Rag Mountain. Conquer the rock scramble and squeeze through narrow passages on this strenuous 8-mile hike; the views from the top are worth the effort!
Area RV Campgrounds & Attractions
Virginia towns like Front Royal, Luray and Waynesboro, adjacent to the National Park, offer plenty of attractions themselves. There’s enough history here to keep Civil War buffs busy for weeks! You’ll also find comfortable RV campgrounds in those towns. Here are few you might consider:
By the way, our Troutville, Sterling, and Roanoke West El Monte RV Rentals locations are ready and waiting to help you find the right RV rental.
Exploring this beautiful area in Western Virginia can easily take an entire month-long vacation. Plan your trip with the links above, make your campground reservations and map out the attractions you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a “sit in the shade of an oak” RV camper or someone who loves a physical challenge, Shenandoah National Park has a special place for you. Why not start planning your Virginia RV vacation right now?
 Author: Daniel Mayer (cc-by-sa-2.5) What? You still haven’t visited Niagara Falls? You haven’t seen one of America’s most memorable sights until you do, so dust off that RV and get going! Here are ten important things to know about RV camping to Niagara Falls.
- How to get to Niagara Falls: Niagara Falls, NY is located twenty minutes north of Buffalo, four hours from State College, PA and about seven hours north of New York City. Coming from Chicago, you can drive I-90 to Toledo and then follow the Lake Erie shoreline all the way to Buffalo.
- What You’ll Find at Niagara Falls: New York’s Niagara Falls State Park encompasses magnificent Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls and a portion of the Canadian Falls. On the Canadian side, mighty Horseshoe (Canadian) Falls pours six hundred thousand gallons of water per second into the gorge below. Dozens of local attractions (see #7 below) make visiting and learning about the Falls even more memorable.
- Where to Cross the Canadian Border: The simplest way to cross over into Canada at the Falls is on the Rainbow Bridge, a short walk from the American Falls. This bridge links Niagara Falls, NY to Niagara Falls, Ontario, and you’re allowed to walk, ride your bike or drive across.
- Tips for Crossing the Canadian Border: U.S. citizens crossing the international border into the Canadian Falls area will be required to show a passport or enhanced driver’s license to return to the US. If you’re travelling with children, be prepared to show their birth certificates. You’ll need a signed document from their parents giving you permission to take children who aren’t yours across the border.
Not from the US? You’ll need to apply ahead of time for a special visa at the nearest Canadian consulate (Buffalo, NY). Here’s a helpful page that’s updated with current Canadian border crossing requirements.
- Best Niagara Falls RV Camping:
- Where’s the Best Place to Park an RV? The Aquarium of Niagara offers RV parking spots, as well as the large lot on Goat Island. Use the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley system to visit area attractions.
- Best Attractions at Niagara Falls:
Here’s another helpful link to photos and information about the Falls and surrounding attractions.
- Hiking Trails in Niagara Falls State Park: From the Trailhead Center in Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, you’ll have access to four guided hikes of varying difficulty. For self-guided tours, the Niagara Gorge Trail System will thrill, challenge and beckon you to explore the Falls region.
- Niagara Falls on a Budget: Traveling on a budget to Niagara Falls? Here’s a link to great ideas for no-cost excursions while at the Falls. You’ll also find links there to information about fees and reservations for the Park’s main attractions.
- Where to Rent an El Monte RV for Your Trip: Glad you asked! El Monte RV Rentals has three locations convenient to Niagara Falls:
Photo Credit: Daniel Mayer (cc-by-sa-2.5)
Occasionally we do guest articles and posts on other sites. Please check out our latest post “RV Camping Excursion – College Football Hall of Fame” on the OneTravel Blog, the blog of OneTravel.com, a site that offers travel deals.
If you have a blog or a site that you think might benefit from a guest article from El Monte RV please let us know.
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