Monthly Archives: April 2012

A Scenic Journey to Nevada’s Ruby Mountains on an RV Vacation

Monty April 30, 2012
[0] comments

The Jewel of the Ruby Mountains is a trip not to be missed. Nevada is an enticing spot for an RV vacation, with its glacier-carved canyons, tall peaks and flowered meadows. This scenic journey will start in Elko, Nevada and take you into Lamoille Canyon to your final destination – Road’s End and a picnic to remember.

If coming from the East, you will take Interstate 80 West, through Salt Lake City and to Elko. Stop in Elko, Nevada for a meal in a nice restaurant before beginning your adventure into the wild outdoors. When you begin your RV trip, take Lamoille Highway (Route 227) south, passing through Spring Creek. Before you reach Lamoille, Nevada, you’ll see signs for Lamoille Canyon Recreation Area, and you’ll turn on Forest Service Road 660, which is Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway.

Now you are entering the canyon area of the beautiful Ruby Mountains. You can follow the interpretative signs for your own self-guided tour. The Ruby Mountain Wilderness encompasses more than 90,000 acres and here you’ll find many outdoor activities to keep you and your loved ones busy the whole day through. Don’t fail to stop at the many overlook spots along the route. You’ll marvel at the spectacular views.

Lamoille Canyon contains sights much like Yosemite National Park, with hanging valleys, towering mountain peaks, lakes and meadows. You will no doubt look in awe at Ruby Dome, where climbing and mountaineering are popular. Wildlife consists of mountain lion, elk, bighorn sheep, coyote and mule deer. You can fish the lakes and streams to catch rainbow and brook trout.

Those who love to get out and stretch those driving-weary muscles will enjoy the many trails that take you into the backcountry. You’ll discover your favorite trail among the 100 miles of trails in this region. When far enough along Lamoille Canyon Road, you’ll be in Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest with a long list of day hikes to enjoy within the Ruby Mountains Ranger District. Hike part of the Ruby Crest Trail or the whole 40 miles if you feel up to it.

Camping is available, with the Thomas Canyon Campground offering RV camping for vehicles up to 45 feet. Picnic on the natural terraces, fish in Lamoille Creek, and relax in the shade of the cottonwood and aspen. A trail from the campground will take you past a couple of lovely waterfalls and through an alpine meadow.

When you come to Road’s End at the very end of the byway, you can spread a picnic lunch while contemplating all the fun you’ve had so far in the great outdoors. If you head back to State Route 227 and continue south, you’ll come to Lamoille, Nevada, another charming stop to put on your itinerary. As long as you are so close, it is well worth the few extra miles. In the winter this little town is alive with skiers hitting the Ruby Mountain slopes for some fun. In the summer, it’s a great place to visit as a gentle re-entry point to day-to-day life.

Posted in nevada, nevada rv vacation, nevada vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas | Tagged | Leave a comment

An Exciting RV Vacation in Southwestern New Mexico

Monty April 27, 2012
[0] comments

The desert blooms in the spring, and this is the best time to embark on an RV vacation through the diverse landscapes of New Mexico. You get everything – from majestic mountains towering over the desert to scenic desert drives with abundant wildlife. The wonders never cease!

If you begin your adventure in Albuquerque, you will want to stop as you drive down Interstate 25 at Leasburg Dam State Park, have a picnic or go for a hike, or both! Check out the visitor center with many interesting exhibits. From Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area, take off into the backcountry of the Organ Mountains where you’ll discover history of the most fascinating kind. Explore the Indian rock art and quiet isolated caves.

Hiking enthusiasts love the area around Aguirre Springs, with a couple of trailheads for amazing treks to the Ponderosa Pines at the higher elevations. Choose the Pine Tree Trail, a 4 ½ mile hike on a steep loop, or the 6-mile Baylor Pass Trail, taking you up and up to more than 4800 feet.

Dunes at White Sands National Monument

Dunes at White Sands National Monument

The spot you really must put on your itinerary is White Sands National Monument. There is no passing up this amazing natural wonder. Take a sunset stroll around the dunes. The closest camping spot is at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, 24 miles to the southeast. There are RV sites with a dump station.

Continuing north on Highway 54, you will at last come to one of the largest rock art sites in the southwest. The Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Site offers over 21,000 glyphs of all manner of human, animal and plant life. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy hiking or backpacking. The Three Rivers Campground has two RV sites if you wish to stay a while.

After turning east on Highway 380 towards Roswell, you will see signs for the Capitan Mountains Wilderness. The birthplace of our friend, Smokey the Bear, this wilderness area contains a wide range of terrain, including high peaks, juniper woodland and Ponderosa Pines. If you can tear yourself away from this paradise of outdoor activity, you will carry on to at last reach Roswell, New Mexico. There are so many things to do in Roswell, it is impossible to list them all. Suffice it to say, you can spend days in this city with never a lack of fun.

Your RV trip is now going to take you south, where you will be happy you stopped to take a walking tour of historic Artesia. Step back in time to the late 1800s and early 1900s as you visit the train depot and other buildings from pioneer days.

Don’t miss Carlsbad Caverns, where you can take advantage of educational ranger-guided tours and see the mass exodus of bats from the cave. Carry on south on Highway 62/180 to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for more outdoor recreation before coming to your final destination in El Paso, Texas.

Posted in new mexico rv camping, new mexico rv vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas, texas rv camping, texas rv vacation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Explore the Oregon Mountains and Valleys on the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway

Monty April 25, 2012
[0] comments
Picture of Mt. Bachelor Behind Hosmer Lake

Mt. Bachelor Behind Hosmer Lake

Discover Oregon on an RV vacation along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. You’ll find a large number of lakes as well as amazing lava flows and beautiful meadows. When you stay on this scenic route, it may take up to five hours to travel from one end to the other, but you should plan for a longer trip because you’ll want to stop and spend time at some of the special places.

Start your trip in Bend, Oregon but before embarking, be sure to stop at Drake Park. Relax and get in the mood for your excursion. Once you take off and move through Deschutes National Forest, you’ll begin to appreciate what this vacation trip is going to be like. Lovely forests hold nature’s wonders, and you’ll want to get out there and absorb the beauty.

Turn off to make your way to Dutchman Flat, an expanse of desert area right in the middle of the lush forests. Hiking trails will beckon, so ensure you are ready to pull on those hiking shoes and take off on a trek you are sure to enjoy. The Tumalo Mountain Trail is short enough for the novices. Further along the byway you’ll come to Swampy Lakes and the Swampy Lakes Trail. These marked trails vary in length for different levels of hikers.

You can ski even through June at Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. The snow-covered slopes accommodate beginning or experienced skiers. In the summer you shouldn’t miss the lift taking you to the summit with panoramic views all the way to California and Washington State.

This part of Oregon is a hiker’s paradise. Moving along your scenic route, you will come to Green Lakes Trailhead where you can access the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. The wildlife is abundant. Be sure to bring your camera to catch some photos of the Clark’s Nutcracker making a racket overhead. You’ll also see deer and cute little ground squirrels. Within Three Sisters Wilderness there are about 260 miles of trails. You can even hike a portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. Take a bike, hike or go horseback riding through the forests for a real Oregon experience.

There’s nothing like an adventure of rafting or kayaking on the Deschutes River or camping along Lava Lake. You’ll find convenient RV camping by the lake where you can catch some fish or go sailing. At Osprey Observation Point you can park in their parking lot and take a trail to the observation area to view the Osprey feeding and breeding. Watch the birds dive from huge heights to catch a meal.

When you finish your RV excursion through Central Oregon, you will feel the nostalgic sorrow that comes at the end of a wonderful time. But you’ll be happy to know that this scenic drive is always here to enjoy another time. Come back every year! Journey into the forests of Oregon once again to feel the thrill of the sights and sounds of our great U.S.A.

Picture credits: The picture of Mt. Bachelor is from the National Scenic Byways Program website. It is copyright © 1999 Roger Keiffer and used here in accordance with the Terms and Conditions outlined on the website.

Posted in Oregon RV Vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas | Tagged , | Leave a comment

An Unforgettable Virginia Beach RV Excursion

Monty April 23, 2012
[0] comments
Picture of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach

You’ll be making memories to last a lifetime with an RV vacation to Virginia Beach, Virginia. Outdoor adventures are abundant, and the ocean is inviting for enjoying many water sports and days filled with sun and fun. No matter your preference for recreation, you’ll find exactly what you are looking for in Virginia Beach. You also have the opportunity to soak up some American history.

Start your unforgettable RV excursion by finding a spot to park your RV. With many RV parks and campgrounds with RV hook-ups nearby, you’ll find the ideal spot for a home base. Folks love to socialize, and you can sit and swap stories of your adventures at the end of the day.

Of course, the beaches are a big attraction here. The Atlantic Ocean to the east and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay to the north with small bays all around, you will indulge your every whim for beachside relaxation. Watch the sunset while you stroll along Chesapeake Bay Beach or spread out a towel along the sand dunes at Sandbridge Beach and try and name the species of seabirds keeping you company.

One popular focal point of Virginia Beach is its Oceanfront Boardwalk, a three-mile long walkway along the ocean. An RV excursion wouldn’t be complete without making your way to the boardwalk and taking in this marvelous carnival-like atmosphere. Great bands of yesteryear used to play on the bandstand and entertain those who walked casually along the oceanfront promenade. You can still visit the Cavalier Beach Club to see some fabulous shows. If you have kids along, they will love to experience all the exciting amusement rides.

Naturally, a motorhome trip to Virginia Beach will require visiting some of the nearby state parks and wildlife preserves. The unique False Cape State Park offers numerous trails for hiking. Make your way across pristine sands and through lovely marshes, with interior trails taking you into the forest. Another aspect to the adventure may be taking a boat or a canoe down the Back Bay. It’s all there waiting for you!

The Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge has more than 9,200 acres on a thin strip of coastline, where you can see all kinds of mammals and birds. You can experience all types of terrain, while you take photos of some of the endangered species living here, such as the peregrine falcons or the loggerhead sea turtles.

To get the ultimate taste of Virginia history, close your eyes for a moment and imagine approaching the shores in a ship captained by Christopher Newport. The coast would be bare of hotels, shops and people, truly a New World to be explored. Historic First Landing State Park provides a link with the past when you tour the lighthouse at Cape Henry or visit the Cape Henry Memorial where the English colonists first stepped foot.

Many RV vacations have the sole objective of finding and enjoying water activities, particularly around Virginia Beach. And there is no denying that you’ll discover superb outdoor recreation around this exciting city. Sailing and other adventures take on new meaning along these shores. Jet ski with the dolphins, hire a yacht and take to the high seas, even adventure onto a pirate ship and search for treasure. There is no end to the pleasures you will find on an RV excursion to Virginia Beach.

If you have had dreams of fishing on the Eastern seaboard, now is certainly your chance. Sport fishing offshore can be one of the top experiences of a lifetime. Simply fishing in the Bay will net you some flounder, sea bass, striper and more. You’ll find guided fishing tours for both ocean and Chesapeake Bay fishing. For a new and different activity (perhaps), kayaking is a great way to spend a day. Travel the rivers, bays and lakes to really absorb the beauty of Virginia’s miles of waterways. Become one with nature as you move through untouched landscapes and listen to the calls of birds and the splash of a fish jumping.

RV vacations allow you to shed those workaday world woes, relaxing the mind and soul. By taking your RV on an exciting vacation to Virginia Beach, you don’t have to rough it. You can be comfortable and cozy when not out there having the time of your life. Motorhome camping does something special for a vacation. Plan your unforgettable Virginia Beach RV excursion now, including at least some, if not all, of the vacation tips above

You’ll be making memories to last a lifetime with an RV vacation to Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Picture credits: The picture of Virginia Beach is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Posted in rv vacation, rv vacation ideas, Virginia RV Camping, Virginia RV Vacation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Exploring the Banning Idyllwild Panoramic Highway in Your RV

Monty April 20, 2012
[0] comments

Southern California holds amazing beauty for those who take the time to see it. Traveling scenic routes through the forests and through small towns, taking your time and with no pressure, can be the ideal way to experience what our incredible country has to offer. An RV vacation on the Banning Idyllwild Panoramic Highway is one excursion you shouldn’t pass up.

It is recommended that before you begin your journey in Banning, you take a short side-trip. As long as you are in the area, you will be glad you took the time to see Joshua Tree National Park. You will likely see wildlife like a bighorn sheep or desert tortoise. There will be wildflowers galore if there in the spring and early summer. Walk the self-guided nature trails or pull into the pullouts available and view the roadside exhibits.

Back to Banning, California once again and you can stop by the Fire Memories Museum, an awesome memorial to firefighters and educators. Kids will love the hands-on learning experience. You can then start off on State Route 243 heading south to Idyllwild for your scenic RV trip.

The Mount San Jacinto State Park and Wilderness is only 26 miles south of Banning, and has lovely landscapes of forests and meadows. View Mount San Jacinto, towering more than 10,800 feet in elevation. You will find hiking into the backcountry as relaxing as anything, even with the little extra exertion it may take. There are campgrounds within the park that will accommodate RV vehicles.

Idyllwild is a fascinating mountain town nestled in the pines. Browse the shops and enjoy the solitude and beauty of the area. For a little excitement you can try your hand at rock climbing. The place to go is the famous Tahquitz and Suicide Rocks. Park your RV temporarily and go on a hike into the forests, watching at every step for the wide variety of wildlife that makes the area their home.

A true outdoor recreation destination is the San Bernardino National Forest. You will be driving right through this wild landscape as you move along State Route 243. But there are other scenic byways where you can make detours and complete your National Forest adventure. The beautiful Rim of the World Scenic Byway is another route you can take, as well as the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway.

Any RV vacation should include a time for quiet fishing. You’ll discover Lake Hemet is the ideal location, set among giant oaks, mighty pine trees and sage. If you’ve brought a boat, you can take it out on the lake to soak up some of that California sun. There is RV camping along the shores too.

Driving the scenic byways in an RV provides more than just a vacation; it gives you a tranquil time for relaxation and reflection, shedding the many pressures and challenges of day-to-day life. You can enjoy America’s beauty in a special way – with an RV adventure that is sure to please the whole family.

Posted in CA RV Camping, CA RV Vacation, CA Vacation | Tagged | Leave a comment

Enjoy Scenic Idaho on an RV Vacation to Remember

Monty April 18, 2012
[0] comments
Picture of the Payette River

Payette River

For an RV vacation that will stay in memory for many years, you can drive through Idaho on the Payette River Scenic Byway and experience the best the state has to offer. Driving along the Payette River and through the Payette National Forest, you come to charming towns along the way that provide activities the whole family can enjoy.

Starting out in Boise, Idaho, you will move north and end your adventure in Meadows. Before starting the drive on Idaho Highway 44, you should devote some time in Boise to see the sights and check out all the attractions. Hike the Greenbelt trail or trek into the foothills on the Ridge to Rivers trail. When you are done enjoying your starting point city, head for Horseshoe Bend. At an altitude of 2,614, you will breathe in the fresh air and get ready for more outdoor fun.

Continue north and stop at Smith’s Ferry for a snack. If it is wintertime, this is the perfect place to try some snowmobiling or take off across the landscapes for some cross-country skiing. Visiting Cascade, Idaho may take more than just a few hours. There is so much to enjoy here you might find an RV Park to stay awhile. The Arrowhead RV Park is a great place to stay and famous for its carved totem poles throughout the park.

Along the Payette River in Cascade is a park that offers whitewater rafting and tubing. Kelly’s Whitewater Park has a number of water features for all ages and levels. Even when you have no experience in rafting, you can take a guided float trip down the river and take in the beauty on all sides.

You could make your home base for a few days at one of the RV camping spots around Lake Cascade. You’ll find all the amenities you need. And the lake itself is ideal for the recreational opportunities of a lifetime. Boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching – you name it, you’ll find it! East of the town of Cascade, you will also find some natural hot springs, a relaxing spot to soothe those muscles after all the activities of the day. From southeast Cascade, you can take a refreshing walk on Cascade River Walk and have fun trying to name the birds that sing in the trees surrounding you.

When you have a little experience in river rafting, you’ll want to visit the South Fork of the Salmon River. Take a half- to three-day excursion on the river and enjoy some real whitewater. Don’t leave out a visit to Donnelly as you move on towards your final destination.

You are nearing the end of your RV trip, but there is still plenty to see and do. At Ponderosa State Park you can enjoy guided walks, campfire programs and much more. You will want to include some time in McCall on your itinerary without a doubt, as here a rugged landscape not only gives you amazing scenery, but also provides wonderful hiking opportunities. As you drive the final miles to Meadows, Idaho, you know your trip is over, but you also realize you’ve made many fine memories to last a lifetime.

Photo credits: The picture of the Payette River is Copyright © 2000 Sage Community Resources. It is used here in accordance with the terms & conditions outlined on the National Scenic Byways page for the picture.

Posted in Idaho RV Camping, idaho rv vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas | Leave a comment

A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway – Florida

Monty April 16, 2012
[0] comments

Picture of a Sign for Route A1AAn RV vacation down the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway is just the thing to give you a new view of life and add sparkle to existence. You’ll be driving south with the Intracoastal Waterway on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, surrounded by incredible views and abundant wildlife. This is a drive where you can experience the best beaches, take part in adventures beyond your dreams and find a special harmony as you build a sand castle on the sand.

Shed all stress at your starting point at Ponte Vedra Beach with the many fine activities you’ll find here. Go biking and get in the mood for your trip. Play some tennis or hire a fishing guide to try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Visit the Malacompra Road Park/Beachfront Park and take a little time out for fabulous Florida sights.

One stop you won’t be able to resist is St. Augustine, Florida. This historic city is the oldest settlement in the United States that has been continually inhabited. This is where you can finally see Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth in person. You’ll feel you stepped back in time when you arrive at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument as people dressed in the costumes of those times welcome you with live demonstrations.

While in St. Augustine, be sure to take in the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Museum to get some more interesting historical background, but then you’ll want to get out in the bright Florida sun to soak up some rays. The best way to do that is to try some swimming or surfing at Anastasia State Park. Rent a canoe and go paddling in the tidal salt marsh.

An entire world of salt marshes and wetlands awaits you at the Guana Tolamoto Matanzas National Research Reserve. This unique spot gives the visitor a special view of oyster bars, lagoons and mangroves. This reserve spreads out to either side of St. Augustine and you’ll find places to enjoy fishing, canoeing and you even might like to try shelling along the beautiful beaches.

Do you love surf fishing? Here’s your chance at Flagler Beach Pier Ramp close to Flagler Beach. The lovely boardwalk provides you with not only great exercise but also a chance to see dolphins and huge spouting whales. Don’t forget the excitement of Marineland. It’s a popular place where you will marvel at the antics of the sea animals.

Picture of the Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore

In Painters Hill discover what water activities are all about at the beachfront areas of Varn Park Beach. Further along the route, park your RV and frolic around Gamble Rogers Memorial Park and get into the water for some snorkeling. And don’t neglect the Canaveral National Seashore. Explore these memorable places while you have the opportunity.

When you come to the Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway you know you’re getting close to the end of your motorhome vacation. But here you can extend your getaway time by driving this highway for its 166 miles. Once you pass Miami Beach, this lovely highway ends, but you can always continue south all the way to Key West. It’s completely up to you.

Picture credits: The picture of the Canaveral National Seashore is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 License.

Posted in Florida, florida rv vacation, florida vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas | Tagged | Leave a comment

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge Sewanee Canal

Monty April 13, 2012
[0] comments

By Tony Cappasso

Just off Route 1 near Waycross, Georgia, is the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. It covers nearly a half-million acres of untouched wilderness.

The Okefenokee has miles of hiking trails, opportunities to canoe or boat through the area’s waterways, and knowledgeable park rangers to guide you where you want to go and explain what you see when you get there.

Picture of the Sewanee CanalOn my Route 1 trip, I signed up for a 90-minute boat ride on the Sewanee Canal. This imposing waterway was built originally to float huge cypress trees that had been cut down by loggers out of the area for collection.

These trees, some of them a thousand years old or older, were fair game for loggers in the 1890s. The Okefenokee was declared a National Wildlife Refuge in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Logging there was outlawed. While the oldest trees are gone, many of those remaining are more than 250 years old.

The water of the canal is a deep brown color, the result of tannins that leak out of vegetation that has fallen into the water. Alligators swam lazily out of the boat’s path. Boats on the canal are limited to engines of 10 horsepower or less to minimize the chances of collisions with these creatures.

Most of the gators in the canal are juveniles, according to our guide, but we did see a few really large males floating almost totally submerged with only their snouts showing. In winter, river otters make the Okefenokee their home. During spring and summer, however, the alligators are at their most active. Then the otters choose another river to seek their fish.

About the Author
Tony Cappasso is the author of the e-book America’s Highway: A Journey of Discovery Along US Route 1. In it Tony recounts his journey from Fort Kent, Maine to Key West, Florida. You can learn more about Tony on his website America’s Highway US Route 1, his Facebook page, or in this video.

Posted in Georgia RV Camping, Georgia RV Vacation | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Enjoy an RV Vacation in the Lush Landscapes of Lake Placid, New York

Monty April 11, 2012
[0] comments
Picture of the Lake at Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid

Forest vistas, quaint towns, recreational adventures and more await you on an exciting RV vacation to Lake Placid in New York State. Set amidst the beautiful scenery of the Adirondack Mountains, this getaway spot is one of the prime vacation destinations when visiting the state. And getting there can be half the fun!

To reach Lake Placid from Massachusetts, you will take Interstate 90 out of Boston to get on the Adirondack Northway (or Interstate 87). Here is where the fun begins. Although you may feel you should just pass through Albany, it might be good to note that this is the home of the rare Karner Blue Butterfly. You can stop at the Pine Barrens to see if you can catch a glimpse. You may see this small one-inch butterfly flitting from flower to flower and have the opportunity for some photos.

Continuing on and traveling north on Interstate 87, you’ll come to Clifton Park, with lots of places to stock up on supplies. When you reach Glen Falls, no matter the time of year, you can find some farm-fresh foods at the Glens Falls Farmers Market. In the evening, you can take in a concert or sports event at the Civic Center. Familiar with the classic novels of James Fennimore Cooper? Visit Coopers Cave Bridge and the cave underneath that was the inspiration for a scene in “Last of the Mohicans.”

Recreation doesn’t get much better than at Lake George. This fresh water lake is known for its fine trout. If you are up for more thrilling adventures, you can get out on any of the nearby rivers and engage in whitewater rafting.

If you enjoyed Coopers Cave, you will also want to stop in Pottersville to see the Stone Bridge and Caves, offering dramatic Adirondack geology to those who dare to take the self-guided nature trails and eventually descend into the caves. Just north is Schroon Lake, with plenty of family activities.

Now you carry on up the Adirondack Northway to Underwood. Here you’ll take US Highway 73 to Lake Placid. This is your destination at last! It is also a hikers paradise. Hike along the mountain trails and unwind from the workaday world. Be sure to put Highfalls Gorge on your itinerary, as you don’t want to miss this spectacular 700-foot cascade.

Nearby are other attractions that you will want to add to your list of must-see sights. The Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake is one to put on this important list. All year round, the Pendragon Theatre will provide a break where you can sit and see professional theatre, entertainment and other special events.

Lake Placid, besides being an outdoor lover’s dream, also has many sporting events and traditional activities that are a pleasure to experience for all ages. You can spend the perfect RV vacation in the Adirondack Mountains, either relaxing or filling your days with many different and unique adventures. It all may seem almost as if you are in a dream, one from which you don’t want to wake up.

Picture credits: The picture of the Lake at Lake Placid is from Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Posted in New York RV Vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas | Tagged | Leave a comment

Take Country Roads through Wisconsin on a Special RV Adventure

Monty April 9, 2012
[0] comments
Picture of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in the Fall

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in the Fall

The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a joy to explore. Visitors love the beauty and varied terrain of southeast Wisconsin. You can begin your special adventure at Whitewater Lake and travel north to Elkhart Lake, taking in the scenic beauty on the way. Signs mark the route so you won’t get lost.

Traveling through six counties and viewing so much of the Kettle Moraine State Forest gives you the opportunity to forge out an itinerary that appeals to you and your family. Visit historic sites, experience superior outdoor recreation in the parks, or simply marvel at the views. This 115-mile drive has it all!

On an RV trip along this scenic route, history buffs will enjoy numerous sites that help you relive the past as if you were there. Stop at Old World Wisconsin to see the re-creation of immigrants’ settlements in America’s heartland. This outdoor museum highlights farms, fields of oxen, wood-burning stoves and much more. Hands-on activities bring it even more to life. In Greenbush, visit the Wade House, an early stagecoach inn. If you are there on Civil War Weekend, you will experience the exciting clash between Confederate and Union troops, a re-enactment of an 1860 battle.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find so many spots for great hiking, biking, swimming, fishing and so many other recreational activities. You’ll be passing through both the northern and southern units of Kettle Moraine State Forest. Get out there in the forest and take one or all six self-guided nature hikes. Some more history will present itself on the one-mile loop at Stute Springs, where you’ll discover the foundations of a large farm and springhouse. Plenty of activities for the kids too, so if you have your children with you, you will want them to participate.

The Kettle Moraine area has lovely but rugged lands that inspire and intrigue. At Carlin Weld – Jefferson County Park you can get in some more hiking, study the natural world surrounding you and have a quiet picnic. The Glacial Drumlin State Trail winds for an incredible 52 miles across Wisconsin’s glacial-carved topography. This rail trail is asphalt for 13 of its miles, crushed stone the rest of the way. It all makes for easy hiking, and much of it is perfect for inline skating or biking.

Bike, boat or picnic or all three at Nashotah – Waukesha County Park, further along on your RV travels. Hike the popular Old Plank Road Trail or jog, skate, horseback ride or ride a bike. This trail accommodates them all. Paralleling Highway 23 from Sheboygan, you will hook up with the famous Ice Age Trail in Kettle Moraine State Forest. Broughton Marsh is another popular destination. There are both indoor and outdoor sports here, and plenty of campsites with boat rentals and a launch ramp.

Be sure not to miss the small communities along the way on your motorhome vacation. In Hartford you can stop to see the Hartford Auto Museum and in Slinger, you can stop for the Slinger Speedway experience of the fastest quarter-mile track in the world. More historical education is available in Greenbush, where the Wesley Jung Carriage Museum offers the largest collection of carriages and wagons in Wisconsin.

An RV adventure through Wisconsin holds many treasured moments that make your vacation even more special. The Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive is a drive not to be missed.

Picture credits: The picture of the Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive in the Fall is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Posted in rv vacation, rv vacation ideas, Wisconsin RV Camping, Wisconsin RV Vacation | Tagged | Leave a comment