Monthly Archives: July 2012

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg on an RV Trip to Virginia

Monty July 30, 2012
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History comes alive on a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Getting an amazing education about our country’s fascinating past has never been easier than at the first permanent English settlement of the New World. If you are ready for a memorable time in Virginia, pack up your gear into an RV and head to Williamsburg and a view of the United States’ beginnings as you will see nowhere else.

Begin your adventure at the Colonial Williamsburg Regional Visitor Center. This is the official welcoming center for visitors so shouldn’t be neglected. You will see the entire array of historic sites you can visit on your trip as well as beaches, museums and more nearby.

Go to where it all started – Historic Jamestowne! Stand by the James River and experience what it must have felt like as the settlers approached the shore. You will also have the opportunity to see a site where the remains of the original church in the town have now been discovered. This was where an English tobacco farmer married Pocahontas. Right next door you must see the Jamestown Settlement. See a film which tells the whole story. Board replicas of the ships that sailed from England.

When you have kids with you, you won’t be able to resist attending RevQuest: The Lion and the Unicorn. This is a unique opportunity to decide the fate of our nation in a special quest. You will be asked to protect the identity of one of the patriot spies during the Battle of Yorktown. Your child can save the Revolution!

The Revolutionary City experience fascinates young and old alike. This is a two-day adventure where you are part of the story. The city comes alive with the pre-Revolutionary War days and continues to unfold through the war time saga. In this way your family will truly get the flavor of the times, inspiring anew your dedication to freedom from oppression.

Tour some museums to see some distinctive collections of items from the 17th through the 19th centuries. At the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum enjoy the glass, paintings, furniture and prints from early days. Stop at the store to find souvenirs to take home with you for family and friends. In the same building you’ll find the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, with an extensive collection of arts and crafts.

Although you can certainly keep busy for days in Williamsburg, you can also take a short side trip to find some cooling summer fun. At Water Country USA you will find slides that will give you the adrenaline rush of your life. Try the speed slide for some fast-paced excitement. Find a true thrill at the skybox where you drop as the floor opens.

Thrills come a mile-a-minute at Busch Gardens! With the rides, shows and exhibits that this park is known for all over the U.S., you can spend wonderful hours for some jaw-dropping adventures. Be sure to go to Jack Hanna’s Wild Reserve and visit with the exotic animals. You will get up close and personal with some of the world’s most amazing creatures.

Enjoy your RV adventure at Colonial Williamsburg, VA and take in all there is to see for a vacation to remember.

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An RV Vacation to Chicago for Entertainment, Culture and a Load of Fun

Monty July 27, 2012
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Chicago MontageChicago attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a city that buzzes with energy and excitement. Chicago, Illinois is a perfect destination for a fun-filled RV vacation for you and your family. Summertime is the best time to go, since you won’t want to miss the water fun available along the shores of Lake Michigan.

RV camping is simple to find around Chicago. The closest campground to the city is the Chicago Northwest KOA, with lots of attractions right next door. Settle in and then get ready to explore Chicago and all the sights just waiting for you. You have the towering skyscrapers, waterfront walks, and plenty of festivals and events to keep you entertained.

Start out with a short trip to the Brookfield Zoo. This nature park covers 216 acres and offers incredible views of the animals that you will get no place else. To get there you just need to drive west of the city for about 12 miles. There is nothing like enjoying the antics of the bears and dolphins. See polar bears dive for fish through windows specially made so you can marvel at these marvelous animals.

Once getting your taste of the wild, you can return to the city and climb to amazing heights to take in the views. At Skydeck Chicago you will be at the top of the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building. In one sweeping view you will see four states and Lake Michigan’s lovely waters, as well as skyscrapers and parks and more. From there, head over to the Chicago Cultural Center where you can take in the many free exhibits and wander through the stained glass domes.

If you love a lively gathering spot where you can bike, listen to concerts, find activities for the whole family and meet other like-minded folk, be sure to stop at Millennium Park. There are festivals and music presentations going on at any given time, and you’ll end up allowing a bit of extra time to relax and explore. If you didn’t bring a bicycle, you can rent one and get some exercise during a bright sunny day.

Speaking of exercise, there is no better place to walk, jog, bike or skate than along the Lakefront Trail. Here you will find a wonderful 18-mile trail, paved and flat where you can move along the lakefront. Stop at one of the parks or beaches to rest and have a snack.

You don’t have to be visiting the coast in California or Florida to enjoy the beach, either. Chicago has lakeside beaches that offer plenty of water fun. At Calumet Park and Beach you will discover all sorts of things to do, including swimming, boating, picnicking and visiting the model train exhibit. Loyola Park is another favorite, and kids love all the various recreational activities offered here, as well as swimming in Lake Michigan.

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world. You should make it a point to stop here to view the more than 1,500 species of aquatic animals. You will see dolphins, sea lions, otters, beluga whales and penguins. It is an experience you really shouldn’t miss.

If kids are with you on this trip, you must go to the Field Museum. There is a wide array of interactive activities to keep even the most curious and active child entertained. Taking a tour of the museum is the best, so you can learn all about some of the amazing treasures on display. No kids with you on this trip? It doesn’t matter. This museum provides exhibitions, programs and events for all ages.

Another kid-friendly activity is visiting the Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze. The young at heart also will enjoy this delightful fun house. Lose yourself in a wild labyrinth of tunnels, mirrors and more. Then make your way over to Navy Pier. This is one of the most popular attractions in Chicago. For those who love to get some culture, you can visit the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier and see some impressive productions from the Bard. The Navy Pier also has a six-story IMAX Theater where you can see some exciting movies in 2D or 3D.

There won’t be any other RV vacation that can quite match this one in Chicago. You will find you have been making memories that will linger many years after you get home. When you want to experience a city that has everything, it is no doubt that Chicago is the place to go.

Picture credits: The Chicago Montage is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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An RV Adventure to San Antonio Means Extraordinary Fun

Monty July 25, 2012
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San Antonio, a fast-growing American Southwest city, is popular for a vacation getaway. Nearly 26 million people visit this spot each year, ready to be fascinated by all the attractions it has to offer. Probably the very best way to see this city in the Hill Country of Texas is to bring an RV and relax in your very own little home while you explore.

You’ll find plenty of RV campgrounds in the area. All provide nice sites where you can pull in your RV motorhome and set up a home base for your San Antonio adventure. RV camping can be quite a blessing, as you can cook your own meals, avoid expensive lodging and generally feel right at home. Pull into the Blazing Star Luxury RV Resort for plenty of amenities and Texas hospitality. Travelers World RV Resort is another great place to stay with full hookup sites, swimming pool and adjacent golf course.

One of the most popular attractions in the area is SeaWorld. Both adults and children love all the rides, shows and exhibits. You will find family rides that any age will enjoy. If you love roller coasters, you’ll find one that is part water ride and part roller coaster that is sure to get you wet. Everyone loves the penguins, sea lions, alligators and dolphins. Don’t forget to visit the 450,000-gallon shark tank! And then, for the best in theme parks, hop over to Six Flags Fiesta Texas. Here you’ll find mild, moderate or “max” rides as well as top-notch entertainment.

San Antonio Zoo awaits you! When you first arrive, get a sense of the place by taking the train around the park. This miniature railroad has been making its way along the river and through the park since 1956. If you enjoy butterflies (and who doesn’t?) the butterfly garden is the place to go. Interacting with around 20 different species of butterflies is always a unique treat. When you go to Lory Landing, you may find yourself with a small parrot perched on your head looking for a snack.

One evening you simply must go to the San Antonio River Walk and browse the many shops. There is plenty of nightlife to keep you entertained as well. During the summer months you will find local sounds that are sure to please, particularly at the Fiesta Noche del Rio where the fabulous songs and dances of Texas, Spain, Mexico, and Argentina will find a way into your heart.

In downtown San Antonio you’ll discover the world laid out in front of you once you make your way to the top of the Tower of the Americas. At the top of this 750-foot tower you can enjoy the panoramic view from the Observation Deck. Glean some history as you read about the Alamo, and find out which flags flew over Texas by studying the lovely murals lining the walls.

Next comes the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park where you start upriver to the north, head south and visit four of the missions originally begun during early Texas colonization. First you will visit Mission Concepcion, then move on to Mission San Jose. Finally you’ll tour Mission San Juan and Mission Espada.

Naturally, the fifth mission and the most popular is The Alamo. Here is where 300 years of history comes to life. The memories of Davy Crockett and James Bowie remind you of the brave ones who fight for freedom. Learn all about the battle fought here.

San Antonio Botanical Garden is a wonderful place where you can get out in the sun and savor the natural beauty of amazing flowers. Fragrances do much to wash away those day-to-day cares and woes. This 33-acre garden will enthrall you and give you pleasure as you stroll through the many different garden sections. Be sure to take the Texas Native Trail to see the many aspects of Texas plants and topography.

Whenever you are in San Antonio, you can get into the real flavor of the Old West by attending some rodeos. If visiting in February, you simply can’t pass up the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. This is one of the largest in the United States and offers quite a lot of excitement. Of course, you can check the Rodeo Calendar to find rodeos at any time of year when visiting. They are going on all the time.

Yes, you will never forget your RV trip to San Antonio! This will be a special experience and will hold a place in memory for many years to come.

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Win a 3-Day Motorhome Rental – Still Time to Enter Our Photo Contest

Monty July 23, 2012
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There is a just a little over a week left for you to enter our photo contest! Submit your favorite RV camping photos and receive $25 in Monty Bucks towards a motorhome rental and the chance to win a 3-day luxury motorhome rental.

The contest runs through the end of July so don’t delay!

For full contest details see: Win a Three Day Motorhome Rental!

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From Switzerland to the U.S. for Some Vacation Fun with an El Monte RV

Monty July 20, 2012
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The picture below is of the Bruhin Family from Switzerland who are traveling in the U.S. this summer from San Francisco to Palm Desert to the Grand Canyon to Las Vegas and back to San Francisco. The picture was taken at the Emerald Desert RV Resort in Palm Desert, CA.

Picture of a Family in Front of a Class C El Monte RV Motorhome

Thank you to Sunland RV Resorts for providing us with the picture.

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Island Hopping in Washington on an RV Vacation

Monty July 18, 2012
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Map of the San Juan IslandsPack up your gear and gather your family for an RV jaunt to Washington State and a fun experience at island hopping. The San Juan Islands north of Seattle are a gorgeous and unique place where you can get back your basic sense of nature and beauty. Start with a few days in Seattle, Washington, seeing the sights. There are so many fabulous places to go in the city. Don’t miss the famous Space Needle.

As you head north up Interstate 5, stop off in Langus Riverfront Park and get in some hiking. An easy, paved trail takes you over bridges, along dikes and through wetland environments where you will catch glimpses of animals and birds abound. This is the perfect opportunity to stretch your legs before continuing on north to the intersection of I-5 with Highway 20, taking you to the islands.

On Highway 20 head west until you arrive at Anacortes, Washington, the gateway to the San Juan Islands. Visit Old Town, watch the whales or engage in some great shopping. Perhaps a dinner out would be just the thing, so you can go at least one night without fixing your own dinner. Orca watching is best from May through June. You will find RV camping at Fidalgo Bay RV Resort in Anacortes, or you can go ahead and take your RV over to Friday Harbor. The Lakedale Resort at Three Lakes offers RV camping four miles north of Friday Harbor.

Now that you have arrived at the heart of the San Juan Islands, be prepared for a wide variety of things to do and see. Beautiful views, amazing outdoor activities, island life that is tranquil and inspiring – all this awaits you. Explore the seas on a kayak trip, fly around the islands on a biplane or go horseback riding. Pedal a bike around the perimeter of San Juan Island. The choices are incredible.

Cattle Point Lighthouse is a favorite. You can hike to the lighthouse and sit as the sun goes down to really experience a peaceful setting like no other. Eagle Cove Beach is also the spot to go when you love water sports. Swim until your heart’s content. Who can resist the beach in the summer? Certainly not one vacationer! Wander the broad expanse of sand to find tide pools with many colorful sea-life inhabitants.

While in Friday Harbor, be sure to go to the Whale Museum to learn all about these magnificent marine animals. You will find out many fascinating details of the pods that live in these island waters specifically. Stop at Whale Watch Park and enjoy a hike to the Lime Kiln Lighthouse. From here you might see the Olympic Mountains if the day is clear. If you listen very carefully, you may hear the song of the whales.

You will never experience flowers like you will at Pelindaba Lavender Farm. As you tour, you will be amazed at the beauty of lavender and the aesthetics of these marvelous flowers. Then on to San Juan Island National Historical Park! Explore the shoreline, hike the trails and do some birding. There are more than 200 species of lovely migratory birds.

Friday Harbor is quite the place to enjoy island life, even if only for a while. Stroll along the docks, get a whale charter and head out to sea to do some real whale watching. In the summer on Wednesdays you will find Music on the Lawn is relaxing and entertaining. If you brought a bicycle, you will enjoy a bike ride to Shaw Island. This is the smallest of the islands, but not lacking in history or beauty. Check out the Shaw Island Historical Museum and stop at a unique country store that is run by Franciscan nuns. This is a very isolated and pristine spot to get a feel of island life in early days.

If you are visiting San Juan Islands in August, you simply can’t miss the San Juan County Fair. The fairground fun consists of four days of exhibits, horse and dog shows, baking contests, carnival rides and of course, some amazing local foods. RV sites are available for those who have brought their homes along with them, and you should make RV reservations well in advance.

A San Juan Island RV vacation is such a treat for anyone of any age. The islands are filled with history, marine life and tons of outdoor recreational opportunities. There is something for everyone here in northwestern Washington.

Map credits: The map of the San Juan Islands is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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An RV Trip to Monticello and other Historic Virginia Sites

Monty July 16, 2012
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Picture of MonticelloVirginia offers amazing vacation adventures for those who love the history of our country and the men who made it great. Taking an RV vacation to Virginia and some of its most wonderful historic spots is a treat for those of any age. Pack your gear and come along for the education and fun.

Begin in Charlottesville, VA, because this is where all the action is. Not only has this city been voted one of the best places to live in the U.S., it has a wide array of attractions and outdoor fun available. Browse the art galleries, take in the history and enjoy some great food. You’ll find great RV camping in the area. You can try Misty Mountain Camp Resort for really nice amenities.

The main attraction for this trip will be beautiful Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. Much of this home is of the original construction, and you will get the real flavor of living in early times. Take a tour of this mansion and explore the gardens. Don’t miss the museum shop where you may find a treasure to take home with you.

Need to get out and stretch your legs? It is easy to do so right here near Monticello. The Saunders-Monticello Trail is a popular path where you can walk, bicycle or jog a comfortable two-mile stretch. It’s a great place to get some space and enjoy Virginia’s fresh air.

More history awaits you at the home of James Monroe. At Ash Lawn-Highland you can see what a working plantation was like in the 1700s. Fascinating indeed to see the drawing room, the children’s room and the Monroes’ bedchamber! Step back in time here and feel as if a horse and carriage will draw up to take you away. Then on to the Historic Michie Tavern and more historic amazement. This tavern was built along the side of Buck Mountain in the late 1700s to serve travelers who desperately needed a drink before traveling on.

Montpelier was where James Madison was raised and lived for his entire life, with time out for his stay in Washington during his presidency. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is a spot where you will not only get a taste of what President Madison’s life was really like, but you can take part in various activities and enjoy the gardens and outbuildings. Take a trip over to the University of Virginia next to see the school that was founded and designed by Thomas Jefferson. Explore the Rotunda, the gardens and the art museum.

Within Charlottesville, you will find another spot where you can get out and enjoy the sun. At Riverview Park take the Rivanna Trail for some hiking fun. This park is part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail so you will certainly get some bird watching in while you are here.

Now that you have seen the sights around Charlottesville, your trip doesn’t have to be over. You can head west to Shenandoah National Park for some outdoor recreation and scenic drives. This will be the icing on the cake of your Virginia excursion in an RV.

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

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An RV Adventure Along Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah Valley

Monty July 13, 2012
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Picture of a Sunset View From Skyline Drive

Sunset From Skyline Drive

Shenandoah Valley’s Skyline Drive is 105 miles of pure beauty. Motorhome vacations on this scenic byway offer spectacular views, healthy outdoor recreation and interesting historic sites.

Let’s start in Front Royal, Virginia. From this lovely town, you will access the northern entrance of Shenandoah National Park to start your scenic journey.

However, before you actually enter the park, Front Royal deserves some attention. This gateway town is surrounded by some fine wineries. Take time for a short country-road detour along a wine trail to enjoy a delicious wine tasting experience. Stop in historic downtown with your RV rental parked only briefly while you browse the quaint shops.

Now you are ready to embark on the main objective of your RV vacation – seeing one of the most scenic drives in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive is a two-lane road that twists along through the long and narrow Shenandoah National Park. From one end to the other, you won’t have a lack of things to do and see.

With numerous overlooks along the route, this scenic trip is a dramatic nature experience, with wildlife standing quietly on far-off hillsides, birds flitting from tree to tree, bubbling streams and unspoiled landscapes. The flowing Shenandoah River sparkles on your right, peaceful forested hills lie to your left.

Those who explore the park on their RV vacations find camping is a pleasure. No matter if your motorhome rental is large or small, there are three campgrounds that have pull-through sites. These are:

  • Mathews Arm Campground – at Mile 22.1
  • Big Meadows Campground – at Mile 51.2
  • Loft Mountain Campground – at Mile 79.5

When you reach Mile 31 on your trip south, you will go through the only tunnel on this National Scenic Byway – Mary’s Rock Tunnel. The height of this tunnel is 12 feet 8 inches, so ensure you plan for this when you pick up your RV rental at the start of the trip. Also at Mile 31, you have the opportunity for a great side-trip to Sperryville, 7 miles to the east on US 211. While visiting this friendly town, you will find many arts and crafts shops and so have a multitude of choices for souvenirs to take home to family and friends.

Outdoor lovers never fail to find the hiking trails immediately. Skyline Drive offers many choices, from easy to the most challenging. The Skyland area (PDF) has the best trails, among them the difficult Whiteoak Canyon Falls Trail. Plan on this steep trek taking three to four hours. Having the opportunity to view seven different waterfalls make this trip completely worthwhile.

An RV vacation along Skyline Drive offers so much in the way of natural beauty, and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. If you get the opportunity to enjoy this scenic drive, don’t pass it up.

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

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Still Time to Enter Our RV Vacation Photo Contest

Monty July 12, 2012
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Just a quick reminder that there are a few weeks left in our RV Vacation Photo Contest. The grand prize is a 3-day luxury motorhome rental. You will get $25 in Monty bucks just for entering!

So send us your great RV vacation photos now. Entries are already coming in.

The contest runs from June 1 through July 31, 2012.

To learn more see: WIN A THREE DAY MOTORHOME RENTAL!

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A Fulfilling RV Excursion to Mount Rushmore and Points Beyond

Monty July 11, 2012
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Picture of Mount Rushmore

Mount Rushmore

The Black Hills of South Dakota is an amazing destination for an RV trip. Filled with history and spectacular landscapes of stone, volcanic deposits and granite outcroppings, the Black Hills are perfect for a family on a journey of discovery. Places you have read about in history books come to life. Sculptures that have appeared in publications throughout the world stand before you in all their glory.

Of all attractions in the Black Hills area, Mount Rushmore is the most inspirational. Here you have enormous granite sculptures of the Presidents of our land who strived to keep us free. Carved in 60-foot relief are the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt. The leadership and visions of these men are memorialized right here.

While here, you can take a tour with a ranger so you can learn historic facts regarding the memorial itself and history of the area. Visit the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to start your tour. You will also find interactive exhibits for the whole family. Then head out on the Presidential Trail which will take you up close and personal to the faces of these famous men. There are other trails in the area so if you enjoy hiking, you are set for some adventures.

One item you must include on your Black Hills itinerary is the Crazy Horse Memorial. Crazy Horse was a Sioux warrior and defeated George Armstrong Custer during the Battle of Little Big Horn. This statue is not yet complete, but is expected to be the largest sculpture in the world when finally finished.

The Black Hills offer plenty of spots to park your RV and make a temporary home away from home while you explore the region. The Mount Rushmore KOA may be a good bet, with pools, spas and a waterslide to cool off on hot days. You can make this the hub of your vacation and branch out to enter the mountains and forests for fishing, hiking and much more.

Head over to the western edge of the Black Hills to tour Badlands National Park. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you. The rugged beauty must be captured to take home. Wildlife here is abundant and you are sure to see bighorn sheep, bison and cute little prairie dogs.

Custer State Park is another must-see. There are 71,000 acres inviting you to explore and have the time of your life. Again, wildlife is all around. A herd of bison roams freely, and you may even be stopped along the road as they block the way. Four mountain lakes offer superior fishing opportunities. There are trails where you can hike or ride a mountain bike or even a horse.

Up north in the Black Hills, take Spearfish Canyon National Forest Scenic Byway for fabulous views of cliffs, waterfalls and streams. If visiting in August, you must stop at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, where thousands of cyclists arrive to explore the Black Hills. It’s a real celebration of our land. Yes, it’s all waiting for you at the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore!

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

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