Take a Spring RV Vacation to Pisgah National Forest

Monty May 20, 2013
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Picture of the Linville Gorge in the Pisgah National Forest.

Linville Gorge in the Pisgah National Forest.

Spring in the Appalachian Mountains has no compare. What a thrill to spend a spring vacation in this gorgeous area! The Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina offers so much for those who want to get away from it all and bask in the beauty of nature. Towering peaks, sparkling waterfalls and dense forests all provide the inspiration you have needed all year. Hiking, fishing, biking or horseback riding provide only some of the outdoor fun you’ll find here. RV camping is plentiful too. Stay at the Black Mountain Campground where you will have lovely campsites with tables and fire rings with grills. Although there are no hookups, you will have showers and restrooms with flush toilets handy.

The Appalachian Ranger District of the forest is one of the best areas to visit. This region stretches from the eastern edge of Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Tennessee. Some of the best trails to hike or bike here are the Bear Pen Trail, with cascading waterfalls and lots of camera-ready sights, and the Staire Creek Trail, taking you through some lush forests with streams and more waterfalls.

Near the Tennessee state line in the Appalachian Ranger District you can reach Max Patch, an incredible view from 4,629 feet up. This is an ideal place to fish, hike or view all the wildlife in this area. Wildflowers will be in bloom this time of year, too. Picnic, gaze out at Mount Mitchell and the Great Smoky Mountains. Views like you won’t believe!

In the Pisgah Ranger District, the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area offers great fishing. There are thirteen man-made lakes and ponds into which you can cast a line. Hike the loop trails or take the more challenging trails for added excitement. When you take the Shut-In Trail, you will get to hike through a black bear sanctuary and get an experience like you’ve never had before. If you love fishing, catch some rainbow or brown trout in Bent Creek or the French Broad River. Lake Powhatan has plenty of great places to fish along the shore or from the fishing pier by the dam.

Make your way to the North Carolina Arboretum, a lovely area with gardens, hiking trails and exhibits of plants, including a fine bonsai collection. There are 434 acres of inspiring beauty where you can collect your thoughts and prepare yourself for even more adventures to come.

Of course, perhaps the greatest adventure is traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenic vistas will take your breath away. Originally built to connect Great Smoky Mountain National Park with Shenandoah National Park, this byway is a drive you will never forget – 469 miles of nature at its best.

Another place to stop and explore is the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Day hiking is a favorite here on the Cold Knob Connector Trail, Chestnut Cove Trail or Boyd Branch Trail. You can also fish, ride horses or just settle in for a delicious picnic at a quiet spot.

Yes, nothing like a trip to Pisgah National Forest for an inspiring spring RV vacation!

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Travel in an RV to Branson Missouri this Spring

Monty May 17, 2013
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Aerial Picture of Branson Missouri

Aerial View of Branson Missouri

Taking an RV vacation to Branson, Missouri raises the bar on vacations. It is all about music and entertainment, outdoor recreation and wildlife in the Ozark Mountains. Besides all that, you can enjoy spas, shops, boutiques and galleries. The opportunities for fun are limitless. You can find plenty of RV camping so you will have a base to operate from. Oak Grove RV Park may be the ideal choice of RV campgrounds in Branson. Here you will be close to many local attractions as well as discover amenities galore, including full hookups, dump station and laundry facilities.

One of the top attractions in Branson is Talking Rocks Cavern. Touring caves in the Ozarks really has no compare. People have been exploring caves around these hills for decades. Another place to enjoy is Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure where you can walk among thousands of butterflies. See the film about the Monarch migration and experience the Living Rainforest Science Center.

There are all sorts of unique sights in the town. For instance, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers some amazing out-of-this-world facts that can almost overwhelm you with their strangeness. You don’t, after all, have to travel to Hollywood to see these incredible exhibits. Then there is the World’s Largest Toy Museum. It doesn’t matter if you have kids with you or not. Certainly many of these toys will bring back memories. You will discover more than a million toys, including Barbie dolls, NASCAR toys, Disney toys and so many more. View the old lunch boxes that kids scrambled for at the start of a school year.

Time to see some wildlife! You don’t have to venture out into the wilderness either! The National Tiger Sanctuary has many exotic and domestic animals. You will love the wonderful lions and tigers that have been rescued from certain death. After seeing this attraction, head over to the Promised Land Zoo: Branson. There are actually two parks, one where you can take a foot safari and another that is a drive-through adventure.

No one wants to miss their chance to see some ghosts. You have that opportunity at Branson Ghost and Legends in downtown Branson. This nighttime tour has been an on-going affair for many years. Many have a ghostly experience along the way, while down some dark alley. Learn all about Branson’s spooky past.

One of the best ways to see the area is on Branson Scenic Railway. This 40-mile trip takes you through the Ozarks like no other mode of transportation. The greatest part of the journey is crossing bridges and spotting wildlife from the train as you pass. You will also hear much of the history of the region and actually feel like you have stepped back in time to experience rail travel from long ago.

Now is the time to get outdoors for some recreation. At Dogwood Canyon Nature Park you can get out there in the wilderness and explore Native American Indian trails. Ride horseback or take a Segway around and about. However, book early as these activities get filled up quickly. You can also try a lake cruise at Main Street Lake Cruises. A sightseeing tour around the lake is something to do for a really great time. Bird watchers will see eagles, wildlife lovers will view animals on the shore, and those who just want to enjoy nature will get a full serving on one of these cruises.

Next be sure to Ride The Ducks, a unique and exciting tour of the scenic forests and waterways in the Ozarks. You get music, fun and history, and maybe a little wet too! It is a 70-minute boat ride you will never forget. If your children are with you on this RV adventure, you certainly won’t want to neglect to take them on a duck tour.

After a long day of excitement and fun, you may want to enjoy some musical shows. Branson is well known for entertainment and live music extravaganzas. For example, May is a big month in this town. Tribute Theatre is holding a tribute to the Eagles during May, which is a great way to spend an evening after adventuring outdoors all day. At God and Country Theatre in Branson, you can enjoy some great gospel, country or rock and roll and wonderfully funny comedy shows that will have you singing and laughing all the way home.

Branson, Missouri is always a popular destination in the spring. The opportunities seem never-ending for a lot of amusement and entertainment. Don’t miss your chance for an RV vacation to remember in the Ozarks.

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Travel over the High Sierra from San Francisco to Reno in an RV

Monty May 15, 2013
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Picture of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

Begin a real RV adventure from the west coast of California and travel into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to experience some beauty and history like you wouldn’t believe. Starting out in San Francisco, you will take Interstate 80 all the way. But before embarking on your journey, be sure to enjoy the City by the Bay to the max. You can visit the zoo, wander the Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and attend a symphony in the evening.

One of the best ways to see all San Francisco has to offer is to take the historic Barbary Coast Trail. This walking tour will bring you to all of the city’s most famous sights, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Telegraph Hill, Union Square, Chinatown and much more. You will also get to see the Coit Tower and Ghirardelli Square, where you can buy exquisite chocolates.

Picture of California's State Capitol Building in Sacramento, CA

California’s State Capitol Building in Sacramento, CA

Okay, ready or not, we begin our trip. Drive to Sacramento, our wonderful California State Capital. A tour is in order before you browse the shops, eat in a fine restaurant or view Gold Rush attractions. Don’t miss Old Town, where history prevails and friendly people wander happily taking it all in.

While in Sacramento, stop at the Sacramento Zoo, a great place to take the kids but a wonderful experience for adults too! All sorts of animals, reptiles and birds! Certainly you will have fun watching the giraffes watching you. Another treat is to see the new Sumatran tiger cub that was just born in March. You will only see this baby if you are here in June, though. But the recently born Wolf’s Guenon is on exhibit now with its mom and dad.

Now head into the foothills and make your next stop Auburn, California. This is one place you won’t want to miss on your trip over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A true Gold Rush town, Auburn offers an intriguing Saturday morning Farmer’s Market where you can stock up on some fresh fruits and veggies. Camp out at the Auburn Gold Country RV Park. The air is fresh in this foothills town and there is a lot to see. You simply must drive over the Foresthill Bridge on the east side of town. This is reportedly the tallest bridge in California. See wonderful views of the American River.

Now as you head east on Interstate 80, you will go higher and higher into the Sierra Nevada, overcome with the spectacular views as you go over Donner Pass. Then you will come to Donner Memorial State Park. Stop here and have a picnic by the lake, and bask in the sunshine while you watch the boats and water skiers. Check out the museum for some fascinating historical facts about this region.

Reno Nevada SignFinally you will reach exciting Reno, with its amazing nightlife, entertainment and gambling. Festivals happen all during the year and you are bound to find one going when you arrive. Even if you don’t, there is plenty to do to keep you busy. What a great trip! San Francisco to Reno! You’ll have to do it again sometime.

Picture credits: the picture of San Francisco is from the Wikimedia Commons. The picture of California’s State Capitol Building is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. It is in the public domain. The picture of the Reno sign is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

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Take an RV Trip along the Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway

Monty May 14, 2013
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Picture of the Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

It is that time of year to head to Georgia and take a scenic drive in an RV. This is the ideal spring adventure, beginning your extensive travels planned for the year. The beauty of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest awaits you. This is where you can enjoy those cool mountain streams, misty valleys and pristine forests. All manner of outdoor activities are right at your doorstep.

Start out in Helen, Georgia, a wonderful village tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The rich history of the Native Americans who lived here is enough to take up considerable time to investigate. Wander the cobblestone alleyways and dine in fabulous restaurants. RV camping is plentiful and you will find a long list of RV campgrounds to choose from. Once you settle in, you can plan your 41-mile trip along the nearby scenic byway.

The Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway attracts travelers from all over. They love to see the gorgeous cascades of numerous waterfalls and get lovely views of the valley. This byway is the way to see it all. There will be lots of places to stop and go for a hike or cast a line into a bubbling stream.

If you want to go hiking, you will have access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This trail travels through dense forests and moves over ridges with amazing views. You will also have the ability to reach some wonderful places to fish. There is nothing quite like fishing a mountain stream in Chattahoochee National Forest.

A perfect trip is the famous Russell-Brasstown Waterfall Tour where you can get the full tour of all the best spots in the area. This is the greatest time of year for this tour, too. The mild temperatures make for cool hiking and sightseeing. You can take in the sights, hike, fish or do whatever else your heart desires.

Brasstown Bald is another must-see. This is the tallest mountain in Georgia. Getting to the top will provide you with some incredible 360-degree views from 4,784 feet above sea level. The road is very winding and steep, so be sure to get weather reports and more road information before driving your RV motorhome up there.

Into the wilderness you go and you will soon discover the Chattahoochee River’s Headwaters with the forests surrounding and the wildlife peeking around every corner. Perhaps you will see some deer, turkey and quail. There is so much territory to explore. And all of it is accessible from the byway. Just pull over, get out and the world is at your feet!

Nearby is Unicoi State Park. You will find campsites for an RV here too, and best of all tons of outdoor recreation. You can rent a boat for a paddle on the lake, take a mountain bike along the trails, swim or even play tennis. It is all here for you!

It is great fun visiting Anna Ruby Falls, a beautiful scenic area where two creeks meet. Each creek forms one of the twin waterfalls and falls over the rocks into Smith Creek. Grab your camera to get a shot to take home. You’ll want to share these sights with friends who couldn’t be there. The picnic areas make a wonderful respite from traveling around. Bring some food and spread out a feast. Check out the visitor center too!

Be sure to stop at Raven Cliff Falls and Wilderness Area so you can take in another fantastic waterfall and have more opportunity to see nature at its finest. Raven Cliff Falls tumbles 100 feet in a series of three lovely waterfalls. Again, a time to have your camera at the ready! There are other waterfalls around too.

Another state park which offers some natural beauty is Vogel State Park. Spring is the perfect time to hike the trails with wildflowers blooming all along the way. RV camping is available here and you may just want to stay awhile. Swimming and fishing are great here. You have over 200 acres you can explore.

Yes, you will be really happy you brought an RV on this trip so you can relax in a homey environment in between adventures. You can sit with the rest of the family over a cool drink or a hot cup of coffee and relive your day’s journeys and discoveries. You will get a good night’s sleep and be right there, ready to go the next morning and see what else Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway has to offer.

Picture credits: The picture of the Anna Ruby Falls is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

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Take an RV Trip to Southern Utah for the Ultimate Vacation

Monty May 6, 2013
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Traveling to Southern Utah offers the RV vacation of a lifetime. The gorgeous red rock formations, the colorful canyon walls, the beauty of the parks and the excitement of spotting wildlife wandering near – all and more await the visitor to Southern Utah.

Recommended is starting in Kanab, Utah. This spot makes the perfect base of operations for your adventures. Kanab is right in the middle of the scenic circle of natural attractions. Everything is about a day away and you can plan your itinerary accordingly. Go east, west, and north to some of the most spectacular sights in the United States. Plenty of outdoor recreation too! Make your camp at Crazy Horse RV Campark in Kanab. You will find full hookups and a dump station and Laundromat.

Picture of Thor's Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park

Thor’s Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is some miles to the north, and you must put this park on your list of places to go. Limestone formations make this park what it is – a series of amphitheaters with rock spires and domes, colors that will take your breath away. Watch the fascinating film at the visitor center then explore by hiking or strolling along the rim. Rainbow Point is an 18-mile drive one way and there are many viewpoints where you can stop and take in the views.

Picture of the Sentinel in Zion National Park

The Sentinel in Zion National Park

To the west of Kanab you’ll find Zion National Park with miles and miles of natural wonders. The Virgin River cut these intricate canyons and has thus provided outdoor lovers with a fascinating area to explore. Be sure to visit one of the largest freestanding arches in the world – Kolob Arch.

From Kanab, traveling east for sixty miles, you will come to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This is a place of rivers, where five beautiful rivers form Lake Powell. Water recreation here is amazing, and you will definitely want to get out there and fish, soak up the sun and cruise the shoreline.

Picture of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is another must-see. This area is not just a place to see, but a place to DO. You can have fun off-roading, biking or hiking. Grab your camera and start shooting some of the incredible landscapes. There are no facilities so you will be roughing it and must be sure to bring plenty of water. There are some trails but many are not marked well. You will want to go to the Devil’s Garden Natural Area which is easily accessible.

Part of your adventure should include visiting some of Utah’s wonderful state parks. For an unusual experience, see Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It is as the name implies – lots of pink sand dunes along with steep red cliffs and fresh clean air. The park is open seven days a week during the daylight hours. Kids really love playing in the sand!

Another great place to hike is Cottonwood Canyon. The best thing about this location is you get to see a well-preserved cliff-dweller settlement. This will really take you back in time. And a visit here may be the perfect ending to a perfect vacation in Southern Utah.

Picture credits: The pictures Thor’s Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park and the Sentinel in Zion National Park are from the National Park Service website. The picture of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license.

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Travel the Gold Rush Trail on a California RV Adventure

Monty May 4, 2013
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There are so many adventures to be had as you travel along Highway 49 in Gold Rush country. Besides the small towns and gorgeous scenery, there are parks where you can experience some invigorating outdoor recreation. However, many travel this highway so they can learn the history of the region, and you will certainly get an education on the California Gold Rush days!

Start your journey in Columbia, California. This town is located right in the heart of the California Mother Lode. And the entire atmosphere is that of a town out of the 1850s, with the merchants all dressed for that period. At Columbia State Historic Park, you will discover saloons, ice cream parlors and boutiques where you can buy unique gifts. Take a stagecoach ride. You will really feel as if you have moved back in time. You can find several campgrounds for RVs including 49er RV Ranch, a great RV park with plenty of amenities.

Now head south to Jamestown, a historic spot with fine dining, historic buildings and even a restored jail. Hop over to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where you can ride a steam train and visit a very interesting museum. Take a short side trip 12 miles east to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park where the Sierra Nevada foothills come alive with nature. Explore the meadows and see amazing limestone formations.

Also make it a point to visit Sonora and take in more of the sights and sounds of Gold Rush history. Grab the camera and be sure to get a photo of the dark red St. James Episcopal Church. This is the second oldest Episcopal church of this construction in the state. Old Victorian homes are the sites of many businesses in the town now, most of them more than 100 years old.

Now head north on Highway 49 to Angels Camp. Take a walking tour of this mountain town and get the idea of gold miners flooding the area searching for their fortunes. From here, take a side trip over to Arnold and visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park. This is where you will see a grove of Giant Sequoias.

As you head further north, you’ll pass through another town, Coloma, where you can try some white water rafting. There is nothing quite as thrilling as traveling down the South Fork of the American River and feeling the cold splashes hit your face as you avoid jutting rocks. It is quite a thrill – but perfectly safe.

Your last stop will be higher in the Sierra near Sierra City. Enjoy a visit to Sierra County Historical Park & Museum. The stamp mill was quite an important mill in the 1800s, as it crushed gold-veined quartz. You will get to see it in action. But be ready for some noise! In fact, you may want to plug your ears in anticipation of the first stamp taking place.

You have covered a lot of ground with this tour. There is always more to see so make plans to return again in an RV for another adventure.

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Lock in a Great Deal on an RV Rental!

Monty April 25, 2013
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El Monte RV is offering rate guarantee certificates that allow you to get an all-inclusive rv vacation deal that includes an RV, overnight accommodations Thousand Trails and Encore RV Resort & Campgrounds, unlimited mileage and more.

For more details see: RV Rental & Campground All-Inclusive Getaway.

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Summer College Baseball: A Great Way to See New England

Monty April 24, 2013
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By Robert Pirozzi, Travel New England

Picture of a baseball home plateEvery summer college baseball players all over the country head off to play summer ball in wooden bat summer college baseball leagues. For fans of the game, these games are a great way to see guys who will become the stars of tomorrow…

New England is no stranger to summer college baseball. There are no fewer than three leagues that field teams in across New England. The great thing about summer ball is that while taking in some of these games you can also visit some of the best vacation spots in the region!

Start on Cape Cod

Cape Cod, one of the country’s top vacation destinations, is also home to the famous Cape Cod Baseball League. Founded in 1885, the Cape Cod Baseball League has seen the likes of greats such as Nomar Garciaparra, Thurman Munson, Mark Texeira, and Jason Varitek. The league fields 10 teams across the Cape so you are never far from a game, and best of all – you’re on the Cape with great beaches and so much more summer fun…

Take a Side Trip to Martha’s Vineyard

If you have not had enough sun and fun on the Cape, you can always hop the ferry over to “the Vineyard” where you will find more sun and fun and another summer College Baseball team. This time it is the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks who use the Martha’s Vineyard High School field for their home games. The Sharks are members of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. While on-island be sure to check out the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs – it’s the oldest platform carousel in the United States.

Staying with a Coastal Theme

If you want to keep your vacation close to the coast you are in luck. Both the Futures Collegiate Baseball League and the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) field teams in cities and towns along the coast. Where can you go? How about:

Time for Some Mountains

If you have tired of the seacoast how about heading to the Berkshires in western Massachusetts. This beautiful region is home to the North Adams Steeplecats and the Pittsfield Suns. While in the Berkshires you may want to take in some of the great theater for which the region is so famous, or visit one of the areas fabulous museums such as the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, or the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASSMoCA) in North Adams.

If that is not enough you can head to Montpelier in the foothills of the Green Mountains in Vermont to take in the Vermont Mountaineers. You are in the State Capital of Vermont and a stone throw from all this beautiful region has to offer.

There you have it. By simply following America’s pastime in its simplest and least expensive form – summer college ball – you can take in some of the best vacation spots that New England has to offer.

About the Author

Robert Pirozzi is the Publisher of the website Travel New England. He lives with his wife and son in a suburb west of Boston.

Posted in Connecticut RV Camping, Connecticut RV Vacation, MA RV Vacation, Maine RV Camping, Maine RV Vacation, Massachusetts RV Camping, Rhode Island RV Camping, Rhode Island RV Vacation, rv vacation, rv vacation ideas, Vermont RV Camping, Vermont RV Vacation | Tagged | Leave a comment

An RV Excursion to Orange County California

Monty April 22, 2013
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A spring RV vacation is perhaps just the thing to shake off those winter woes and make a new start. Taking the family to Orange County, California is a brilliant idea! There are sights to see, activities that will fill your days and beautiful weather. You’ll have the convenience of an RV motorhome and avoid the constant search for comfortable accommodations. There is plenty of RV camping in Orange County. For instance, you may find Canyon RV Park convenient to all your planned activities.

Picture of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland

Of course, all the traditional theme parks will welcome you. You will want to see Disneyland even if you have been there before. Knott’s Berry Farm is a favorite as well with a lot of rides and entertainment for all ages. Some excitement is provided with a meal at Medieval Times as sword fighting and other pageantry takes place right out of the middle Ages.

Picture of Laguna Beach, CA

Laguna Beach, CA

 
The beaches are a big attraction in Orange County this time of year. Laguna Beach has miles of white sand and sea birds flying over, making for some great photo opportunities. In fact, there are so many beautiful Orange County Coast beaches it is impossible to cover all the highlights. The Pacific Ocean is such a pleasure in the spring that you’ll most certainly have to put many beaches on your itinerary.

Next head for Balboa Island, a man-made island with shops, an amusement park and great places to eat. Take the Balboa Island Ferry over. The kids love this part of the trip! The fresh sea breezes enliven you and the sights inspire. It will be one of your favorite adventures on your Orange County RV trip.

If you love to fish, see quaint homes in a lovely setting and try your hand at jet skiing, Catalina Island is the place to go. On your trip over in a boat, you may spot some dolphins or whales. Have a picnic on the beach. Rent some horses and go horseback riding around the island. It is a relaxing time with gorgeous scenery.

Some sightseeing spots must get on your list of things to do. For instance, Mission San Juan Capistrano is all about learning some history of the area. You can learn how to pan for gold, which is always fun for the whole family. Then, whether you have children with you or not, go over to one of the zoos to visit the animals. Choose between the Santa Ana Zoo and the Orange County Zoo, or visit both!

Before leaving to go home, get in some hiking at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary, with a lot of great trails and a natural history center. You will also love to do whale watching at Crescent Bay Point Park. Listen to the sea lions barking at each other on the shore.

What a great time for an RV vacation and what a great place to visit! The weather, the attractions, the food and the atmosphere in general all make Orange County one of the best destinations in the U.S.

Picture credits: The picture of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 License. The picture of Laguna Beach is by D. Ramey Logan and is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

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A Springtime RV Trip to North Carolina’s Croatan National Forest

Monty April 19, 2013
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Picture of the Sign for the Croatan National ForestInching northward as the spring weather warms, you will find North Carolina a marvelous destination for an RV trip. Croatan National Forest, on the eastern coast of the state, provides a wealth of wildlife, amazing pine forests and plenty of outdoor spring fun for the whole family. With more than 160,000 acres to explore, you will be hard put to do everything you’d like in one trip. RV camping (PDF) is no problem in the forest and you will find the site of your dreams to make your home base during your visit.

You are surrounded by water in Croatan National Forest. You have the estuaries, tidal rivers, and swamps on all sides. The Bogue Sound has some of the best fishing around. Canoeing is always fun on the creeks and marshes. The wildlife you see will include black bears, deer, alligators and turkeys.

Before you leave for Croatan National Forest, you should study up on one of the unusual plants you will come upon – the carnivorous Venus fly-trap. You will better understand how they survive as they get nutrients from insects instead of the boggy soil into which they extend their roots. A fascinating experience – to witness a Venus fly-trap in its natural habitat.

Grab your mountain bike and head for the Neuse River Recreation Area within the forest. Here under the trees you will unwind and leave all your cares behind. It is a lovely spot on the shores of the river with a wonderful beach where you can spread a towel and listen to the waters running by. The Neuse River Trails offer easy hiking or biking along a paved trail and boardwalk.

Cedar Point Recreation Area is another must-see. Located on the White Oak River with salt marshes surrounding, you will find saltwater fishing and much more in this spot. This is a wetland famous for its beauty and quietude. The coastal forest invites you in for some great walking and hiking.

If you want a boat trip to outdo any other, try the Saltwater Adventure Trail where you can stop at a number of sights along the way. Even novices can enjoy this trip. A real adventure would be to explore the entire trail, but be prepared. It could take you up to seven days.

Brice’s Creek Trail is a part of the Saltwater Adventure Trail and is an additional treat to your water adventures. However, if you want to fish, Catfish Lake is the place to go. There is a boat ramp where you can launch a flat bottom boat. Catch some catfish or perch!

A North Carolina RV trip is well worth the time and energy, especially when you are going to visit Croatan National Forest. The coast will provide you with great weather for your spring adventure. You will discover a part of the country that is unique and beautiful. You will certainly want to return again for more fun.

Picture credits: The sign for the Croatan National Forest is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

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