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.
By Robert Pirozzi, Travel New England
Every 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.
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.
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.
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.
Inching 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.
San Felipe Church on Old Town Albuquerque
The wonders are amazing in the southwestern New Mexico region. Spring is the very best time to come on a tour of the many landscapes, with mountains and deserts in every direction. Marvel at the blooming plants and the wildlife wandering near. It is the perfect destination for a tour in an RV motorhome, too. Drive along in superior comfort and enjoy the sights!
Start out in Albuquerque! Check out Old Town while you are here. There are so many things to see in the city that you may want to spend some extra time taking in the sights. Art lovers always make it a point to stop at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History. More history is available at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center where you will get a realistic taste of the lives of Native Americans.
Next head for Leasburg Dam State Park, where you will love seeing the visitor center after a delicious picnic and short hike. Then go to the Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area (PDF) for some excitement. You may rough it and get into the backcountry here if you like. You’ll find rock art and fascinating caves. However, it isn’t recommended exploring the caves unless you are experienced in this sort of thing.
Hiking here is of the best quality, with a number of choices for lovely treks. Take the 4.5-mile hike on Pine Tree Trail in a loop. You can also try the Baylor Pass Trail which is longer and much steeper. Getting out in the fresh air and exercising helps loosen those tired muscles from so much driving.
Next stop is White Sands National Monument. The dunes are more like snow than sand as you see them while you approach. It is a wonderful place for photo opportunities. You can camp out at the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. This park has an RV campground with a dump station for your convenience. It is 24 miles south of White Sands.
Now for some real history! The Three Rivers Petroglyph National Recreation Site is one of the largest sites of rock art in the southwest U.S. See more than 21,000 glyphs depicting animal, plant and human life. There is also a campground with a few RV sites. While staying in this area, you can get in more hiking or even take off for a backpacking adventure.
Go towards Roswell and watch for signs to the Capitan Mountains Wilderness. The diversity of the landscape makes for a lot of outdoor fun, including hiking and wildlife watching. For the best views, take the Summit Trail along the main ridge.
When you are ready to continue your RV journey, carry on to Roswell. You’ll find a wealth of things to do, including visiting the Roswell Museum and Art Center, seeing the UFO Museum, and watching birds at the Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge.
What a trip! There is always more to do in southwestern New Mexico! You’ll have to return and do it all again on a fabulous RV vacation!
Picture credits: The picture of San Felipe Church on Old Town Albuquerque is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
Virginia Beach
The East Coast of the U.S. is a wonderful place in the spring. The fresh air, the flowers blooming and the feel of a new start all make the eastern United States a unique place to vacation. Of all destinations along the eastern seaboard, Virginia Beach, Virginia is one of the best. Not only can you experience the great outdoors but you will also find historical sites and ocean views that far outstrip many others. The sun just seems friendlier here! There is plenty of RV camping available too. Try North Shore Bay Campground for one spot where you can have it all – surfing, swimming and fishing.
On the cooler days you will love the hiking you’ll find in lovely False Cape State Park. The interior trails let you experience the beauty of the forest, while others take you through the marshes and along sandy shores. Back Bay offers kayaking or canoeing beyond compare. Of course, the climate is mild here year round. So you can go hiking anytime at all.
Visiting Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge gives you the opportunity to see some endangered species that many never see at all. Loggerhead sea turtles are a favorite and can be seen from May through August along the beaches. This entire refuge is along a strip of coastline that is home to many mammals and birds as well. Be sure to bring a camera so you can catch a shot of the sandpipers and sanderlings feeding along the shore.
Naturally the ocean holds a particular fascination to all visitors. Stroll along the Oceanfront Boardwalk for a party atmosphere and a lot of entertainment. Kids love the amusement rides available, and adults may want to see a show in the Cavalier Beach Club. Relax at any of the beaches and soak up the sun. The Atlantic Ocean seems to make sunrises so much better so you may want to get up early for one.
If you choose the North Shore Bay Campground for your home base, you will be right near the dunes at Sandbridge Beach. This is the perfect beach for the whole family to enjoy while in Virginia Beach. Chesapeake Bay Beach is another where locals and tourists flock to spread out a towel in the sand and catch some rays.
Of course, you may finally wish to add in some historical education while you are here. At the Cape Henry Memorial you’ll see where the first steps of the English colonists predicted our new free land. If you love lighthouses, you’ll love First Landing State Park where the lighthouse at Cape Henry is a must-see. Plenty of hiking trails in this park, if you haven’t yet tired of hiking.
Water activities are popular around Virginia Beach, with sailing, jet skiing, deep sea fishing and even treasure hunting. Lots of history, ocean views, entertainment and so much more exist right here. An RV adventure to this spot is bound to fill your years to come with wonderful memories to recall.
Aerial View of Downtown Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee is the perfect place to head in an RV this spring. This is, after all, the Home of the Blues! There is nothing like going to the birthplace of rock and roll to experience the music that makes us all tap our toes. There are plenty of other attractions and outdoor fun as well. Enjoy some of that downhome cooking. No time like the present!
Naturally, you can’t miss visiting Graceland while in Memphis. Elvis Presley’s home is a definite must-see, with its rich interior and eclectic displays. One convenient point is that you will find Graceland RV Park and Campground virtually next door. You can walk to the mansion to take in all the sights.
You will want to check out Shelby Farms Park for some of the outdoor fun you’ve been waiting for in Tennessee. This is a huge park, with trails for walking, hiking or biking. You’ll even get the unique opportunity to see a herd of American Bison. Some of the trails include the new 6-Mile Horseback Riding and Hiking Trail, a short loop trail around Patriot Lake, and the Chickasaw Lake Trail from where you can see the bison.
If you have kids with you, be sure to stop by the Children’s Museum of Memphis so they can have fun with the interactive exhibits and learn more about our world. If they also love music, they can get up on a stage and be a star! Exploring the tree house and climbing in a real airplane cockpit are also at the top of the list of things to do here.
The Davies Manor Plantation takes you back to the early days with the lovely furnishings and ambience. All year there are a number of fascinating events going on here, and if you check the schedule, you may be just in time for one or two. Seeing how folks lived in the early 19th century gives you a new look at history.
Okay, now for some excitement! Eighteen miles north you will discover racing and sports events galore! The Memphis International Raceway provides family entertainment the year round. Spring is a great time to come. There is even RV parking for your convenience when the events run multiple days. What a great way to meet new people and experience one of the best racing facilities in this country.
A bit further north, discover the Alex Haley Museum and Interpretive Center. A museum with amazing exhibits beckons, teaching you much about a saga that will never be forgotten – “Roots.” Celebrate this individual’s accomplishments as you look over the artifacts of an inspirational life.
Of course, you can’t neglect some of the music that Memphis is famous for! Stop by the B.B. King’s Blues Club before you leave the city. Get captivated by the authentic blues music and delicious Southern dishes. This is his original club so there is no comparison! The perfect way to end a perfect RV vacation in Memphis!
Art and history lovers will not be the only ones who enjoy an RV trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Those whose only desire is to get outdoors and take part in some exhilarating recreational activities find that this beautiful area offers plenty of that as well. You will find numerous RV parks to choose from in the area. You might like Los Sueños RV Park as there is easy access to all the sights in town as well as access to a network of trails.
First, after all that driving, you may like to get out for some exercise and to enjoy that New Mexico sun beating down happily. The Randall Davey Audubon Center gives you the chance to escape and find a lively walk through 135 acres of beautiful landscapes and enjoy the wildlife. Then make your way to Hyde Memorial Park to see some breathtaking scenery and hike the trails along Little Tesuque Creek.
The Santa Fe National Historic Trail runs through, once connecting Santa Fe with Missouri, and makes a great place to take a horseback ride or ride a bike. If experienced as a cyclist, you may want to mountain bike up the Windsor Trail to really discover a challenge. Only minutes from downtown, you will find this an energizing experience.
Rich history is abundant in Santa Fe. Museums and missions, historic displays and sites, it is all here. Browse until you get the feeling you are walking these streets earlier in time. The San Miguel Mission was built in 1610 by Tlaxcalan Indians from Mexico. This mission was damaged later but rebuilt in 1710. The church is still in use. The Laguna Pueblo Mission is another in a long list of missions you can visit while in Santa Fe absorbing the history.
Check out the Santa Fe National Cemetery! This is particularly of interest to those captivated by Civil War history. In 1987, a mass grave was discovered of 31 confederate soldiers who died in the Battle of Glorieta Pass in 1862. Some were identified and placed in separate graves but the cemetery has a monument erected where those unidentified were interred. Many notable figures from the war are buried here. Be sure to research this cemetery thoroughly before your arrival so you won’t miss any aspect of this historic spot.
Next, take an inspirational break and visit some of the art museums in Santa Fe! The first choice is the Museum of International Folk Art. Current exhibits you will find fascinating. The Histories of Chocolate may appeal to the connoisseur and the beautiful Amish quilts will give you a taste of unique artworks. At the New Mexico Museum of Art, the building itself is a masterpiece! Enjoy the Santa Fe artists’ amazing works and find a blend of Native American, Hispanic, and European-based art. Finally, you will need to include the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum on your itinerary. An exhibit of Annie Leibovitz is included in the current displays, as well as some of the best of O’Keeffe.
Your RV trip to Santa Fe will be filled with art, history and the outdoors. It’s one you won’t soon forget!
We did a guest post today on Mommy Hiker that we though you might be interested in. Check it out…
Traveling in an RV with Kids up the California Coast
By Joe LaingA special treat for youngsters is to visit the beautiful coastal beaches of California. Few experiences can equal waking up with the sound of waves crashing on the coast, making memories that will last a lifetime for those of any age. Driving an RV up the California coast is a cost-efficient way to travel with a family. And this coastline is dotted with premiere RV camping spots. Here are just a few of the best that California has to offer.
See the rest here…
With spring blooming all around, there could be no better time than now to take off to Florida and experience the tropic paradise like only Florida can provide. Melbourne, Florida is one spot that can serve as your home base for other excursions, but not before you enjoy this Florida coastal town for a while. There is plenty of RV camping around. Lucky Clover RV Park may be just the place to settle in for your visit. They are only 10 minutes from Melbourne Beach.
The Rossetter House in Melbourne, Florida
Visiting the museums in Melbourne is always a great idea. First head over to Historic Rossetter House Museum and Gardens to get a tour of the interior of this amazing mansion. Find out all about the people that made this area what it is today. If you love art museums, you’ll love Foosaner Art Museum. You will see all manner of art, from contemporary and Asian to industrial design and women artists’ works. This is a true center of creativity.
Whether or not you have children with you, you will want to make it a point to go to the Brevard Zoo. Besides viewing the fabulous wildlife, you will have the opportunity to do some kayaking or take a ride in a paddle boat. Very relaxing indeed! Explore the animals and exhibits. Various countries are represented with animals from those lands. See wild Florida, Australia, Asia and Africa.
Some excitement is always good to get the blood pumping. This keeps us young! Stop at Treetop Trek for some thrills. This park is part of the zoo, but has its own separate admission. Various challenges await you, from going through the Canopy Walk to experiencing a zip line adventure. Whatever your level of physical ability, you will find something for you here!
Naturally, you will want to get into nature and have some time for picnicking or fishing, snorkeling or crabbing. Weather permitting, you can swim, surf or scuba dive at Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area. This park is on two barrier islands surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Indian River Lagoon. If surfing is your thing, you can get consistent breaks at 1st peak, just adjacent to the north jetty. Fish for big fish off the shore into the Atlantic. The fun is never-ending here!
The man-made wetlands of Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera will be a wonderful place to drive around and enjoy the sights. You will see a large number of different birds. Many birders come here to see great blue herons, white ibises and sandhill cranes feeding in the water. Although the roads are very nice to drive, you will want to stop and get out to get a better view and perhaps some camera shots.
Before you head to other destinations within Florida, you may want to play some golf. Golfing is a favorite activity in Melbourne. And if you are visiting on the 27th of April, be sure to attend the Kid’s Day in the Park-Earth Day Event, particularly if kids are with you on this visit. What an ideal Florida vacation awaits you in Melbourne!
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