3 Things Everyone Must Do in Minnesota

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Minnesota is a state filled with so many natural wonders, city sights and exciting things to do, you’ll never get bored exploring the land we call home. These three things to do in the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” are ones you don’t want to miss, whether you’re a Minnesota local or an RV traveler passing through.

Catch a Game at Target Field

There’s nothing more American that watching a good old-fashioned baseball game, and Target Field in Minneapolis is one of the best places to see one. You don’t have to be a Twins fan to enjoy the field’s atmosphere, complete with vendors in the stands, memorabilia shops, delicious eats and unbeatable views of the field and downtown Minneapolis. The season runs from early April to late September, so there’s plenty of time to catch a game in the state’s warmer months.

Take the North Shore Scenic Drive

Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive is one of the best places to get out and explore some of the state’s many natural wonders. The drive stretches from Canal Park in Duluth to Grand Portage along the shoreline of the world’s largest freshwater lake. You’ll pass massive cliffs, gorgeous beaches, breathtaking forests, waterfalls and countless places to park your car, put on your hiking shoes and start exploring.

The quaint communities along the shore are also ideal places to shop, dine and even stay the night.

Explore the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is one of the best places in the country to spend a rainy day. Spend hours enjoying the exhibitions, browsing the awe-inspiring collections (ranging from Arts of Africa and the Americas to Contemporary Art) and taking part in tons of family-friendly activities. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts isn’t your typical, stuffy art museum; it’s a place for kids and parents can learn and have hands-on art experiences together.

When you’re cruising throughout Minnesota this summer and fall, don’t forget to stop and see us at the PleasureLand RV Center for all of your RV needs.

4 Books About Road Trips That Will Get You Inspired

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Authors have been writing about road trips since the first vehicles were invented, and many of those tales have turned into must-reads. These four books about road trips are ones every traveler should pick up when they’re in need of some inspiration or simply a good story.

1. Travels with Charlie — John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charlie isn’t just a classic road trip story, it’s one that will introduce you to life on the road in the 1960s, which was quite a bit different than today. The charming tale of Steinbeck and his dog Charley hitting the road with their camper named Rocinante is one you’ll want to read again and again.

2. Into the Wild — Jon Krakauer

Into the Wild is one of the books you should read when you’re seeking inspiration or when you’re a little hesitant to hit the road. The story of Christopher McCandless and his journey to the Alaskan wilderness is one of adventure and courage that will inspire you to hit the road, experience new things, meet new people and never look back.

3. The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is one of those books that travelers read countless times. The novel tracks the journey of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy, as he takes a journey to find hidden treasure near Egypt’s pyramids. Through his travels, he meets exciting people who change his life, and ultimately discovers that the treasure was actually the journey after all.

4. The Lost Continent — Bill Bryson

Road Trip stories aren’t always serious, and this one by Bill Bryson is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud. Follow Bryson and his sense of humor as he cruises through America and trades tourist traps for more comical small town adventures.

Find More Inspiration at PleasureLand

Nothing will get you as excited about your next road trip as a new or used RV from the PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota. Log online or stop in and see us to browse our huge selection today.

American Adventures Month – The Best American Adventures

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August is American Adventures Month, and the only way to celebrate is by traveling to some of America’s most unique spots. These three unbeatable American adventures are ones every explorer should try in their lifetime.

Take a Small Boat Cruise Through Glacier Bay

Few places in the country are as rustic as Alaska, and it’s a place every adventurer should visit. When visiting the Last Frontier, don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a small boat tour through Glacier Bay and the Prince William Sound. You’ll enjoy the unmatched opportunity to admire wildlife up close, see Alaska’s landscapes from a new perspective and dodge icebergs in some of the world’s prettiest waters.

Trek the John Muir Trail

The John Muir Trail, also known as the backbone of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, takes approximately 17 days to complete, and it’s guaranteed to be the adventure of a lifetime. The 146-mile stretch of trails spans between Mount Whitney and Yosemite, where you’ll see some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery up close and personally.

Go Boulder Scaling in Central Park

You don’t have to be out in the wilderness to enjoy an unbeatable American adventure. Boulder scaling, or bouldering, is something even novice climbers can try, because it is done very close to the ground without a spotter or ropes. Rat Rock, in New York’s famed Central Park, is easy to find from it’s countless white chalk marks left by climbers. Head to the north face of the wall for a beginner-level climb, then advance east for a more challenging route.

Your American Adventure Starts Here

There’s no better way to travel to all of America’s great adventure sites than in the comfort and convenience of an RV. Here at PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota, we’ll help you locate a perfect new or used RV that fits within your budget needs.

The Top 3 Places in Minnesota for Family Fun

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There’s no better time of year than summer in Minnesota, and you won’t have to travel far to reach some of the state’s most exciting sites. These three destinations are some of the best in the state for enjoying family fun this summer.

The Mall of America

Taking your kids to the mall may not sound like a family-friendly activity, but the Mall of America is unlike any other mall in the world. You can take this year’s back-to-school shopping to the next level this august while taking breaks to ride the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, explore the Sea Life aquarium, enjoy the Barbie “The Dream House experience,” and take part in a number of other family-friendly activities. Even better, the Mall of America and all of its included activities can be enjoyed rain or shine.

The Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is located just a few minutes south of the Mall of America, and it offers even more fun for kids and adults. It’s home to more than 4,300 animals in a variety of environments ranging from the tundra and lush tropical forests to the boreal forest, marine center and so much more. The Minnesota Zoo is also the perfect place to enjoy a birthday party or other celebration.

Spirit Mountain

Spirit Mountain isn’t just a winter destination anymore. This skiing and snowboarding hotspot near Duluth is just as much fun in summer as it is in winter. Spirit Mountain’s adventure park features a zip line, scenic lift rides, a disc golf course, mountain biking trails, mini golf and even day camps for kids. The park’s signature Timber Twister alpine roller coaster features a 3,200 foot track that’s exhilarating for adults and kids alike.

Start Your Adventure at PleasureLand

The best way to travel to Minnesota’s best family-friendly attractions is in the comfort and convenience of a new or used RV from PleasureLand RV Center. Stop in and see us in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd or Long Prairie to find the perfect RV for your family adventures.

The 2016 CrossRoads RV Zinger ZT38TS

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Finding the perfect travel trailer isn’t always easy. The latest RVs offer so many layouts and features, it can be tough to discover which one is perfect for you. That’s why CrossRoads RV created the Zinger ZT38TS. It’s an affordable, reliable and luxurious travel trailer that offers enough space for your family to spread out and enjoy some privacy on the road.

The ZT38TS Floorplan

The Zinger ZT38TS is prepared to be your full-time home on the road. The front of the RV is equipped with a spacious master bedroom, including a dresser, closet and plenty of other storage space. The center of the RV features a massive U-shaped dinette, sofa, entertainment center and a residential galley kitchen with dual sink.

A pantry, ward and full bathroom separate the kitchen and living area from the spare sleeping and living space in the rear of the RV. A sofa and additional dinette easily convert into comfortable beds for kids or fellow travelers.

High-End Standard Features

You don’t have to spend your hard-earned travel fund on upgrades when you purchase the brand-new Crossroads RV Zinger. This luxurious travel trailer comes loaded with Premium residential furniture, decorative glass in the cabinet doors, wood slide-out fascias, decorative lighting, maple cabinet doors, a high-rise faucet, residential appliances, coordinated window treatments, a glass shower door, bathroom skylight and all of the touches you need to feel at home on all of your travels.

A Durable and Convenient Exterior

The exterior of the 2016 Zinger is just as high-end as the interior with a convenient outdoor shower, totally enclosed underbelly, marine-grade exterior speakers, tinted safety glass windows, an aerodynamic front end, one-piece rubber roof, 3/8-inch walkable roof decking and countless other touches that make cruising down the road and enjoying your RV at the campsite easier than ever before.

Start Your New Lifestyle Today

There’s no better time to start your new RV lifestyle than now. The 2016 Crossroads RV Zinger ZT38TS is available right here at the PleasureLand RV Center in St. Cloud, Minn.

3 Easy Ways to Decorate Your RV to Make it Feel Like Home

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Your RV is your home on wheels, and there’s no reason it shouldn’t feel as comfortable as the brick-and-mortar home you left behind. Follow these three simple tips to turn your motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel into a comfortable and cozy oasis.

1. Adjust Your Lighting

Not all RVs come with intelligent and decorative lighting systems. Take the time to find LED lights in a color and brightness that suit your preferences and use them in place of your overhead and reading lights. Additionally, opt for candles or flameless LED candles for mood lighting at night and whenever you don’t want bright lights shining in your vehicle.

2. Decorate Like Home

You don’t have to live with the outdated or unattractive interior that came with your RV when you purchased it. Don’t be afraid to remove undesirable carpeting and replace it with a color or texture you enjoy. RV enthusiasts can also transform RV interiors with simple and affordable additions like new rugs, bedding, towels and throw pillows.

In addition to buying new soft goods, hanging pictures, adding decor pieces and placing a few plants around your RV can really add a touch of home. Just remember to secure your items before hitting the road.

3. Use Quality Dishes

Contrary to popular belief, you can use real dishes and silverware in your RV. Stocking your RV with quality dishes and glasses can make it feel more like you live inside your RV rather than simply use it as a camper.

Use wine boxes from the grocery store to separate your glasses and keep them safe when you’re on then road, then stock your shelves when you arrive at your destination. Non-slip shelf liners and a piece of non-slip lining between each dish will also keep your plates and bowls in place when you’re on the go.

Find Your Dream RV

Not feeling comfortable on your travels? Stop by the PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota to find the RV of your dreams for an unbelievably affordable price.

A Recipe for National Blueberry Month

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July is National Blueberry Month, and that means it’s time to stock up on fresh, local blueberries and test out some new, fruity recipes. This blueberry crumb pie, a tasty twist on the traditional blueberry pie, is so delicious your friends and family won’t believe the recipe hasn’t been in the family for generations.

Blueberry Crumb Pie

What you’ll need:

  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1 unbaked pie crust (9 inches)
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 5 cups fresh blueberries
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (additional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats

Cooking instructions:

  1. Preheat your RV oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Press the uncooked pie crust into the bottom of the 9-inch pie plate. Make sure it is pressed all the way around the sides as well.
  3. Stir the sugar and flour together in a large bowl, then mix in the lemon juice and grated zest.
  4. Slowly and gently stir the blueberries into the mixture, then pour the entire combination into the pie crust.
  5. In a separate bowl, stir the brown sugar, oats, additional flour and cinnamon together. Mix the butter into the bowl until it creates a crumbly consistency.
  6. Spread the crumb mixture evenly on top of the blueberry pie filling.
  7. Bake your pie for roughly 40 minutes in the preheated oven or until it is browned to your liking. Let it cool over a wire rack before serving.
  8. Top with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Spend More Time on the Road This Summer

There’s no better place to be in July than at the campground in the comfort of an RV. Stop in and see us at the PleasureLand RV Center to find everything from new and used RVs to parts, camping supplies and even RV rentals.

Three Ways to Conserve Water in Your RV

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The RV lifestyle is relaxing and invigorating — until you run out of water. Whether you’re camping in the wilderness with a limited amount of water for your stay or are simply trying to enjoy a greener RV lifestyle, these five tips will help you conserve water on your RV excursions.

Don’t Run Water to Wash Dishes

After living in a home with a seemingly endless water supply, it’s easy to slip into the habit of running water when you wash your dishes. Instead, keep a wide container in your sink and fill it with soapy water. Wash your utensils and other items in the dish, then dump the dishwater and replace it with rinse water. Rinse the items in the dish, then set them out to dry.

Be Conscious in the Shower

Showers are typically relaxing in brick-and-mortar homes, but they’re not as luxurious on the road. Always turn off the water while you apply soap to your body and shampoo your hair, then turn the water back on for a short amount of time to rinse. If you’re headed into the wilderness for a while, bring a couple of additional Coleman Solar Shower bags full of clean water for showering as well.

Use Your Resources

Always keep your surroundings in mind when choosing a perfect campsite or camping destination. Park near a river or lake whenever possible to use it for bathing and washing clothing. However, it’s important to shop for environmentally-friendly shampoos and cleaners before you head to an area where you’ll be bathing in your natural surroundings. You can conserve even more water by using the lake or river water to flush your toilet too.

Find Your Dream RV at PleasureLand

Are you looking for an RV that will help you stay on the road and in the wilderness longer? Here at the PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota, we offer a massive selection of top-quality new and used RVs that are ready to be driven or towed away today.

The Best RV Resorts in the U.S.

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The RV lifestyle isn’t always about “roughing it.” In fact, traveling in an RV can be as luxurious as you want it to be, especially with so many top-quality RV resorts throughout the country. These three RV resorts are some of the best in the U.S. for their prime locations and amenities that go above and beyond.

Boyd’s Key West Campground

Scenery doesn’t get much better than gazing into the turquoise ocean waters of Key West. This unbeatable RV resort is packed with amenities like a private beach, a pool, a marina, free wireless internet access, clean bathrooms and 250 scenic campgrounds just minutes from Key West’s famed Duvall Street. Lounge in the sun or on the water all day, then catch a bus into town for some of America’s best beach nightlife.

Polson Motorcoach and RV Resort

The Polson Motorcoach and RV Resort in Polson, Mont., is the state’s No. 1 luxury RV resort. Travelers enjoy breathtaking sites surrounded by the Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake. Oversized lots, a pool, hot tub, mini golf, a dog park, basketball courts, volleyball courts, outdoor kitchens, multiple laundry facilities, relaxing common areas and an array of other first-class features set this resort above most others in the country. Even better, the Polson Motorcoach and RV Resort is just minutes from Glacier Park, offering countless outdoor adventures.

Durango RV Resort

Head to Red Bluff, Calif., to enjoy a luxurious RV site at the Durango RV Resort on the Sacramento River. Gorgeous riverfront RV sites are combined with a pool, numerous clubhouses, outdoor fireplaces, a 45-acre dog park, an automatic dog-washing station, free wireless internet access and a long list of other touches that make this resort one you’ll never want to leave.

Find Your RV at PleasureLand

Your RV experience is as dependant on your home on wheels as it is where you park it. Stop in and shop our huge selection of top-quality RVs right here at the PleasureLand RV Center to ensure your next camping experience is as luxurious as it should be.

Stay Nearby at Minnesota State Parks

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You don’t have to travel far and wide to enjoy the summer vacation of a lifetime. Minnesota is home to some of the most exciting state parks in the country, offering refreshing lakes, wooded hiking trails and everything you need to enjoy the ultimate outdoor vacation. These three state parks are ones you should visit in your RV this summer.

Itasca State Park

Itasca State Park is Minnesota’s oldest state park and arguably the state’s most popular. It’s more than 32,000 acres in size and features more than 100 lakes — that’s a whole lot of summer swimming. Visitors can enjoy walking along the Mississippi River, visiting the Itasca Indian Cemetery, a 2,000-acre Wilderness Sanctuary, fishing, hiking, Geocaching and of course, camping under the stars.

Whitewater State Park

Fishermen, and all outdoor enthusiasts, will find themselves falling in love with Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota. The park features deep ravines and breathtaking limestone bluffs that provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking, trout fishing, swimming, beach combing and camping.

Lake Shetek State Park

There’s no shortage of state parks with lakes in Minnesota, but Lake Shetek State Park is one of the best areas in the state for RV campers. It’s home to southwestern Minnesota’s largest lake, which is full of bullheads, walleye, crappie and other fish.

A swimming beach, six-mile bicycle trail, boat launch, kayak rentals and campsites with full hookups make this Minnesota state park an ideal summer getaway spot. And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous this summer, stray from your RV site and enjoy one of the park’s backpack or paddle-in campsites for a night or two.

Start Your Adventure at PleasureLand

The PleasureLand RV Center, in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd, and Long Prairie, is your one-stop Minnesota RV shop. Whether you’re in need of a new or used RV, service, parts, camping supplies or even an RV rental, we have it all right here at PleasureLand.