Christmas Crafts and Games for an RV Road Trip

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While traveling, kids, though excited, are often antsy because they want to arrive at their destination now. To keep them from beating each other up and to keep your sanity, give them something to do while you are on the road. Be sure you have everything you need before you leave, including any accessories you may need to pick up at PleasureLand RV.

Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

Have the kids twist red and white pipe cleaners together to make candy cane decorations. To make the craft last a while, make a game of it. Whoever sees a yellow car must yell “Yellow car!” That person can make a candy cane. Though taxis and school busses usually don’t count, for this game, you can let them count.

Cardboard Gingerbread People

Before you leave, make gingerbread people cutouts from cardboard. Cut out decorations and faces for them from construction paper. Get each child a glue stick – they are less messy than regular glue and won’t spill – and let the kids make gingerbread ornaments on the trip. When they are done, you can string them together to make a garland to decorate the RV.

Christmas Memory Game

This is a typical memory game, but you can make it more fun by providing a pattern for Christmas trees. Instruct the children to trace the pattern on green construction paper, and then cut out the trees. Glue a button on one side of each tree. Then, on the other side, put the memory clues. You can use the alphabet if your kids are just learning that. You can match a math problem with an answer. Or you can match a color word with the actual color. Adapt this game to whatever the kids are learning.

It’s probably a good idea to make the trees and put the text on them before the trip – this would be something that will get the kids excited for a trip and excited to play a new game.

Stop by PleasureLand RV

Stop by PleasureLand RV to pick up any necessities or accessories you may need. And, if you don’t have an RV but are considering one, stop by to walk through the many floor plans. If you are still undecided, you can always rent an RV to see if RVing is something you would like to do more often.

2015 Itasca Navion Class C Motor Home

The 2015 Itasca Navion Class C motor home is a 25-foot RV with one slide, an infotainment center, GPS, a heated drainage system, air conditioning heat pump, a power skylight, 22-inch television and a power skylight with roof vent.

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Floor Plan

You can walk through this floor plan at PleasureLand RV. The side entry is just behind the cab. As you walk in, a 50-inch by 75-inch sofa sleeper with a table is directly across from the entry. The sofa sleeper also features seatbelts so that passengers may ride safely. To your right is the cab which features swivel captain’s chairs. The table is movable, so you’ll find an alternate location for the pedestal table in front of the captain’s chairs.

The Galley

As you move to the left, you’ll find the galley, which features a double sink, two-burner stove and a fridge. A television is mounted over the sink. The rest of the RV features overhead cabinets so you have plenty of storage. The galley also features several large drawers under the sink and stove for storage, including two larger drawers for pots and pans.

The Bathroom and Bedroom

As you walk past the galley, the bathroom is on your right. It features a stand-up shower, toilet and sink behind a privacy door. The bathroom also features two medicine cabinets and under-sink storage.

As you walk past the bathroom, you’ll enter the bedroom area. Just to your left, you’ll find a large wardrobe. The bedroom area features two twin beds that are 32 inches by 74 inches. Add the inserts to make a 74-inch by 87-inch king-size bed. Each twin bed features under-bed storage.

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Stop by PleasureLand RV

Stop by PleasureLand RV to walk through this cozy 25-footer and to learn more about all of its convenience, safety, entertainment and security features.

2015 Keystone Springdale Destination Trailer

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If you are in the market for a destination trailer, you can save a ton by walking through some of our “hail sale” units. The 2015 Keystone Springdale destination trailer is discounted by thousands of dollars and is ready for a new home.

Stop by PleasureLand RV to walk through this model, which is perfect for larger families or to take friends out on a hunting or fishing trip.

Specifications

This 2015 Keystone Springdale 38BH is 39 feet long and features a sandstone-colored interior. It features two slides, so even if you are “stuck” inside due to inclement weather or you are just too tired to go outside, you’ll find that there is plenty of room. Additional features include the Value Package, Correct Track, a deluxe entertainment system, 50-amp service, prep for a second air conditioning unit, a 10-gallon hot water heater, an enclosed underbelly, exterior shower, a bunk room and a tri-fold sleeper sofa.

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The Floor Plan

The Springdale features two entry ways: a regular door that opens into the queen bedroom and a sliding glass patio door that opens into the main living area. As you walk in the patio door, you’ll see the tri-fold sofa directly across from you. This allows you to sit in comfort and watch for wildlife through the large doors.

If you turn to the right, you’ll walk into the bunk room. The bunk room features a wardrobe, three bunks and a “kid’s dinette” that folds down into the fourth bunk. If you turn to the left, you’ll see the dinette and the kitchen area. The living area features an LCD television and the kitchen features two pantries. The kitchen also features a three-burner stove, double sink and large refrigerator.

As you move toward the rear of the RV, you’ll pass the bathroom, which features a glass-enclosed shower and linen closet. The queen bedroom features a wardrobe and entertainment center. The head of the queen bed is in the second slide so you’ll have plenty of room to walk around the bed and not feel crowded.

Stop by PleasureLand RV

Stop by PleasureLand RV today to walk through this 2015 Keystone model and to learn more about this RV’s convenience, entertainment and safety features – and to take advantage of our hail sale.

Taking Thanksgiving on the Road

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If you are on the road during the Thanksgiving holiday you don’t have to try to make it home or to a relative’s house unless you really want to – you can take Thanksgiving on the road with you. Even if your RV is not equipped with an oven or convection microwave, you can still enjoy turkey and all of the “fixins” on Thanksgiving Day.

Turkey Cooking Options

You’ll have to think a tad outside the box if your RV doesn’t have an oven. Stop by PleasureLand RV to pick up a gas grill or pick up a turkey fryer. If you want to go 100 percent traditional and prefer not to use the fryer, you can still roast turkey on a grill. Gas is easiest, but you can also use charcoal or wood.

Instead of picking up a whole turkey, pick up turkey breasts. Season them and inject them with a light garlic sauce, wrap them in foil and bake them on the grill. So they don’t burn, set them on the cool side of a covered grill. In other words, if you are using gas, turn on the left burner or burners and place the turkey all the way to the right. Adjust the burner until the temperature stays at 325 degrees Fahrenheit with the hood closed. Do the same if you are using charcoal or wood – keep the turkey away from direct flames.

Pies and Cornbread

Bake pies the same way – on the grill – or you can buy pre-made pies. Cornbread comes out great on a grill. Make your favorite recipe. Coat a cast iron pan with bacon fat. This brings out the flavor of the cornbread. Pour the batter into the pan and put it on the cool side of the grill after you have adjusted the temperature.

Vegetables

Cut butternut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Wrap it in foil and cook it over coals or on the cool side of a grill. When it’s tender, unwrap it, fill the cavities with butter and brown sugar, and then put it back on the grill until the butter and sugar melt.

Potatoes are great if you wrap them in foil with some butter and garlic and cook them right in the coals. Use oven-safe pans to cook other vegetables over a flame or heat them up in the microwave.

Stop by PleasureTime RV

Stop by PleasureLand RV to pick up anything you might need to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner in your RV.

2015 Grand Design Solitude 320X

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If you are in the market for an RV and want something luxurious but prefer a lesser price, then take a walk through the 2015 Grand Design Solitude 320X. With features such as standard theater seating and a 12-foot side-by-side fridge, you can’t go wrong.

The salespeople at PleasureLand RV will be happy to show you the Solitude 320X and to go over all of the features available with this 34-foot fifth wheel RV. Features include three slides, Peace of Mind Package, 12-volt tank heaters, an electric fireplace, an air conditioning unit in the bedroom, a sofa hide-a-bed, Residential Living Package and a Ground Control 3.0 upgrade.

The Grand Design Solitude Floor Plan

The Grand Design Solitude 320X floor plan features a front bedroom and rear living room. The floors are carpeted or wood/mock wood. And, you’ll find plenty of storage throughout the RV.

The front bedroom features a 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed, a large closet with washer and dryer prep, a pullout ottoman, hi-boy dresser, television and a shirt closet. The closet area features a hanging rod and plenty of shelving.

As you move to the rear of the RV, you’ll walk past the bathroom, which features a 34-inch by 24-inch shower with a curved glass front, a linen and medicine cabinet, foot flush toilet and under-sink storage.

Walk down the steps and into the kitchen and dining area. The dining features a stand-alone dinette. The kitchen features a large stainless fridge, three-burner stove, microwave, large double-basin sink, a sink cover, a large pantry and a kitchen island. The kitchen island features more storage and side display shelving.

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The living area features an electric fireplace with a television over it, storage, a hide-a-bed sofa, overhead cabinets, a television and standard theater seating with drink holders. The RV has plenty of room for the entire family if you get stuck inside during inclement weather – or if you take it on a hunting trip, you’ll find plenty of space to warm up from that long, cold trek through the woods – all without feeling cramped.

Stop by PleasureLand RV

Stop by PleasureLand RV today to walk through the 2015 Grand Design Solitude and to learn more about this fifth wheel RV.

Convenient Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

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Some Thanksgiving recipes may be difficult to make in an RV when you are trying to make 17 other sides and bake or fry a turkey. Thus, making some things ahead of time goes a long way to reducing the stress of trying to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner in an RV.

Before you head out this holiday, stop by PleasureLand RV to pick up any accessories that might make cooking in an RV kitchen easier. Extra coolers to hold pre-made food, extra storage options for the RV and collapsing bowls save a ton of space.

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

  • 1 large onion
  • 2 carrots
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 2 teaspoons Canola oil
  • 2 large turkey wings
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 10 cups cold water
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

Chop the vegetables. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the vegetables and the oil in a large roasting pan. Toss the vegetables to coat them with the oil. Add the turkey wings.

Cook the mixture until the turkey wings are browned and the vegetables are caramelized and softened – about 50 to 60 minutes.

Transfer the vegetables and wings to a stock pot. Place the roasting pan over a stovetop burner on medium heat. Add the 2 tablespoons cold water and bring the mixture to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits, but don’t remove them. Pour the mixture into the stockpot with the wings and vegetables. Add the 10 cups water, thyme and garlic.

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and then simmer the mixture – uncovered – until the meat fall off the bones. This takes about 3 hours. Skim off the turkey fat while the mixture is boiling, setting aside 2 tablespoons.

Strain the turkey stock and discard all of the solids. Measure out 6 cups of the stock. You can freeze the rest for next time.

Heat the butter and the 2 tablespoons of turkey fat in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour – use a sifter to reduce the chance of lumps – and cook the mixture whisking continuously about 3 minutes. Slowly add the turkey stock while continuously whisking. Increase the heat to high. Simmer the mixture until it is thick and warmed through – about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.

Visit PleasureLand RV

If you are going to make this ahead of time in the RV, stop by PleasureLand RV to ensure you have all of the utensils needed. And if you are making it at home to take with you, pack it in leak-proof containers and keep it in the fridge or iced down in the cooler.

Road Trip Destinations in Minnesota

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If you’re tired of staying inside and want to take a road trip, consider one or more of these destinations. Even if you’ve been there before but not during the fall season, take a trip and make it a weekend – or even a week! Be sure to bring your camera.

If you do decide to make it a long weekend or a week-long trip, make sure your RV is in perfect condition, especially the furnace. If you haven’t used it yet this season, turn it on and make sure it works. If not, stop by PleasureLand RV so our service techs can repair it before you leave.

Taylors Falls

While many may thing Taylors Falls is a summer destination, don’t discount it for a fall or winter trip. In addition to the kayaking and canoeing you might do during warmer months, the town also has shopping, amusement parks, dining, exploring volcanic potholes and more. Head over to Stillwater on the St. Croix River, and then make your way out on Highway 95 toward Taylors Falls for some fun and some great photo opportunities.

Lanesboro

If you like “quaint,” then be sure to head out on State Highway 16 – from the north, take U.S. 63 south – to find caves, Amish colonies and quaint downtown harbors. Go through Lanesboro’s historic downtown for shopping, culture, arts, or just to explore the Root River.

Brainerd

If you take Interstate 94 and Highway 371 and go past St. Cloud, you’ll be in Paul Bunyan country. Once there, you’ll be able to visit many amusement parks, eat walleye sandwiches and experience Native American culture and crafts. You’ll also find plenty of lakeside campgrounds and resorts among the 400 lakes in the area.

North Shore

Take Interstate 35 to Duluth to get some great photo opportunities – and continue past Duluth to see some of the best winter pictures along Lake Superior. If it’s cold enough, you may catch iced-over water falls, plus you can stop at plenty of shops and attractions in the area between Duluth and Canada. And, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds so you can stay overnight – or longer, if you choose.

Stop by PleasureLand RV

Before you head out, stop by PleasureLand RV to pick up anything you might need or to get your RV serviced if needed.

Thanksgiving Events in Minnesota

If you’re looking for something to during the Thanksgiving week or weekend in Minnesota just so you can have an excuse to travel in your RV, consider doing some multi-holiday events or a Turkey Trot. Stop by PleasureLand RV – on your way out to pick up accessories or on your way back for service – when you plan your trip.

Make Your Own Snowshoes

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If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make your own snowshoes, take advantage of these classes at the Wood Lake Nature Center, 6710 Lake Shore Drive, Richfield, Minnesota, 55423. Depending on the style of snowshoes you are making, admission is $140 or $110 per person. You’ll learn to make aluminum urban-style snowshoes or Ojibwa-style wood snowshoes. Classes will run on November 19, 2014 and November 26, 2014. Call (612) 861-9365 for times and pre-registration.

Minnesota History Center’s Black Friday

The Minnesota History Center’s doors open at 6:00 a.m. on the Friday after Thanksgiving, giving you the opportunity to pick up some unique gifts relating to the history of Minnesota. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to pick up free memberships, free gift bags, free knit caps for kids and grab a donut and coffee.

University of Minnesota – Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Learning Center at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is featuring two events. The first event is 4×4: Northern Heartland Harvest Dinner and Minnesota Wines on Thursday, November 20, 2014 from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. This is a watch-learn-dine experience with Beth Dooley, a restaurant critic and food columnist. You’ll also be able to taste some Minnesota wine and have her books signed.

The second event is Make a Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece; and this event takes place on Saturday, November 22, 2014 from 9:30 a.m. until noon at the Learning Center. You’ll create a long-lasting arrangement with pears, artichokes, trailing vines and fresh-cut flowers in a footed, dark container. Ashley Fox, an acclaimed floral designer and former Arboretum horticulture educator, will be hosting/instructing.

Visit PleasureLand RV

Stop by PleasureLand RV, whether you need service, need to pick up accessories or parts, or just want to share pictures of your latest RV adventures with us. If you are thinking of buying your first RV or upgrading to a larger RV, now is the time – ask one of our salespersons to show you several floor plans.

2014 Palomino Backpack HS-2911

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If you’re in the market for an RV but don’t want to drive one and don’t want to haul one, then the 2014 Palomino Backpack HS-2911 is perfect. All you need is something you may already have – a pickup truck. The camper slides onto the back of the truck. Whether it is just two of you or you have a family, this camper will be enough to get you on the road.

Included Features

Stop by PleasureLand RV to walk through the 2014 Palomino Backpack HS-2911 and see how spacious it really is. The two slides open up to give you more room than you would expect. This model also features the Backpack Max Package, a microwave, a rear power awning with LED lights, an integrated bumper and an 11,000 BTU air conditioning unit.

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Floor Plan for the Palomino Backpack HS-2911

As soon as you step up into the camper, the bathroom, complete with shower, lavatory and flush toilet, is on the left. To the right is a 40-inch by 69-inch dinette that folds down into a bed. You can order an optional overhead bunk that fits over the top of the dinette.

Just past the dinette, you’ll find the fridge. This whole section is in a slide out so you’ll have more than just a narrow aisle from the rear to the front. One the right, you’ll find a full kitchen with a three-burner stove, a double sink and overhead cabinets that comprise the second slide. Just past the kitchen, the Palomino is equipped with a step to make it easy to get into the top bunk.

Right at the step, you’ll find a closet that you can use as a wardrobe or a pantry, since it’s conveniently located. Step up to see the top bunk room, complete with two chests, two night stands, a 60-inch by 80-inch queen bed and an entertainment center.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Visit PleasureLand RV Center to see the 2014 Palomino Backpack HS-2911 and to do a walk through. Be sure to ask your salesperson about all of the features included with this camper and whether we are running any specials on this model. We also have several other truck camper models in stock – or you can order one with additional options.

Web Specials at PleasureLand RV

If you are in the market for an RV, but are concerned about the cost, stop by our dealership to walk through some of our web specials. We have many that are on special that may be slightly damaged from hail or may simply be on sale.

PleasureLand RV has several models on sale including brand names such as Dutchmen and Keystone.

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2014 Dutchmen Aspen Trail 2390RKS Travel Trailer

This 27-foot travel trailer features one side, an upgraded interior package, heated and enclosed underbelly, 30-pound LP gas bottles, a spray port outside, black tank flush, a power awning with LED lights, a power tongue jack, 29-inch LCD television, porcelain toilet, Bluetooth stereo, a stainless steel kitchen sink and a tri-fold sleeper sofa. This model has an MSRP of $25,001, but you can pick up for just $16,322. This model has hail damage.
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2014 Keystone Residence Destination Trailer 405FL

This model has an MSRP of just under $41,000, but you can pick it up for just $27,943. This model also has some hail damage. The 405FL features two slides and 41 feet of space. It includes a residential living package, an 18 cubic-foot residential fridge, ducted air conditioning, 16-gallon hot water heater, washer and dryer prep, sound system with AM/FM radio and CD/DVD player, a king bedroom, 50-amp service, prep for a second air conditioning unit, a Dyson vacuum, electric awning and an exterior shower.

2014 Keystone Residence Destination Trailer 404DN

This is another destination trailer with hail damage. This model is 41 feet long and features three slides. It also features an 18 cubic-foot refrigerator, 30-pound LP gas bottles with a cover, a 16-gallon water heater, a water purifier, ducted air conditioning, a king bedroom, 50-amp service, an air hide-a-bed in the living room, a ceiling fan in the bedroom, fireplace and exterior shower. MSRP on this model is $41,943. You can pick it up for just $28,832.

To learn more about these models or to tour any of our other web specials, stop by PleasureLand RV today. Additional models include the Keystone Springdale, Keystone Summerland, Coachmen Clipper ice house model and several Dutchmen Aspen trail models with different floor plans. You’re sure to find a floor plan that works best for you and that is on sale.