Holidays | RVing With Pleasure

National Hobby Month

January 19th, 2014 -

January is an important month. It brings in the new year and new resolutions, and it celebrates the extracurricular activities we enjoy doing. National Hobby Month is ALL month long (hence the name) and this year we are going to kick it into high gear and enjoy the things we really love, such as RVing.

First, we need to decide what your hobbies include. Besides hitting the open road in your trailer and traveling around the country, what are some activities you can do during your journey?! Luckily for us, Minnesota offers it all. Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” it is optimal real estate for outdoor fun!

Maybe this year you are going to pick up golf or, if you are an avid golf player, you’d like to venture out and try a few new courses. With over 500 golf courses available there is no need to travel outside state lines. Whether you’re looking for an easy-paced game or one that challenges your putting skills, you are bound to find one course that fits your wants and needs.

The beautiful terrain of this great state is perfect for anyone who is looking for some outdoors fun. If you are into hobbies that are calming and relaxing, then fishing should be on your list this year. With the abundance of lakes scattered throughout the state, traveling to a new campground destination with the fishing poles loaded up would be a peaceful way to spend this month.

Have you ever thought about collecting? While you are traveling around this month, pick up a souvenir at each rest stop or destination. Attach a story to each item and document it in a scrapbook or on the computer. See how many different items you can come back with. Or, if you are traveling outside of the state you could start collecting stamps. Each new destination you travel to, buy a stamp that depicts that states symbol. Let it represent what each state is known for. Maybe find a stamp with a casino chip on it for Nevada, or a bluebonnet for Texas. See how long it takes you to collect 49 stamps! Assuming you won’t be traveling by RV to Hawaii, though that would be fun!

Cooking is even considered a hobby. While out on your Pleasureland RVing adventures you could create meals representing the areas you’ve traveled. If you are down south, use the space you have in your trailer to cook cajun food or comfort food. If your travels take you towards the New England area you could learn how to perfect a clam chowder recipe. This hobby would spice up your meals and is another way to give your journey a little zest.

Wherever you are headed this month, let Pleasureland RV know about your hobbies and travels. We would love to hear what other hobbies others enjoy — happy National Hobby Month!

December 18 is National Bake Cookies Day

December 16th, 2013 -

Cookie, Anyone

Photo by James (Flickr)

There are some national days you just don’t want to miss out on and National Bake Cookies Day is definitely on the list. What better way to spend the day than celebrating with the sweet goodness of your favorite cookies on December 18.

Cookies made their debut in the US in the 17th century and have been going strong ever since. The word cookie, in its original Dutch pronunciation “koekje,” means little cake. The koekje came about when Dutch bakers tested oven temperatures with a small portion of cake batter. After a while, they determined the test cakes were delicious on their own and the “cookie” was born.

If you’re thinking about making travel plans during this time, stop by PleasureLand RV for any last minute accessories including cookbooks with some tasty recipes.

To celebrate National Cookie Day, whip up a batch of quick and easy goodies like these.

Snickerdoodles

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Mix together 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup shortening, 2 eggs, and 1/2 cup softened margarine or butter.
Add 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour, 1 tsp. baking soda, 1/4 tsp. salt and 2 tsps. cream of tartar and stir.
Shape the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls.
Combine 1/4 cup sugar with 2 tsps. cinnamon.
Roll the dough balls in the sweet mixture and place on an ungreased cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.
Bake cookies for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool.

Dutch Almond Boterkoek

A delicious butter cake bar cookie perfect for celebrating koekje day.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan or 9 x 12 jelly roll pan.
Blend 1 1/4 cups brown sugar with 1 cup margarine or butter. Add 1 tsp. almond extract.
Sift 2 cups all purpose flour and add to the sugar mixture. Blend well.
Separate one egg and add the yolk to mixture. Mix well.
Place and press the dough into the pan.
Lightly beat the egg white and pour over the dough as a glaze.
Sprinkle the dough with slivered or flaked almonds.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes.
Cool then cut into bars.
Makes two dozen bars.

Contact our staff at PleasureLand RV or stop by and visit our showroom of new and used motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, campers, and more.

8 Must Have Stocking Stuffers for the RV Fan in your Life

December 5th, 2013 -

Instead of toothbrushes, socks, and other traditional (not-so-exciting) stocking stuffers, try giving the RV fan in your life something different this year. At PleasureLand RV Center – your go-to RV dealer in Minnesota – we’ve got all of the stocking stuffers to make this the best Christmas yet. The following are a few of our favorites from our online RV accessory catalog, but don’t forget to stop by to see everything we have in stock.

Coghlan’s Tele-Fork

A fork that extends from 12 inches to 42 inches. Perfect for warming a snack over the fire or stealing food off your brother’s plate.

GSI Outdoors Enamelware Stainless Rim Cup

The perfect cup for every aspect of camping from coffee in the morning to hot cocoa before bed. Choose from a variety of colors, so each camper can distinguish his own.

Bowling Dice By Fundex Games, LTD

Bowl every night right in the comfort of your RV with this dice bowling game. It’s a fun and competitive game for the whole family and a great alternative to TV.

Camco RV Window Thermometers

Dual thermometers so you can check the temperature on both sides of your vehicle. Know the temperature in the sun as well as the shade, then go out and play.

Camco Ditty Bag Set

Three water-repellent bags in varying sizes to keep your accessories organized and safe from the elements. Great as toiletry bags, jewelry storage and so much more.

Camco Camp Saw

A tool that’s useful outdoors as well as around the house. The 10-inch saw blade can cut through wood, drywall and even PVC pipe.

Coghlan’s Fire Lighters

A great survival tool that all campers love. Use these sticks to start a fire without matches, kindling or paper. Even better than matches, these fire lighters burn for about seven minutes, so you can get a fire started every time.

Custer FL20 LED Flashlight

Every RV enthusiast needs a proper headlamp for exploring around the campsite at night. This lamp by Custer Products offers an LED bulb for extra strength and a longer-lasting shine.

December 4th is Santa’s List Day

December 3rd, 2013 -

Santa’s List Day is rapidly approaching, which means it’s time to complete your Christmas list and drop it in the mail to the North Pole. Although Dec. 4th is only a couple days away, it’s not too late for you to come to PleasureLand RV to start making your list for Santa. Whether you’re asking for a brand new RV, new tires or games to play around the campfire, we’ve got all of them and everything in between.

New and Used RVs

Fill your list with some luxury gift ideas from your favorite family-owned Minnesota RV dealership – PleasureLand RV. We’ve got an incredible showroom full of everything from high-end Class A motorhomes to toy haulers, fifth wheels, popup campers, truck campers and even destination trailers. We love the RV lifestyle so much, we keep our prices as low as possible, so you can experience it too.

Parts and Accessories

Don’t forget to gather some gift ideas from our extensive parts and accessories department offering everything from stocking stuffers to the biggest gifts under the tree. We’ve got all of your favorite camping supplies, RV cookbooks, coolers, safety products, plumbing products and just about any item you could need or want in your home on wheels.

Need to cover the kids’ lists too? We’ve got tons of fun outdoor games, card games and even model RV collectibles and action toys, so your kids can be as excited about each RV vacation as you are.

Service and Maintenance

Although you can’t wrap them and put them under the tree, RV repairs and maintenance are the perfect Christmas gifts. Save yourself and your family some of the stress of squeezing in all of your RV repairs before you hit the road for a big trip, and have them done now.

Even better, have PleasureLand RV install some upgrades on your vehicle like new tires, a new generator or even body work. We’re the best place to have your RV serviced in Minnesota, so be certain to ask Santa to bring your “home away from home” in for a Christmas tune up.

Give Thanks in Your RV This Year

November 25th, 2013 -

When envisioning Thanksgiving, you probably imagine spending the day at home, cooking meals in a spacious kitchen and eating at a large dining room table. You may have chosen not to spend Thanksgiving traveling in your RV, because there simply isn’t enough space, and you don’t want to give up that delicious turkey dinner.

Well, it’s time to change tradition. With a few slight alterations to your cooking habits and dining room table, you can easily have your turkey and eat it too.

Get Creative

The lack of oven space in an RV is just not suitable for a full-size turkey, but that doesn’t mean you need to scrap your main course. Choose turkey breasts instead. Two of them will easily fit into an RV oven, and you’ll still get that delicious baked turkey taste.

Trade oven-baked sides for ones you can throw on the grill, stove-top or even in the microwave. Vegetables, mashed potatoes and boxed stuffing can all be cooked on a stove-top, but don’t be ashamed if you end up buying a couple of sides at the deli.

Don’t forget dessert. Frozen pies can be found at a local supermarket, but why not have s’mores for dessert this year? That’s a new tradition your family is certain to love.

Eat Outside

There may not be enough space in your RV for everyone to sit at one table and give thanks, so give yourselves some elbow room and enjoy your meal outside. If you’ve got outdoor furniture, that’s always a plus, but a picnic table is an excellent place for a family dinner too.

Make a Few Stops

Stop at pumpkin patches and farmer’s markets on the way to your destination. Use these stops as an opportunity to stretch your legs, pick up some fresh veggies and grab a few small pumpkins or gourds for decoration.

Pleasureland RV Center

Stop by your Minnesota RV dealer – PleasureLand RV Center – to buy a new or used fifth wheel, travel trailer or motorhome this holiday season. And if you need any maintenance done before you hit the road for Thanksgiving, our parts and service department has you covered there too.

Veterans Day Bargains on the Road

November 11th, 2013 -

It’s Veterans Day, and whether you’re on the road or awaiting your next RV adventure, it’s a day to give thanks to our country’s veterans and active service members.

To honor all of our country’s veterans, PleasureLand RV Center wants to give you a heads-up on some of the best deals offered to veterans today.

Whether you’re into shopping until you drop or just pulling over for a nice meal, these restaurants and retailers want you to stop by, so they can say “thanks” with free food and huge discounts.

Retail Deals

Many retailers honor Veterans Day by offering special discounts to veterans and active servicemen, so take a moment to stop and thank yourself.

Cabela’s Outdoor Store extends their employee discount to all veterans, active servicemen, and reserves. Law-enforcement officers and emergency personnel are included too.
Fashion Bug offers a 20 percent discount on clothing purchases for military personnel and spouses.
Sport Clips offers free haircuts to veterans and active servicemen today.
It’s Veterans Day everyday at Home Depot. They offer a 10 percent discount to veterans today and every other day of the year.

Restaurant Deals

You won’t be cooking hot dogs on the fire tonight. If you’re traveling with a veteran, pull your motor home over and enjoy a nice sit-down meal for a huge discount.

Texas Roadhouse offers free meals to veterans until 4 p.m., so stop and enjoy a late lunch or early dinner.
Subway offers a free 6-inch sub or flatbread to vets all day today.
What’s the best appetizer at Outback Steakhouse? The Bloomin’ Onion, and all vets get one and a beverage free today.
Applebee’s is giving a free meal from a limited menu to all veterans and military personnel today.

Before You Go

Call ahead to ensure the store or restaurant in your area is honoring the Veteran’s Day deal featured above, and most of all, don’t forget your military ID.

After You Eat

Come by PleasureLand RV, your go-to RV dealership in Minnesota, to check out our huge selection of new and used motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheels. We’d love to personally thank you for your service to our country.

Happy Veterans Day!

Halloween in your RV

October 30th, 2013 -

Just because you are on the road doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun of season. There are a variety of ways you can make Halloween special in your RV.

Here are some things you can do to add to your RV fun from PleasureLand RV.

Decorate

Decorating your RV for the season can be fun and easy. Use pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and dried ears of corn to add to the atmosphere. There are also inexpensive lights you can buy to string around your awning. You can use orange and black paper plates, cups, a tablecloth, and streamers to add that Halloween feel as well. Just a few decorations can add quite a bit to your enjoyment of the season.

Take advantage of the fruits and vegetables of the season

Fall brings us a variety of foods that aren’t as plentiful at other times of the year. Squash, pumpkin, zucchini, pears, and apples are all in season and there are many recipes that take advantage of them. Even making simple caramel apples can add a festive flavor. Try using a melon baller to scoop out small round balls of apples and use toothpicks to dip them in melted caramel for a bite size treat.

Keep an eye out for seasonal activities

Some campgrounds will have special events schedule for the season including fall dances, trick or treat nights, bon fires, and hayrides. If they are not available where you are staying, look in the area for local harvest festivals, haunted houses, and pumpkin patches. Seek out and participate in these events in your area.

Organize a get together or even a simple costume party

RVers are a friendly sort and a simple Halloween pot-luck or costume party can help you make new friends and have some fun.

Finding creative ways to enjoy holidays on the road is part of the fun of an RV lifestyle. A trip to a local farmer’s market will likely yield a wealth of decorating and dining options for the season.

Remember, PleasureLand RV is your year round source for RV sales, service, parts, and accessories. We even rent RVs! PleasureLand is the family owned RV dealership that Minnesota counts on for everything RV related. Visit our locations in Brainerd, St. Cloud, Ramsey, and Willmar. We are pleased to serve Canadian customers and those throughout the midwest. Plan a visit soon!

Columbus Day and the Spirit of Exploration

October 14th, 2013 -

At PleasureLand RV Center we appreciate the spirit of exploration. In October, Columbus Day is a reminder of that spirit of discovery. It recognizes a man who had the desire to see what was out there, and followed through on that desire.

Columbus was 41 years old when he made his first trip to the New World and only lived to be 55 years old. What a life it was. In just the last 14 years of his life the explorer made three additional trips, beginning a wave of European exploration in the west.

For those seeking a little Columbus Day trivia, Christopher Columbus’ name in Italian is Cristoforo Colombo. In the Spanish language it is Cristóbal Colón. His Dad wove wool and sold cheese at a stand. In some of his own writings Columbus said the first time he took to the seas was when he was 10. Columbus was certainly not a scholar, but he was ambitious and liked to learn. He was also obviously very curious.

I think a lot of us who enjoy RVing share some of the same traits of Columbus. We enjoy the open spaces, have a natural curiosity, and enjoy learning about different places. We get a thrill out of seeing what is around the next corner, and over the next hill. There is excitement in planning a trip and executing those plans.

So as we recognize Christopher Columbus and his accomplishments, we need to perhaps renew our own spirit of adventure. We may need to recharge our sense of enthusiasm for seeing new places and discovering new places. It is natural, but many times RVers can fall into a routine of going back to the same places, seeing the same vistas. We can sometimes fall into habits that are a bit contrary to why we got an RV in the first place.

This Columbus Day, challenge yourself to explore someplace new and exciting in your RV. Take out a map and throw a dart or let your spouse choose the location. If you tend to go to the same places and see the same things, make a commitment to explore. After all, that is part of the joy of having an RV. Sometimes we just forget that.

If you are ready to move up to a Class A Minneapolis, Minnesota, we invite you to see us at PleasureLand RV. We have a great selection of new and used RV’s and each can serve as your own Santa Maria.

October is National Pizza Month

October 9th, 2013 -

Campfire Backcountry Pizza

Photo by Phin Stubbs III via Flickr Creative Commons

There are some food items that remain at the top of the “A” list throughout the years. Some tasty creations have their moment in the spotlight then fade away, but others continue to shine brightly. One such scrumptious item is an authentic pizza pie with all the toppings.

To show appreciation for this time-honored slice of culinary heaven, October is designated as National Pizza Month.

What this means for pizza aficionados is communities and pizza restaurants in cities around the US will be celebrating with special activities and deals. This is a win-win and, best of all, National Pizza Month runs through October 31, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy a slice.

For RVers, you can take advantage of local activities and restaurants paying homage to this luscious pie or make your own and enjoy with friends, family, and other travelers around a roaring campfire.

Pepperoni Pizza

Ingredients needed for this campfire favorite is 1 lb of refrigerated pizza dough, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup thinly sliced pepperoni, 1/4 cup of your favorite pizza sauce and a pizza stone.

Place the pizza stone on a grill over a wood fire. Spread the wood around so the flames are at an even consistency and not too tall.
Roll out the dough and place on the stone. Cook for 10 minutes until brown.
Remove from the fire. Flip the dough over so the cooked side is up. Spread with sauce leaving a 1/2 inch area around the rim without sauce.
Add the mozzarella evenly.
Add the pepperoni.
Place the pizza – uncooked side down – on the stone. Create a tent with aluminum foil to cover the pizza.
Place on the grill and cook for 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Remove and place on a cutting board. Let cool before slicing.

Backcountry Pizza

Place dough in a cast iron skillet and cook over fire for about 10- 20 minutes.
Add tomato sauce, pepper jack cheese, sun dried tomatoes and pepperoni or salami. Let cook until cheese is melted.

Make your plans for an October outing and include a pizza party to celebrate the pie. Before leaving, stop by PleasureLand RV Center for a service check and any accessories you need to make the trip a tasty one.

Photo Source

October 5 is National Do Something Nice Day

October 4th, 2013 -

One of the things we really enjoy about the RV lifestyle at PleasureLand RV Center is the people. It seems those that participate in the activity are genuinely nice and very helpful to each other. That’s why October 5th is a day that should easily be celebrated. What is being celebrated? It’s National “Do Something Nice” Day.

Not limited to RVers, of course, Do Something Nice Day is a day to simply do something nice for someone. It could be something small like offering a compliment or something major like giving away a pre-paid credit card. It got us thinking about some ways we could observe National Do Something Nice Day.

Offer to pay the check of the car behind you in a fast food drive-thru line.
Leave a thank you note to your mailman.
Include a scratch off lottery ticket with your tip at a restaurant.
Wash your spouse’s car.
Take some balloons to a nursing home.
Give a child a dollar in a dollar store.
Do a chore your spouse would normally do around the house.
Call someone just to tell them you love them.
Send a note of appreciation to your child’s teacher.
Make an effort to smile at everyone that day.
Send flowers to someone you know could use a pick-me-up.
Pay a toll for a car behind you.

No one seems to know the origin of National Do Something Nice Day, but it is certainly worth celebrating. We are sure you can think of your own ways to observe October 5th, and perhaps even beyond. Call it “paying it forward” or “random acts of kindness,” but we know RVers are pretty good at it.

PleasureLand RV is proud being the RV dealership Minnesota has come to rely on for RV sales, service, parts, and accessories. With locations in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Willmar, and Brainerd, PleasureLand RV is family owned and operated. We invite you to visit and see our selection of new 2014 models in stock.