Lakes Jam 2014

If you are busy making plans for a June get-a-way, consider visiting Lakes Jam 2014 in Brainerd, Minnesota. The event runs from June 26 through June 28, 2014 and will be full of great music. Camping spots are available, though it is advisable to make your reservations well ahead of time.

This year’s Lakes Jam 2014 event, partially sponsored by PleasureLand RV, includes 15 popular bands and singers on two stages. The lineup includes Brett Michaels, Bucky Covington, Thundherstruck, Clay Walker, Roadhouse 6, Chris Hawkey and more. It’s definitely an event that you can’t – or don’t want to – miss.

Before you head out, make sure you can comply with their rules. Some are obvious, such as no underage drinking. Other rules include no pets in the camping or arena area and no fireworks. The event will happen rain or shine. While all ages are welcome, those who wish to be served alcohol will have to present a photo ID at the front gate to receive a 21+ wristband.

The campgrounds open at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2014. You won’t be able to bring your ATV or side-by-side, but you can bring a golf cart. Golf carts require an extra vehicle pass, which is $20. In order to camp, you have to purchase a Weekend Pass or a VIP Pass. The venue will provide temporary portable showers and will spray for mosquitoes prior to the event.

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If you are considering purchasing an RV, now is the perfect time! Stop by PleasureLand RV to tour any of the models, including this Limited Edition Boundary Waters by CrossRoads, a PleasureLand RV exclusive.

Before you head out, make sure everything is in working order – since it is in the summer, it will be quite warm, so be sure the air conditioning unit is working, especially if this would be the first time you’ve used it this season. Also ensure that the generator is working properly and the LP tanks are filled.

Stop by PleasureLand RV for any accessories and necessities including chemicals for the black tank and RV toilet paper. If you haven’t dewinterized your RV yet, now is the time to do it – you don’t want to wait until a few days before the trip in the event that something needs to be repaired.

Fun Activities for the Road!

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The RV lifestyle is full of adventure, excitement, and exploration, and while all of the outdoor activities can certainly bring your family closer together, there are also tons of indoor activities that can too. Consider some of these fun games and activities for the down time spent inside your RV, and you’ll never fear rainy days or long hours on the road again.

Hold an RV Treasure Hunt

Turn down time into fun time with a treasure hunt right inside your RV. Create a variety of clues to hide throughout your RV or even around the campsite if the weather is nice. Make it a competition with a small prize going to the winner, or have the kids follow the clues as a team and reward everyone with a prize at the end.

Create a Special Meal Together

Whether it’s a festive Mexican taco night, your very own RV pizzeria or just your family’s favorite meal — cooking a dinner together can be the perfect way to bond on a rainy day or during that down time after an adventure. If you’ve got an entire day to fill, decorate your RV with your dinner’s theme before you start cooking. And don’t forget to get your kids involved in the easier aspects of cooking (stirring, plating, etc.)

Turn Your RV Into a Movie Theater

Instead of simply turning out the lights and popping a movie into the DVD player, set your RV up as a movie theater for rainy days or those long movie nights. Make sure you have movie-theater-style popcorn and treats on hand, and if you’ll be making a day of it, stock up on a variety of movies you’ve never seen. If possible, position your RV furniture in rows in front of the television to resemble movie theater style seating.

Indoor and Outdoor Games at PleasureLand

Getting tired of the old board games you’ve had in your RV for years? Check out our huge selection of indoor and outdoor camping games at our online parts store or stop in and see us at PleasureLand RV Center — your local Minnesota RV dealer — today.

Image by heath_bar via Flickr Creative Commons

Roll With Your Favorite Furry Friends

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One of the greatest parts of RV travel is that you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind when you hit the road. And while some of your best family memories will be with your pets by your side, there are a few simple steps you’ll want to take before you load your cats or dogs into your RV and hit the road.

Take Your Pet for a Test Drive

It’s important to make sure your pet is comfortable with road travel before you bring him or her along for a longer ride. Start by taking your pet on short rides to see how he or she fares on the road. Does your pet seem uncomfortable, anxious or even sick when he’s in your vehicle? If you answered, “Yes,” after a few trial rides with your pet, he may be more comfortable with a pet-sitter while you’re away.

Consult Your Veterinarian

Before you hit the road for your big adventure, take your pet to his veterinarian to ensure he’s in good health for the ride. You’ll also need to make sure your pet’s rabies vaccinations are up-to-date, and your vet can tell you if any other vaccinations will be necessary for the areas you’ll be traveling. If you’ll be crossing borders, your vet can help you understand quarantine laws and compile all of the paperwork your pet will need.

Bring Some Pieces of Home

Even if your pet seems excited to be in your RV at first, he may feel a little out of place when you start traveling to new destinations. Be sure you bring your pet’s bed, a few favorite toys, a collar, leash, food and water for your journey. Your pet will adjust to his new home more comfortably and quickly with a few familiar items from his old one.

Upgrade Your RV at PleasureLand

Need a little larger RV now that you’ll be bringing your furry friends along for the ride? Come browse our huge selection of new and used RVs at PleasureLand RV Center — your go-to RV dealership in Minnesota — and our certified staff will help you find the perfect motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel or pop-up for your entire family.

Image by Curtis Perry via Flickr Creative Commons

Spring Has Sprung in Minnesota

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After a difficult winter in Minnesota, nothing feels better than seeing the sun and watching the snow melt. Now that spring is really starting to show, it’s time to enjoy some of the exciting indoor and outdoor events and activities happening throughout our beautiful state to welcome the warmer weather.

The Minnesota Zoo

It’s finally time to enjoy those day trips back to the Minnesota Zoo, and since April is “Farm Babies Month,” there’s no better time than now to go. Your whole family will love seeing the adorable baby farm animals, and it’s a great way to celebrate and learn about the birth of animals and plants that often remain dormant in the winter months.

Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

Not quite warm enough to spend your days outside? From April 3 to 19, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival will be taking place at the St. Anthony Main Theatre.

Crafting the North Shore Beer Scene

There’s no better way to celebrate spring than enjoying a few craft beers for a good cause. The “Crafting the North Shore Beer Scene” event held by the North Shore Craft Beer Roundtable takes place on April 13, and features brewers from across Minnesota’s North Shore. Taste some of our state’s best craft beers and learn more about the trade — all while benefiting a variety of Duluth charities.

Bluff Country Studio Art Tour

Admire the work that local artists spent the winter creating at the Bluff Country Studio Art Tour from April 25 to 27 in Lanesboro. Browse through incredible wood carvings, hand-made pottery, jewelry and tons more, and bring your wallet, because you’ll probably want to take some home.

PleasureLand RV Center

Will April be the first month you fire up your RV for the season? Don’t forget to cruise down to PleasureLand RV Center for all of your spring RV needs, from help de-winterizing your vehicle to adding those upgrades you wanted at the end of last season. And if you’re in the market for a new or used RV this season, make us your go-to RV dealership in Minnesota, and we’ll help you get into the fifth wheel, travel trailer or motorhome of your dreams.

Photo by jpellgen (Flickr Creative Commons)

Treat Yourself this Spring!

While you’re out on the road this Spring, you’ll want some fun, easy treats to make. These don’t take up a lot of space in your refrigerator – and they will disappear fast! The ingredients don’t take up a lot of space in your pantry, either.

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Orange Dreamsicle Dessert

  • 1 box orange jello
  • 1 cup hot water
  • ½ cup cold water
  • 1 3.4-ounce box vanilla pudding
  • 1 8-ounce tub of whipped topping
  • 2 cans mandarin oranges, drained

Dissolve the jello in one cup of hot water. Add ½ cup cold water. Set it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Don’t let it cool for more than 20 minutes or you won’t be able to add the other ingredients.

Add the vanilla pudding and mix it well. Fold in the whipped topping, and then fold in the mandarin oranges. Refrigerate for two hours.

You can use different combinations of fruit and jello flavors for variety. Raspberry jello with the mandarin oranges is great!

Fruit Tarts/Mini Pies

If your Pleasureland RV has an oven or a microwave/convection oven combination, you can easily make mini pies or fruit tarts.

  • 2 cans of your favorite brand of pop and bake croissants
  • 1 can of fruit filling – or you can make your own
  • 1 egg, whipped (or water)
  • Sugar

Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. This is optional – it just makes cleanup easier. Separate the croissants. Arrange half (1 can) on a baking sheet. Spoon the fruit filling into the center of each triangle. Arrange the other half over the top of each fruit-filled bottom. Crimp the edges. Brush them with the whipped egg or water. Sprinkle sugar over the top. Bake the tarts/pies according to the instructions on the croissant cans or until browned.

To make your own fresh pie filling, cook 3 parts fruit, one part water and one part sugar together. Constantly stir over medium heat until the mixture boils. Let it boil for about a minute, and then set it aside to cool. If it’s not sweet enough when you taste it before it boils, you can add more sugar. If you want it thicker, reheat the mixture on medium low, and then add a mixture of one part cornstarch and one part water. Usually about two tablespoons of cornstarch is enough.

Stop by Pleasureland RV on your way out to make sure you have everything you need for your trip, including accessories for the kitchen and chemicals for the holding tanks so you don’t have to look for those things while you are on the road.