July 26th, 2016 -
Geocaching is one of the most addictive outdoor adventures. This real-life outdoor scavenger hunt is fun for the entire family, and all you need is a GPS-enabled device to give it a try. If you’re ready to start enjoying one of the newest and most exciting outdoor adventures available, this guide to geocaching will help you get started.
What You Need
Geocaching is a scavenger hunt based on GPS coordinates. All you need is a smartphone or other device with GPS capabilities to find your first cache.
What Is a Geocache?
Geocaches aren’t always the same. They vary in size and shape but are typically found in some sort of water-tight container. The size of the geocache will be displayed on the cache page, so you’ll now what to look for when you’re out hunting. Geocaches vary in size from micro (less than 100 mililiters) to large (20 liters or larger).
Each cache contains a logbook and a treasure. Geocachers are expected to take the item inside the cache and replace it with something else before placing the cache back where it was found.
Where Can Geocaches Be Found?
Geocaches are found all over the world, and there’s probably one near you right now. Anyone can hide a geocache, and they’ve been found everywhere from mountain peaks to deep under the sea. You can hide your own geocache by following the Geocache Listing Guidelines and submitting your cache for review.
Locating a Cache
Locate your first geocache today by logging onto the Geocaching.com website and choosing a cache near you. Type the coordinates of the cache into your GPS, then follow your GPS to the cache’s location. Your GPS device may not lead you directly to your find, so be sure to search if the cache isn’t in plain sight. Again, remember to put the cache back in the same location before leaving.
Don’t forget to stop in and see us at PleasureLand RV Center when you’re out locating treasures on your RV travels.
July 21st, 2016 -
RVing is about enjoying the RV, your friends and family, and the open road. You don’t want to worry about the negative or dwell on what can go wrong. And you shouldn’t have to. By taking some basic precautionary steps, you can help to safeguard the things that matter to you when you’re out on the road and gain some peace of mind, while still having fun.
1. Keep Your Valuables Stowed Away
While theft of your RV is a concern, oftentimes a break-in will occur simply to steal a valuable item that can be seen through the window. Whenever you leave your RV alone, take a moment to assess the items you have out that may be attractive to a burglar, such as laptop computers, tablets, jewelry, and other valuables. Stow these and similar items out of sight when you leave by placing them in bags, cases, cabinets, drawers, or even under a jacket or towel. By eliminating incentives for a break-in, your eliminate the chances that one will occur. If you have items that can be used to compromise your identity, such as passports or social security cards, consider a safe or lock box.
2. Research Your Destinations
While you’re probably already researching hours of operation, directions, prices, and RV amenities, you may want to add an additional point to your checklist: crime rate. Whether your destination is urban or rural, it’s good to know how safe an area you plan to visit is. Avoiding crime-prone areas is the best defense against burglary and break-ins. By staying to areas with low crime rates, you significantly reduce the chance of being a victim.
3. Lock Up
While it may seem like an obvious suggestion, it can be easy to overlook, especially if you’re having a good time and potential misfortune is far from your mind. Locking up is a simple precaution that you should practice regardless of how long you’ll be leaving your RV out of sight. Even if you’re just taking a short hike or heading to the nearby lake for a swim, make sure you lock up every point of access and double check to make sure it’s securely closed. Take all keys with you and don’t trust a copy of your keys to anyone you don’t know.
4. Ensure That Your RV is Equipped to Handle Fires
Not every threat comes from strangers – fire is a valid concern to any RVer and can quickly destroy your property if you have no plan in place to address it. By simply equipping your RV with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, you can drastically reduce the risk of a fire getting out of control. Setup an inspection schedule to check that your extinguishers and smoke detectors are operational and effective.
5. Insure Your Property
If the worst comes to pass and your RV or possessions are stolen or destroyed, you’ll want to have as much as possible insured so that you can recover and get back to the life you’ve worked so hard to attain. Don’t leave your valuables out on a limb; rather, make sure they’re backed up by a reliable insurance plan.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Come see us at PleasureLand RV Center to see our entire RV inventory or receive RV service.
July 11th, 2016 -
Summer is now in full swing, and temperatures across the country are rising. Hot summer temperatures can be far more dangerous for your pets than they can for you, so it’s important to keep them cool when you start to feel the heat. Ensure your pets are as comfortable as you are this July with these simple tips for keeping them cool.
Adjust Your Outdoor Time
If you’re used to walking your pup in the afternoon, you may need to change your schedule. Consider walking early in the morning and late at night to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Follow the Signs
Unfortunately, dogs can’t talk, but they can give you a good idea of if they’re overheating or not. If you’re out for a hike, and your dog keeps searching for water or trying to lay in the shade, it’s time to go home. These are both signs that your dog is starting to overheat.
Feel the Air for Yourself
The bottom line is that if it’s too hot outside for you, it’s too hot for your pet. If you’re going to let your pet hang out in the yard, see if you’re able to sit outside for an extended amount of time first. If you’re overheating, your dog will be too.
Use Room-Temperature Water
If you see your pet overheating, you may run for an ice pack. Instead, cool him or her down with room-temperature water and a fan. Cold water and ice packs can cause the blood vessels to constrict, making it more difficult to lose the heat.
Travel in Comfort
Keep yourself and your pets cool this summer in the comfort of a new RV from the PleasureLand RV Center. Stop in and see us in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd or Long Prairie to shop our selection of the industry’s latest and greatest RVs today.
June 22nd, 2016 -
The RV lifestyle means time spent with your friends and family in the great outdoors. It doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen creating elaborate meals. However, you don’t have to sacrifice delicious dinners to live life on the road. These three mouthwatering RV dinners can be made in under 30 minutes, and they’re guaranteed to wow your friends and family.
1. Aunt Jane’s Sloppy Joes
What you’ll need:
- 4 pounds ground beef
- 1 green pepper
- 1 medium onion
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon glutamate food enhancer
- 2 cups ketchup
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup water
Cooking instructions:
- Brown the ground beef, then drain.
- Chop the green pepper and onion, then add them to the ground beef pan.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ketchup, water, vinegar, brown sugar, seasonings and Worcestershire sauce. Add this mixture to the ground beef and vegetables.
- Simmer the entire mixture for 20 minutes and enjoy.
2. Easy Breezy Chicken Casserole
What you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small can mushrooms (drained)
- 1 family-size box rice and pasta mix
- 1 large can green chiles (diced)
- 1 small can chopped olives (drained)
- 2 cups (1 full package) Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 1 small container sour cream
Cooking instructions:
- Cook the chicken for about 15 minutes on each side, then cut the breasts into bite-size pieces.
- Cook the rice and pasta mix according to the instructions on the package.
- Layer your green chiles in the bottom of a casserole dish, then layer the other ingredients on top in this order: chicken, rice and pasta mix, mushrooms, olives, cheese and sour cream.
- Bake the casserole for about 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve with your favorite bread and salad.
3. Italian Sausage Kabobs
What you’ll need:
- 2 medium zucchini (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 medium green pepper (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 medium onion (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 medium red pepper (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 1/2 pounds Italian-style sausage (cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
- 1 can pizza sauce
Cooking instructions:
- Stir the pizza sauce, oil and basil together, then set aside.
- Cook the sausage pieces in a skillet over medium heat until they’re partially cooked.
- Drain the sausage grease.
- Place the zucchini pieces, peppers, onions and sausage pieces on metal skewers in an alternating order.
- Grill the kabobs covered over medium heat. Turn them two to four times and brush them with the reserved pizza sauce every time.
- Remove from heat when the sausage is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
If you’re searching for the perfect RV for the summer, there’s no better place to shop than right here at PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota. Give us a call, login online or stop in and see us to start your new RV lifestyle today.
June 9th, 2016 -
June is National Fresh Fruit and Veggies Month, and it’s the perfect time to become more aware of what you’re eating on the road. Enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables along your travels can seem difficult at first. Some produce ripens too quickly and other fruits and veggies just aren’t the tasty snacks you want when living life on the road. The following fruit-and-vegetable-filled snacks are ones that you’ll start to crave on every journey.
Clementines
Clementines travel extremely well. You can stuff one in your pocket, a few in your backpack, or a bunch on the counter and snack on them as you please. They’re easy to peel and slightly hydrating for those long, dry days on the road. Keep your clementines in a container to keep them from getting smashed.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are a produce item you can pick up at nearly every farmers’ market across the country. Pull over and grab a box for snacking while you’re in the passenger seat. Even better, cherry tomatoes taste delicious at room temperature, so they don’t have to take up precious refrigerator space.
Miniature Bell Peppers
Bite-size bell peppers are one of the healthiest alternatives to chips that you can find. They taste delicious dipped in hummus or salad dressing for a flavorful and healthy snack on the go. Even better, the seeds inside the miniature bell peppers are unnoticeable when chomping them down.
Blueberries or Raspberries
Many travelers grab a box of strawberries at the farmers’ market for snacking, but the stems can make them messier than other berries. Opt for blueberries or raspberries, which come in smaller containers and can be enjoyed by the handful.
Find Your Dream RV
Upgrading your RV to one with a full kitchen could make a huge difference in the way you eat on the road. Stop in and see us at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota to find your dream, residential-style RV today.
May 26th, 2016 -
The St. Cloud area is no stranger to delicious eats. In fact, it can be difficult to decide where to dine with so many options available. But when you’ve got a craving for sweet or savory baked goods, these three bakeries are the ones to visit.
Dutch Maid Bakery
The Dutch Maid Bakery, on East Saint Germain Street in St. Cloud, is one you’ll hear the locals raving about. The massive selection of fresh baked goods make it a must-stop location for anyone, whether you’re into sweet or savory baked goods. Even better, the Dutch Maid Bakery has been family owned and serving the St. Cloud area for more than 50 years, which means you’re getting a true taste of local flavor.
Great Harvest Bread Co.
You can find Great Harvest Brad Co., at 135 Division St., in Waite Park. This bakery chain specializes in delicious, healthy, whole-grain muffins and breads made with fresh Montana wheat. It’s an ideal place to grab a loaf of bread before dinner, a mouthwatering sandwich at lunch time or a fresh baked scone for breakfast. If you’re trying to stay off the donuts and opt for a healthier morning option, Great Harvest Bread Co., should be on your radar.
Sweet Nature Gluten Free Baked Goods
You don’t have to have a gluten allergy to fall in love with Sweet Nature Gluten Free Baked Goods in nearby Sauk Rapids. Visitors rave about the cookies, cupcakes, energy balls, miniature cakes and abundance of other healthy, gluten-free baked treats. Even better, the bakery offers free delivery in Sauk Rapids, so you can have special treats delivered straight to your door during a busy work week.
Stop and see us at the PleasureLand RV Center in St. Cloud, when you’re cruising throughout the city in search of mouthwatering baked treats. We’re your one-stop RV shop for all of your spring and summer RV needs.
May 17th, 2016 -
It’s easy to want to stay outside all day in the blazing sun when you’ve just endured a long winter without much sun at all. And you can do just that if you take the right sun safety precautions. The following tips will help you decide what to wear, where to hang out and the correct sunscreen to use on those beautiful spring and summer days.
Use the Right Sunscreen
Always wear a sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 15. Your sunscreen should protect you from UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, it’s important to reapply sunscreen thoroughly every two hours and after each swim or sweat. Never use a sunscreen that has already reached its expiration date.
Dress Appropriately
Wearing the correct clothing can ensure that you enjoy a long day outside without ruining the next due to sunburn. Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants can protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Keep in mind that a wet T-shirt provides much less protection than a dry one. Include a hat with a wide brim to protect your ears, neck, head and face, and you’ll be properly protected from the sun and able to enjoy much more time outdoors.
Seek Shade When Needed
Long hours in the sun can easily drain your energy, so it’s important to seek shade whenever possible. Find a comfortable spot under an umbrella or your RV awning for those grueling midday hours. It’s important to wear your protective clothing or sunscreen whenever you go outside in the year’s warmest months, whether you’ll be spending most of your time in the shade or not.
Find Your New RV for Summer at PleasureLand
Searching for a new RV this summer? You can find an RV that will help you spend more time outside than ever right here at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota.
May 12th, 2016 -
Every new travel season means it’s time to stock your RV with certain season-specific supplies. Fortunately, we have all of the industry’s latest and greatest RV parts and accessories right here at our PleasureLand RV Center locations as well as at our online parts store. The following are a few of the latest and greatest RV gadgets available for the spring and summer travel seasons.
RV EZLevel by Camco MFG
The spring and summer RV seasons are some of the busiest, and that means you’ll probably be hopping from campground to campground throughout the upcoming months. The RV EZLevel will help you level your RV quickly and accurately, so you can rest easier and keep your appliances and electronics safely level. This easy-to-store, compact tool makes sure both axles are leveled simultaneously, so you can stop working and start exploring.
Endless Breeze by Fan-Tastic Vent Co.
The Endless Breeze by the Fan-Tastic Vent Co., is the only 12-volt fan you’ll need on your spring and summer travels. The 12-inch blade can operate at three speeds and move air as quickly as 1,000 cubic feet per minute. The easy-to-store fan stands just 14-inches high and 3-inches thick, so you can fit it just about anywhere.
VacPan Automatic Dustpan Kit by HP Products
Spring and summer travels mean sand and dirt all over the interior of your RV. Clean that grime up quickly and easily with the VacPan Automatic Dustpan Kit by HP Products. This add-on to the CV950 Central Vacuum System is easy to operate with a toe-kick switch. Simply sweep the debris and dust over to the dustpan, and it will quickly be sucked in and whisked away. This automatic dustpan lets you forget about spending half of your day inside sweeping and mopping when you could be outdoors.
Find all of these awesome RV gadgets and countless others at our PleasureLand RV Center online parts store. The online store is conveniently open 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
April 7th, 2016 -
April is National Grilled Cheese Month, and that means it’s time to turn one of America’s most classic dishes into something new. Try this mouthwatering and creative grilled cheese recipe to spice up your RV meals this spring season.
Golden Gate Grilled Cheese
What you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red chile flakes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 ounces thinly sliced turkey
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 avocado (thinly sliced)
- 2 slices muenster cheese
- 1 tablespoon cilantro (chopped)
- 4 freshly cut slices of sourdough bread
Preparation instructions:
- Combine the garlic, butter and chile flakes together in a small bowl.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg and milk together thoroughly.
- Spread the Parmesan cheese onto a plate.
- Melt half of the seasoned butter on medium heat in a large frying pan.
- Dip one of the bread slices in the egg mixture. Be sure to coat just one side. Dip the coated side into the parmesan cheese, then place the bread slice into the frying pan (the cheese-side should be facing down). Follow the same procedure with one of the three remaining bread slices.
- Arrange the turkey, cilantro, avocado, and muenster cheese onto the slices in the frying pan. Divide the ingredients evenly, so each open-faced sandwich looks the same.
- Dip the remaining two pieces of bread into the egg, then into the Parmesan cheese one at a time.
- Place the remaining pieces of bread on top of the sandwiches with the cheese side up.
- Cook the sandwiches on medium heat until the bottom pieces of bread are browned (roughly 3 to 5 minutes).
- Lift the sandwiches off the pan, then pour the remaining butter into the pan. Place the sandwiches back in the pan with the opposite side down. Cook until the opposite side is golden brown and serve.
Stop and see us at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota when you’re cruising throughout the country in your RV this month.
February 16th, 2016 -
If you want to have a ton of fun for spring break but don’t want to be tied down to figuring out what hotel you’ll be near on what day, plan to rent an RV instead. You’ll be able to take your time on a road trip since you won’t be tied down to hotel check in and check out times.
We have several types of RVs and floor plans for you to choose from including Class A, Class C, travel trailers, fold downs and ice houses in our showroom at PleasureLand RV Center.
Class A Models
These models are motorized RVs with a flat front, much like a bus. We have three floor plans available: a 31-footer, 32-footer and a 35-footer. The 31-footer sleeps four people while the other two sleep eight people.
Class C Models
A Class C model is also a motorized RV, but this type is built on a van chassis. We have six different floor plans – with and without slides. We have a 26-footer that sleeps six, a 28-footer that sleeps eight, a 31-footer that sleeps 10, a 23-footer that sleeps six, a 23-foot diesel model that sleeps up to four, and a 26-footer that sleeps eight.
Travel Trailers
A travel trailer is a towable that can be towed without any special equipment other than a strong hitch that is not a bumper hitch. We have several models, including smaller models that could be towed with a lighter SUV or truck. Choose from a 16-footer that sleeps four, a 19-footer that sleeps eight, a 19-footer that sleeps seven, a 24-footer that sleeps six, a 27-footer that sleeps six, a 30-footer that sleeps 10, a 32-footer that sleeps six, a 38-foot destination trailer that sleeps 10, and a 42-foot park trailer that sleeps seven.
Additional Models
And, we have one fold down model and two ice house models. Neither of these models have a bathroom, so you’ll need a porta-potty.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to check out all of our RV rentals so that you can determine which one is the best for your upcoming spring vacation. Once you choose an RV and put a deposit down, you can start planning your route.
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About Me
Hi, my name is Dan Pearson and I am the Owner of PleasureLand RV Centers based out of St. Cloud, MN. We have three other Minnesota locations to serve all of you RV needs. I look forward to providing you with all your RV information from buying an RV to tips and maintenance. If you would like to contact me, be sure to leave a comment.
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