January 26th, 2017 -
“Go west, young man, go west” was first used in 1851 by John B. L. Soule and later reprinted by Horace Greeley in 1865. It was a saying that many took to heart, at that time, and moved to the west to set up a home.
Since the days of the old west when the frontier was a place of new beginnings as well as excitement and adventure, it has retained that spirit drawing vacationers year after year.
A trip to the Black Hills and the Badlands is one of those destination locations not to be missed.
Black Hills
With more than 6,000 square miles to explore, you’re sure to discover plenty of activities to suit everyone of all ages.
Within the Black Hills and Badlands, enjoy hikes, off road biking, boating, fishing and wildlife observation at these parks:
- Black Hills National Forest
- Custer National Forest
- Badlands National Park
- Custer State Park
- Bear Butte State Park
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Wind Cave National Park and Devils Tower Monument
- Shade Hill Recreational Area
- Bear Butte State park
- Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
- Jewel Cave National Monument
Attractions
Kids will get a kick out of Bear Country USA. Plan a zipline excursion at Rushmore Cave, take to the treetops at Rushmore Tramway Adventures or the Alpine Slide.
Sit back and enjoy the Dakotaride Summer Sled Dog Tours or settle in for a 20-mile ride on the 1880s steam train at the Black Hills Central Railroad.
For the adults, head to Deadwood for plenty of gaming action at one of many casinos including Miss Kitty’s Casino, Midnight Star, Mckennas Gold Casino, and the landmark Saloon No. 10 for more action.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you hit the road to the Black Hills of South Dakota, stop in at PleasureLand RV Center to ensure that your RV is in good shape for traveling. If you don’t own an RV yet and would like to make a trip to the Black Hills your inaugural trip, stop by and tour the inventory at PleasureLand RV Center and find the rig that’s right for you.
January 24th, 2017 -
There’s no better way to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day than baking a delectable chocolate cake in the comfort of your RV. National Chocolate Cake Day will be held on Friday, January 27, this year, so there’s no better time to brush up on your cake recipes than now.
This easy-to-make chocolate cake recipe will wow your friends and family and convince them that you’ve been in the kitchen baking all day.
One Bowl Chocolate Cake Recipe
What you’ll need:
- 2 cups white sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Your favorite chocolate frosting
Baking instructions:
- Preheat your RV oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.
- Stir the sugar, flour, baking powder, cocoa, baking soda and salt together in a large bowl.
- Stir in the milk, eggs, oil and vanilla and mix for roughly 2 minutes with a mixer on medium speed.
- Stir the boiling water into the mixture last. The batter should be thin.
- Bake the cake for roughly 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven. Insert a toothpick into the cake. The cake is finished cooking when the toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cake pans for 10 minutes, then remove the cakes and place them on a wire rack to cool fully.
- Once cool, frost one cake with your favorite chocolate frosting, then place the other cake on top and frost them both.
- Allow the frosting to harden slightly, then slice and enjoy.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Don’t forget to stop and see us at PleasureLand RV Center when you’re cruising throughout the country in your RV this January. We’re stocked with all of the latest and greatest RV parts and camping supplies to help you enjoy 2017 to the fullest.
January 19th, 2017 -
It’s never too early to start planning your spring break trip. With the kids out of school, a little time off for yourself, and an RV to travel in, spring break is a great opportunity to unwind, reconnect as a family, and share some new experiences. If you’ve got the will but don’t know where to go, why not try out one of these fun-filled destinations?
Hilton Head, South Carolina
For the beach-goer, Hilton Head offers miles of beautiful coastline. Hilton Head itself offers fantastic dining experiences, dozens of unique shopping opportunities, and plenty of annual public events that tourists can take advantage of. By the time spring break rolls around, the water is just right for swimming.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Those looking for sand, surf, and boardwalk fun need look no further than Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. With 60 miles of wide, soft sandy beaches and numerous family-friendly attractions, Myrtle Beach offers never-ending fun and adventure.
Branson, Missouri
A popular regional destination for years, Branson has been drawing crowds from all over the country recently. Renowned for its live music scene (famous musicians associated with Branson include Johnny Cash, Dick Clark, the Oakridge Boys, the Osmond Family, and Kenny Rogers), Branson offers plenty of music and theater shows at its dozens of venues.
Yosemite National Park, California
If you’re interested in natural beauty, Yosemite National Park is not only one of the prettiest places in the United States, but the world as well. From hiking and camping to stargazing and nature watching, Yosemite National Park is a place that everyone should try to visit at least once.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you head out, remember to drop by at PleasureLand RV Center in St Cloud, Ramsey, or Brainerd, Minnesota. When taking such a long road trip, it’s important to get your RV checked over at a qualified service center, such as PleasureLand RV Center, before you hit the road. And, of course, if you don’t currently own an RV but would like to take your spring break getaway in one, now’s the time to start the shopping process and tour some models.
January 17th, 2017 -
Looking for your next destination? If you’re not wanting to travel too far, head to Wild Mountain near Taylors Falls, Minnesota.
Open year round to families looking for outdoor fun, Wild Mountain is nestled in the scenic St. Croix Valley.
Winter Fun
It’s currently winter, and that means that it’s skiing and snowboarding season at Wild Mountain. With a mix of terrain to challenge any skill level, from novice to expert, there are 26 trails to try your hand at spread over 100 acres. The onsite school offers lessons to help learn the ropes of winter sports. Daily groundskeeping makes sure that conditions are always optimal for winter fun.
Other Seasons
If you can’t make it over to Wild Mountain this winter, plan to stop in later this year. There’s plenty to do every season, from sightseeing the spring blooms to the fun waterpark of the summer to the foliage of fall.
Stay at Wildwood RV Park and Campground
If you need a place to plant your rig, try the Wildwood RV Park and Campground located at 20078 Lake Blvd, Taylors Falls, Minnesota. The park has 70 sites, which include pull-thru access for big rigs, electric hookups for up to 50 amps, water and sewer, WiFi, and pool access.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center before you head out to Wild Mountain. Whether you need to make sure your RV is in good shape before a road trip by visiting our service center or you need to purchase an RV, PleasureLand RV Center is here to help.
January 12th, 2017 -
Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is a great destination for families with children. It’s a bucket list item for most kids and offers a great opportunity to have some fun on their terms.
If you’re also an RVing family, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t go there in your motorhome since there are plenty of good RV parks that are well-suited to visitors with Disney World in mind.
One of the better RV camping sites at Disney World is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. It’s the only campground located at Walt Disney World Resort, and guests enjoy easy access to the park via shuttle.
There are four types of campsites available for visitors and which campsite you need depends on your rig.
Tent or Pop-Up campsites are available starting at $53.00 a night. They provide room for either a pop-up camper or van-type camper, plus a tent or two.
Full Hook-Up campsites are available starting from $71.00 per night; these offer room for an RV plus a few tents. You’ll want this site for sewage hook-up.
The Preferred campsite level starts from $85.00 a night and offers everything that a full hook-up sites offers plus a view of the woods.
The Premium is the best type of site and starts at $90.00 a night. There’s room for extra-large RVs and 8 more feet of room than the other sites.
Go here to check dates and availability.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you head out to Disney World, or any other destination, stop by PleasureLand RV Center to get your rig checked out and make sure it’s up for the journey. Want to stay at an RV resort near Disney World, but don’t have an RV? No problem! PleasureLand RV Center can help get you into the RV of your dreams. Come on by and tour any model on the lot.
January 10th, 2017 -
Determining which type of RV will suit your needs best can seem impossible. With so many RVs on the market, ranging from pop-up campers to high-end Class A motorhomes, choosing from such a large number of models can be daunting. These simple tips will help you discover which type of RV is perfect for you, so you can narrow down your options and start living your dream RV lifestyle.
Determine Your RV Use
The first step to choosing an RV is to determine which type of traveling you’d like to do. Are you seeking an RV for weekend family getaways or an RV that will replace your brick-and-mortar home? Do you want to move from one destination to another or stay put for months at a time? Typically, smaller, more budget-friendly RVs can be suitable for recreational weekend campers, while those who want to spend more time on the road should seek RVs with more durability and amenities.
Motorhomes are more ideal for travelers who like to stop in multiple places. Because they don’t take a lot of time to set up and prepare for departure (unlike fifth wheels and travel trailers), it’s easy to hop from one destination to another.
Consider Your Tow Vehicle
Many first-time RV enthusiasts forget that they may need to upgrade their tow vehicle to a more powerful model to tow a large travel trailer or fifth wheel. This can add a considerable amount of cost to upgrading your RV lifestyle and should always be considered. However, these more spacious RVs also offer more amenities, such as full bathrooms, fully-equipped kitchens, more seating space and quality sleeping areas.
Let Us Help
Here at the PleasureLand RV Centers, we’re experts on helping you find an RV that’s ideal for your travel needs. We’ll work within your budget to help you start the RV lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about for years.
January 5th, 2017 -
Now in its fourth year, Explore Minnesota is hosting a statewide scavenger hunt called “Checkpoint Minnesota.”
The scavenger hunt is a great way to see Minnesota this winter, as the contest asks participants to check in at ten iconic Minnesota winter destinations. The ten locations are:
- Artist’s Point, Grand Marais
- Old Central School, Grand Rapids
- Mount Ski Gull, Nisswa
- Otto the Otter, Fergus Falls
- Prince Mural, Chanhassen
- Silver Lake Park, Rochester
- Alexander Ramsey Park, Redwood Falls
- Baudette Depot, Lake of the Woods
- The Shops at West End, St. Louis Park
- Walker Bay Lighthouse, Leech Lake
The more places you check in, the larger the prize you have a chance at winning (though every scavenger hunter receives a prize for participating). The ten grand prize packages (determined by raffle on February 13th), are:
- Firedisc Portable Cooker
- Outdoor Gear Package
- Paddle North Wakesurf Board
- Memorial Day Getaway
- The House Snowboard Package
- The House Snowboard Package II
- Ice Fishing Getaway
- Fischer Nordic Ski Package
- The House Ski Package
- Framed Bike
The contest started on December 15th, but there’s still plenty of time to get into the action since it lasts until February 12th.
You can find out more about the scavenger hunt contest here.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Enjoy your winter more in an RV from PleasureLand RV Center. If you’re going to participate in the scavenger hunt this year, be sure to stop in and visit with us in St. Cloud, Brainerd, or Ramsey, Minnesota. The only thing better than hitting up these 10 iconic winter destinations is doing it in the comfort of an RV from PleasureLand RV Center.
January 3rd, 2017 -
If the Sunshine State is on your agenda of places to explore, a new or used travel trailer or fifth wheel will ensure you have a fabulous time in the comfort of your own space. PleasureLand RV Center will get you decked out in the perfect recreational vehicle or have your current RV tuned and ready to take on the Florida landscape.
Panhandle
Panama Beach is one of the premier locations for miles of wide open sugar-white sand beaches. Laid back and casual atmosphere, Panana Beach provides plenty of opportunities for water activities, sunbathing and fine dining.
Central
Disney World is the number one vacation sport for families. Add Universal, Epcot, SeaWorld, Hollywood Studios and Island of Adventure and the family will be busy from morning until night. For adults, the Hard Rock and a bevy of nightclubs keeps the action hot and the cocktails cool.
East Coast
Start off with a visit to St. Augustine, the oldest city in the US, take a walk on the boardwalk at Daytona Beach, and visit the Kennedy Space Center in Melbourne. Head down the coast to the mega shopping area of Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale then move on to Miami for more fun in the sun with the beautiful people of South Beach. Shopping, dining, picnicking, attractions, horse racing, and a busy nightlife are awaiting in South Florida.
The Keys
Stop along the way in Islamorada, Key Largo, and Marathon, then make your way to Key West. Along the way, you can fish, swim, snorkel, hike, canoe, or take a cruise to the Dry Tortugas.
West Coast
Plan a day at Caladesi Island, Honeymoon Island, Clearwater, and Treasure Island for swimming, then head to Tampa for fun at Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, world renowned Lowry Park, Big Cat Rescue sanctuary, Seminole Casino, and historic Ybor City.
Visit PleaureLand RV Center
Come see us at PleasureLand RV Center before you head for Florida, or any other destination, this winter.
December 29th, 2016 -
New Year’s resolutions have a reputation of being difficult to keep. We start the year focused on our goal, and lose sight of it just a month later. This year, start 2017 with a resolution that you won’t let slip away. Resolve to fire up your RV and travel more in 2017.
It may sound like an easy resolution, but like many others, it’s also an easy one to lose sight of as you develop a busy schedule and begin to budget the year’s money. These simple RV resolutions are easy to keep and are guaranteed to get you on the road more often in 2017, no matter what your schedule or budget may look like.
Resolve to Use Your Weekends
RV adventures don’t always have to be thoroughly planned cross-country road trips. Weekend getaways will give you and your family the outdoor refreshment you need without the hefty fuel bills or expensive RV park or campground fees.
Resolve to Start Planning Now
Many RV vacations go missed due to poor planning and preparation. Plan this year’s big RV adventure now, so you can start saving and have all of the expenses covered before it comes time to hit the road. A properly planned RV vacation is more likely to happen and much less stressful than one that is done on a whim.
Resolve to Go Someplace New
Do you have an RV destination that you visit year after year? Stop heading to that familiar place — whether near or far — and venture to an entirely new destination this year. Visiting an unfamiliar place will reignite your love for exploration and may even open your eyes to a destination that’s even better than the last.
Start the New RV Year at PleasureLand
Start the new year off right by covering all of your RV sales, service and parts needs at PleasureLand RV Center in Minnesota. We’re offering some insane deals on new and pre-owned RVs this season as well as great specials on service and accessories to ensure your RV is always running like new.
December 22nd, 2016 -
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 Center.
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 Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center 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.
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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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By Dan Pearson
