August 10th, 2016 -
Traveling with children is no easy task. Road trips should be fun for everyone involved, but this can sometimes be a tall order for children, especially if they’re not given a diversion. Like most other things, your best line of defense is preparation.
Snack boxes
Keep those little fingers busy with little objects and pique their curiosities with multiple items. Head to the craft store and pick up a bead organizer from the jewelry section. Personalize it with their name, and even a few decorations using a paint marker or stickers. Now, fill the compartments with small snack items like goldfish crackers, cheerios, oyster crackers, grapes – anything that will fit. The best part is there’s a lid to keep the food inside when not in use.
Art projects
Individual art projects help children focus on one task, as opposed to a giant coloring book where they can quickly lose interest. Making up individual art project packs can help divide up the trip and help them focus on one task. Fill gallon-sized plastic zipper bags with printable coloring and education sheets, pipe cleaners, homemade play dough, or any other individual small project you can think of. Don’t forget to put together one or two bags with additional supplies like markers and crayons.
Look Out of the Window Games
Let’s face it, there comes a time in every road trip when you’ve exhausted your resources and the kids are heading toward bananas. It’s time to get creative. Have them look out of the window and spot animals in the clouds, make up a story about where the car next to you is travelling, or make up a song about where you are coming from and where you are going. The more silly, the better for everyone, as nothing helps a road trip go easier than a good laugh.
Enjoy Your Next Road Trip with PleasureLand RV
Stop by PleasureLand RV before hitting the road. PleasureLand RV can help you start your trip off right with expert RV service and a huge inventory of new and used motorhomes.
August 9th, 2016 -
For many travelers, August means another RV season is coming to a close. For others, the fun is just beginning. If you own a comfortable, durable and spacious RV — like the 2017 Grand Design Reflection 26RL — you can live the RV lifestyle year-round.
Why Choose the Reflection 26RL?
The Grand Design Reflection has long been praised as a fifth wheel that offers everything you need to stay on the road as long as you please. The 26RL offers all of the comforts and conveniences you expect in a compact 29-foot frame to make traveling to your favorite warm-weather (or cold if you please) destinations easier.
Industry-Leading Features
Every Reflection 26RL is equipped with amenities you’d expect to see in the highest-end Class A motorhomes. Travelers enjoy LED lighting with motion sensors, hand-rubbed maple cabinet doors, drilled and screwed cabinetry, a free-standing dinette, premium Beauflor flooring (with 7-year warranty), residential window treatments, solid surface LG countertops, a MaxxAir vent with rain sensor, under-mount kitchen sink and a long list of additional features that you’d expect to see in a top-end brick-and-mortar home instead of an RV.
The Reflection 26RL Floorplan
The Reflection 26RL is designed for traveling couples and small families. The front of the RV is equipped with a queen bed, en-suite master bathroom, spacious closet and plenty of overhead storage space. Down two steps, you’ll find the living area and kitchen with island. Theater seating and a free-standing dinette allow plenty of room for relaxation or planning your next grand adventure.
The Reflection 26RL also features a 35,000 BTU furnace, 5,000 BTU electric fireplace, 18-foot awning, 60-pound LP capacity and a 60-gallon fresh water tank to ensure you’re comfortable everywhere you travel in all seasons.
Live Your Endless Summer Today
Stop in and see us at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota to shop for your dream RV and start living the year-round travel lifestyle today.
August 1st, 2016 -
Summer is still in full swing here in St. Cloud, and that means must-visit events are happening throughout the city and its nearby areas. The following are just a few of the many August events that should draw you to “The Cloud” before the fall blues starts to set in.
Music in the Park
Celebrate another great summer season with Bob and the Beachcombers at the Music in the Park summer concert series in Big Lake. The free concert will be held on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Lakeside Park. Embrace the beach season with the Midwest’s only official rock and roll beach party band — Bob and the Beachcombers.
St. Cloud Sizzling Summer Art Crawl
You don’t have to be an artist to love the St. Cloud Sizzling Summer Art Crawl. This must-visit event will take place on Aug. 12, and will feature more than 50 local artists and performers at more than 30 historic downtown St. Cloud venues. Listen to your favorite musicians, watch artists perform demonstrations and be wowed by fire breathers and other extreme performers. There’s simply no better way to soak up the culture and unique personality of St. Cloud than at the St. Cloud Sizzling Summer Art Crawl.
Harvest Street Fair
Shop until you drop and listen to live music by Paul Imholte at the Harvest Street Fair on Aug. 26. The folk singer will perform a free concert while attendees shop dozens of local craft and food vendors. Following Paul’s performance, a fun-filled street dance will take place featuring the Cruise Control band. This family-friendly event will take place on Main Street in downtown Holdingford and is the perfect way to end another summer month.
Don’t Let Summer End
Summer doesn’t have to end when the kids head back to school. Enjoy summer year-round in the comfort and convenience of a new RV from the PleasureLand RV Centers located throughout Minnesota.
July 28th, 2016 -
St. Augustine, Florida, is a popular RV destination among snowbirds and summer beach-goers. However, you may be wondering if it’s the right destination for you. This review of the historic Florida city, and its picture-perfect beaches, will help you determine if you should fire up your RV and cruise down to the Sunshine State.
Outdoor Recreation
Many RV enthusiasts choose their destinations based on the number of outdoor activities that can be enjoyed there. St. Augustine offers something for everyone, ranging from acclaimed golf courses to state parks, marinas and beaches. Whether you’re into horseback riding, fishing, hiking, boating, biking or kayaking, you can enjoy it all in this seaside Florida city.
History
St. Augustine offers a different culture than many other Florida towns. Instead of relying entirely on its beaches for tourism, the city is home to an array of tourist attractions, including history museums, Spanish colonial architecture, ancient homes and more. The city claims to be the oldest in the United States, and the pristine Castillo de San Marcos 17th-century fortress allows visitors to travel back in time while overlooking the picture-perfect St. Augustine Inlet.
The Beaches
Despite its incredible history and number of available activities, St. Augustine is most famous for its white sand beaches and turquoise ocean waters. Instead of offering one beach for visitors to cram, St. Augustine allows beachcombers to enjoy more space at several nearby beach strands. Vilano Beach, South Ponte Vedra Beach, Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine Beach and Butler Beach are just a few of the many that can be explored by visitors.
St. Augustine Camping
St. Augustine is home to a number of RV parks that make camping close to the action easy; however, these parks can get extremely crowded in the busy summer and winter months.
St. Augustine receives a 4 out of 5 score for its history, beaches, crowds and all of the other features that make this area of Florida so special.
Start preparing for your summer and winter getaways today right here at the PleasureLand RV Centers throughout Minnesota.
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 19th, 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 Stacy’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 late summer and fall RV seasons, there’s no better place to shop than right here at PleasureLand RV Center. Give us a call, log online or stop in and see us to start your new RV lifestyle today.
July 14th, 2016 -
Summer RV adventures are some of the best of the year. They involve warm summer days and cooling off in rivers, lakes and oceans across the country. It’s also one of the best times of year to get in the water and catch some fish. These four fly fishing spots are some of the best in the country, so you can catch more fish on your summer adventures this year.
San Juan River, New Mexico
There’s no better way to cool down on a hot New Mexico day than in the waters of the San Juan River. It’s one of the country’s most impressive big-trout rivers, known for sending fishermen home with trout as long as their arms. Catch brown, rainbow, and rainbow-cutthroats one after the other. The fishing gets a bit busier in the summer months, but don’t worry, there are plenty of trout in the San Juan to go around.
Alagnak River, Alaska
A trip to Alaska this summer may seem like a journey, but it’s the best time to visit a state that is frigidly cold in the winter months. Guided fly fishing tours are some of the best ways to go on the Alagnak, because the experts will guide you to the best spots to snag massive arctic grayling, rainbow trout and Pacific salmon. Other perks of fishing in Alaska are the moose, beaver, eagle and Alaskan brown bear sightings that are common along the river.
Bighorn River, Montana
Montana is known for some of the country’s most impressive fly fishing areas, and the Bighorn River is guaranteed to send you home with some massive trout. The waters are highly productive, which means large amounts of insects hatch year-round. Don’t be surprised if you reel in more trout than you can eat.
Colorado River Headwaters, Colorado
If you’re not into fishing with crowds, you’ll love a guided experience on the ponds, alpine lakes and rivers of the Colorado River headwaters. Ten miles of private water provide some of the best catch-and-release fly fishing for brook, cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout in the U.S.
Start Your Adventure at PleasureLand RV Center
Start all of your summer RV adventures right here at PleasureLand RV Center. Whether you’re in need of a new RV, service, or simply some camping supplies, PleasureLand RV Center has got you covered.
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.
July 7th, 2016 -
RVing and hiking go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you RV and frequent national parks and campgrounds, chances are you’re familiar with a good hike. But if you’ve yet to embark on a good walk in the nature that surrounds your site if if you generally stick to shorter trails, there’s some indispensable gear that you need to take on longer, more rigorous excursions.
Plenty of Water
Water is absolutely essential. This should go without saying, but staying hydrated is more important than anything else. Dehydration can occur rapidly if you’re exerting yourself and can be debilitating enough to prevent you from continuing back to the safety of your camp or RV. Bring plenty of water bottles or a full canteen. Check before you set out if there are any sources of clean water along your trail in case you need to top your supply off.
Energy Rich Snacks
To keep your energy up and to remain on your feet it’s important to have some good energy rich snacks for your hike. These take up relatively little space in your pack and aren’t heavy, so why not have them? These could include protein bars, fruits, nuts, or anything that provides a good blend of filling protein and quick energy from carbohydrates and sugars.
Hiking Footwear
Good footwear is necessary if you’re taking a long hike. This includes either boots or shoes designed for hiking, plus some well-cushioned socks. This will reduce your chance for blisters, improve your stability and traction, and generally increase the distance you can walk by ameliorating fatigue.
Weather Appropriate Clothing
If you’re hiking in the heat of summer, make sure to wear a good hat and breathable clothing. If it’s winter, keep yourself warm with a sturdy coat, pants, and long sleeves. Use your best judgement, but always dress for the worst case scenario: what would you need to wear if you got lost and had to stay out in the elements over night?
Charged Cell Phone
We didn’t have cell phones back in the day, but now that we do, there’s no excuse not to have one on you. Even if reception isn’t great out where you’re at, it’s still better to have a cell phone with spotty reception than to have an emergency with no cell phone at all. A cell phone can also help you keep track of time so you know when you need to turn back.
Hiking Buddy
Never go out alone. The longer and wilder the trail, the more this is important. A buddy on the trail is invaluable. In case something goes awry, you have backup to assist you, whether in lending aid themselves or finding aid.
Along the same vein, always inform a third party of your whereabouts and hiking route prior to embarking. This can be someone who stays back at camp or even a relative or friend back home. In case you and your party get lost and you can’t make contact with the outside world with your cell phone, having someone who is knowledgeable of your intended location and plans is invaluable.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Visit PleasureLand RV Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for all of your RV needs. Come out and see our lot to find the perfect RV for your next trip or view our inventory online.
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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