Family Friendly St. Patrick’s Days Festivals in Minnesota

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St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t always have to be about green beer and bar crawls. Try something new this year, and you’ll discover that St. Patrick’s Day can be a family-friendly holiday too. Check out some of these unique events happening throughout our state, and we can guarantee that your kids will have just as much fun on St. Patty’s Day as you.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Downtown St. Paul

Experience the true spirit of St. Patrick’s day in downtown St. Paul at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Your whole family will love the live music, various Irish clans, honorary Irish royalty, and a slew of other entertaining Irish acts. And when the parade is over, don’t forget to stop by the Landmark Center to learn more about Irish culture and enjoy even more music, dance, crafts, and cuisine.

St. Patrick’s Day Human Race

Get outside and embrace spring with the 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day race in St. Paul. The event will take place on Sunday, March 18 at 11:40 a.m. and will feature 5K, 8K and youth run events. You don’t have to take this run too seriously either, so get your whole family involved because runners and walkers of all ages are welcome to join the fun.

Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The St. Patrick’s Day Association of Minneapolis is throwing some amazing events to get you and your kids in the St. Patrick’s day spirit. The Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Monday, March 17, and you won’t want to miss the Barney Blast at the Normandy Inn and Suites immediately after the parade. Fun events like silent auctions, an Irish fair and shamrock painting will make for a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day you’ll never forget.

Cruise By PleasureLand RV Center

Here at PleasureLand RV Center — your Minnesota RV dealer — we know that your family is the most important part of your life, and you need an RV center that will always keep that in mind. Here at PleasureLand, our goal is to get you in an affordable and top-quality new or used RV that your family will enjoy for many years to come.

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Warm Up With These RV Spring Destinations

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It’s been one of the worst winters on record in many parts of the country, and that means it’s time to fire up your RV and head south where the temperatures are heating up for spring. From luxury RV resorts to tropical beach destinations, your warm spring vacation is just a short drive from the Minnesota cold.

City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico

Park your RV amidst towering volcanic rock and spend the gorgeous spring days exploring this outdoor wonderland. With RV campsites including electric and sewage hookups for just $18 a day, you’ll have plenty of extra cash to explore nearby Silver City and Deming. Even better, it heats up so much in the City of Rocks State Park in summertime, spring is the most ideal time to go.

Jamaica Beach RV Resort, Texas

When you’re looking for a true spring vacation at the beach, there’s no better place to feel the sand between your toes than Galveston Island. One of the newer RV parks on the island — Jamaica Beach RV Park — offers all of the amenities you desire (including an adult pool with a swim-up bar) just steps from the beach. Book your spring vacation at Jamaica Beach RV Park for the discounted winter rates today and start packing your RV for some much needed fun in the sun.

Bay Hide Away RV Park and Campground, Mississippi

Whether you want to explore New Orleans or the Gulf Coast beaches, Bay Hide Away RV Park is the best destination for your vacation on the bayou. Enjoy the camaraderie of the campground’s clubhouse, outdoor fireplace and complimentary get-togethers or find serenity at the nearby Gulf Coast beaches. Enjoy other amenities like a 9-hole disc golf course, pool, free WiFi and the nicest bathhouses on the Gulf Coast.

Stop and See Us Before You Go

Don’t forget to cruise by your local PleasureLand RV Center before you hit the road. We’re your No. 1 place for all of your recreational vehicle needs in Minnesota from new and used RV sales to parts, service, rentals and more. Come see us in Ramsey, St. Cloud, Willmar or Brainerd — we’re open six days a week.

Photo by Galveston.com (Flickr Creative Commons)

Coachmen Ice House Trailers at PleasureLand RV Center

photos by PleasureLand

When you’re an avid year-round fisherman, it’s easy to find flaws in most trailers on the market. Fancy decors get ruined by dirty shoes and fishing equipment, and there’s usually no safe and smell-free place to store fish. For these reasons, Coachmen created a specific travel trailer with ice (and every day) fishermen in mind — the Ice House.

What is the Ice House?

The Coachmen Ice House is a camping trailer made just for you — with easy-to-clean floors and furniture, four in-ground ice holes and the comforts you need to cook and clean up after a long day of fishing. Even better, you can actually lower the trailer down to the ice and fish from a bench inside your RV, so say goodbye to frostbite and hello to a more comfortable fishing experience.

The Ice House Layout

Here at Pleasureland RV Center, we have a variety of Coachmen Clipper Ice Houses in stock for a variety of campers. Travelers who desire a more bare-bones setup will love the standard 15 ICE model, which features a full kitchen with a two-burner range, sink, refrigerator and plenty of counter space as well as a fishing bench, dinette and bunk area. With room to sleep four people, you’ll all appreciate the comforts of your Ice House trailer.

If you’re looking for a little more upgraded version of the 15 ICE for year-round fishing, indulge in the “Seasonal Package” and enjoy air conditioning, a 1.9 cubic-foot refrigerator and a full wet bath for cleaning up after long days of fishing.

Ice House Features

With tons of storage space, a fold-down bunk, comfortable dinette, pre-wiring for solar power, an interior stereo system, a diamond-plated exterior and so many other features tailored specifically for fishermen, you’ll be amazed at the comforts and conveniences that the Coachmen Ice House offers.

PleasureLand RV Center

Here at PleasureLand RV Center — your home for new and used RVs in Minnesota — we’ve got the Coachmen Ice House to suit your fishing needs. And right now, we’re taking over $5,000 off the MSRP of all of our 2014 Coachmen Clipper 15 ICE travel trailers, so stop in and drive one off our lot today.

Try These Midwest Destinations for Your Next RV Roadtrip

Minneapolis Skyline

Add Minneapolis, Minnesota, to your itenerary.

Deciding where to go in the Midwest can be difficult as there are several top cities to choose from with each having its own distinctive allure. From Cleveland and St. Louis to Minneapolis/St.Paul, your itinerary will be full of exciting and interesting places to go and things to see and do.

If you’d like to take an adventure to the Midwest but need mobile accommodations, visit us at PleasureLand. We’ll help you choose a new or used recreational vehicle or let you try the RV lifestyle with one of our RV rentals.

Chicago

There’s nothing second best about the largest populated city in the Midwestern states. Rivaling New York as a mecca of entertainment, Chicago offers a long list of things to do. An array of festivals take place year-round including the Chicago Jazz Festival, Air and Water Show, Taste of Chicago, and much more. Relax in the sun at one of the beaches with views of Lake Michigan, check the scenery from atop the Hancock Building, or spend the day at the Navy Pier. Restaurants, nightclubs, botanical gardens, and museums are just a few excursions awaiting you in the Windy City.

Kansas City

A sizzling blues and jazz scene at the infamous section of 18th and Vine and some of the best barbecue in the world are two reasons to head to Missouri’s largest city. Kids and adults will enjoy the Kansas City Zoological Park, Science City at Union Station, Oceans of Fun park and museums galore. For a refreshing respite, stop in at the Boulevard Brewing Company for one of their tasty tours.

Detroit

Known as Motor City and for its history with Motown, Detroit is a hot spot for entertainment. If you’re feeling lucky, enjoy gambling at the MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand and Greektown Casino. Take in a show at the exquisite Fox Theatre, the Fillmore, or Harpos Concert Theatre, visit the Gilmore Car Museum, and stop by the monument to legendary boxer, Joe Louis. Detroit has numerous museums, sporting venues, and the 982-acre Belle Isle Park and aquarium. The city is a hop and a skip away from Windsor, Canada, located just across the Detroit River.

Contact one of our representatives at PleasureLand RV and let us help get you on your way to your next great adventure.

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RV Recipe for the Road: Chicken with Herb Dumplings

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Chicken and Dumplings – Photo by Johnida Dockens

Convinced it’s impossible to have a hearty, homemade meal on the road because your RV kitchen is too small? This chicken with herb dumplings recipe is the perfect savory meal after a long day of adventure.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 2 1/2 pounds bone-in chicken parts
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup (no water added)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable shortening
  • 1 cup all-purpose baking mix
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Dumplings

  • 2 cups all-purpose baking mix
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • 2/3 cups milk

Cooking Instructions

  1. Over medium-high heat, warm the shortening in a large skillet.
  2. Separately, in a medium bowl, mix the 1 cup baking mix, paprika, salt and pepper, and toss the chicken in the mixture until it is fully coated.
  3. Fry the coated chicken in the skillet until it is browned, then remove the chicken and set it aside on a paper towel.
  4. Wipe the skillet clean and place it back on the stove.
  5. Stir the cans of soup and 3 cups milk together in the skillet, then place the chicken back in the pan and heat the entire mixture until it’s boiling.
  6. Reduce the stove’s heat to low and cover the mixture while it simmers for 45 minutes. Turn the chicken occasionaly.
  7. In a separate medium bowl, mix 2 cups baking mix, parsley, poultry seasoning and 2/3 cup milk together until it makes a soft dough.
  8. After the chicken has fully cooked for 45 minutes, drop the soft dough mixture into the skillet in small spoonfuls to form dumplings.
  9. Finally, cook the entire mixture together on low for 10 minutes uncovered, then another 10 minutes covered. When the dumplings have expanded, it’s time to eat!

Pleasureland RV Center

Convinced your RV kitchen is too small to cook the meals you love? Stop by PleasureLand RV Center — your local Minnesota RV dealership — to see our incredible inventory of new and used RVs. We’re also your one-stop destination for all of your RV service, parts and accessories needs, so don’t forget about us for all of your favorite camping supplies.

Photo Source: Flickr Creative Commons | Recipe Source: allrecipes .com

Show your Olympic Spirit in your RV

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Photo by Bunches and Bits (Flickr Creative Commons)

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics are well under way, and there’s no better time to decorate your RV or have an Olympic party at the campsite than now. Your family will have tons of fun creating these decorations, foods and activities to celebrate the Winter Games, and with all of the supplies available at your local grocery or craft store, you can get started today.

Decorate your RV

Have a favorite country you’re rooting for in the Olympics? Decorate your RV with streamers and balloons to celebrate your patriotism. And don’t forget about the Olympic rings. Pool noodles (held together with duct tape) work great to create huge rings for the exterior of your RV, but items as small as pipe cleaners can be fun for your kids to assemble as well.

Make Olympic Snacks

Create small Olympic torches for your guests to enjoy by filling ice cream cones with buttered popcorn. Let the popcorn stack as high as it can without falling, and everyone will have their very own Olympic torch.

For a sweeter take on the games, bake sugar cookies into ring shapes (similar to a donut) and frost them with the colors of the Olympic rings — blue, black, red, yellow and green. You can even dye the dough with food coloring instead of using frosting.

Indoor or Outdoor Competitions

Nothing gets your guests in the Olympic spirit more than a little competition. Hold a few sets of games, whether they involve an indoor snowball fight using rolled up socks, a set of trivia questions for adults, or obstacle courses and relay races outside. And don’t forget to hand out gold medals to the winners, which can easily be made with a little bit of cardboard and ribbon.

Pleasureland RV Center

Here at PleasureLand RV Center — your Minnesota RV dealer — we are loving the 2014 Winter Olympic games, and we hope you’re enjoying them in your RV too. We hope you’ll turn to us this camping season for all of your Minnesota and Canada RV parts, accessories, sales and service needs. We’ve got four locations in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Willmar and Brainerd, so stop in and see us six days a week.

(Photo Source)

What’s Happening in Minnesota This Month?

Old Alaska Highway

Photo by Bruce McKay (Flickr Creative Commons)

Whether you’re passing through on an RV road trip or are a native of our beautiful state, there is so much to do this month in Minnesota, you’ll want to push the winter blues aside and go out exploring. What are you waiting for? Grab your valentine and head to these awesome events held throughout Minnesota this February.

The Big River Show

Come see some of the incredible local talent that St. Cloud has to offer in this series of comedy, music and other performances. February 14 kicks off the series with a Valentine’s Day comedy show that will be the perfect alternative to a typical restaurant date.

Nisswa Winter Jubilee

Head down to the Nisswa Winter Jubilee for fun and games on Feb. 16 including snow sculptures, a wood splitting contest, an ice fishing derby, a tug-of-war competition and parade. The Nisswa Winter Jubilee is the family-friendly event you needed to get everyone out and enjoying the winter weather.

Snoga – Outdoor Yoga

There’s no better way to get a little exercise while supporting a good cause (all proceeds go to the American Heart Association) than at this outdoor yoga event held at Nicollet Mall. The event is held on Feb. 23 at 2 p.m., and coffee and hot chocolate will be available to warm everyone up after the class.

Ely Winter Festival

Stop by the Ely Winter Festival held for 10 days on Feb. 6-16. Admire the amazing snow sculptures, cruise the Ely ArtWalk, engage in the craft fair or take a dog sled ride — there’s so much for the whole family to enjoy at this yearly celebration of winter.

OVALumination

Thought Christmas lights were gone until next year? That’s not the case at the Guidant John Rose MN OVAL. Cruise down to Roseville and view over 70,000 lights on 75 trees before the show closes for the season on Feb. 23.

Visit PleasureLand RV

Get your RV in top shape for the upcoming camping season or shop for a new or used RV at your Minnesota RV dealer — PleasureLand RV Center. With RV dealerships in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Willmar and Brainerd, we’re your one stop Minnesota RV dealership and service center.

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Healthy Recipes to Help Keep the New Year’s Resolutions

Eggs In Basket

Photo by Cheryl (Flickr Creative Commons)

If you enjoy RV traveling and one of your New Year’s resolutions is to eat healthy, combine the two with easily prepared recipes without all the additives. Eating healthy while camping is easier than you might think with the help of one main ingredient; the protein-packed egg.

To make cooking fun and efficient, visit PleasureLand RV for a look at our cooking accessories. Not only will your indoor or outdoor kitchen be well equipped, you’ll earn reward points for your purchases.

Sun-Dried Tomato with Feta and Spinach Omelet

  • Combine 2 large eggs with a dash of black pepper and kosher salt. Set aside.
  • Melt 1/2 tsp unsalted butter over medium heat in a nonstick skillet.
  • Pour egg batter into pan covering the bottom. Let cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until set.
  • Top with 1/2 cup chopped spinach, 2 tbsp chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 tbsp crumbled Feta cheese.
  • Fold the egg over the mixture.
  • Use a spatula to detach the omelet from the pan.
  • Slide the omelet to a plate and serve with a side of turkey bacon.

Curried Egg Salad Sandwich

  • Bring 8 large eggs to a boil in a covered pot. Remove from heat and let sit for about 12 minutes.
  • Rinse the eggs using cold water then remove the shells.
  • Chop the eggs and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise and 1 tsp curry powder.
  • Fold the eggs into the mayo mixture along with 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives and a dash of black pepper and kosher salt.
  • Top four slices of pumpernickel bread with lettuce and the chicken salad.
  • Serve with your favorite chips.

Spaghetti with Eggs, Herbs and Chilies

  • Cook enough spaghetti to serve 4. Approximately 3/4 of a box. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
  • Warm 3 tbsp olive oil with 2 sliced cloves of garlic and 1 thinly sliced red chili pepper in a saucepan. Cook 2-3 minutes.
  • Add mixture to the pasta along with 1/2 cup of fresh herbs. Mix thoroughly.
  • In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook 4 eggs to your desired preference.
  • Serve pasta topped with an egg and garnished with Parmesan.

Make every trip a culinary adventure with healthy recipes and the means to prepare them from the cooking accessories available at PleasureLand RV.

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2014 Thor A.C.E.

A.C.E. : Class A Motorhomes

The Thor A.C.E. motorhome gives you the best of what both Class C and Class A motorhomes have to offer and combines them into one. The 2014 A.C.E. lineup comes in 4 different floor plans ranging from 28 to 31 feet and combines the driving ease of a Class C with convenient features and a spacious design.

Interior

As you step into an A.C.E., you’ll see a closet conveniently placed by the door to store items and hang your coats up. The cabinetry comes in either Olympic cherry or Vintage maple and is complemented by one of three decor options. The residential linoleum flooring adds to the look and is also easy to clean. Along with the slideout, an 84″ high vinyl ceiling gives the interior an open feel.

2014 Thor A.C.E. Interior

The furniture (including the captains chairs) in the A.C.E. is scratch-resistant leatherette, and the sofa converts into a comfortable bed. Additional bedding is provided with the drop-down bed over the cab. You’ll also have a queen or king bed with designer headboard in the bedroom, and bunk beds are added in the largest model. In the bathroom, the curved shower curtain gives you more space.

The galley has a gas cooktop, double-door refrigerator, microwave, and deep-bowl sink with goose-neck faucet that is functional and also accents the laminate countertops. And depending on the floor plan, a 26″ or 32″ HDTV in the living area comes standard. In addition to unique features like a large mirror above the driver’s seat, the A.C.E. has unique pet-friendly features as well.

Exterior

Built to drive like a large SUV, the A.C.E. has a Ford Chassis with Triton V-10 engine. Bilstein shocks provide a smooth ride, and 4-wheel power disc brakes provide safety in less-than-ideal road conditions. Welded tubular steel floors and aluminum walls give the A.C.E. strength and durability. A full color gel-coat exterior finish with graphics makes this a fine-looking motorhome. Convenient features on the outside include a power awning and shower.

Options

Add a 19″ TV in the bedroom and a 32″ exterior TV. You can upgrade to a 15K BTU A/C also.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center, your local RV dealership Minnesota, to find out more about the 2014 A.C.E.

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National Hobby Month

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!