September 14th, 2017 -
Minnesota is one of the country’s best travel destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. This is especially true in the fall months, when the temperatures remain cool and comfortable for invigorating mountain, woods and coastal adventures. The following are five hiking trails every traveler should try when passing through Minnesota.
Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain is the highest point in Minnesota, and although it sits at just 2,301 feet, the stunning views of the state’s expansive forests are well worth a visit. The round-trip hike is 7-miles long and can be steep at times, so be sure to attempt some of the state’s more mellow adventures before heading to the peak.
Glendalough State Park
This western Minnesota state park offers an array of hiking trails for all levels of hikers. The Battle Lake Trail is a must-do, and you’re guaranteed to love the lack of traffic, as vehicles are not allowed near the trails or campsites.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Many travelers don’t know that Minnesota is home to some of the best waterfalls in the U.S. Gooseberry Falls State Park, located just north of Duluth, is loaded with 20 miles of scenic hiking trails including those to waterfalls and the scenic shores of Lake Superior.
Itasca State Park
The trails at Itasca State Park offer photogenic views around every turn. Hike to the Alton Heights observation tower to snap photos and pay a visit to the Mississippi headwaters.
George Crosby Manitou State Park
Avid hikers love to frequent Manitou State Park and its 24 miles of backcountry trails. These rugged, challenging trails are designed for experienced hikers, and those who make the trek always return bragging about the views.
Travel Minnesota in Your RV
There’s no better way to visit Minnesota’s best hiking trails than in the comfort and convenience of a new RV from PleasureLand RV Center. Stop in and see us at one of our many Minnesota locations to start your dream RV lifestyle today.
August 31st, 2017 -
When you’re packing for an RV trip, whether it’s a short weekend trip or a long trip, you definitely don’t want to forget anything. And when you are bringing your pet with you, you definitely don’t want to forget anything, especially the dog’s food or leash. Be sure to make a list of everything you need for yourself, your family and your pet. And, keep in mind that your pet has additional travel needs.
Stopping More Often
If you are bringing your dog with you and you would like to be at a certain destination by a certain time, you’ll need to add some extra time to the trip. While you might be able to go eight hours without stopping, your pets may not be able to make it that long. Plan on stopping for about 15 minutes every 3 hours to give your pet a break. Never let your pet ride in a trailer.
Providing Water
If you are not providing your pet with water in the vehicle, you’ll need to give it a drink whenever you stop, in addition to the bathroom break.
Food
If the trip is more than eight hours and you plan on driving through, be sure to feed your pet. If you normally feed your pet more than once a day, plan stops that are close to its regular feeding time. If your pet normally eats just once per day, but is used to having snacks throughout the day, be sure to bring its treats in the vehicle with you.
Car Sickness
If your dog tends to get car sick, check with your vet for the dosage of Dramamine it can have. You’ll want to give your dog the medication at least a half hour before you start the trip. Ask your vet how long a dosage should last and when you should re-medicate while you are on the road.
Weather
If you are traveling from a warm climate to a cold climate and your dog normally wear sweaters when it’s cold, be sure to pack a sweater in the vehicle with you so that you don’t have to stop to look for it in the trailer or back of the RV.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center to walk through our floor plans if you are ready for a new RV; or to pick up any RV accessories you might need for your trip.
August 29th, 2017 -
Sandwiches are always a convenient meal – easy to put together, made with affordable ingredients, portable, filling, and endlessly customizable. Sandwiches are a perfect fit for any RVer and August just so happens to be National Sandwich Month. To honor everyone’s favorite go-to food, we’ve asked around PleasureLand RV Center to find out some favorites.
Elvis Sandwich
Prep – 10 mins. | Cook – 10 mins.
Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 slices white bread
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 3 slices cooked bacon
• 1 1/2 teaspoons butter
Directions
Spread the peanut butter on one side of one slice of bread. Top with sliced banana, then slices of cooked bacon. Cover with the other slice of bread. Spread butter on the outside of the sandwich.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Fry the sandwich on each side until golden brown and peanut butter is melted, about 4 minutes total.
Banh Mi
Prep – 10 mins. | Cook – 5 mins.
Ingredients
• 4 boneless pork loin chops, cut 1/4 inch thick
• 4 (7 inch) French bread baguettes, split lengthwise
• 4 teaspoons mayonnaise, or to taste
• 1 ounce chile sauce with garlic
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 small red onion, sliced into rings
• 1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven’s broiler. Place the pork chops on a broiling pan and set under the broiler. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning once, or until browned on each side.
Open the French rolls and spread mayonnaise on the insides. Place one of the cooked pork chops into each roll. Spread chile sauce directly on the meat. Sprinkle with a little lime juice and top with slices of onion, cucumber, cilantro, salt and pepper. Finish with another quick drizzle of lime juice.
Cucumber Sandwich
Prep – 20 mins.
Ingredients
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 (.7 ounce) package dry Italian salad dressing mix
• 2 loaves French bread, cut into 1 inch slices
• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 1 pinch dried dill weed
Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and Italian dressing mix. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight.
Spread the cream cheese blend onto slices of French bread. Top with a cucumber slice, and sprinkle with dill. You can make as many or few as you like. the cream cheese mixture keeps for about a week in the refrigerator so you can make them over and over again!
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Visit PleasureLand RV Center before you head out on your next RV adventure. Don’t get caught off guard by unforeseen mechanical problems. Let our technicians sign off on your rig and hit the road with the peace of mind that you’re set to handle whatever the journey throws your way.
August 24th, 2017 -
If you’re a beginning hiker that’s never used trekking poles, it may be because you’re not sure what to make of them. What advantages do they confer and are they right for your hikes? If you’re thinking about acquiring a pair and taking them out on your next hike, here’s how to make the most effective use of them.
They Help Support You
Just like a walking stick, trekking poles times the advantage by two. They’re especially useful on treacherous terrain, like loose gravel, wet rocks, or when fording shallow creeks. Not only do they help keep you upright, but they also promote good posture that in turn helps you shoulder your pack better. By putting some of your weight onto the trekking poles via your arms, you take some of the stress off of your legs and back. When you get tired later during an all day hike, you can also rely on them more and more to support you even when your knees are getting tired.
They Come in Handy in Ways You Wouldn’t Expect
Having some trekking poles on hand can be unexpectedly beneficial. They can serve as arm extensions if you need to poke something from a distance or attempt to bring something closer. Not that we recommend battling wildlife, but in a pinch they can be used to ward off an aggressive animal when escape isn’t possible.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
There’s no better way to travel to your favorite Minnesota hiking trails than in the comfort and convenience of your RV. Stop in and see us at one of our many Minnesota PleasureLand RV Center locations to start your new RV lifestyle today.
August 17th, 2017 -
The Minnesota State Fair is one of the state’s biggest annual events and certainly one of the most fun. Great for families of all sizes and people of all ages, don’t miss out on heading there in your RV later this month.
The State Fair will be open from August 24 to September 4 this year, so fire up your RV and hit the road!
The Food
As anyone who’s attended a State Fair, no matter the state, can attest, they’re all about the food (especially the fried variety) and Minnesota is no exception. Each year sees zanier and tastier fried food delicacies. 2017 brings some interesting new additions, such as the Bacon Fluffernutter, Bacon Up Pup, Bowl o’Dough, Breakfast Buddy Bowl, Brown Ale and Onion-Gouda Tipsy Pie, Cheesy Nacho Corn on the Cob, Cherry Bombs, Chocolate Popover with Peanut Butter Spread, Cranberry Wild Rice Meatballs, Deep Fried Avocado, Deviation Stout Steak Taco Naan, Double Dose of Pork Belly Sandwich, Duck Bacon Wontons, Fall Guy Breakfast Panini, Honey Puffs, Italian Bomba Sandwich, Memphis Totchos, Mini Sconuts, Mobster’s Caviar, Pie’n the Sky Malt & Sundae, Pizzarito, Slow-Roasted Pork Mole Tamale, Sonoran Sausage, Spicy Thai Noodles, Sweet Corn Blueberry Eclairs, Sweety’s Churros, Swine & Spuds, Swing Dancer Sandwich, Triple Truffle Trotters, and Wild Bill’s Breakfast Bake. And that’s not even all! Make sure to come hungry.
The Entertainment
There are plenty of musical acts happening everyday, most of them free of charge and open to the public. The big headliner this year, however, is Usher, who will be performing August 31 at 7:30pm. Tickets are needed to see Usher, so buy yours here as soon as possible.
There are also exhibits and demos throughout the fair grounds.
The Rides
Don’t forget to hit up some rides along the Midway (which also includes classic carnival games and prizes). The big attraction is the Great Big Wheel, the fair’s Ferris wheel.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center this summer to tour a new or used motorhome or travel trailer. Find one that’s perfect for you and your travel plans this summer. If you’re not on the market for an RV, you can still stop in at PleasureLand RV Center to schedule service, to learn more about RVing, or to shop for parts and accessories.
June 6th, 2017 -
Kick off your summer RVing with the Winstock 2017 Country Music Festival.
Taking place June 9th and 10th in Winsted, Minnesota, 2017’s lineup features star headliners and plenty of other country music performers. Keith Urban and Lynyrd Skynyrd will be there, along with Little Big Town and Brantley Gilbert. Other acts include Locash, Drake White & the Big Fire, Tucker Beathard, Lindsay Ell, Runaway June, Brooke Eden, and Ryan Hurd. Local acts include Chris Hawkey, Dylan Jakobsen, Shane Martin, and Copperhead Creek.
Festival goers can also enjoy food vendors, beverage stalls, and authentic merchandise for both the festival and the musicians and bands in attendance.
General admission tickets are still available at the gate, but reserved seating and VIP tickets are sold out. General admission costs $140 for both days. If you’re coming in a camper, you can stay on the grounds all weekend for $120. Additional vehicles cost $25.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center this summer to make sure that your rig is ready to roll. If it’s time to upgrade your ride or even if you’re ready to purchase your very first RV, PleasureLand RV Center would love to help. Stop by and tour a motorhome or travel trailer and to learn more about the various models and layouts.
May 11th, 2017 -
Conveniently located just two hours from the Twin Cities and a mere 10 miles south of Brainerd along Highway 371, Crow Wing Lake Campground is the perfect summer weekend destination for your RV from PleasureLand RV Center.
Crow Wing Lake Campground is situated on 30-acres of woodland filled with mature, old-growth trees. The woods are located along the shore of the 400-acre Crow Wing Lake.
There are 80 full hook-up sites for RVers as well as 20 electric/water sites. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. The campsites are all nicely shaded for hot summer days. The RV sites also include a 7×20 concrete patio.
The campground also offers amenities such as full service restrooms, laundry facilities, a fish cleaning house, boat launches, docks, slips, and an on-site general store. The general store is fully furnished with everything you need and some things you don’t! From groceries and bait to pizza, souvenirs, and camping equipment, the store has got you covered.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center this summer before you hit the road for Crow Wing Lake or any other destination. Whether you’re shopping for a new or used motorhome or you just want to schedule some much needed service on your current rig, PleasureLand RV Center can help.
May 2nd, 2017 -
This is a great Minnesota campground that offers most of the amenities you’d expect at a campground, plus the opportunity for horseback riding. The onsite riding stable and available rental horses allow every visitor the opportunity to take advantage of the riding trails.
El Rancho Manana also offers traditional camping in the natural setting of Long Lake, where your family can enjoy the large sandy beach, fishing, boating, modern bathhouse facilities, and unique weekends of free planned activities. The campground features 120 sites of traditional-style family camping for tents to RV’s with hookups.
For the boating and fishing, you can actually rent fishing boats, canoes, and kayaks, so you don’t have to haul your own there.
Hikers and bikers will enjoy their time at the campground since it has miles of trails to explore all along the lake and surrounding area.
The campground also provides onsite laundry facilities, a grocery and supply store, and a tavern. The campground is pet friendly.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before hitting the road to find some adventure, stop by PleasureLand RV Center to shop for a new or used motorhome, to tour some models, or to schedule maintenance service on your rig.
April 13th, 2017 -
Named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt, who founded our modern national park system, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the badlands of North Dakota.
Teddy Roosevelt had an intimate relationship with the land that would one day bear his name. He came to the Dakota Territory in 1883 when he was a skinny young man and left a little older and a lot tougher. His adventures in the rugged landscape of North Dakota forever altered his life and, ultimately, the course of the nation.
The park offers visitors scenic drives, over 100 miles of foot and horse trails, wildlife viewing, and opportunities for back country hiking and camping. There are three developed campgrounds for use: Juniper Campground, Cottonwood Campground, and the Roundup Group Horse Campground.
Wildlife viewing is especially popular, as the park is home to many native species, including bison, coyotes, cougars, feral horses, badgers, elk, bighorn sheep, white-tailed deer, mule deer, prairie dogs, golden eagles, sharp-tailed grouse, and wild turkeys.
The park also preserves the history and artifacts of Roosevelt’s time there, including the cabin he lived in and the lands his ranch occupied.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center today before you hit the road to any destination, such as Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Tour a motorhome or travel trailer and find the one that’s perfect for you or schedule some maintenance service with our PleasureLand RV Center technicians.
April 11th, 2017 -
Now that you’ve purchased your first RV, it’s time for the learning curve. Since this is the first time you’ll be heading out in an RV – unless you went RVing with your parents – you may want some tips to make your trip less stressful. The first time you forget something, it’s not so bad, but by the time you’re three days into a trip and find out you didn’t do something before you left – like fill the propane tanks – or you forgot something else – like the chemicals for the toilet – you’re going to blow your top.
About a week before you leave for your trip, make sure all systems are working properly. Check the plumbing, the hot water heater, the fridge, stove, heat and air conditioning unit. If you have a brand new RV you shouldn’t have any trouble with these things, but it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry. If you are uncomfortable checking things yourself or if you do find a problem, bring your RV to the service center at PleasureLand RV Center.
To check the stove and possibly the heat, you’ll need propane, so this time would be a good time to ensure that both bottles are filled. Remember to turn the tanks off when you are done testing as it’s not safe to drive around with open propane tanks.
Make a list of things to pack. When you list your clothing, be sure to bring season-appropriate clothing. Don’t forget boots and rain gear. If you are camping in the winter, be sure to pack extra clothing. If you are going to be outside in the snow, you’ll want something warm to change into.
When you make your food list, it is easier to plan meals rather than to just make a list. This way, you are sure to not forget something for a specific meal. If you plan on making something complicated, use the recipe to add to your food list.
Since freezer space is limited in most RVs, buy meat as you normally do, but remove it from the store packaging. Pack it in zippered freezer bags – you’ll fit more into the freezer. Pack a cooler with ice for meat, soda and other perishables you will use during the first couple of days – you’ll have more space in the fridge and freezer. If you pack the meat in the cooler while it’s frozen, it will stay cold for a couple days. It may even be frozen on the second day.
Stop by PleasureLand RV Center for any accessories or parts you may need for your trip or to get your RV checked before you leave.
|
|
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.
|
