Meal Planning for Your Next Vacation!

PleasureLand is the place to begin your travel planning with a look at what’s available to make your vacation getaway comfortable and convenient. With one of the best RV dealers in Minnesota on your side, you’ll drive away with the perfect ride for all of your adventures.

Benefits of RV traveling are having everything you need along for the ride including your favorite goodies for meals. With quick and simple recipes, creating tasty meals is a piece of cake.

Breakfast

Prepare a variety of fruit such as cantaloupe, honeydew and pineapple and place in containers. Also include blueberries, strawberries and raspberries. Bring bananas, a bag of sliced almonds, raisins, granola cereal and a large container of vanilla yogurt.

  • Place the fruit containers and additional garnishes on the table
  • Fill dishes with vanilla yogurt
  • Add fresh fruit
  • Garnish with almonds, raisins and granola
  • Note: all of these items are great for snacking throughout the day

Lunch

Tacos equal an easy meal. Ingredients needed include a package of hamburger pre-cooked and frozen for the trip, taco seasoning, taco shells, assorted vegetables, shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream.

  • Thaw the hamburger. Add taco seasoning and mix thoroughly
  • Let simmer for 10 minutes on low heat then place meat in a serving bowl
  • While meat is simmering, shred lettuce, cube or dice 1 or 2 tomatoes, 1 small onion, 1 green pepper and several banana peppersand place in individual dishes
  • Arrange taco shells along with prepared veggies, sliced black olives, mild to hot salsa, cheese and sour cream on a table so everyone can dress up their tacos
  • Note: Use leftover vegetables in a tossed salad

Save time by preparing and freezing items prior to starting your vacation such as chili, spaghetti sauce, gravy and grilled chicken and steak strips for salads. Also include versatile canned items like chili for hot dogs, beans for dip and whole mushrooms for shish kabobs.

Dinner

You’ll never go wrong with a traditional hot dog roast over a campfire. Keep it simple.

  • Thaw the hot dogs
  • Cook hot dogs over an open fire or use the grill. Whichever is more convenient
  • For garnishes, melt cheese, open a can of chili or use a package of your pre-made chili in the freezer and grill leftover onions from the taco lunch
  • Include traditional mustard, ketchup and relish

For dessert, help the kids create smores.

  • Place a piece of chocolate on a graham cracker or oatmeal cookie
  • Place one large marshmallow on a stick
  • Hold the stick over the campfire to brown the marshmallow.
  • Place hot marshmallow on top of the chocolate and top with another cracker or cookie

With travel plans in place, stop by PleasureLand for a last minute check up or accessories.

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A Look at the 2014 Keystone Avalanche Fifth Wheel

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The “RVer” lifestyle really doesn’t apply strictly to RV owners. There are plenty of RVers who drive a truck with a trailer attached, and a fifth wheel trailer can be just as great as any other option on the market, especially when it’s the 2014 Keystone Avalanche.

This new model will make you rethink the notion of how much luxury should cost. Though technically a regular old consumer grade model at just under $70,000, new, once you take a walk around inside the new Avalanche, you’ll wonder why it doesn’t cost twice that.

The authentic leather furniture package alone sets the interior apart from many RVs and trailers, but it’s really just the start. The cherry cabinet doors certainly make an impression, as well, and the free standing counter top wouldn’t be out of place in a million dollar New York penthouse apartment.

Of course how a trailer looks on the inside doesn’t matter so much if it doesn’t also feature everything that you could possibly need from a home on wheels. Beyond the stunning array of furniture and design, you also get a dual air conditioner package, a forty inch LED TV, which is nicer than many of us have in our houses, and a fireplace, if you can believe that.

At 37 feet, the trailer is roomy enough for any individual or couple, even with a dog or a cat, and with the hideaway bed in the sofa, big enough for a guest or two, as well.

The 2014 Avalanche really defies a lot of preconceived notions about the RV and trailer market. It’s surprising to find such a luxurious trailer at a mid-range price, and it’s a fifth wheel that can stand up to any motorhome on the market. Even the LED lighting system offers a touch of class to the trailer.

If you’re set on driving an RV, and not a trailer, then the Avalanche might change your mind. Roomy with a lush interior, the Avalanche offers a luxury lifestyle on the road. And be sure to come by PleasureLand RV Center for all your RV needs.

2013 Winnebago Vista

It is being called the “can’t miss coach value coach of 2013”. It is the Winnebago Vista available at PleasureLand RV Center. Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the Winnebago Vista and what makes this Class A motorhome such a value.

2013 Winnebago Vista

The Vista made the cover of MotorHome Magazine this past March. It has the three main features that are sure to get the attention of anyone looking for the best RV motorhomes that Minneapolis, Minnesota has to offer…quality, comfort, and a great price.

The Vista starts with a choice of floor plans that are family-friendly. The new 26HE leans toward the sporty side with Solo blackout shades. The 27N features a new triple slide-out. The spacious 35B and 35F have master baths and guest half baths, and the 35B includes bunk beds. The new 31KE has a u-shaped dinette, mid-coach TV and walk-around queen sized bed.

What really makes the 2013 Winnebago Vista such a great value is the amount and type of amenities that are offered as standard. These include:

  • Electric patio awnings
  • MCD roller shades
  • Large LCD TV
  • Reclining Ultraleather cab seats that swivel
  • Hydraulic automatic leveling jacks
  • Cummins Onan generator
  • Rearview monitors
  • Studio Loft drop-down beds (in most models)

The Vista includes lots of little touches you will really appreciate on the road. These include single paddle latches that offer one handed operation for cargo areas and a handy wash station with hot and cold water, in the service center, to help rinse off sandy shoes or even pets.

On the inside the Vista has a crowned, fiberglass roof guaranteed for 10 years. Thermo-panel sidewalls help provide insulation and sound-proofing. E-coating helps protect steel pipes and laser-cut tubing provides precision joins. The Vista’s superstructure is constructed like no other, and it is built to last.

It also comes with an extremely attractive price.

If you are looking for an RV dealership to trust and that can give you a personalized tour of the Vista, contact PleasureLand RV Center. With locations in Brainerd, St. Cloud, Ramsey, and Willmar, Minnesota we offer a wide selection of RVs. We are family owned and enjoy sharing our love of the RV lifestyle with our customers. For new RVs, used RVs and even RV rentals, come to Pleasureland RV Center.

A Chocolate Themed Motorhome Trip

With the popularity of road trip food shows such as Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, it makes perfect sense to plan your next Minnesota motorhome road trip around your tastebuds.

Minnesota has some very special chocolate “destinations” on the map. Trek across the state in your RV and discover Mademoiselle Miel, which creates one-of-a-kind artisan chocolates available throughout the Twin Cities. Or, visit Chocolates Plus in Bemidji, which specializes in new and old favorites. Take a spin on the Internet and find tons of delicious options. It’s time to indulge those chocolate cravings!

Don’t forget those roadside attractions. It’s a safe bet that you can find homemade fudge and other wonderful local creations at even the simplest local market or gift shop. Don’t forget that those sweet, local fruits on the roadside always pair well with chocolate.

Once you’re happily ensconced at your campsite, think s’mores. They’re everyone’s favorite and for good reason. Let each family member choose a special extra ingredient, like caramel or peanut butter, to add your own family spin. You can even liven up the occasion with a family storytelling contest or sing-a-long for who gets the honor of the last s’more. You’ll either be in stitches, or sitting in awe of your various talents!

In case you decide to add a chocolate destination to your next cross-country RV adventure trip, don’t miss Ethel M in Henderson, Nevada, Ghirardelli in San Francisco, California or Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Chocolate can give a new twist to seeing America. Have a sweet trip!

 

Get Out Your Minnesota RV! It Is Time For Spring!

Little by little, inch by inch, and bloom by bloom, spring will soon be bustin’ out all over! If you’re stuck inside on a rainy or snowy day, it’s the perfect time to plan an Minnesota RV road trip for the whole family. The wildflowers will be blooming in no time!

Minnesota is home to hundreds of native wildflowers, and our state parks and roadsides offer beautiful backdrops to explore and photograph these natural wonders. Here’s a tip: for the best of the best, start with Wild River, Carley or Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park, and check out upcoming wildflower events in the parks. Each state park offers the perfect setting for maximum RV enjoyment with scenic campsites, hiking trails and more.

Minnesota Wildflowers is also a great place to learn more about where to find your favorites and learn about wildflower preservation. Or, join the Minnesota Wildflowers Facebook page to share your pics and wildflower hunting stories.

For all you amateur shutterbugs longing to get up close and personal with some lowland yellow loosestrife and have the beautiful shots to prove it, try these photo tips from the pros:

  • You’ll get your best photos on a cloudy day.
  • Experiment with using your flash and decide which photos you like best.
  • Don’t be afraid to move in close on your subject.
  • Photograph early or late in the day to avoid harsh shadows.

And most importantly, when you’ve set off in your camper or motorhome, but spot a vista where you just have to pull over and capture a photo, don’t forget these rules:

  • Watch your step.
  • Watch for traffic. It’s easy to get distracted and forget to watch for oncoming traffic when you’re crossing the road or opening your vehicle door.
  • Check the area for insects and snakes before you plop your child or grandchild into the flowers for photos.
  • Don’t trespass on private property.
  • Don’t trample the flowers.

Hooray for spring! Let’s keep our parks and open spaces blooming for years to come!

Spring RV Rental

Spring is close on hand and it’s time to make reservations for spring camping. If you don’t have an RV but have always wanted to take an RV trip, Pleasureland RV Center has RV rentals Minneapolis Minnesota.

Renting Instead of Buying

Renting makes more sense if you don’t have the time to use an RV more than once or twice a year. Many people who are working get a week of vacation; and then they have to try to schedule their vacation around the time kids are out of school. That is not always possible since everyone can’t take the same week off from work. If you do manage to get that treasured vacation so you can do something with the entire family, an RV dealership Minneapolis can help make your dream vacation come true.

RV Rental Types

You can choose from four types of RVs for your RV rental vacation. All have the comforts of home except for popup campers.

  • Class A: Class A RVs have all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen, bath with a shower or a shower #Portals/10/classicons/classagas.png and tub, entertainment center and central heat and air. Class A RVs are built on a specially constructed chassis.

 

  • Class C: Class C RVs are also well-equipped with all the comforts of home. Unlike a Class A, which generally #Portals/10/classicons/classc.png has flat front, the Class C has a cab over. The cab over could be a bunk, entertainment center or storage. Class C RVs are built on a van chassis.

 

  • Travel Trailers: Travel trailers have many different floor plans and sizes. They are lighter so vehicles with a low #Portals/10/classicons/traveltrailer.png tow rating can pull them. You also have a choice of a park trailer model, which is larger than a typical travel trailer. All models have at least one bathroom, a bedroom, extra bunks or sofas that convert to bunks, a full galley and many have entertainment centers.

 

  • Popup Trailers or Tent Trailers: Tent trailers fold down into a small, low towable trailer. When you open a tent #Portals/10/classicons/tent_trailer.png trailer it is tall enough to walk in and two bunks – usually queen size – pop up in the front and rear. Most have a cubby where you can store a portable toilet, but do not have a full bathroom. They also have a small “portable” kitchen. If you prefer tent camping but want to be off the ground, a tent trailer is a perfect option.

 

Visit our RV dealership St.Cloud , to walk through several of our rentals to help determine which one is best for your family trip – or fishing trip.

2013 Keystone Springdale

Keystone RV’s have been around since 1996 and the company is well known for its quality and innovation. You get more bang for your buck with Keystone because they use brand name appliances and top quality materials, but still offer vehicles at a reasonable price. When the fastest growing RV company in the United States rolls out the new model for this year, you’d better believe that serious RV’ers take notice. Well, it’s time to come to Pleasureland RV Center and start noticing, because the 2013 Keystone Springdale is here!

2013 Keystone Springdale

There are dozens of floor plans to choose from with the Keystone Springdale, so no one could blame you for spending little extra time shopping around at the best RV dealership Minnesota has to offer. These RV’s include a variety of options, such as queen size beds, full size beds, sofa beds, dinettes and showers, among other things. There is a good selection of other nice features too, such as an E-Z open entry step, a tub surround, air conditioning, tinted safety glass and a choice of cordovan, morel or redwood interior.

2013 Keystone Springdale Interior

For safety and a smooth ride, the Springdale has manual stabilizer jacks, a spread axle, radial tires and a powder-coated I beam frame. To keep you entertained, you can get an LCD television and a deluxe entertainment system. If you want your RV “blinged out”, you can get an electric awning, exterior shower and grill and aluminum rims. And for the long haul, these vehicles can carry up to 50 gallons of fresh water and hold 30 gallons of waste water or more.

If you’re ready to start your RV adventure, you might go and look over the variety of new and used motorhomes we have available for sale. This versatile, luxurious and comfortable RV provides you everything you need for the ultimate road trip all at an affordable price. Kind of makes you want to hit the road, doesn’t’ it?

Taking Your Pleasureland RV To The Flea Market

Chances are, any time you’re on the road with your new or used Minnesota RV , there’s a flea market nearby. What’s your favorite treasure? From collectible Scooby-Doo lunch buckets to velvet Elvis paintings, America’s flea markets have it all.

Kathy Johnson, who owns Pieces of the Past in Johnson City, Texas, is a flea market pro. She travels to flea markets all across the south in search of the perfect architectural antiques for her clients. “I tell people that the best way to plan your flea market road trip is to get that RV up and running,” says Kathy. “It’ll give you more room to carry your treasures! It’ll also give you a place to go when you’re tired, confused, hungry, or annoyed at the “sold” sign on that special something you wanted.”

Where will you begin your flea market adventure? The Travel Channel put together a list of what it considers the world’s best. The most intriguing one for those of us traveling in our Minnesota motorhomes is likely the 127 Corridor, which runs from Gadsden, Alabama all the way to Jamestown, Tennessee. For three weeks every August, more than 2,000 vendors line the road and welcome the adventurous shoppers.

The Hamel Lions Flea Market, here in Minnesota, is just west of Minneapolis and tops the CBS list of best flea markets. Check out the other listings for even more flea markets here in Minnesota, or visit American Fleas to start planning your ultimate flea market road trip. While almost any flea market can help you add to your favorite collections, some also offer some great foods and local music while you shop. Let us know if you find a good one!

 

What’s your favorite flea market? What your best flea market find?

Take a Trip In Your Minnesota RV To Experience Fall

The first hint of fall is in the air. Halloween displays are already crowding the grocery stores, pumpkins aren’t far behind, and before we know it, the trees will be turning a vibrant orange and gold. This seems like a great time to grab your camera, hook up your St. Cloud motorhome , and plan a road trip that’s all about the scenery.

Superior Trails recommends several scenic tours along Lake Superior, including the Circle Tour, which leads you along Minnesota’s North Shore, through Ontario, Michigan, and Wisconsin. They’ll have full reports on the changing colors starting in mid- to late-September.

And if you want to capture the changing seasons with your camera, here are a few tips.

1. Think about the light. The half hour after sunrise or before sunset can create the most amazing, warm light for photographs. The soft, diffuse light of an overcast day can eliminate harsh shadows capture an entirely different mood.
2. Use a polarizing filter. This will help eliminate glare – not only from the sun, but the light bouncing off the leaves.
3. Shoot close-ups for detail, in addition to framing for the wide landscape.
4. Look for graphic patterns, or take advantage of water droplets, fog, or frost on the to add even more interest to your photos.
5. Change your perspective. What does the landscape look like from the squirrel’s point of view? Or the hawk’s? Experiment with perspective and you’ll create something unique.

We suggest you take out the atlas (or hop online) now and plan your next memorable Minnesota RV foray into fall color!