August 22nd, 2016 -
Looking for a quick RV recipe? Here’s one for some amazing carnitas that you can make on the road, at the campfire, in your oven, or anywhere else for that matter.
Quick RV Carnitas
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Mexican Coca Cola in a glass bottle
- 1 pound of pork butt
- Ground anito
- Red chilli pepper
- Orange juice
- Tequila
- Corn tortillas
- Aluminum foil
Directions
This is actually a surprisingly simple meal. All you need to do is take the pork butt and dice it up, and then marinate it in a mixture of orange juice, tequila and Coke. The Coca Cola sounds crazy, but it’s a necessity here. It gives the meat a unique caramel sweetness unlike anything else you’ve had before. Add in the ground anito and red chilli and whatever spices you prefer (a little salt and pepper should be enough, though), and let it marinate overnight.
When it’s all done soaking in the juices, go ahead and wrap it up in the aluminum foil. You can either slow roast this in the oven at 350 for three hours, or you can roast it on an open fire, or right in the coals, if you’re camping out tonight.
When it’s finished, toast up your corn tortillas in a pan or on the fire and scoop the meat right on. The pork should be tender and flaky and rich with a mix of bitter, sweet and tangy flavors for a unique Mexican meal anywhere on the road. This is ideal for those Southwestern trips and any journey where you can’t find a great Mexican restaurant on the way.
The best part is that you can use the leftover tequila and orange juice to mix a few cocktails to go with the meal. Have fun experimenting and making this one your own.
Visit PleasureLand RV Center
Before you hit the road on your next RV adventure, come by PleasureLand RV Center for RV sales, service, and accessories.
August 17th, 2016 -
Traveling isn’t only fun; it’s also educational! If you currently homeschool your children or are considering homeschooling in the future, don’t forget that your home away from home can also provide an ideal learning atmosphere. Once you get your new RV from PleasureLand RV Center, you can put it to good use during the summer as well as the upcoming school year. Here are some tips for homeschooling efficiently in your new RV.
1. Clear a Space
Make sure that you have a distraction-free zone in your RV where you can conduct classes during the day. If you’re on the road, try working with one of your children at a time in the “classroom” to minimize distractions. If you’ve stopped at your destination, make sure that your RV is reserved for study for a certain portion of the day to make sure the children finish their work.
2. Take Field Trips
One of the advantages of learning on the road is that there are lots of field trip opportunities. If possible, try to line up your syllabus with your travel plans. For example, if you’re driving through the wetlands of Florida, you could focus on wetland ecology and species. That hands on experience is sure to remain with your children and reinforce what they are learning.
3. Set a Schedule
Just like at home, make sure that you stay disciplined while studying on the road. Set aside a certain time period each day for your children to have lessons and work on homework. And of course, don’t forget to allow time for play as well. If you plan to travel for the long-term, your children may not be able to be on sports teams and other hobbies that require you to be in one place. Try to think of other hobbies to keep them busy and engaged while you’re on the road.
Homeschooling in your new RV from PleasureLand RV Center is sure to be an adventure. With a little bit of planning and discipline, you can provide a well-rounded, structured, and hands on education for your children.
August 15th, 2016 -
If you’re ready to sell the house or drop the lease in lieu of traveling around the country full time in your RV, PleasureLand RV Center is a great place to start. Before you leave it all behind to hit the road, you must plan everything out, as this is a huge change, especially if you have a large home full of furniture and memories.
Tip #1
Take your RV to PleasureLand RV Center to make sure everything is working properly, especially the brakes and the wheel bearings. Make sure the tires are good enough to take a long trip. Make sure all the things inside the RV are working properly — the hot water heater, the air conditioning, the heater, the stove, refrigerator, shower, toilet and the sinks. In the event that you stay at a place without hookups, the water pump should also be working properly, the battery should be charged and the generator should be working properly.
Tip #2
Put everything you are taking with you into the RV. This would include clothing, dishes, pots and pans, kitchen accessories, towels, bathroom accessories, etc. Go through the rest of your stuff and determine what you are keeping and what you are selling. Put everything you are keeping into storage. Be sure the storage place is temperature controlled. Make sure the storage place knows how to contact you. Hold a garage sale to sell the rest of the stuff. Whatever doesn’t sell, give it to charity if you decide not to keep it after all.
Tip #3
Determine whether you want to work on the road or are going to treat this as a forever vacation. Many people start out taking a forever vacation, but then they get bored and find work to do from the RV to supplement their retirement income. If you already have something going, be sure you have the satellite hookups for the Internet or a WiFi connection via your smart phone, or another type of Internet hookup, if your business in online. If it’s not, you will need a small printer to pass out flyers in the areas you stay so people know how to find you to use your services.
Remember, RVing full time is a completely different lifestyle. The best thing is that if you decide you don’t like it, you can simply find a place to stay and rent an apartment or home — or buy another home. Or if you are tired of traveling, you can stay in a long-term RV park.
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.
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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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