Check Out Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Your RV

If you’re on the road this December in Minnesota (or you will be soon), chances are you’re going to be spending the holidays in your RV. On your way to your ultimate holiday destination, be sure to stop in at Duluth to catch the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. It’s going on right now and is up and running through December 26.

The annual event transforms the Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth into a magical illuminated winter wonderland that includes colorful displays, holiday music, and warm food and beverages.

It’s known as the country’s largest free walk-through lighting display and possesses more than 4 million individual lights. With such a brilliant display, you know that it’s not something you’re going to be able to see anywhere.

The main attraction is definitely the 12-story Christmas tree, which is over twice as tall as the one in Rockefeller Center in New York. It’s covered in over 100,000 LED lights that are synced to holiday music. Other displays borrow from your favorite holiday and family icons, such as Sesame Street, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more. Children will also have the opportunity to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus every night.

Concessions like popcorn and hot cocoa are available for your enjoyment while you view the displays.

While the event is free of charge, guests are encouraged to offer donations or help a charity present at the festival in lieu of admission fees.

While you’re in Duluth, you can also check out the Great Lakes Aquarium, Lake Superior Zoo, the Spirit Mountain Ski and Recreation Area, or the numerous local eateries and shops.

Visit PleasureLand RV Center

Looking for the ideal RV or ice house for the winter of 2017/18?PleasureLand RV Centers, located throughout Minnesota, are loaded with all of the latest and greatest ice houses and four-season RVs. Stop in and see us in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd or Long Prairie to view ourselection of new and used RVs today.

RV Rentals at PleasureLand

If you’ve always wanted an RV but other obligations preclude you from getting financing; or if you are not sure that the RV lifestyle is for you – even for a weekend – consider renting an RV. You can rent an RV to see if you like it – or you can rent an RV for a vacation if your financial situation won’t let you buy right now.

PleasureLand RV Center has four locations and many floor plans. You can find us in St. Cloud, Ramsey, Brainerd and Willmar. And, for the summer of 2014, you’ll get unlimited mileage on any motorhome rental.

If you’ve never been RVing, you’ll learn that it’s all about the flexibility, freedom and fun. We offer affordable rates on current year models – and no hidden fees. Plus, you can take a longer vacation for less money when you rent an RV—and if you don’t like the place you are staying; it’s easy to move to another place.

Visit and stay at national parks, music festivals, NASCAR races, sporting events and more. An RV with a walk-on roof is perfect to take to the races. You don’t have to sit in the crowded stands to see everything – just get on top of the RV: Tall people in front of you won’t be able to block your view.

Renting an RV also has other benefits. You can explore places that you’ve never been before – places that don’t have a hotel nearby or the hotel is just too expensive for the entire family. And, with an RV, you don’t have to eat out for every meal. You’ll save a ton of money by cooking your own meals at “home.”

If you want to travel a long distance but prefer not to fly and don’t want to go through the hassle of renting a car or finding somewhere to eat out every day, rent an RV from PleasureLand RV Center and drive. You’ll be able to stop and see sights along the way and can take your time getting to your destination.

Choose from Class A, Class C, travel trailer and folding camper rentals. We have floor plans that sleep from four to 10 people. We also have “extras” such as a kitchen kit, a personal kit, pick up and drop off and a cleaning service.

Image by Frank Swift via Flickr Creative Commons

The 2014 Palomino Backpack HS-8801

photo by pleasureland

Extreme RV adventurers want to take their vehicles on all types of terrain, and sometimes large motorhomes and travel trailers just won’t do the job. That’s why Palomino RV created the 2014 Backpack — a hard-shell RV that sits on the back of your truck, so you can set up camp just about anywhere.

The Backpack HS-8801 Layout

When you enter through the rear of your brand new 2014 Backpack HS-8801, you’ll see the spacious bathroom and shower area on your left and a large utility cabinet to your right. As you continue toward the front of the camper, you’ll pass the U-shaped, booth-style dinette across from a huge kitchen with a double sink, three-burner range, air-conditioner and pantry area.

The queen bed at the top of the camper makes for a perfect sleeping area with a TV stand, two chests, two night stands and an escape vent for roof access or star gazing. The Backpack HS-8801 is the perfect truck camper for travelers who want to rest comfortably, but still enjoy all of the freedoms of traveling in a truck.

Five-Star Features

Choosing to purchase a truck camper doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all of the luxuries of full-size RVs. The Backpack HS-8801 comes standard with LED interior lighting, residential-style Beauflor flooring, mortise and tenon maple hardwood cabinetry and a fully-laminated, walk-on roof.

If you’re looking for a few extra frills to make your next camping experience the most enjoyable one yet, you can opt for a microwave in the kitchen, rear and side awnings, air conditioning or the ultra-stylish pearl hi-gloss exterior fiberglass. However you choose to outfit your 2014 Palomino Backpack HS-8801, you’ll fall in love with all of its interior and exterior features the moment you take it on the road.

The Palomino Backpack HS-8801 at Pleasureland RV Center

Come view the 2014 Palomino Backpack HS-8801 and a variety of other Palomino truck campers right here at PleasureLand RV Center — your local Minnesota RV dealer. And if you’re not sure exactly which type of RV will suit your specific travel needs, our certified staff will help you find the motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, truck camper or pop-up of your dreams.

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.

Source

Tailgate Recipes for the Game of The Week

Recreational Vehicle Minneapolis Minnesota

Football season is in full swing. Whether you root for the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the Minnesota Vikings, or have another team of choice, it is time to tailgate and cheer that team on.

As the RV dealership Minneapolis relies on for sales parts and accessories, we see a lot of purple and gold this time of year. We also get a lot of requests for tailgate recipes. Here are a couple of unique but easy recipe ideas for your next tailgate party.

Grilled Potato Salad

Everybody like potato salad, but here is a new spin on an old favorite. You will need eight slices of bacon, four medium red potatoes (cubed), one large onion (white cut into one inch slices), potato salad dry rub and dressing.

Heat grill to a medium-high heat, cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels and reserve the drippings. Crumble bacon up. Add the potatoes and onion along with the dry rub to the drippings in the skillet. Coat and then remove the potato mixture. Next, in a grill wok or grill basket, grill the potato mixture with the grill lid closed for about 30 minutes but stir every five minutes.

When done, put the salad in a big bowl and add the potato salad dressing,toss, add bacon, serve warm and watch the crowd dig in!

Jalapeno Mustard Dipping Sauce

Add a little heat to your next tailgate party with this dipping sauce recipe. You will need ž cups of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of jalapeno pepper jelly, and ź cup of Creole mustard. Just mix all of the ingredients together until well blended. The dipping sauce can be served with chicken bites, jalapeno poppers or any of your favorite dipping food.

Enjoy the games this fall and into the winter. If you are already thinking about RV season next year, or are a year-round RVer who may be getting ready to head south, stop in and see us for the new line-up of 2014’s in stock or for parts and accessories. We are PleasureLand RV and we are the family owned RV dealership Minnesota can count on for great prices and quality products. Enjoy the season and the tailgating ahead!

Easy Dessert Recipes for RVing

When planning excursions, whether across the state or across the country, eating is a big part of each day and whether you’re traveling in a Class A motorhome, cozy travel trailer, or a convenient pop-up, preparing meals that are quick, easy, and nutritious are at the top of the list.

With recreational vehicles available from PleasureLand RV, you’ll have the opportunity to show off your culinary talents with exceptional camp cooking.

When you’re looking for ideas to keep the masses happy, some creative and tasty desserts will definitely put a smile on everyone’s face. Consider one of these quick and easy desserts to delight friends and family while traversing the roads of Minnesota.

Fruit Cobbler

PleasureLand RV Berry Cobbler

Photographer: Manda Wong

This is an easy recipe that will melt in your mouth.

Melt 1 stick of butter. Mix thoroughly 1 cup each sugar, milk and self-rising flour. Add mixture to butter. Add 2 cups of canned fruit, drained. Sprinkle with a mixture of 1/8 cup each sugar and cinnamon. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

Grilled Waffle Treats

This easy waffle treat is a good substitute for s’mores. You’ll need frozen waffles,miniature marshmallows, semisweet chocolate chips, and heavy-duty tin foil.

Grease a 12-inch square of double thick foil. Place one waffle atop the foil and sprinkle with chocolate chips and marshmallows. Place another waffle on top. Fold the foil securely around the waffle sealing edges tightly. Grill over medium heat, covered, for approximately 8-10 minutes. Open carefully allowing steam to escape.

Hot Banana Boats

This recipe packs a sweet punch. Ingredients include bananas, semisweet chocolate chips, miniature marshmallows, foil, and trail mix.

Place an unpeeled banana on a 12-inch square of tin foil. Tweak the foil to create a base for the banana to sit in. Cut 1/2-inches deep along the middle leaving 1/2-inch uncut at both ends. Pull the peel and banana apart forming a pocket. Fill with trail mix, marshmallows and chocolate chips. Grill for approximately 4-5 minutes, covered, until marshmallows are melted and toasted.

PleasureLand is your personal RV dealership where knowledgeable and friendly staff will point you in the right direction when it comes to travel options to suit your needs and fit your budget. Whether buying or renting, PleasureLand RV has it all.

Photo Source

Sand Creek Adventures

RV Service Minneapolis Minnesota Photo from SandCreekAdventures.com

We are pleased to finally be into full throttle mode at PleasureLand RV Center. We are the RV dealership Minnesota looks to for everything RV related. Today, we are going to tell you about a pulse pounding adventure that can bond your family or group. Today we are going to take a closer look at Sand Creek Adventures.

Sand Creek Adventures bills themselves as “The Twin Cities ultimate low ropes, high ropes and zip tour challenge course” and that is one long way to say fun! What is nice about Sand Creek Adventures is you can choose your own level of intensity. You should be in moderately healthy condition, be at least 8 years of age, and must weigh less than 275 pounds to participate in the activities at Sand Creek Adventures.

So what should you expect on your trip to Sand Creek? First, you should dress like you would if you were going to go for a walk in the woods. Comfortable clothes and closed toe shoes are best. You may also wish to pack some insect repellant, sunscreen and some snacks and bottled water. Alcohol is prohibited at Sand Creek Adventures, and you can understand why.

Once there, you will be fitted with a waist harness and helmet. A certified instructor will give you a short safety talk and answer your questions. Then it will be time for your day of adrenaline rushing fun.

The Low Ropes Connection is great for learning how to work as a team as you complete maneuvers that require each member to work in unison.

The High Ropes Challenge Course will test your determination and confidence. It starts with a cargo net entrance and ends with a zipline exit and in-between it is filled with a variety of maneuvers that will challenge you.

The Sand Creek Zipline Adventure is a real crowd pleaser. The zip travels over 1700 feet in total length, traversing Sand Creek bluffs, and reaching 100 feet above the water. It offers an exhilarating, breathtaking adventure that you and your family won’t soon forget.

If you believe part of the fun of having a recreational vehicle is seeing and doing new things, consider a trip to Sand Creek Adventures. You should be aware that all of their adventures are by appointment only, so call ahead. Their number is (952) 492-5333.

PleasureLand RV Center is a family owned RV dealership that Minneapolis has come to depend on for everything involving the RV lifestyle. You’ll find our selection and service superior, and you’ll find our people a pleasure to deal with. We look forward to seeing you!

Spending Easter In Your RV

One of the fun parts of the RV lifestyle is being able to spend your holidays on the road, but still enjoying the comforts of home. You can always just pick up a corned beef sandwich and some beer for a smaller holiday, like St. Patrick’s day, but conducting an Easter Egg Hunt or roasting a whole ham in your RV can be tricky. Here are some ideas to make Easter work even when you’re on the road:

1. Bunnyspotting

A fun way to spend the afternoon, if you have rabbits, hares or bunnies in the area where you’re camping or driving, is to count how many of the long-eared fellows you can spot. You can whip out the digital camera and snap some shots or just have a contest to see who can count the most.

2. Plastic Egg Hunt

The problem with having an egg hunt in your RV is that if you forget one, you wind up with an egg rotting somewhere in your home and having no idea where it is because you hid it really well on purpose. Or you might get an egg rolling around the floor and getting stepped on and mashed into the carpet. A plastic egg hunt is a good alternative. You can get plastic eggs and hide candy and toys in them in your RV and around your campsite.

3. Spring Beer

For the adults, what’s the best part about Spring? Obviously the seasonal beer (well, if you are a beer drinker, that is). There are a lot of great beers and wines that you can only get in the Spring, as well as beers and wines that you can only get locally. Have an afternoon sampling the local pale ales and lagers with a Spring theme while catching a few fish or just taking in the nice Spring air with a brown sugar ham sandwich.

Easter is largely thought of as a children’s holiday, but there’s fun to be had no matter your age. Take the time to enjoy yourself this Easter.

Consider The Spacious 2013 Keystone Laredo Fifth Wheel

A huge and luxurious Class A motorhome may be enticing, but a single traveler or couple camping without children may find a fifth wheel a more reasonable choice. Save money while enjoying all of the best features by picking a model like the Keystone Laredo Fifth Wheel . This trailer saves space, allowing you to fit into smaller camp sites and parking spaces, without leaving you feeling cramped. At 30 feet long with two slide out sections, this fifth wheel has enough space for everyone to relax after a full day of hiking or boating.

Fifth Wheel Minnesota

Proper Layout

When you want the maximum amenities in a small package, you need to look for a fifth wheel with an optimal layout. The Laredo has a large and open design for the main room. Space saving features like swiveling captain’s chairs and flip up counter extensions. The sofa sleeper next to the dinette folds to three different configurations for comfortable sitting and sleeping. A stovetop, double sink, and even a pantry are worked into the kitchen area.

Easy Cleaning

The corner shower makes it easy to rinse off after your favorite outdoor activities. If you accidentally track in some leaves or dirt, use the built in central vacuum system to quickly restore the cleanliness of your floors. Even the roof vent is designed for blowing away odors from cooking.

Details That Remind You Of Home

Many of the decorative accents in the interior are designed to make the space feel cozy and just like home. The queen sized bed gives everyone plenty of room to stretch out, while the ducted air conditioner keeps the entire trailer evenly cool on long summer trips. The spacious 8 cubic feet refrigerator holds enough food for two to three days, cutting down on grocery trips and restaurant meals if you enjoy cooking. Sit around the freestanding, table style dinette and extend the leaf if you’re hosting guests from the next campsite over.

Exterior Beauty

Everyone at the campground will envy your sleek fifth wheel when you pull in. Large bus style luggage doors allow you to store plenty of luggage without cluttering up your living space. A special Equa-Flex suspension system provides a smooth ride as you head down the road, while the tinted windows and automatic awnings keep you cool by blocking the heat of the sun.

If you’re interested in the 2013 Keystone Laredo Fifth Wheel , arrange for a visit to your local RV dealership in Minnesota . It’s best to walk around the spacious living room and sit on the comfortable bed to really appreciate the features that make this recreational vehicle a good choice for couples and small families.

RV Recipe: Beer Butt Chicken

Since spring is coming up, it is the perfect time to start planning the first RV trip of the season. You can either rent an RV, buy a new RV from a RV dealership Minneapolis , or if you have an RV, bring it in for spring RV service . Once your RV is set and ready to go, you’ll need to pack for the long weekend. Be sure to bring the ingredients needed to make Beer Butt Chicken.

 

  • Whole chicken
  • 1 can of your favorite beer
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Badia Redfish Seasoning
  • Poultry seasoning

Wash the chicken. If the giblets came with the chicken, remove them. You can use them to make gravy, or you can feed them to your four-legged friend – your dog will love you for that.

Drink about a third of the beer. Add about a teaspoon of each of the spices to the rest of the beer in the can.

Hold the chicken upright – legs down. Push it onto the beer can. Balance the chicken on the grill. The beer can and legs make a tripod so it will stand up. Coat the chicken with all of the spices. If you like “mild,” go easy on the redfish seasoning. If you like your food a bit spicier, go heavy on the redfish seasoning.

If you are using charcoal, be sure to put enough in the grill to last about four hours. If you are cooking on an open grill, you may need more than four hours. If you are using gas, adjust the grill to 350 degrees. If your grill doesn’t have a thermometer, turn on two of the burners. Put the chicken on the opposite side. If you are using a wood fire, build a big fire and let it die down to almost coals. Prop the chicken on the grill, but make sure you have room to add wood under the grill. If you can find it, use green hickory – it will burn slowly and smoke quite a bit, giving your chicken a hickory smoked flavor. The chicken is done when you poke it and clear juices run out or at a minimum of 185 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also test it by pulling on one of the wings – if it comes off with little to no resistance, the chicken is most likely done.

Serve the beer butt chicken with your favorite potato salad, macaroni salad, roasted spicy potatoes or baked potatoes. Send us pictures of your first RV trip, and if you make beer butt chicken, be sure to send us pictures of the chicken before you demolish it!