Healthy Meal Choices

Screen Shot 2013-07-25 at 3.34.32 PM When it comes to finding the perfect new or used recreational vehicle, travelers anticipating a getaway weekend or extended vacation have access to one of four convenient RV dealership Minneapolis locations at PleasureLand RV Center. Whether it’s a Class A, B, or C ride, travel trailer, pop-up camper or fifth wheel, travelers can count on PleasureLand to have just what they need.

While traveling across the highways and byways, one thing that’s required every day is eating and when you’re on the road, sometimes eating fast food and unhealthy snacks becomes the norm versus eating healthy, nutritious meals. For your next RVing adventure, consider adding these suggestions to your daily menu. Your body will thank you by providing more energy to enjoy all the things you want to do while on vacation.

Snacks

Snack time doesn’t have to be about potato chips or candy bars.There are several items easily prepared ahead of time that provide healthy alternatives.

No sugar raspberry muffins will fill the bill as a snack or for breakfast. The natural sweeteners include shredded coconut, unsweetened applesauce, vanilla, almond milk and maple syrup.

Banana oatmeal bread is another healthy item as the recipe calls for pureed sweet potato combined with bananas, shredded coconut, coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon and cacao chips. The lack of granulated sugar and the use of healthy sweet potatoes and natural sugar alternatives make this bread a winner.

Meal Ideas

Make tuna, ham or chicken salad with low fat mayonnaise to serve atop a bed of lettuce and tomatoes or to fill green, yellow or red peppers for lunch or dinner.

A delicious and nutritious dish is Waldorf Salad made with fresh apples, raisons, celery, walnuts, grapes and low fat mayonnaise or plain yogurt. Add sliced cooked chicken breast to make a hearty meal.

Serve cottage cheese or vanilla yogurt with assorted fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, bananas, pineapple and apples and top with assorted nuts or granola cereal. Perfect for breakfast or late night snack.

Gluten free spinach lasagna is full of flavor. The healthy part of this recipe is the use of ground turkey or Italian turkey sausage versus ground beef combined with low fat cottage cheese. Baby spinach serves as the lining between layers versus lasagna noodles.

Beverages

Keep the sugar content to a minimum and stay hydrated by replacing sweet soda with fresh fruit drinks, unsweetened tea and plenty of water. Add fresh lemon or lime juice or flavored crystals to water for a flavorful and quenching drink.

Get all your ducks in a row for your next trip by scheduling a service or repair appointment at PleasureLand RV then load up the family, bring along some good food and head out on the highway for exploration and adventure.

2014 Winnebago Vista

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It’s time to upgrade that old motorhome for something a little more stylish, modern and comfortable. The PleasureLand RV Center has hundreds to choose from both new and used. Today, however, we will enlighten you with one of our newest models; the 2014 Winnebago Vista.

This is more than just a motorhome. This recreational vehicle is top of the line and state-of-the-art in every way and continues to gain popularity being a full-featured Class A coach. There are 6 floor plans to choose from which range in options from U-shaped dinettes, walk-around queen beds and TVs in the middle of the coach. They all offer quality standard features such as roller shades, rearview monitors and electric patio awnings. Most models even include the StudioLoft drop-down bed.

One of the models we have on site at our location in Ramsey, MN, the 35B, features an upgraded interior package which boasts beautiful light wood cabinetry, tons of extra cabinets for storage and spacious counter space. It also includes an exterior entertainment center with TV and DVD player for parties around the campfire or while cooking. There are also several areas you can mount extra TVs inside the motorhome.

If that’s not enough reason to check out this new Winnebago from your RV dealership Minnesota, then here are a few more additions to the list. The bunk beds have their own DVD players with LCD monitors. The windows are double paned, the sleeper sofa is ultraleather and there is an in-dash work station. The dinette table area features their exclusive BenchMark series. Benchmark features an innerspring construction that is found in fine furniture instead of a foam slab. The seats even lift up for easy storage access as opposed to having storage doors or drawers underneath the seats.

The PowerLine energy management system is great for trips where you have too many things going at once. Now, everyone can use what they need without worry of overloading the system. You can run your microwave, air conditioner and more at the same time. PowerLine shuts off any “postponable” appliance and restarts them automatically when the power load is normal.

One of the most interesting features you can have added into your new Class A RV is the StudioLoft. This extra bed space is designed to turn the cab of your coach into a second bedroom. It has a large bed and a curtain that wraps around for privacy. With this addition, you can sleep up to 8 people in this amazing motorhome. The outside of the motorhome is also covered with Valspar Resistovar Conversion Varnish which is formulated to enhance UV protection and has superior scratch, chemical and moisture resistance.

If you’re ready for a change, you won’t find a better place to buy this exceptional Winnebago. Visit us at PleasureLand RV!

Check Out The Newest Fifth Wheel: The 2014 Grand Design Solitude

ImageHandler.ashx Fifth-wheels are those great vehicles that can be towed by your regular vehicle to any destination to enjoy a camping adventure. If you are looking for the latest models at your PleasureLand RV Center, then check out the latest 2014 Grand Design Solitude models. These fifth wheels have just arrived at the lot as we are offering some great prices to go with such a grand recreational vehicle.

The 2014 Grand Design Solitude offers luxury and style in a recreational vehicle. Measuring over 36′ long, you have 3 available slide-outs giving you extra living space with a large kitchenette, fog-glass pantry, formal dining room area with freestanding table along with chairs, and leather couches with cup holders in the living room theater seating area. You’ll enjoy having a great night’s sleep in the raised master bedroom with a large queen size bed, wardrobe and bedroom television.

Cook like you are back at home with the 12″ side-by-side refrigerator, 3-burner range and microwave. While your family enjoys all the entertainment in the living space, you can fix a great meal before going outside to enjoy your camping adventure or other activities found at the RV resort. You can do plenty of meal planning with the storage space the RV has to offer with large dark wood cabinets that make a stylish appearance against the rest of the sand-colored interior.

Enjoy a fifth-wheel with all the modern touches in the bathroom. The vessel sinks allow you to wash up in style as you can get in a good soak or wash the sweat off your body before going out to enjoy other activities with the step up to side bath with shower. Store items in the available hutch with overhead storage so everything will be in easy reach right in the bathroom.

Don’t forget to take advantage of the other amenities of a bedroom air conditioner, electric fireplace, 6-point hydraulic leveling system for that uneven terrain, and RVIA seal. So come down to your local PleasureLand RV center, where we can show you all the great fifth wheels Minneapolis, Minnesota. See what models we have available in the 2014 Grand Design Solitude as you can pick the perfect one for your towing vehicle. You have to see it for yourself and walk through this RV to truly understand how such wonderful features can be packed into a recreational vehicle that still offers a ton of space.

Once you see it, you won’t want to walk away without hitching it up to your vehicle. Your entire family can have a fun time riding across the country taking part in 2013 Grand Design Solitude fifth wheel.

Itasca State Park

Screen Shot 2013-04-19 at 11.23.16 AM Summer heat is upon us and what better way to cool off than by visiting PleasureLand and taking a look at the new and used inventory. With an RV, travel trailer or pop up camper, traveling to one of Minnesota’s outstanding areas like Itasca State Park is a breeze. With your recreational vehicle packed, enjoy nature, over 100 lakes and all the park’s amenities in complete comfort.

Itasca State Park

Itasca has the distinction of being the oldest state park in Minnesota. The 32,000 acre park was created in 1891 and continues to be a popular location for camping, hiking, fishing and interesting historical areas. Visit the Mississippi Headwaters Center, Itasca Indian Cemetery and Wegmann’s Cabin or explore the Wilderness Sanctuary, a designated National Natural Landmark.

Events

The park has scheduled events throughout the summer including fishing, hiking, wildlife education and boat building for kids, the Animal Sounds Evening Stroll, Old Timers Cabin Tour, Music Under the Pines and the 7th Annual North Country Hiking Fest, just to name a few. There’s something of interest for everyone of all ages at Itasca State Park.

Hiking

If hiking is your favorite past time, Itasca will keep your feet busy. With 49 miles of hiking trails through beautiful flora and fauna, your eyes will have a continual feast of nature at its best whether you walk or bring a bike in your toy hauler to explore the 6 miles of off-road paved trail. For a leisurely stroll, the self-guided 3.25 miles of trail include the Landmark, Blowdown and Forestry Demonstration Trail along with the Doctor Roberts and Headwaters Trails ending at the Old Timer’s Cabin. The park also has a scenic wheelchair accessible boardwalk with stunning views of delicate orchids during the spring and summer months.

If you’re already planning ahead for a winter romp in the snow, pack up your RV for snowshoe excursions on several designated trails and roads, snowmobiling along 31 miles of trails circling the park or tackling 28 miles of easy to difficult trails for classic, skate or cross country skiing.

Camping

Itasca has two campgrounds; one with 223 drive-in sites, the other with 160 electric sites. RV sites allow 60-feet from the front of the RV to the rear of any towed vehicle. While camping, picnicking by the lake or a picnic shelter, swimming, volleyball and a children’s playground are easily accessible.

Don’t wait another minute to get your RV vacation plans fine-tuned, just like your RV. If you’re looking to purchase your first RV or travel trailer or need your current recreational vehicle serviced for your next adventure, PleasureLand can handle all of your needs from start to finish.

Find Great Activities To Beat The Heat And Humidity Of A Minnesota Summer

Screen Shot 2013-06-17 at 12.55.57 PM The summer heat is already bearing down upon the entire state of Minnesota. People are trying to find ways to avoid the oppressive humidity that comes with the rising temperatures, as you can head down to your PleasureLand RV Center and purchase the perfect RV so you can take a road trip to a cooler destination. Here are some ideas for you to keep cool in Minnesota.

Go Shopping: The one thing you’ll find in Minnesota that you won’t find anywhere else in the entire country is the The Mall of America, the largest shopping mall in the United States. It has indoor roller coasters, restaurants and stores to keep you cool and busy.

Find Cool, Fun And Educational Activities:With more than 600 museums found in the entire state of Minnesota, you can keep cool while teaching the kids new things. Stop by the Minnesota Children’s Museum or The Walker as you can see great artwork and exhibits.

Get Wet: There are a ton of places to have watery fun here in Minnesota. Go to one of the numerous beaches with your recreational vehicle Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can also head to indoor water parks such as the Depot Water Park in Minneapolis and the Water Park of America in Bloomington, or head to an outdoor one such as Soak City located at Valleyfair.

Take In A Movie: While watching movies in your RV is great when you are traveling to a certain destination, sometimes you want to just get out and see the latest flick in a nice cool movie theater. With all the great movies that are coming out this summer, you are sure to find one playing at a movie theater here in Minnesota. If you want to combine movies and activities into one, catch a flick on the IMAX screen at the Minnesota Zoo and then enjoy the air-conditioned areas as you watch penguins playing or see the fun sights at Discovery Bay.

Camping Awaits: The one thing all RV travelers can agree on: it is much cooler at the forests and lakes than it is in the city. So pack those bags, rev up the RV, and head out to your favorite RV resort or campground. There are dozens to choose from such as Kiesler’s Campground and RV Resort or the Grand Marais Recreation Area. Choose your campground based on the type of camping and amenities you prefer.

As the heat beams down from the summer sky, the temperatures and humidity can make the outdoors feel uncomfortably hot. You could take your RV rentals Minneapolis Minnesota out on the open road to find a cooler destination in a different state. Or you could check out all the cool places that Minnesota has to offer. Don’t forget to stop for a delicious ice cream cone or a cocktail while on your trip to give a toast to the wonderful summer sights and activities you enjoyed while on your trip.

Superior National Park

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Take your vacation plans to another level of excitement when purchasing a new or used RV from “best in the Midwest” PleasureLand RV Center. With hundreds of units in stock for your perusal, you’re sure to find the size and style to fit your travel plans, family size and budget.

Taking a trip in an RV to explore the many places in Minnesota is not only relaxing and convenient, it allows you to visit a variety of places at your own pace. Taking in the great outdoors in comfort makes for an overall excellent trip especially when visiting magnificent parks such as Superior National Park established in 1909.

With your RV stocked up and ready to go, here are just a few of the things to experience at Superior National Park.

  • Travelers have access to over 70 lakes, 10 swimming beaches, more than a dozen fishing piers and nearly two dozen picnic areas.
  • Enjoy biking, fishing, ATV riding, boating, hunting, climbing and horseback riding.
  • During the winter months, hop aboard your snowmobile, go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and snowboarding. You can even go mushing at certain areas within the area.
  • Hike and observe the many species of wildlife along 2000 miles of scenic trails.
  • Go rock hunting and explore designated trails in the park to see some of the oldest rock on the planet.
  • There is ample camping at one of the 18 rustic campgrounds or 23 fee-based campgrounds within the park.

Special Places

Additional visual adventures within the park to consider adding to your travel itinerary include:

  • Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway- takes visitors through lush forest areas of birch, pine, maple and aspen along a quiet and serene wilderness road. It is known for its opportunities to see deer, loons and moose.
  • Superior National Forest Scenic Byway – offers scenic views of the massive wilderness area of the park. Picnic areas and roadside stops are available along the byway. Two historic sites you’ll see are the Toimi School and Timber Arch Bridge.
  • North Shore Scenic Drive- provides views of Lake Superior’s cliffs, Sawtooth Mountains and the historic Split Rock Lighthouse first lit in 1910. Museums with interesting cultural exhibits are located along the drive.
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – this massive one million acre region is located within Superior National Park. The wilderness area has over 1000 streams and lakes providing ample opportunities for fishing, canoeing, bird watching and wildlife observation.

Don’t let another day go by without checking out the inventory, service department and specials at Pleasureland. With years of experience providing outstanding quality customer service, you can expect top-notch help in choosing an RV for your next great on the road adventure.

Minnesota Spring Break Destinations for RVers

Minnesota is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful states in the union, and one of the very best to cruise through in your RV, especially in Spring. Watching the flowers bloom and animals frollicking by the roadside as you roam from town to town, it’s really what being an RVer is all about. Here are a few of the best locations to hit up in Minnesota on your Spring Break vacation:

Beaver Trails at the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort

If you like to mix your outdoors explorations with a little bit of good old fashioned R’n’R and maybe even a little pampering, this camp/resort in Jellystone Park offers you everything that you could possibly want whether you’re after rugged or relaxing. With 225 full hook-ups, you can probably bet that there’ll be a spot open for you when you arrive, and the five star resort boasts an arcade, shuffleboard and boat rentals. A great place to get away from it all this Spring Break.

Stony Point Resort

Stony Point Resort rates five stars from Woodall’s, thanks to its great fishing spots, swimming opportunities, boat rentals, grills, and a small shop with some groceries in case you don’t want to make the trip to town for some supplies. Stony Point Resort is great any time of year, but especially in the Spring.

Dakotah Meadows Park

With 122 pull-through sites and full hook ups including Wifi and electric, this incredible spot actually has a rock climbing wall, a family fun area, a fitness center and a swimming pool. It’s almost a luxury apartment building for RVers, so it’s no wonder it regularly scores four and five star reviews from a wide range of RV park review websites. If you love the outdoors as much as you love your creature comforts, Dakotah Meadows mixes the two so that you never have to compromise. The only problem with staying here for Spring Break is that you might not want to leave.

Spring is really just about the best time of year to be an RVer, and these three camp sites prove it.

Minnesota RV Resolutions

Welcome to 2013 and all the promise it holds! It’s that time of year when many of us make New Year’s resolutions, when we vow to stop and smell the roses a little more each day. If you’re feeling the need to reconnect–with yourself, your family or with nature, making a special resolution to travel more in your RV might be just the ticket.

Last week we mentioned the First Day Hike program offered all over the U.S. in our state parks. Whether you and your family jumped in the RV and kicked off January 1 with a hike, our state and national parks are there year-round with adventure, activities and all the diversity of nature.

Maybe you want to expand your horizons with some sport travel like snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing at Afton. Minnesota State Parks have adventures for all seasons and activity level. Check out their Winter Activities Guide to get started. Or maybe you want to take in the sights at your own speed. You’ve got hundreds of miles of trails waiting for you, from Frontenac to Bear Head Lake, so check out the parks website to find one perfect for whatever trip you have planned. You can explore on foot, horseback, bicycle or snowshoe.

Or maybe it’s a perfect time to take the RV to Yellowstone, or visit one of our national treasures like Ellis Island. The National Park Service urges you to “See Your America” and so do we! From outdoor wonderlands to national monuments to battlefields to historic preservation sites, our parks have it all.

 

Go explore! And we’ll see you on the road!

A Minnesota RV Christmas

December brings a wealth of holiday celebrations across all races, religions and cultures. What are your favorite family traditions? Do you celebrate with a special road trip in your Minnesota motorhome or travel trailer ? Do you like to explore the traditions of others? However you observe any of the winter holidays, there’s something to delight and inspire everyone!

We probably all have lots of friends celebrating Christmas, as well as Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights (which begins on December 8 this year). Others will also be celebrating Kwanzaa or the Winter Solstice. Kwanzaa was first celebrated in 1966, and is observed from December 26 to January 1 each year. Kwanzaa honors seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith – and culminates in a feast and gift giving.

The Winter Solstice is a fun one for those of us who spend lots of time camping in our new or used RVs . Solstice has been a significant part of the seasonal and astronomical cycle since Neolithic times (think Stonehenge). On December 21, this year’s winter solstice, think back to how ancient peoples may have viewed the solstice – the long, long night when deep winter began. They celebrated that night with a feast as they hoped for the spring and lighter days ahead.

The solstice fire was the forerunner to today’s Yule logs, so this year, if you and your family are in an especially festive mood, consider lighting a roaring campfire as you celebrate the winter solstice and borrow a few taste treats from other traditions. You could cook up some special Hanukkah treats, like Potato Latkes (try it in a Dutch oven!), pair them with collard greens to celebrate Kwanzaa, and mix up some Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies for Santa.

We found several festivals, exhibits and performances planned all across Minnesota in December. If you want to get out and about to celebrate all that the holidays have to offer, check out the Minnesota History Center in Saint Paul, which will host Kwanzaa Family Day on December 29. Or, head out to one of Minnesota’s State Parks to get close to nature for the solstice. For Christmas celebrations, check out the Explore Minnesota site for tours of lights, teddy bear displays, and mistletoe!

However you choose to celebrate, have fun with your family this holiday season, and let us know if you find any new traditions to add to your festivities!

Remember Pearl Harbor Day

If you like exploring American’s history in person, then hitch up your Minnesota RV and hit the road. December 7, 2012 will mark the 71st anniversary of the “date which will live in infamy,” the attack on Pearl Harbor in the early morning hours at the United States naval base in Hawaii so long ago. The attack by Japan resulted in the destruction of 188 U.S. aircraft, the loss of 2,402 Americans and 1,282 wounded. And of course caused the entrance of the United States into World War II. And while RV trips to Hawaii may not be practical, we can honor the service of those who served in World War II with visits to memorials and museums across the nation. There’s an array of online tools to bring history to life and help you plan your trip.

When you hit the road, you may want to check out the National WWII Museum in New Orleans. Founded by historian and author, Stephen Ambrose, the Museum tells the story of the war that literally changed the world. Or if your route crosses through the northeast, then plan to visit the U.S. National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Flanked by the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west, this monument is truly a lasting edifice to all those who served in the armed forces and as civilians.

Did you know that more than 326,000 Minnesotans of all races and religions served in the U.S. armed
forces during World War II? And more than 6,000 gave their lives. Learn more and honor that service with a visit to the World War II Memorial at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Americans have an intriguing history. Have a great time exploring it on the road!