July 29th, 2013 -
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.
July 26th, 2013 -
When we first set out to indulge in the RV lifestyle, most of us start out by eyeballing the big, luxurious RVs, the ones that take a special license to drive and which serve as basically a middle class home on wheels. These are great, if you have the money and the time and you need all that space. Some of us do, and some of us don’t. If you don’t, then you may be surprised at how roomy and comfortable some of the better truck campers can be.
In particular, the new 2014 Palomino Bronco is downright inspiring in just how much living space they were able to pack onto the back of a truck. It’s really all in the storage space. Everything from the seating to the bed doubles as a storage area, and this seriously cuts down on clutter. The closet storage on the right when you walk in barely takes up much space, either.
The bed is comfy enough at 60″ by 80″ which makes it perfect for one person, and doable for two. The camper is a pop-up, which means that you get great clearance, no more worrying about losing your camper under every low-hanging bridge. The kitchenette is a little bit cozy, but let’s be honest, if you’re riding around in a camper, you’re going to be doing a lot of cooking out, so all that really matters is that the ice box is roomy enough to host a whole cookout.
The dual range offers real gas cooking, while the A/C ensures that you’ll enjoy even the hottest summer months and stay cool no matter what’s cooking.
Although many of us think of the RV lifestyle as strictly an “RV” deal, new RVers would be advised to seriously consider a camper. Maintenance is easier with a truck camper, truck campers cost less than RVs, and as the Palomino Bronco proves, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to live out of your truck.
July 24th, 2013 -
As the RV dealership Minnesota and the region has come to depend on, we love sharing ideas about RV road trips. If you have overlooked taking a trip to Mt. Rushmore, you are missing out on more than just a national memorial. You are missing some of visually stunning and most historic places in our country.
About Mt. Rushmore
Everyone knows that Mt. Rushmore is home to the bigger than life carvings, recognizing four American Presidents. The four are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. It was dedicated in 1927 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. What you may not know is that it was actually conceived to promote tourism in that part of the country. That it has. Each year over 2.5 million people visit the site. Construction was started in 1927 and continued through 1941 when World World II and the lack of funding stopped the process. It was originally designed to show the presidents to the waist, but today, the memorial remains as just the heads of the four leaders. Part of the site’s popularity is bolstered by the many other reasons there are to make the trek to the Black Hills. Let’s take a look at what else is within proximity of Mt. Rushmore.
The Corn Palace
If you are going to South Dakota and looking for the unusual, make a stop at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. Every year the corn palace is completely decorated with 12 different colors of field corn. The decorating takes place from June through September, and the palace contains and educational center inside and offers tours.
The Badlands
There are parts of the Badlands that will take your breath away. Natural rock formations provide an up close and personal view of the power of Mother Nature. Roaming bighorn sheep, bison, antelope and other wildlife provide added visual entertainment.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Six years after the work on Mt. Rushmore ceased, work began on the Crazy Horse Memorial. The work of one man, Korczak Ziolkowski, from then until his death in 1982, is continued by his family to this day. When completed, it will be an impressive 640 feet high and also just as long. It is a site worth visiting and a story worth learning.
Deadwood
More than just an HBO series, Deadwood is a city whose entirety is a national historic landmark. Relive the wild west with a visit to this South Dakota town.
Much more than just Mt. Rushmore…
Driving through the Black Hills can be a challenge when towing a travel trailer or in a large motorhome, but if you plan well, it will be a trip you and your family will remember forever. The scenic roadways are spectacular and the Black Hills offer caves and a National Forest for exploration. Mt. Rushmore is also just about two hours away from Devils Tower, a natural wonder in Northeast Wyoming. Devils Tower gained notoriety from the film “Close Encounters”. Sand Creek on the Wyoming border has some great trout fishing and plenty of camping.
Those RVing will find National Parks, State Parks and a variety of private grounds to accommodate you along the way. It is called Big Sky Country for a reason and you can see it for yourself with a trip to Mt. Rushmore and the surrounding area.
Looking for RV rentals Minneapolis Minnesota? It is a great way to discover the RV lifestyle and PleasureLand RV Center can help. Contact us today!
July 17th, 2013 -
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!
July 12th, 2013 -
If you’re looking for a fun place to visit in Minnesota, why not try the Mall of America? The mall is located in Bloomington, Minnesota, near the Twin Cities, and is southeast of Interstate 494 and Minnesota State Highway 77 junction. The mall receives over 18 million visitors each year because of its varied stores and unique attractions.
This mall is unlike the run-of-the-mill shopping center you’re probably used to. The Mall of America has the Nikelodeon Universe, Sea Life Minnesota, American Girl Doll store, and other general retail items on its first floor. On the second level, you can visit restaurants and shops. Level three is known for two more food courts, over 20 eateries, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Level four has two food courts and includes attractions like Dick’s Last Resort, the Mall of America theater, and the Hooters restaurant.
When you visit, check out the Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park on the first floor and in the center of the mall. You can catch a ride on roller coasters and take part in other theme-park attractions. The Sea Life Minnesota Aquarium is located next to this park and is 300 feet long. You will pass through 14 feet of water while you get to see over 4,500 different sea creatures.
These are just a few of the many things you can take time to do when you visit the Mall of America. The mall is open from 10 AM to 9:30 PM from Monday through Saturday, and you can visit from 11 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays, giving you plenty of time to explore the four floors of this exciting and unique mall. The attractions are always changing, so make sure to check mallofamerica.com to learn more about the events coming up when you’re planning to visit.
Remember to let us know what you thought about the trip when you stop by at PleasureLand RV in Minnesota.
July 10th, 2013 -
If you’re tired of eating the same old types of food, those of us at PleasureLand RV can relate. Cooking on the road isn’t always easy, and it’s sometimes hard to come up with something new. That’s why we’ve brought you this delicious BBQ ribs recipe.
This recipe is simple and won’t take much time to complete. You can use your cooker inside your RV, or, if you’re camping, you can also complete this recipe over a campfire.
The things you’ll need include:
- Country-style ribs; usually, you’ll want to include two or three per person, but you should adjust as needed.
- Beer of your choice. You’ll want to use a stronger beer for more flavor.
- Barbeque sauce. This recipe tastes best when used with a sweet barbeque sauce, but you can choose whichever sauce you like best.
To prepare the meal:
- Place your ribs inside a large stock pot.
- Pour the beer you chose over the ribs until they are completely covered.
- Cook the ribs over a medium-high heat until the beer starts to boil. At this point, cover the ribs and lower the heat. If you’re using a campfire, simply dull the fire or raise your pot higher above it.
- Cook the ribs for approximately two to three hours. You want the ribs to be tender, but you don’t want them to be so soft that you can’t turn them when grilling.
- Drain the ribs and place them on a grill rack or large baking dish.
- Baste with barbeque sauce if you’re baking the ribs. You’ll want to bake the ribs in the oven at 350 degrees for between 30 minutes and one hour. If you’re grilling, baste the ribs one side at a time as you cook them. Grill the ribs for approximately seven to ten minutes on each side, then serve.
That’s it. You’re ready to eat this tasty meal. Let us know how it comes out for you.
July 8th, 2013 -
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.
July 5th, 2013 -
One of the greatest experiences when going on an RV trip is to enjoy the majestic scenery and natural wonders of nature across the country. To keep the environment looking so great, RVers know how important it is to go green. From the moment you purchase your RV from your PleasureLand RV Center, you can take the steps to make every RV adventure environmentally-friendly by adopting a green lifestyle.
Switch to LED lights. If you still use incandescent lighting in your RV, it is time to switch over to LED lighting. LED lights use up less electricity as you will drain your battery and generator less.
Install solar panels. Solar energy can allow you to cut back using your generator. If you have the extra money, invest it in solar panels as you’ll have enough energy to operate all of your electronics.
Eat on reusable dinnerware: Cut back on the amount of plastic plates, cups and utensils go into landfills by switching over to reusable dinnerware. China and glass dinnerware can be packed safely in the RV by placing small dishtowels between each item when stacking them together. If you must go with disposable dinnerware, choose paper items over plastic.
Dispose of trash responsibly. Perhaps the easiest way for a camper to adopt green habits is to keep the environment clean. Pick up after yourself and dispose of trash in the proper receptacles at the RV resort. If you are on a primitive camping trip, take the trash with you until you find the best place to dispose of it properly. And remember to recycle your paper, plastic, metal and glass items!
Shop at local produce stands and farmer’s markets. Nothing beats the taste of biting into a fresh piece of fruit or vegetable at a roadside produce stand. This is definitely the green way to go as you can eat healthy, support local farmers, and cut back on buying pre-packaged food that requires you to throw away packaging. You’ll have numerous opportunities to shop at these stands as you’ll also see savings in your wallet at the cheap prices.
Travel with only what you need. It is true that you should pack all the essentials so you are prepared for anything. Yet also keep in mind that the more you pack, the heavier your RV will be as you will burn up more fuel getting to your destination. Travel as light as possible without forgetting the important items. Just remember that not everything is important.
Go green when you are traveling in your RV by adopting environmentally-friendly habits. By taking this advice, you’ll be able to enjoy nature more.
July 3rd, 2013 -
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.
July 1st, 2013 -
When it comes to safe RV excursions, whether locally or for extended trips, PleasureLand’s inventory of well maintained recreational vehicles along with a selection of quality new vehicles make PleasureLand RV Center the “go-to” place for safety and comfort. While it’s important your transportation is serviced and capable of making a trip, it’s equally important to protect your family with their own first aid checklist.
Kit Preparation
You know the needs of your family, so start with vital items for those with mild allergies to insect stings or for those who have issues with pollen from flowering plants, trees and flowers. For anyone who has extreme allergic reactions to stings from bees, wasps or any other biting insect, check with your doctor before leaving so you’ll have enough medicine and needles for the duration of your vacation in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a new prescription to take along in case you need to refit the kit.
Basic Items
Band-aids are at the top of the list for blisters on heels and toes after a day of hiking or when someone cuts a finger or gets a splinter that needs removing. Bring along an assortment of band-aids in different sizes to fit most any minor situation. Waterproof band-aids are also a good idea for travelers planning water activities.
Add these items to your “must have” list:
- Gauze pads and bandages
- Gauze rolls
- Adhesive tape
- Elastic bandages for sprains
- Clips to hold elastic bandages
- Alcohol prep pads to clean the area
- Cotton balls
- Bottle of alcohol
- Thermometer
- Gloves and hand sanitizer
- Tweezers to remove tiny splinters
- Scissors
- Splints
Along with band-aids and basic items, you’ll also need several useful medications along with a guide on how to administer first aid especially if you haven’t taken a first aid course.
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Cold and hot packs
- Eye wash
- Calamine lotion
- Poison oak and poison ivy cream
- Iodine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Anti diarrheal medication
Pets
Don’t forget to bring an ample supply of your pet’s prescribed medications along with the veterinarian’s name and contact information.
FYI
Keep your personal prescribed medications in a separate, water-proof bag along with over-the-counter medications so everything is in one convenient location. Also, put your doctor’s name, address and emergency contact information in this bag for each person on the trip. Make sure you refill your meds before leaving so you have more than enough in case you encounter any travel bumps along the way.
Make PleasureLand your first stop after putting together your first aid kit and schedule a tune up or service check then ride the highways knowing your family and your RV are a-okay for whatever adventures lie ahead.
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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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