Shunganunga Boulder and Lawrence, Kansas City Hall

For this trip, start out in Lawrence, Kansas. RV camping is plentiful. If you have kids, you may want to try Kansas City Jellystone Park, with Yogi the Bear in fine form. Adults only may prefer RV camping in Clinton State Park, with plenty of campsites with electrical hookups and up to 50 amps. Once you are settled in, you can begin to explore the sights in Lawrence before moving along our route to Topeka.

The KU Natural History Museum is nationally recognized with many exhibits showing the diversity of the Great Plains. Folks of all ages enjoy the living exhibits, with a fabulous working beehive and the snakes and fish from around the state. If you love bugs, you’ll love “Bugtown” with its interactive exhibits. If you don’t love bugs, you may like this special display anyway.

Following up the Natural History Museum you will want to go for the real thing. At Prairie Park Nature Center you can walk the trails to see the real live birds and other wildlife so abundant here. Perhaps you will spot a beaver gnawing on a tree or building his dam. You may spot a bobcat or a deer wandering in the woodlands. You have 80 acres to enjoy of forested lands, prairie and wetlands. You can also fish on Mary’s Lake.

Another great park to visit in Lawrence is Clinton State Park. Drive the park roadways to view the wildlife and feel the grace of the prairie grasses bending softly in the breeze. Spring is the ideal time to see the wildflowers blooming, too. Listen for the quiet cries of the waterfowl and the musical notes of the songbirds. A wonderful place for an escape from the big city.

Lawrence Parks & Trails offer a wide variety of recreation. For instance, at Broken Arrow Park in town you can play traditional horseshoes at the horseshoe courts. Neighborhood parks include Water Tower Park, Chaparral Park, Deerfield Park and Parnell Park. There are many others. As well, there are preserve areas which give you a real taste of pure nature, and other spots where you can relax such as Japanese Friendship Garden or Sesquicentennial Point.

Take Highway 24 towards Topeka but detour four miles north on Highway 237 to Perry State Park where hiking and biking is at its best. Ride on horseback over twenty-five miles of trails. The rolling hills make for exciting exploration of the upland forest. Then there is Lake Perry where you can cast a line and hook some channel catfish. RV camping here is also great! All the sites are first-come, first-served.

You will finally reach Topeka, Kansas after a wonderful drive. With so many attractions here, you won’t have a lack of anything to do. You may choose as your first stop the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site where southern and national history was made. Admission is free and you will get the opportunity to see how legal segregation was finally ended in public schools and the role this Supreme Court decision had in the Civil Rights Movement. This historic event was more than some parents suing to get their daughter into an all-white school. Learn all about it.

Whether kids are along for your spring RV vacation or not, you will want to visit the Gage Park Mini-Train & Carousel on Gage Blvd. in Topeka. The carousel was built in 1908 and is a beauty to behold. The mini-train will take you on a mile-long scenic ride through the park which thrills young and old alike.

Before you even think about leaving and heading home, be sure to stop at Heartland Park Topeka for some exciting motor sports racing. One of the best in the nation, this race track boasts many races throughout the year with happy crowds yelling with joy as the winners come down the track to the finish line.

This Kansas getaway will be one of the top on your RV vacation list. So many different sights and so many friendly people! The whole family will be talking about it for years to come.

Picture credits: The picture of the Shunganunga Boulder and Lawrence, Kansas City Hall is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Linville Gorge in the Pisgah National Forest.

Spring in the Appalachian Mountains has no compare. What a thrill to spend a spring vacation in this gorgeous area! The Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina offers so much for those who want to get away from it all and bask in the beauty of nature. Towering peaks, sparkling waterfalls and dense forests all provide the inspiration you have needed all year. Hiking, fishing, biking or horseback riding provide only some of the outdoor fun you’ll find here. RV camping is plentiful too. Stay at the Black Mountain Campground where you will have lovely campsites with tables and fire rings with grills. Although there are no hookups, you will have showers and restrooms with flush toilets handy.

The Appalachian Ranger District of the forest is one of the best areas to visit. This region stretches from the eastern edge of Great Smoky Mountain National Park to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Tennessee. Some of the best trails to hike or bike here are the Bear Pen Trail, with cascading waterfalls and lots of camera-ready sights, and the Staire Creek Trail, taking you through some lush forests with streams and more waterfalls.

Near the Tennessee state line in the Appalachian Ranger District you can reach Max Patch, an incredible view from 4,629 feet up. This is an ideal place to fish, hike or view all the wildlife in this area. Wildflowers will be in bloom this time of year, too. Picnic, gaze out at Mount Mitchell and the Great Smoky Mountains. Views like you won’t believe!

In the Pisgah Ranger District, the Lake Powhatan Recreation Area offers great fishing. There are thirteen man-made lakes and ponds into which you can cast a line. Hike the loop trails or take the more challenging trails for added excitement. When you take the Shut-In Trail, you will get to hike through a black bear sanctuary and get an experience like you’ve never had before. If you love fishing, catch some rainbow or brown trout in Bent Creek or the French Broad River. Lake Powhatan has plenty of great places to fish along the shore or from the fishing pier by the dam.

Make your way to the North Carolina Arboretum, a lovely area with gardens, hiking trails and exhibits of plants, including a fine bonsai collection. There are 434 acres of inspiring beauty where you can collect your thoughts and prepare yourself for even more adventures to come.

Of course, perhaps the greatest adventure is traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway. The scenic vistas will take your breath away. Originally built to connect Great Smoky Mountain National Park with Shenandoah National Park, this byway is a drive you will never forget – 469 miles of nature at its best.

Another place to stop and explore is the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. Day hiking is a favorite here on the Cold Knob Connector Trail, Chestnut Cove Trail or Boyd Branch Trail. You can also fish, ride horses or just settle in for a delicious picnic at a quiet spot.

Yes, nothing like a trip to Pisgah National Forest for an inspiring spring RV vacation!

Aerial View of Branson Missouri

Taking an RV vacation to Branson, Missouri raises the bar on vacations. It is all about music and entertainment, outdoor recreation and wildlife in the Ozark Mountains. Besides all that, you can enjoy spas, shops, boutiques and galleries. The opportunities for fun are limitless. You can find plenty of RV camping so you will have a base to operate from. Oak Grove RV Park may be the ideal choice of RV campgrounds in Branson. Here you will be close to many local attractions as well as discover amenities galore, including full hookups, dump station and laundry facilities.

One of the top attractions in Branson is Talking Rocks Cavern. Touring caves in the Ozarks really has no compare. People have been exploring caves around these hills for decades. Another place to enjoy is Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure where you can walk among thousands of butterflies. See the film about the Monarch migration and experience the Living Rainforest Science Center.

There are all sorts of unique sights in the town. For instance, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers some amazing out-of-this-world facts that can almost overwhelm you with their strangeness. You don’t, after all, have to travel to Hollywood to see these incredible exhibits. Then there is the World’s Largest Toy Museum. It doesn’t matter if you have kids with you or not. Certainly many of these toys will bring back memories. You will discover more than a million toys, including Barbie dolls, NASCAR toys, Disney toys and so many more. View the old lunch boxes that kids scrambled for at the start of a school year.

Time to see some wildlife! You don’t have to venture out into the wilderness either! The National Tiger Sanctuary has many exotic and domestic animals. You will love the wonderful lions and tigers that have been rescued from certain death. After seeing this attraction, head over to the Promised Land Zoo: Branson. There are actually two parks, one where you can take a foot safari and another that is a drive-through adventure.

No one wants to miss their chance to see some ghosts. You have that opportunity at Branson Ghost and Legends in downtown Branson. This nighttime tour has been an on-going affair for many years. Many have a ghostly experience along the way, while down some dark alley. Learn all about Branson’s spooky past.

One of the best ways to see the area is on Branson Scenic Railway. This 40-mile trip takes you through the Ozarks like no other mode of transportation. The greatest part of the journey is crossing bridges and spotting wildlife from the train as you pass. You will also hear much of the history of the region and actually feel like you have stepped back in time to experience rail travel from long ago.

Now is the time to get outdoors for some recreation. At Dogwood Canyon Nature Park you can get out there in the wilderness and explore Native American Indian trails. Ride horseback or take a Segway around and about. However, book early as these activities get filled up quickly. You can also try a lake cruise at Main Street Lake Cruises. A sightseeing tour around the lake is something to do for a really great time. Bird watchers will see eagles, wildlife lovers will view animals on the shore, and those who just want to enjoy nature will get a full serving on one of these cruises.

Next be sure to Ride The Ducks, a unique and exciting tour of the scenic forests and waterways in the Ozarks. You get music, fun and history, and maybe a little wet too! It is a 70-minute boat ride you will never forget. If your children are with you on this RV adventure, you certainly won’t want to neglect to take them on a duck tour.

After a long day of excitement and fun, you may want to enjoy some musical shows. Branson is well known for entertainment and live music extravaganzas. For example, May is a big month in this town. Tribute Theatre is holding a tribute to the Eagles during May, which is a great way to spend an evening after adventuring outdoors all day. At God and Country Theatre in Branson, you can enjoy some great gospel, country or rock and roll and wonderfully funny comedy shows that will have you singing and laughing all the way home.

Branson, Missouri is always a popular destination in the spring. The opportunities seem never-ending for a lot of amusement and entertainment. Don’t miss your chance for an RV vacation to remember in the Ozarks.

San Francisco, CA

Begin a real RV adventure from the west coast of California and travel into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to experience some beauty and history like you wouldn’t believe. Starting out in San Francisco, you will take Interstate 80 all the way. But before embarking on your journey, be sure to enjoy the City by the Bay to the max. You can visit the zoo, wander the Strybing Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and attend a symphony in the evening.

One of the best ways to see all San Francisco has to offer is to take the historic Barbary Coast Trail. This walking tour will bring you to all of the city’s most famous sights, including Fisherman’s Wharf, Telegraph Hill, Union Square, Chinatown and much more. You will also get to see the Coit Tower and Ghirardelli Square, where you can buy exquisite chocolates.

California’s State Capitol Building in Sacramento, CA

Okay, ready or not, we begin our trip. Drive to Sacramento, our wonderful California State Capital. A tour is in order before you browse the shops, eat in a fine restaurant or view Gold Rush attractions. Don’t miss Old Town, where history prevails and friendly people wander happily taking it all in.

While in Sacramento, stop at the Sacramento Zoo, a great place to take the kids but a wonderful experience for adults too! All sorts of animals, reptiles and birds! Certainly you will have fun watching the giraffes watching you. Another treat is to see the new Sumatran tiger cub that was just born in March. You will only see this baby if you are here in June, though. But the recently born Wolf’s Guenon is on exhibit now with its mom and dad.

Now head into the foothills and make your next stop Auburn, California. This is one place you won’t want to miss on your trip over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. A true Gold Rush town, Auburn offers an intriguing Saturday morning Farmer’s Market where you can stock up on some fresh fruits and veggies. Camp out at the Auburn Gold Country RV Park. The air is fresh in this foothills town and there is a lot to see. You simply must drive over the Foresthill Bridge on the east side of town. This is reportedly the tallest bridge in California. See wonderful views of the American River.

Now as you head east on Interstate 80, you will go higher and higher into the Sierra Nevada, overcome with the spectacular views as you go over Donner Pass. Then you will come to Donner Memorial State Park. Stop here and have a picnic by the lake, and bask in the sunshine while you watch the boats and water skiers. Check out the museum for some fascinating historical facts about this region.

Finally you will reach exciting Reno, with its amazing nightlife, entertainment and gambling. Festivals happen all during the year and you are bound to find one going when you arrive. Even if you don’t, there is plenty to do to keep you busy. What a great trip! San Francisco to Reno! You’ll have to do it again sometime.

Picture credits: the picture of San Francisco is from the Wikimedia Commons. The picture of California’s State Capitol Building is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. It is in the public domain. The picture of the Reno sign is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

Anna Ruby Falls in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest

It is that time of year to head to Georgia and take a scenic drive in an RV. This is the ideal spring adventure, beginning your extensive travels planned for the year. The beauty of Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest awaits you. This is where you can enjoy those cool mountain streams, misty valleys and pristine forests. All manner of outdoor activities are right at your doorstep.

Start out in Helen, Georgia, a wonderful village tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The rich history of the Native Americans who lived here is enough to take up considerable time to investigate. Wander the cobblestone alleyways and dine in fabulous restaurants. RV camping is plentiful and you will find a long list of RV campgrounds to choose from. Once you settle in, you can plan your 41-mile trip along the nearby scenic byway.

The Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway attracts travelers from all over. They love to see the gorgeous cascades of numerous waterfalls and get lovely views of the valley. This byway is the way to see it all. There will be lots of places to stop and go for a hike or cast a line into a bubbling stream.

If you want to go hiking, you will have access to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. This trail travels through dense forests and moves over ridges with amazing views. You will also have the ability to reach some wonderful places to fish. There is nothing quite like fishing a mountain stream in Chattahoochee National Forest.

A perfect trip is the famous Russell-Brasstown Waterfall Tour where you can get the full tour of all the best spots in the area. This is the greatest time of year for this tour, too. The mild temperatures make for cool hiking and sightseeing. You can take in the sights, hike, fish or do whatever else your heart desires.

Brasstown Bald is another must-see. This is the tallest mountain in Georgia. Getting to the top will provide you with some incredible 360-degree views from 4,784 feet above sea level. The road is very winding and steep, so be sure to get weather reports and more road information before driving your RV motorhome up there.

Into the wilderness you go and you will soon discover the Chattahoochee River’s Headwaters with the forests surrounding and the wildlife peeking around every corner. Perhaps you will see some deer, turkey and quail. There is so much territory to explore. And all of it is accessible from the byway. Just pull over, get out and the world is at your feet!

Nearby is Unicoi State Park. You will find campsites for an RV here too, and best of all tons of outdoor recreation. You can rent a boat for a paddle on the lake, take a mountain bike along the trails, swim or even play tennis. It is all here for you!

It is great fun visiting Anna Ruby Falls, a beautiful scenic area where two creeks meet. Each creek forms one of the twin waterfalls and falls over the rocks into Smith Creek. Grab your camera to get a shot to take home. You’ll want to share these sights with friends who couldn’t be there. The picnic areas make a wonderful respite from traveling around. Bring some food and spread out a feast. Check out the visitor center too!

Be sure to stop at Raven Cliff Falls and Wilderness Area so you can take in another fantastic waterfall and have more opportunity to see nature at its finest. Raven Cliff Falls tumbles 100 feet in a series of three lovely waterfalls. Again, a time to have your camera at the ready! There are other waterfalls around too.

Another state park which offers some natural beauty is Vogel State Park. Spring is the perfect time to hike the trails with wildflowers blooming all along the way. RV camping is available here and you may just want to stay awhile. Swimming and fishing are great here. You have over 200 acres you can explore.

Yes, you will be really happy you brought an RV on this trip so you can relax in a homey environment in between adventures. You can sit with the rest of the family over a cool drink or a hot cup of coffee and relive your day’s journeys and discoveries. You will get a good night’s sleep and be right there, ready to go the next morning and see what else Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway has to offer.

Picture credits: The picture of the Anna Ruby Falls is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is in the public domain.

Recommended is starting in Kanab, Utah. This spot makes the perfect base of operations for your adventures. Kanab is right in the middle of the scenic circle of natural attractions. Everything is about a day away and you can plan your itinerary accordingly. Go east, west, and north to some of the most spectacular sights in the United States. Plenty of outdoor recreation too! Make your camp at Crazy Horse RV Campark in Kanab. You will find full hookups and a dump station and Laundromat.

Thor’s Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is some miles to the north, and you must put this park on your list of places to go. Limestone formations make this park what it is – a series of amphitheaters with rock spires and domes, colors that will take your breath away. Watch the fascinating film at the visitor center then explore by hiking or strolling along the rim. Rainbow Point is an 18-mile drive one way and there are many viewpoints where you can stop and take in the views.

The Sentinel in Zion National Park

To the west of Kanab you’ll find Zion National Park with miles and miles of natural wonders. The Virgin River cut these intricate canyons and has thus provided outdoor lovers with a fascinating area to explore. Be sure to visit one of the largest freestanding arches in the world – Kolob Arch.

From Kanab, traveling east for sixty miles, you will come to the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This is a place of rivers, where five beautiful rivers form Lake Powell. Water recreation here is amazing, and you will definitely want to get out there and fish, soak up the sun and cruise the shoreline.

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument

Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is another must-see. This area is not just a place to see, but a place to DO. You can have fun off-roading, biking or hiking. Grab your camera and start shooting some of the incredible landscapes. There are no facilities so you will be roughing it and must be sure to bring plenty of water. There are some trails but many are not marked well. You will want to go to the Devil’s Garden Natural Area which is easily accessible.

Part of your adventure should include visiting some of Utah’s wonderful state parks. For an unusual experience, see Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. It is as the name implies – lots of pink sand dunes along with steep red cliffs and fresh clean air. The park is open seven days a week during the daylight hours. Kids really love playing in the sand!

Another great place to hike is Cottonwood Canyon. The best thing about this location is you get to see a well-preserved cliff-dweller settlement. This will really take you back in time. And a visit here may be the perfect ending to a perfect vacation in Southern Utah.

Picture credits: The pictures Thor’s Hammer in Bryce Canyon National Park and the Sentinel in Zion National Park are from the National Park Service website. The picture of the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is from the Wikimedia Commons. It is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, 2.5 Generic, 2.0 Generic and 1.0 Generic license.

Start your journey in Columbia, California. This town is located right in the heart of the California Mother Lode. And the entire atmosphere is that of a town out of the 1850s, with the merchants all dressed for that period. At Columbia State Historic Park, you will discover saloons, ice cream parlors and boutiques where you can buy unique gifts. Take a stagecoach ride. You will really feel as if you have moved back in time. You can find several campgrounds for RVs including 49er RV Ranch, a great RV park with plenty of amenities.

Now head south to Jamestown, a historic spot with fine dining, historic buildings and even a restored jail. Hop over to Railtown 1897 State Historic Park where you can ride a steam train and visit a very interesting museum. Take a short side trip 12 miles east to Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park where the Sierra Nevada foothills come alive with nature. Explore the meadows and see amazing limestone formations.

Also make it a point to visit Sonora and take in more of the sights and sounds of Gold Rush history. Grab the camera and be sure to get a photo of the dark red St. James Episcopal Church. This is the second oldest Episcopal church of this construction in the state. Old Victorian homes are the sites of many businesses in the town now, most of them more than 100 years old.

Now head north on Highway 49 to Angels Camp. Take a walking tour of this mountain town and get the idea of gold miners flooding the area searching for their fortunes. From here, take a side trip over to Arnold and visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park. This is where you will see a grove of Giant Sequoias.

As you head further north, you’ll pass through another town, Coloma, where you can try some white water rafting. There is nothing quite as thrilling as traveling down the South Fork of the American River and feeling the cold splashes hit your face as you avoid jutting rocks. It is quite a thrill – but perfectly safe.

Your last stop will be higher in the Sierra near Sierra City. Enjoy a visit to Sierra County Historical Park & Museum. The stamp mill was quite an important mill in the 1800s, as it crushed gold-veined quartz. You will get to see it in action. But be ready for some noise! In fact, you may want to plug your ears in anticipation of the first stamp taking place.

You have covered a lot of ground with this tour. There is always more to see so make plans to return again in an RV for another adventure.

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo

The first stop should be Lowry Park Zoo with an amazing array of animals and attractions. Feed the giraffes and peek in aquariums filled with exotic frogs and toads. Then hop over to the Big Cat Rescue where more than 100 lions, cougars and other cats await your visit.

Next stop, the wonderful Florida Aquarium where you will see creatures that you didn’t even know existed in our oceans. Take part in a dolphin cruise too, as you boat in Tampa Bay where these beautiful mammals show off for you. Then you will travel south of the city to the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center and can view the butterfly gardens and try the hurricane simulator to see just what residents may go through in this state. If the right time of year you’ll also see manatees.

If you would like to get out now for some hiking, fishing or other outdoor activities, you have a choice of parks. Lettuce Lake Park has a biking path which is a lot of fun, and you can rent a canoe and take a paddle on the lake. Al Lopez Park is a wonderful place to hike. You will see wildlife and can even fish in a lovely pond.

Naturally, you can’t miss the attractions that Tampa is most famous for. Busch Gardens is a family adventure that has tons of thrills, with shows, rides and many wild animal exhibits. Right close by is the Serengeti Safari at Busch Gardens, an unforgettable visit to the African Plain. Then if you want water fun, Adventure Island provides all you could ask for, with water rides, waterfalls to play around in and slides.

If you like a great scenic drive, take your RV over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and along the way you will surely see some dolphins leaping from the water below. There are many piers from which you can fish and the longest sidewalk in the world where you can take a 4.5-mile bayside stroll – Bayshore Boulevard.

Drive over to Clearwater Beach which likely has some of the whitest sand you’ll find on the Gulf. The pier is fun to explore and all the nearby shops offer dazzling displays of many goodies, from clothes and food to beach accessories and jewelry. Grab an ice cream cone and wade in the surf.

A Tampa Bay vacation has a wide array of things to do and see. Bringing an RV to stay in gives you the opportunity to experience some of the best of Florida without expensive hotel rooms. You’ll come home relaxed and with one of those famous Florida tans!

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon chopped roasted garlic, or chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 can Pillsbury® refrigerated classic pizza crust
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced, or shredded can be used also
• 1/4 cup fresh basil strips

Directions:

• Heat oven to 400°F. Grease large dark or nonstick cookie sheet with shortening or cooking spray; set aside.
• In 10-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot.
• Add tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon roasted garlic and the salt. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 to 15 minutes or until tomatoes are thickened, stirring frequently. Set aside; cool slightly.
• Unroll dough on cookie sheet. Press out dough to 15×10-inch rectangle.
• In small bowl, mix butter and 1 tablespoon roasted garlic. Spread over dough. Bake 7 minutes; remove from oven.
• Evenly distribute tomato mixture over partially baked crust. Top with mozzarella cheese.
• Bake 7 to 9 minutes or until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Sprinkle basil strips over pizza before serving.

Note: 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder can be substituted for the roasted garlic in the tomato mixture and 1 teaspoon garlic powder can be substituted for the roasted garlic in the butter mixture.

For more details see: RV Rental & Campground All-Inclusive Getaway.