RV Country: Where will you GO?

The makers of the award-winning ‘Go’ Mobile Adventure Gear camping-trailer, have once again loaded a GO with over $15,000 worth of phenomenal adventure gear. They have hidden this prize somewhere in North America. So, when they say GO, literally, GO! Get on the open road and find that prize! Were your family vacations ever like this?! Think of the memories this will create!

FindtheGO is open to anyone over 18 with a desire for adventure. To find the prize package, stay tuned to www.findtheGO.com. Once they start, you will receive a new clue each week. The video clues will contain a set of geo-caching coordinates and a verbal clue that will guide you to the ultimate gear-cache location. Find it first, and it's yours!

And of course – don’t forget that camera! Because we want to hear all about your adventure and see all the pictures along the way.  Now go forth and Find the Go!

How We RV - Bill & Jeanne Whitted

Bill & Jeanne Whitted with Canto & Pretty Boy

RV Make/Model/Year: 2004 Fleetwood Southwind RS
 
Number of years you've been RVing: 40 years
 
A little about you: We lived in Visalia, CA for forty-one years, before we retired. We bought our first travel trailer in 1978, we took it to Pismo Beach and the Sierra mountains for deer season. In 1982 our daughter moved to Manistique, MI with her husband and our only grandchild. We traded our travel trailer for a used 23 foot Mini Motor Home, we made our first trip to Michigan in 1983. We had another grandchild by then. We spent our summer vacations in Michigan to see our daughter & family. We had one granddaughter and two grandsons there by 1986.

We decided in the 1990's we would become full time RV'ers. We retired in 2005 and went on the road to visit family & friends.

We have our oldest granddaughter and her husband & two children in Enid, OK. Our oldest grandson lives in Boulder, CO with his wife, and our youngest grandson & wife live in Marquette, MI. We have a son that lives in Tehachapi, CA with his wife & daughter.

We have family in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

We enjoy Workamping, you make good such friends, and it is fun. We don't work all the time as we like to visit family.

Do you travel with pets? Tell us about them: We travel with a Persian Cat, Pretty Boy, he will be 14 this year, and a Miniature Red Poodle, Canto, she will be 9 this year.

Favorite camping spot or travel destination and why: We have so many favorite places to camp, that it is hard to say. I like to be by the ocean or a lake.

Service Tips, Travel Tricks, or Gadgets you can't RV without: We always fill our gas tank up before it gets below half a tank of gas as many stations have closed. We try to gas up at the stations that are RV friendly, having a dump station, water & propane on the same gas island. We always carry a rolling basket to carry laundry, firewood or ice. TV trays are a must, we use them outside and in the RV for extra space on the dinner table.

We get our RV serviced at Paul Evert's in Fresno, CA. They are very thorough and friendly. They have a nice area to park your RV to stay all night. Their waiting room is very clean. They have a RV store. For your convinces there is a washer & dryer, coffee, water and popcorn. There is information about the area.

Funny Story: We were in Yellowstone NP, and a man comes running up and waving his arms at us! It was friends of ours from Visalia, CA!

Favorite Recipe: I like to make Mandarin Rice and Carrot Cake for pot lucks.

RV Lifstyle: Going Green Could Win You $100.00!

Got a green RV?  And we don’t mean green in color... We all want to do our part to help the environment and to shrink our ecological imprint, right? Now Jayco and Coachmen are offering RV’s specializing in going GREEN!. This may not be new to some of you, but ‘Certified Green by TRA Certification’ is offering $100.00 each month for the winning picture of green RV’s! 

So, get out those camera’s, dress up the kids in their Sunday best, capture the pets snoozing in the lazy boy (or the driver for that matter), or snap a shot of a beautiful sunset with your green RV in front of it. Whatever picture you decide to submit, it could win you a hundred bucks! Hey, while you’re at it, share it with us here at Paul Evert’s RV Country too! We always love getting pictures from our RV families!

For official rules and to sign up for their newsletter, visit http://www.certifiedgreenrvs.com/talk.php

E-mail your pictures to aleazenby@trarnold.com with the dealer name, customer name, customer contact info and RV brand/model. Also, include a short essay on your thoughts on the Certified Green label. 

We LOVE free stuff for the RV Lifestyle!

Keystone RV Company and Kampgrounds of America Inc. are joining together for the 2011 “Kamping in Style” RV Giveaway.

They will present one lucky winner with a fully-equipped 28-foot Keystone Springdale camping trailer and 10 free nights of KOA camping at any KOA location in North America or Canada. That’s 473 different "kampgrounds"!

The contest is running March 1^st through August 31, 2011. To enter, visit the official website by clicking here.

What are you waiting for? You have a vacation to take this summer, so go enter the contest and maybe you can take your vacation in your new Keystone RV!

RV Lifestyle Tips: RV Driver's License Requirements and RV Driving Schools

If you are new to the RV lifestyle, or maybe you're just considering becoming an RV enthusiast, you may be wondering if you are going to need a special driver's license to operate an RV. In most cases, the answer is no. However, there are some exceptions to that rule. The vast majority of RV's can be driven with a regular driver's license, but some states do require a special license for large RV's. In rare cases a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required. If you are told that you need a CDL, be sure to do a bit more research, because in actuality, very few non-commercial RV's fall into this category. If your RV meets one of the following criteria, check with your state for special driver's license requirements:

• Single vehicle or towable combination having a weight rating of 26,001 lbs. or more
• Towing a trailer with a weight rating of 10,001 lbs. or more
• Is longer than 40 feet
• Towing two units (for example, towing a boat behind a trailer)

 Click here for a summary of RV driver's license requirements in all 50 states.

Even if your state has no special license requirements, a good RV driving training course is always an excellent idea. After all, you are on a mission for enjoyment and adventure, and you will want to know how to best keep yourself and your family safe.  There are training courses available in many states, with more being added across the country, so no matter where you are, you should be able to find one that is convenient for you!

RV Lifestyle Report: Senior Citizens Take To The Open Road In Search of Lifes Next Adventure

If you're a senior citizen looking for your next adventure, then the RV Lifestyle may be just the ticket for you! There's no better way to fulfill your need for exploration while maintaining all the comforts of home. With such a vast array of prices, styles, and sizes available, figuring out a budget, and which amenities are needs vs. wants is the first step to take. There are Class A, B, and C motorized recreational vehicles, as well as towables, such as fifth wheels, travel trailers, and pop-up campers. If a brand new RV is out of your price range, not to worry! Most dealerships offer many different affordable pre-owned options to chose from.

Remember, that although in most places no special license is required for operating an RV, there are some places with special requirements, so be sure that all potential drivers are up to the task. There are many different RV Driving Schools located across the country, so no matter where you are, you should be able to find one that is convenient for you.

 Just in case you're wondering what exactly the difference is between Class A, Class B, and Class C RV's, we've got the breakdown for you right here. Take a look at these very basic descriptions, and get some help determining which RV is best for you and your next adventure in life:

Class A motor homes are typically 30 to 45 feet in length and can be either gas or diesel powered. These conventional motorhomes are entirely constructed on a specially designed motor vehicle chassis. Home-like amenities abound in motorhomes, but generally they all have kitchens, bathrooms, entertainment centers and centrally controlled heating and air conditioning. Spacious and well-equipped, even the basic models are well-appointed and roomy. For anyone looking for the ultimate in travel luxury and elegance, Type A motorhomes include high-end luxury models with condo-like surroundings and all the bells and whistles of a custom home. They offer the most storage capacity and often include basement storage areas. Slideouts in some models, which move the RV wall outward up to three feet at the touch of a button, create larger living areas. Many models include multiple slideouts. Any experienced driver can take the wheel. A small vehicle can be towed behind, for short side trips once the motorhome is parked. Or you might prefer to tow a trailer to carry your boat or golf cart. Depending on the floor plan, they can sleep up to eight people and can cost anywhere from $50,000 to $500,000+.

Class B motor homes, also referred to as conversion vans, are built using an automotive manufactured van or panel-truck shells and are the smallest of the motor homes, usually 16 to 22 feet. They also include home-like conveniences such as a bathroom, sleeping, dining and kitchen facilities, and storage. Though the living space is more crowded, Class B motor homes are easier to handle and more versatile and economical than Class A ones. Full stand-up room is achieved by the raised roof and sometimes by the use of dropped floors, for extra head room inside. Typically, they cost $40,000 to $100,000, depending on the features.

Class C motor homes are smaller versions of Class A motor homes, stretching from 21 to 35 feet in length. Type C motorhomes are built on an automotive van frame with a wider body section attached to the original cab section. Amenities are similar to those in the conventional motorhomes. Most recognizable about the Type C motorhome is space over the cab that is often an optional sleeping area. Ample living space includes sleeping, kitchen, dining and bathroom facilities, as well as entertainment systems and storage. Slideouts in some models, which move the RV wall outward up to three feet at the touch of a button create larger living areas. They can cost $50,000 to $150,000.

Sometimes this information can be overwhelming! Another suggestion is to visit your local dealer and check out the different makes and models for yourself. Most sales people can whittle down the many options to just what you want and need after a short conversation!

Put a little "Spring" in your step, and your travels!

Got a little case of Spring fever? Nothing lifts the spirits like visiting a beautiful garden of amazing blooms, and here are some of the top botanical gardens to visit this Spring. All are gorgeous, all are affordable, and some are even free! Let's hear it for FLOWER POWER!


Missouri Botanical Garden's Orchid Show
When: Through March 27
Where: St. Louis, MO
Cost: $4 to $8
For an unforgettable display of orchids, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers 7,500 individual orchid plants. This year's Mayan theme pays homage to the Long Count calendar, which some say predicts the world's end in 2012.
Moss-covered mannequins wearing imposing headpieces made of dried botanicals, a serpent fountain and replicas of Mayan stone sculptures are mixed into the tropical display.
"You're going to see a pretty diverse landscape when you go to Missouri," Daniel J. Stark, executive director of the American Public Gardens Association, said of the Botanical Garden. "They have wonderful and different kinds of gardens."

Chicago Botanic Garden
When: Spring
Where: Chicago, IL
Cost: Free
Lauded as having the most notable display gardens in the Midwest, the Chicago Botanic Garden features four natural areas and 24 display gardens, all on nine islands surrounded by lakes.
"They have unbelievable blooms in the spring," Stark said.
The Graham Bulb Garden, for example, has narcissus, tulips, ornamental onions, fritillaries and lilies. A double-planting technique utilized in the garden makes it look like the bulbs are blooming longer.
"People travel from all over to see spring flowers at the Chicago Botanic Garden because of the quantity, quality and diversity of flowers," said Kris Jarantoski, the garden's executive vice president and director.

Dallas Blooms
When: March 5 to April 10
Where: Dallas, TX
Cost: $8 to $12
For the "greatest flower display" in the Southwest, the Dallas Arboretum is home to more than 500,000 spring-blooming bulbs, said Justin Hancock, senior garden editor for Better Homes and Gardens. The arboretum's Dallas Blooms festival is now in its 27th year.
Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths populate the 66-acre garden, and "bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush offer a fun red and blue combo," Hancock said.
Beginning at the same time, the Fairy Tale Castles exhibit will feature castles from "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin" and "The Little Mermaid," to name a few -- all interspersed between the flowers.
"[Dallas Blooms] is a world-class tulip show," said Terry Lendecker, public relations manager for the Dallas Arboretum. "In fact, it is the spot this side of Holland to see the most tulips in the world."


The New York Botanical Garden
When: March 5 to April 25
Where: Bronx, NY
Cost: $6 to $20
The New York Botanical Garden's "The Orchid Show: On Broadway" utilizes a Tony award-winning set designer to bring the charm of the theater outdoors. The show stars 5,000 orchids.
"They're spectacular in the spring," Stark said. "They're going to be focused on making sure everything is popping at the right time."
There will be more than 300 types of orchids on display, showcased with high drama in curtains, arcades and chandeliers.

Canada Blooms
When: March 15 to March 20
Where: Toronto, Ontario
Cost: $14 to $75
For those willing to make the trek north of the border, Canada Blooms is the biggest flower show in Canada and includes six acres of display gardens, Hancock said. There will be more than 250,000 plants, trees and flowers on exhibit.
Started in 1996 by the Garden Club of Toronto and Landscape Ontario, Canada Blooms is now a spring destination for visitors across Canada and the United States.
Canada Blooms will include five JUNO Rocks gardens, paying homage to Canada's music awards, now in their 40th year.

Atlanta Blooms
When: March 22 to May 1
Where: Atlanta, GA
Cost: $13 to $19
The Atlanta Botanical Garden promises 100,000 new bulbs, spread out to span early, mid- and late blooms. The spring-blooming bulbs will include tulips, daffodils, hyacinth and crocus, among others.
"By March, people are starved for springtime," said Danny Flanders, a spokesman for the Atlanta Botanical Garden. "After this particularly cold winter in the Southeast, we think visitors are going to be mesmerized by all the color."
The bulbs will join existing perennials, pansies, phlox, daphne, spring wildflowers, native azaleas and deciduous magnolias.

Tulip Fest
When: March 25 to May 1
Where: Woodburn, OR
Cost: $5 to $20
The 26th annual Tulip Fest will highlight tulip and daffodil fields and display gardens at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, 45 minutes from Portland in Woodburn, Oregon.
"It features 40 acres of spring-blooming bulbs," Hancock said. "That's more tulips than most people can even imagine in one place."
Guests can buy cut flowers or order bulbs for fall planting. There is food, a gift shop and lots of fun for kids!
"There is nothing like wandering out in the middle of a tulip field in full bloom," said Barb Iverson, representative for Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. "On those warm days in the spring when we are in full bloom, the field literally glows."

National Cherry Blossom Festival
When: March 26 to April 10
Where: Washington, D.C.
Cost: Free for most events
Commemorating the gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to Washington, D.C., the National Cherry Blossom Festival is a celebration of the "lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries," according to the website.
More than 1 million people visit each year to take in the blossoming cherry trees and attend events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and the Lantern Walks
The website estimates April 4 as the peak bloom date, though an accurate prediction won't be available until 10 days before peak bloom. The blooming period can be as long as 14 days.
"The particular arrangement of the cherry blossom trees around the Tidal Basin and monuments is truly spectacular," said Danielle Piacente, communications manager for the National Cherry Blossom Festival. "When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, you know it's springtime."

Longwood Gardens
When: April 2 to May 27
Where: Kennett Square, PA
Cost: $8 to $18
Longwood Gardens is one of the best-known gardens in the United States for a good reason: There are 1,050 acres of gardens and meadows, covered in 11,000 types of plants and more fountains than any other garden in the country.
"They draw audiences from long distances to see their spring blooms," Stark said. Those blooms include azaleas, dogwoods, hyacinth, irises and tulips.
The 20 outdoor gardens are teeming with lively flowers and beautiful fountains, and cover about one mile in distance.
"There is a renewed energy and vibrancy at Longwood in early spring," said Patricia Evans, a spokeswoman for Longwood Gardens. "Our visitors delight in seeing spring blossom throughout the outdoor gardens and to see the Longwood's famed fountains once again jet to life."

Bluebonnet Festival
When: April 9 and 10
Where: Chappell Hill, TX
Cost: Free
Though Texas is chock full of wildflowers and bluebonnet festivals, Chappell Hill's is the only "Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas," as declared by the Texas Legislature.
"Bluebonnets and other wildflowers are very, very plentiful in Washington County," said Ladonna Vest, administrative director of the Chappell Hill Historical Society.  "Visitors can 'come to the country' and have a wide variety of choices of sites to see."

With more than 250 exhibitors, country-style food and live entertainment, as well as fields filled with the iconic bluebonnets, it's easy to see why the festival was voted one of the most popular in Texas.