RV Country Destination Highlight: America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations

For the past 11 years, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has selected 12 towns to be at the top of America's Dozen Distinctive Destination list. They may not always be your most obvious vacation destinations, but they are beautiful towns full of plenty of opportunities for recreation, learning, culture and history. According to the NTHP, they choose areas that "exude an authentic sense of place".


The list of the top 12 destination finalists is out now.  With something in every region of the USA, any one of these destinations is accessible, and may be just the place for your next RV road trip!  Maybe you have already been to see some of these places? Maybe they're already on your RV bucket list? The public is invited to weigh in on their favorite through March 15th. All voters are entered to win a 2 night stay at any Historic Hotel of America, and you can vote once per day! Just click here to be transported to the voting page!

Alexandria, Va. – The culturally rich Washington, D.C., suburb sports an "extraordinary blend of early America and modern chic, (with) an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, historic sites, dining and shopping."
Chapel Hill, N.C. – Well-preserved historic districts and a bustling downtown are some of the assets in a city nicknamed the "Southern Part of Heaven."
Colorado Springs, Colo. – The historic Rocky Mountain town has fabulous views of Pikes Peak from almost everywhere in town.
Dandridge, Tenn. – Set in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the southern Appalachian town has "a welcoming small town spirit and a charming historic downtown."
Eureka, Calif. – The beautifully preserved Victorian seaport on the state's northern coast boasts "a lively Old Town, the Carson Mansion -- one of the most photographed homes in America -- and nearby forests of majestic old growth redwoods."
Muskogee, Okla. – Once the unofficial capital of Indian Territory, the town has a multi-cultural history that blends Native American, African American and Euro American influences. It celebrates that history with a number of festivals in its vibrant downtown.
New Bedford, Mass. – Scenic beaches, maritime history, architectural and historical riches and a growing arts community make this former whaling port an attractive place.
Paducah, Ky. – The river town has thriving historic districts with one-of-a-kind shops and eateries. It's a community that "creatively celebrates its cultural and artistic heritage."
San Angelo, Texas – "A bustling downtown historic district and vibrant cultural offerings" exude authentic Old West ambiance.
Saint Paul, Minn. – "Visitors can browse the quaint shops of Grand Avenue, dine in the strikingly restored warehouse district, or be awed by the stately mansions along Summit Avenue."
Sheridan, Wyo. – The town has a lively Main Street commercial district, plus lots of recreational opportunities in the shadow of the Big Horns.
Sonoma, Calif. – "The town offers all the perks of being in the heart of wine country, with the added benefit of a laid-back vibe that complements the award-winning wine and food."

Keystone Recalls 318 Units To Test Oven Supply Tube

Attention owners of 2011 Keystone models - Possible fire hazard sparks recall:

It was announced today that according to NHTSA Campaign ID Number 11V064000, Keystone is recalling certain Model Year 2011 Avalanche, Laredo, and Springdale recreational vehicles equipped with Atwood 35 Series range ovens. A potential exists for a small fracture within the line delivering gas to the oven cavity burner. Such a fracture may cause propane gas to leak from the line.

The potential number of units affected is 318.
A propane leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire and/or explosion causing property damage and/or personal injury.

Dealers will isolate and perform a drop pressure test on the oven supply tube and if the tube leaks it will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall has started.

Owners may contact Keystone customer service at 1-866-425-4369. This safety recall campaign is an expansion of a previous recall (see 10v-478). The Keystone safety recall number is 10-148.

Owners may also contact the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

You can also contact our service department at (559) 486-1000 for more information.

Living the RV Lifestyle, is it for you?

All the top economic advisers say that when the RV economy goes down, it’s a sign to watch... But when the economy comes back up, the RV industry is one of the first to rise back up.

Nowadays, there is a huge variety of people purchasing RV’s. From baby boomers to the younger generations with new families, people are wanting a better way to travel and have all the comforts of home when they get to their destination.

How much easier can it be than to travel in your second home? No more lugging heavy luggage up stairs or into elevators to hotel rooms and then a few days later scrambling to make sure everyone has everything packed up, only to find out an hour down the road that little Johnny left his favorite blanket. Nope. None of that when you travel in your RV. It all stays right where you want it, and little Johnny’s blanket is never left alone. Plus, you don’t have to have a special license to drive an RV, making it an especially tempting option, but you don’t have to take our word for it, check out this video from CNBC. We think you’ll find it pretty interesting!

Click here to watch a news report from CNBC

RV Lifestyle: Winnebago Recall (Fuel Fill Cap)

According to RV Daily Report Winnebago is recalling certain Model Year 2008 Destination and Latitude motorhomes built on Workhouse Custom Chassis. The fuel fill cap assemblies used to seal the unused fuel tank inlet were produced with an incorrect hose material.

A fuel leak increases the risk of a fire, which may result in property damage, personal injury or death. Navistar/Workhorse is handling the remedy and owner notification for this campaign. See Navistar/Workhorse's Defect Report 10V-348.

Navistar/Workhorse will replace the original fuel-fill cap assemblies with ones assembled with hose material that meets design specifications. This service will be performed free of charge. 

Owners may contact our service department to make an appointment by clicking here.

Must have tools for the RV Lifestyle: Do you need more power?

One of the most popular parts and accessories that we sell are Yamaha portable generators.    They are perfect for the RV Lifestyle and a cost effective addition to any travel trailer.  Let us show you why...

RV Country apps for survival

We’ve all heard it “you’re not really camping if you bring your phone.” But then there’s the other side “You should always carry your phone for safety reasons.”  Well, here are some apps that can bring some ease into your RV or camping trip.

1) TrailBehind ($.99) : User-generated maps with info about specific trail heads, summits, streams, state park landmarks, and more.

2) Park Maps ($.99): GPS maps of 250+ national parks and recreational spots in the U.S. The reviews are mixed.

3) Flashlight (FREE) Literally a flashlight that takes up the whole screen. You can even change the color of the light.

4) Google Earth (FREE) Google Earth lets you zoom in and browse the entire world, using your fingers to zoom, pan, and tilt in a way that is so much more intuitive than any desktop application. Use Google Earth to scope out the road ahead, and the places you  have been – it gives a great overview of the towns and terrain you have passed through.

5) Zyrtec (FREE) Who will show up to your outdoor gatherings? Or follow you to work in the morning? Ragweed? Bluegrass? Will it be sunny or cloudy? Now you’ll know, with AllergyCast from the makers of ZYRTEC®.

6) State Lines ($2.99) a single resource for all those laws and regulations that change as you cross state lines. Use it as you cross state lines to find out if gas taxes will be cheaper in the next state, if you can overnight at rest areas, if you can buy beer in grocery stores on a Sunday and other such information.

7) RV Dump Stations ($0.99): Where's the closest RV Dump station? RV Dumps checks your location and displays all points on a map view. RV Dump uses the database from AllStays.com and its Camp & RV app and filters all points that have a dump station as an amenity - lists 4,428 dump stations.

8) Dog Park Finder Plus ($1.99):  Partnering with Adopt-A-Pet.com and from the #1 dog park app comes the expanded Dog Park Finder Plus. App lists 2400+ legal off-leash dog parks plus 2500+ dog friendly beaches and hikes along with pictures and reviews.

9) Star Walk ($2.99) is a star gazing app like no other. The application feels very natural on the iPhone platform and performs flawlessly. So what can you do with the app? A bunch of things like learning constellations, stars, planets and more.

10) Pocket Universe ($2.99) There can never be too many stargazing apps and Pocket Universe is a worthy competitor to Star Walk. Pocket Universe works in a very similar manner to Star Walk, once you launch the app the geolocation information is collected and with the iPhone's GPS and compass features the app orients the night sky on your iPhone with all the necessary labels. You can track through the night sky virtually on your iPhone, locate stars and constellations, and obtain information about planetary bodies. The "time travel mode" on the app is pretty cool, it allows you to look at how the night sky will appear on a future date. Pocket Universe also keeps its users informed of any expected meteor showers, lunar phases and similar celestial events so that you can get a first-hand view on a telescope at home or at an observatory.

RV Country Destination Highlight: A tall adventure that's sure to have lasting impressions

By Doug Kirby/Copyright RoadsideAmerica.com

Looking for an adventure of a different kind?  How about taking a trip to Hatch, New Mexico? What’s there you ask? A giant cowboy holding an RV! He is known as the Muffler Man of Hatch. He advertises RVs along the entry road into town, I-25 exit 41, then drive one mile south on Hwy 26/Franklin St. On the right.

And wouldn’t you know it, he’s holding a Winnebago! There are several of these giant-sized figures in Hatch and even across the country! Naturally, we like this one the best. But that’s not all Hatch has to offer... Stop in at Sparky's Burgers, Barbecue, and Espresso to view more large characters that are sure to wow everyone. They’re fun and funky, and the unique memories of this trip are sure to last a lifetime!

Woman Gives Up Ordinary Life To Pursue The RV Lifestyle

Imagine, if you will, a life free from the ties that bind... You roll with the wind wherever you should choose, cruising through here, stopping for a while there. Freedom is yours! Sound enticing? Well it was for one brave soul in search of more authentic life. Over the course of four years, Rae Crothers had several revelations that moved her to make a drastic change in her lifestyle. The last of these revelations came with the passing of her father. "In his last moments, he was focused on the people he loved and the things he'd done and the things he'd seen. And that's what I wanted, to lead a life that was extraordinary, that wasn't about things."

So with that, in May of 2008,  Rae gave up her job, her apartment, the majority of her material belongings, and set out to live her extraordinary life. She took a road trip to the South, where she found herself a 1997 31-foot Glendale Royal Classic, and named it Miranda. She decided to spend a year traveling Canada, and while she did, she kept a blog, Travels With Miranda, and also wrote a book, Full-Time RVing in Canada.

Crothers is currently in Abbotsford, where she will be holding seminars at the Earlybird RV Show and Sale sharing the highlights of her life on the road, the tips, tricks, and best spots, the joys and the pains of living the RV Lifestyle full-time, and the generosity and good nature of the RV Community.

Although admittedly full-time RVing may not be for everyone, for Rae Crothers, there's no turning back...


"I have a home and the freedom to travel. I tried hard to conform to normal society and it didn't work. I don't see myself ever going back to living in one place again."

RV Country Destination Highlight: The Rebounding Gulf Coast

The oil spill scared many tourists away, but the Gulf Coast is ready for business. The shoreline has been spruced up and its kitchens have been restocked with local shrimp. The average daily rate at regional hotels is down between 12 to 43 percent since 2009 depending on the destination, and tourism levels aren't expected to rebound until late 2011, which mean deals abound. Keep in mind: there's more to do than just sunbathe. In November, Biloxi unveiled its Frank Gehry-designed Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art, a 12-years-in-the-works project dedicated to Mississippi potter, George Ohr (admission is $10).

There are also 11 casino’s to choose from, and a choice of 20 golf courses, many of them created by the top course designers in the world - Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Davis Love III, Mark McCumber, Jerry Pate and Tom Fazio!

Golfers could also tee up at Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores, Alabama, ranked one of the top three public greens in the state by Golf Magazine (18 holes cost $78 after 1pm).

For sun worshippers, Florida's Panama City Beach averages 320 days per year of blue sky, flip-flop fun! Coconut Creek offers fun for all ages... Its an 18 hole mini golf course, and kids under 6 play free. 18 holes not your ideal vacation? Spend a day getting pampered at one of the best spas in Florida! Lounge beside a sparkling pool, then watch the sun set into gorgeous Gulf waters, and you can feel awfully good about ordering that third Piña Colada when you know that your money is helping rebuild this beautiful region.

RV Lifestyle Travel Recipes: Mmmmm...Guacamole

Looking for that perfect dip to go with your chips? Whether you’re tailgating or just craving a late night snack, you’re going to love this quick and simple recipe.

Quick Guacamole
Use a cup of salsa to make this easy guacamole. Mash a few ripe avocados, stir in a dash of lemon juice and you're done! Guacamole will turn brown if allowed to sit and is best made shortly before serving.

For a touch of spice, try adding a splash of Tobasco!

How easy is that? And it's delicious!

Thor Motor Coach Recall

Thor Motor Coach has a recall out due to a faulty fuel line. Please see information below. If you are unsure if your unit is involved in the recall or to make an appointment for necessary repairs, please contact our service department. 

THOR MOTOR COACH IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2010 DAMON CHALLENGER, MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 CHALLENGER PLATINUM, MODEL YEAR 2007-2011 DAYBREAK, MODEL YEAR 2010 DAYBREAK CLASSIC, MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 DAYBREAK SPORT, MODEL YEAR 2007-2009, OUTLAW AND MODEL YEAR 2011 FOUR WINDS HURRICANE, RECREATIONAL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MARCH 2007, THROUGH AUGUST 2008. 

THE FUEL-FILL CAP ASSEMBLIES USED TO SEAL THE UNUSED SIDE OF THE DUAL-FILL GASOLINE FUEL TANK WERE PRODUCED WITH A HOSE MATERIAL THAT DID NOT MEET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS. DURING NORMAL USAGE THE HOSE MATERIAL MAY DETERIORATE WHICH MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS.

A Breakfast Everyone Will Enjoy!

Here's a breakfast you can prepare indoors or out, and the kids are sure to love it... It's so easy, they can even help out!

PB&J French Toast

Ingredients:
12 slices bread
3/4 cup peanut butter
6 tablespoons jelly or jam
3 eggs
3/4 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Directions:
Spread peanut butter on six slices of bread; spread jelly on other six slices of bread. Put one slice of each together to form sandwiches. In mixing bowl, lightly beat eggs; add milk and salt and mix together. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Dip sandwiches in egg mixture, coating well. Place in skillet and brown on both sides.


ENJOY!

Hey there, Boo Boo!

As you pack up the family and head out for fun-filled adventures this spring and summer, there’s one thing you may want to bring along for a little entertainment. Typically this person, err…character, is found at the fictional Jellystone Park. He and his trusty companion sneak around looking for pic-a-nic baskets. Yes, we’re talking about the famous Yogi Bear! His movie was released in December and is now out on DVD – the perfect movie to bring with you while RVing this season. Adults and kids of all ages are sure to enjoy this movie. Yogi Bear made his debut in 1958 as a supporting character in The Huckleberry Hound Show, but eventually became more popular than Huckleberry Hound, and in 1961Yogi was awarded his own show.

While you can’t actually go to Jellystone Park, you CAN go to Yellowstone National Park! Located primarily in the state of Wyoming, though it also extends into Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone was the first national park in the world. It is known for its wildlife and its many geothermal features, especially Old Faithful Geyser. Hundreds of species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles have been documented, including several that are either endangered or threatened.  The vast forests and grasslands also include unique species of plants. Grizzly bears, wolves, and free-ranging herds of bison and elk live in the park. Yellowstone has numerous recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, fishing and sightseeing. This park is a definite must in your RV travel adventures.

No matter if you’re going to Yellowstone National Park, or another destination across the country, why not take along one of America’s favorite characters! Your kids will thank you, and you’ll get to walk around saying “I'm smarter than the average bear!"

RV Recipe Drive

The Family Motor Coach Association, in partnership with Microwave Connection, has launched an online RV Recipe Drive to help feed the hungry.

Everyone who adds an acceptable RV-friendly recipe to FMCA.com’s Recipes for the Road (www.fmca.com/motorhome/recipes) now through March 1st, will be entered in a drawing to win an On-the-Road Muffin/Cupcake Set (a $57.50 value) from Microwave Connection!  But that's not the best part ....

For each recipe added during this period, FMCA will donate one non-perishable food item to a local food bank in the Cincinnati area.  What an easy way to help make a difference!

For more information on this great initiative you can visit the FMCA.com 

Summertime Fun in Winter

Tired of the cold, the snow, and the dreariness of winter? Can’t wait to get in the water and have some fun? Well, until summer gets here we thought you might enjoy some indoor water parks! One of the greatest things about RVing is you don’t have to wait for summer to come to enjoy some summertime activities, just pack up the family and head to one of these super fun parks…your family will thank you!

Wilderness Territory Waterpark Resort, Wisconsin Dells

Four distinct parks make up this massive 600-acre resort, which stays a balmy 88 degrees regardless of the temperature outside. The park's big attraction  is the Hurricane—a family raft ride that drops 58 feet then spins into a funnel that mimics a hurricane in enough detail (lightning and fog machine alert!) to be as terrifying as it is fun. Not interested in the Hurricane, you may like their idea of  filling up the kiddie pool with "Bumper Boats" and a word to the wise: The Great Wave—a 15,450-square-foot wave pool that pits swimmers against five-foot swells—is addictive. 511 E. Adams St., Wisconsin Dells, Wis., 800/867-9453, wildernessresort.com 

Splash Lagoon, Erie, Pennsylvania

The first water park in the U.S. opened in 1989, and 13 years later Pennsylvania finally caught on onto the trend with Splash Lagoon. The Tiki Treehouse is right at the top of the park's greatest hit list—half fortress, half obstacle course, the attraction is a favorite among kids who love the bridges, slides and the huge bucket of water that periodically deluges unsuspecting guests. Of course, waterslides feature prominently here and the two standouts are: Shark Attack, a furiously fast body slide that twists and turns outside the building; and the Black Hole, a tunnel slide that leaves you in the dark until the very end. 8091 Peach St., Erie, Penn., 866/377-5274, splashlagoon.com. 

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark, Boyne Falls, Michigan

In Michigan's northwestern region, Boyne is best known as a ski escape. But the area is also home to the 88,000-square-foot Avalanche Bay, where skiers often thaw out in the 84-degree temperatures. Adventure-seekers should head to the South Wall, a 25-foot-high climbing wall that pours H2O on daredevils attempting to summit. Those keen to stay on the ground should listen for the Splasherhorn's rumblings—the four-story play structure dumps 800 gallons of water on passers-by throughout the day. The park is also home to Michigan's only surf simulator, the Rip Zone, where guests can try either stand-up surfing or boogie boarding. 1 Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls, Mich., 800/462-6963, avalanchebay.com. 

Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio

The African-themed Kalahari is an expansive 173,000 square feet (it's the largest water park under one roof in the U.S.) and features a spectrum of thrill rides, from the 55-foot-tall Cheetah Race waterslide to the speedy, 400-foot-long Rippling Rhino tube ride. But a must-do is the 500-foot-long Zip Coaster: Utilizing a conveyor belt system, it launches two-person rafts into a series of free-fall drops, on-a-dime turns, and tunnels, all in a 30-second blur. 7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky, Ohio, 877/525-2427, kalahariresorts.com/oh.

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Indoor Waterpark, Galveston, Texas

Meet the chain that invented the lazy river—a concept so popular that it's now practically a requirement at any water park worth its salt. The latest outpost from Schlitterbahn—a family-owned operation with four parks in the Midwest—has put a twist on the concept by adding waves to a river that is nearly a quarter-mile long (called Torrent River, this splashy adventure is anything but lazy). The company has another first under its belt with this Galveston Island park, too; it's the first "convertible" water park in the world, which means that it can convert from indoor to outdoor, depending on the weather. 2026 Lockheed St., Galveston, Tex., 409/770-9283, schlitterbahn.com/gal.

Water Park of America, Bloomington, Minnesota

This 70,000-square-foot water park is right next to the gargantuan Mall of America, refreshing tired shoppers with more than 300,000 gallons of water daily. The park's signature is a 10-story-tall tower waterslide for raft riders that drops and curves for more than a mile (the enclosed-tube ride is so long that it even takes a loop outside the building!). 1700 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, Minn., 952/ 698-8888, waterparkofamerica.com.

Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound, Washington

America's largest family of indoor water park hotels, Great Wolf has 12 lodges to its name. Its only West Coast location is in Grand Mound and draws much of its attendance from nearby Seattle. Those looking for thrills either head to the Howlin' Tornado, a raft ride that swirls riders up its funneled 30-foot sides, or the River Canyon Run, where a round raft drops six stories through a chute, sailing over 500 feet of water in all. 20500 Old Highway 99 SW, Centralia, Wash., 800/640-9653, greatwolf.com/grandmound/waterpark.

Massanutten Resort, McGaheysville, Virginia

Massanutten offers more than just warm water temperatures and eight big attractions: The 42,000-square-foot glass-walled, pyramid-shaped structure also has views of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. As for rides, the Melting Mogul body slide sends folks on a heart-stopping descent into total darkness, and the Peak Splash slide is more than 440 feet high and moves 2,000 gallons of water per minute. Parents can recover from it all in the Shenandoah Hot Springs, an indoor/outdoor hot tub that's open year round. 1822 Resort Dr., McGaheysville, Va., 540/289-9441, massresort.com.

Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark, Kellogg, Idaho

Idaho's largest indoor water park was built especially with teens in mind. The park's calling card is Hoop Lagoon—a court-sized, three-foot deep, warm-water pool with real basketball hoops suspended overhead for friendly games. There's also a Flow Rider surf wave that moves at 35 mph and the Crossing, where kids can jump between floating obstacles like lily pads. For together time, families flock to the Moose Sluice, a raft waterslide that sends parties of four careening through a dark tunnel. 610 Bunker Ave., Kellogg, Idaho, 866/344-2675, silvermt.com.

A Valentine's Night to Remember

Bored of the same old thing? Candy and flowers, a crowded restaurant, dinner by candle light... Finished with a walk back to the car. While all lovely gestures, isn't it time to change it up a bit? Here's an idea for something new to try this year, and we think it's twice as romantic! A dinner under the stars, alone, by the light of the moon. No crowds or restaurants in sight.

Valentine’s Day is on a Monday this year. Plan a long weekend now! Start on Friday and extend until Tuesday. Why not? You both deserve some quality time together and whether camping in a tent, or in an RV, you can cook over a camp fire, reminisce about the first time you met and take a walk through the woods or just sit together and gaze at the stars.

Did you know that in 2001 astronomers from the museum of science were asked to plot a new constellation in the shape of a heart?  They were asked by the New England Confectionery Company (NECCO), makers of Sweethearts Conversation Hearts. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company has been a New England institution since 1847, and they've been making America's best-selling Valentine's Day treat since 1902.

Can you see it?

The Heart Constellation contains stars from the constellations of Orion, the hunter; Canis Major, the Big Dog; Canis Minor, the Little Dog; and Gemini, the Twins. At the heart’s point is Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky.

Heart Nebula

Robin Symonds, director of the Charles Hayden Planetarium said in a press release,  "There are hundreds of ways to form images like the heart constellation we plotted. We hope that our effort will encourage more people to look at the night sky and design constellations of their own." How romantic will it be when you can point out a heart shaped constellation to your Valentine? So, spend some time together outdoors, away from the stereotypical crowds. Your Valentine is sure to appreciate the time and effort you put in to switching it up this year!

Happy stargazing, lovebirds!

The President that Brewed more than Politics.

Ah, the open road! Perhaps you’ve decided to plan a vacation centered around U.S. history? You’ll set off and tour the cities where our past presidents lived! Remember the old days, back in school when a history lesson may have bored you? If the history books had told you all that you can learn about now, you may have enjoyed it a little more! Here’s a little information about one past president… We think that after reading this, you just might want to take a ride to the estate.

Thomas Jefferson was our third president. He’s known for many things, but did you remember him for his beer crafting skills? That’s right! Jefferson's beer-making records date back to 1772 at his Monticello estate, when his wife, Martha, oversaw periodic brewing. The enterprise produced 15-gallon casks of low-alcohol beer about every two weeks, and then expanded its scale with some outside help. Not the information you learned about in school, but it sure is an interesting fact!

Well, now the Thomas Jefferson Foundation is bringing the beverage back. They will be  working with Starr Hill Brewery in Crozet to offer Monticello Reserve Ale, inspired by what was produced and consumed regularly at Monticello. Brewing beer was among the plantation's important activities, Monticello officials said.

Starr Hill's master brewer, Mark Thompson, will brew Monticello Reserve Ale using a combination of lightly hopped wheat and corn, as Jefferson did in his day. Local ingredients will be used, including some hops grown right at Monticello. 

The ale will make its public debut at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center museum shop with tastings on Feb. 21. The ale will be sold at Monticello and Charlottesville area restaurants. They also plan on doing some renovations to the estate’s downstairs quarters and beer cellar, but the actual location of the new brew house has yet to be determined. Now that's our kind of history lesson!

RV Economy on the rise!

The RV industry was among the first to fall during the beginning of the economic hardship, but is also quickly proving to be the first to rise up from the ashes.  RV manufacturers have responded to the down turn by rolling out their most innovative and sought after designs to date.  RV lenders, in turn, are seeing the increased value and have loosened lending restrictions allowing consumers to once again obtain affordable financing for their RV dream.

Paul Evert's RV Country has made it a top priority to partner with banks and other lending institutions that continue to have a strong commitment to the RV consumer.  "We've really seen a change from our lenders." says Joey Williams, F&I manager at Paul Evert's RV Country.

Robert W. Baird & Co., a wealth management and private equity firm, announced they "see a steady recovery in the RV market". We expect credit to flow better in 2011. At the margin, we expect loan approval rates to improve, amplifying industry growth."

"Park campgrounds are as busy as ever", says "Mac" Bryan, Vice President of the RV Industry Association, A fact that underscores the appeal to Americans of the RV lifestyle. According to the National Park Service, the number of RV campers at National Parks rose 6.8% from 2008 to 2009. “Recreational vehicles have a very bright future,” Bryan says.

While the RV economy is on the rise with banks lending more, and families wanting to take a vacation that does not leave them stuck in an airport, it is also, according to recent CNBC report, "tax-wise, if you buy an RV, the interest on your loan may be deductible."

Now's the time to take advantage of this perfect buying season!

Smokey the Bear

Smokey the Bear has been around since the spring of 1950. He even has his own website now!  The website has some great tips and the inspiring story of how Smokey the Bear came to be. Adults and children will love this website! In the kids section you can hover your mouse over objects in the room to read facts, find some fun coloring pages and mazes. 

Visit http://www.smokeybear.com/kids/

and remember......

"Only you can prevent wildfires."

6 More Weeks of Winter?

Each year on February 2nd, hundreds of people flock to Punxsutawney, PA for Groundhog day. Punxsutawney Phil is the only true weather forecasting groundhog. The others are just imposters and you can even have breakfast with him! According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring. Did you know that a groundhog can whistle when it is alarmed? Groundhogs also whistle in the spring when they begin courting.

You can visit the official website to find a lot of fun things to learn about and share with your children and grandchildren, there’s even a lesson plan for teachers! If you’re planning on taking your next RV trip to Punxsutawney, PA tomorrow to  celebrate this fun day, be sure to share your stories and pictures with us!

Norcold Recalls Refrigerators

The Norcold, Inc. refrigerators listed below have been recalled.

It is important to implement this safety enhancement to prevent an unsafe elevation in the temperature of the cooling unit, should the unit fail in operation. This enhancement seeks to minimize the risk of injury or death due to fire.

Norcold Inc. has decided to recall certain 1200, 1201, 1210 and 1211 model gas/electric refrigerators with serial numbers from 315525 to 13088811, non consecutively. The refrigerator's model and serial number are located inside the fresh food compartment. These refrigerators may have cooling units with a cooling unit serial number between 700000 to 13085759. This is a new recall campaign to include all 1200, 1201, 1210 and 1211 models. If you are unsure of the model you have, or to make a service appointment, please call 1-800-959-6485.

**Even if your refrigerator was repaired as part of a previous recall, it is necessary to have it repaired again to minimize the risk of injury or death due to fire.

    If you have one of these refrigerator models, please use the following procedure:

1. Identify and write down the refrigerator model. If it is a Norcold 1200, 1201, 1210 or 1211 model, go to step 2.

2. Identify and write down the refrigerator serial number. If the serial number falls in the range of 315525 and 13088811, go to step 3.

3. Identify and write down the cooling unit serial number. If the serial number falls in the range of 700000 and 13085759, go to step 4.

4. Call your dealer immediately.

The installation of the High Temperature Sensor will be at no cost to you.

Owners of recalled refrigerators should NOT operate their refrigerator until it can be professionally repaired by your dealer or a Norcold authorized service center.

If you have one of the recalled refrigerators and you:

Currently reside in the RV, you should immediately:

1. Set the refrigerator controls to "OFF".
2. Unplug the refrigerator through the service vent on the outside of the vehicle.
3. Contact your dealer, a Norcold authorized service center or Norcold's Recall Center at 1-800-767-9101 as soon as possible to get assistance.

Do not currently reside in the RV, you should immediately:

1.      Set the refrigerator controls to "OFF"

2.      Unplug the refrigerator through the service vent on the outside of the vehicle.

3.      Disconnect from shore power.

4.      Contact your dealer, a Norcold authorized service center or Norcold's Recall Center at 

         1-800-767-9101 as soon as possible to get assistance.

Owners who have had the heater element replaced in one of these cooling units should call to get their refrigerator upgraded to current product configuration.

To make a service appointment, please call 1-800-959-6485.