California Campgrounds Offer June Rewards

 The California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds is hoping to use incentives to inspire new business at area campgrounds. They are encouraging everyone to "Get Outdoors in June". They are asking campgrounds and RV parks to promote discounts, and host special events for you, the RV'er! The purpose of the campaign is to encourage families to get outdoors and go camping during the month of June.

There are two aspects to the program, and California campgrounds can participate in one or both. Campgrounds will honor a 20% off e-coupon for up to 7 day stays between June 1st and June 25th, which is being promoted by Go Camping America. Discounts will be available to campers who choose ARVC members, Camping World, Coleman, and El Monte RV rentals. Or the campgrounds can choose to host an event on June 11th which is National Get Outdoors Day.
(You can find a list of participating parks and get your 20% off coupon at camp-california.com).

These special events should be free and fun such as an open house, meal, tour or scavenger hunt. So if you're heading out in California during the month of June, make sure to get in on the deals and don't forget to call ahead for availability and reservations!


Happy RV'ing!

An Ice Cream Tour for the RV Lifestyle

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM!  It's a special dessert outing that has become a family tradition for many (Let's go out for ice cream!), and even the grown ups feel like a kid when they're licking a cone. So many flavors to choose from... Will it be a cone or a bowl?  Two scoops or one? Sprinkles or hot fudge? To help you decide, how about taking the family on an ice cream tour this summer? You’ve done the usual RV stops at National Parks, so this summer treat yourself and the family to a childhood favorite! Here are five fun places you can adventure to a la mode:

Hansen Dairy in Hudson, Iowa  

Owned and operated by the Hansen family since 1861, the Farm Fresh Dairy offers guests a hands-on tour of the working farm and dairy. You can request for the tour to be hands-on, meaning in addition to the regular activities, you can also feed a calf, milk a cow by hand, make homemade butter and pet a wallaby.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday all year long, but visitors are encouraged to come late March to early November, and be sure to make an appointment. If the complimentary ice cream isn't enough, you can also visit Moo Roo in Waterloo, just nine miles up the road. That's Hansen's retail store, which includes their complete dairy line, ice cream, soft-serve, ice cream pies and cakes, and their Moo Roo signature chocolate cake roll with ice cream.

Ben & Jerry's in Waterbury, Vermont  

Scooping it since 1978, Ben & Jerry's is still “living the dream of making the best possible ice cream in the nicest way. They also offer a tour through their Waterbury Factory. The tour begins in the Cow Over the Moon theater with a company history moo-vie. Find out how two childhood friends, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, turned a $5.00 correspondence course on ice cream making into a very successful business that shares its success with its employees, & the community & has fun doing it! At the end of the tour visitors are taken to the flavor room to sample the flavor of the day! Mmmmmm! There are outdoor activities as well. You can visit the cows in the pasture, the Flavor Graveyard (where retired flavors have gone to rest) and plenty of space for picnicking.

They  are open seven days a week, year ‘round except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Years Day, but you’ll want to visit their website for seasonal information such as hours and tour information.

Boulder Ice Cream in Boulder, Colorado  

 Started in 1992, this all natural ice cream became popular almost over night! There’s often a 20 minute wait just to get in the door and that’s not the only exciting fact about this ice cream shop – they use all organic ingredients, making them green! 

“We make every effort to minimize our footprint on the planet as we create our products. We strive to be a "Leave no Trace" facility.”  They have over 150 flavors and even offer additional flavors per request! Popular flavors of their organic ice cream include Island Coconut, Mexican Chocolate and Green Tea. The tour is free, but you do have to make an appointment.

Homeland Creamery in Julian, North Carolina  

Homeland Creamery is owned and operated by Chris and Jayne and David and Terry Bowman. They are the sixth generation of farmers on the same homestead that have operated this dairy since the 1930′s. They believe that children should have the opportunity to learn that our food (including milk) is produced on a farm and is not just a product of the local grocery store.

On the Dairy Tour…Your actual tour (about 1-1/2 hours) will be divided into several stages, starting with a hayride (20 min.). You will see a beautiful view of the family farm & crops from the cows in the pasture to baby calves being bottle fed, and get a first-hand look at the milk parlor. The group will get a better understanding of how milk gets from the cow to the grocery store.  Of course, the tour ends with a sample from their own creamery-made ice cream.

While no weekend tours are available, the farm is open Monday through Friday, with tours beginning at 10 a.m. Admission is $6 a person, ages 2 and older. You will need to call to make a reservation.

Hilmar Cheese Company in Hilmar, California

Don't be turned away by the name of this one -  this cheese company, founded in 1984, also has a very cool fun experience for you. Request the Family Fun Ice Cream Activity and you’ll find yourself creating your own homemade individual frozen dairy dessert. Basic ingredients for vanilla ice cream are put in "magic jars." Director of education and public relations at Hilmar, Denise Skidmore, says “It’s really fun, if you end up with a milkshake, obviously you've done something wrong. This experience is all about learning the old-fashioned process."

For more information on tour hours you’ll want to visit their website.

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There you have it, five fabulous farms serving it up frozen cream style. Embrace your inner child and indulge in the icy goodness, but not too fast – BRAIN  FREEZE!

Happy RVing!

May RV Show features Winnebago

Started in 1958 by businessman John K. Hanson and five others to improve quality, Winnebago Industries manufactured furniture and other components designed specifically for its travel trailers. Then, in 1966 the first motor home rolled off the Winnebago Industries assembly lines. Through use of the assembly line and other manufacturing innovations in the motor home industry, Winnebago Industries could produce a motor home that sold for half the price of its competitors’ models.

The Itasca line was introduced in 1975. 1986 marked the appearance of Winnebago Industries on the "Fortune 500" list of corporations. In 2008, as the company celebrated its 50th anniversary, The ERA Class B motor home was also introduced, providing Winnebago Industries with a third motor home brand.

From the beginning, Winnebago Industries has been the motor home leader in technological and design advances - and they continue to lead today.
Examples include three-point seat belts for the driver and co-pilot on all models, Thermo-Panel® sidewalls, appliance tie-downs, and an all-metal welded subfloor framework on all units with no wood compartments or floor supports.

Many employees have been working at Winnebago Industries for more than 30 years. The average is approximately 16 years! Some of their workers are following in the footsteps of parents and grandparents.

Owners of a Winnebago are invited to join the Winnebago-Itasca Travelers Club which offers a great deal of benefits.

To visit their facilities you’ll want to stop by their website for detailed information such as directions and hours of operation. 

             Winnebago Industries - "Moving forward with innovation and quality."

RV Scavenger Hunt - Create Your Own Fun!

How long has it been since you went on a scavenger hunt?  A scavenger hunt is one surefire way to have a blast and make everyone feel like a kid again. Who doesn't love to get a little competitive and show off their skills?  Here's an idea... When you're camped out at your favorite RV park with fellow RV'ing friends, or maybe with your fellow RV'ing neighbors in the campground, organize a small scavenger hunt in the evening. The kids will have a fantastic time and the grownups will too. It's a great way to get to know each other and who knows, you just may make new lifelong friends!

You set the time limit and you chose the prize for the winner... It could be dinner, dessert, a cocktail, or everyone could throw $5 in a pot to go to the victor - it's up to you! Use your imagination.

Here is a list of possible scavenger hunt items to help get you started:

* Red duct Tape
* Ad for Cabela's,
* Receipt from an RV Park
* Post card
* Business card (not their own)
* Golf tee
* Fire starter
* Scarf
* Ear plug
* Stocking cap
* Menu from a restaurant
* Nail polish remover
* Fishing pole
* Extension cord
* Fire Extinguisher
* Toy
* Musical instrument
* Whistle
* Camping World Catalog

Have a great time, and happy hunting!

RV Country Destination: Spring Fever

Spring break is over and it's back to the old grindstone... Only you find yourself unable to concentrate, restless, distracted. You're barely making deadlines. You, my friend, have a good old fashioned case of Spring Fever.  That beautiful RV sitting in your driveway is just calling your name, beckoning you to come home and get behind the wheel. “Take me away... Take me anywhere, just as long as we get away.”  You know you can’t take time off until summer, the kids have school, and you just took time off to visit the in-laws for Easter. And yet, it calls...

If what I just explained has YOU written all over it, then it sounds like a quick weekend trip is in order. And why not? No one ever said that an RV trip had to be a specific length of time. Surprise the family and get away for the weekend. Get out of that weekend-chore-yard work-housecleaning-laundry rut and go somewhere. Live in Boston? Go to Montreal. Yes, Montreal, Quebec. There’s all kinds of shopping and food and the kids will think it’s great that you took them to another country for the weekend. Live in Austin, Texas? How about trying Port Aransas, Texas for the weekend? You’ll find yourselves on the beach and maybe even shed that spring fever that’s been eating at you. In San Diego? Head out to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.  It’s the largest park in California and you can camp there. I could keep going with more destinations, but I think you get the idea. The point is to find a city near you that has something of interest, pack up the family and just go!

Happy travels and may you come back revived, refreshed, and re-focused!

May RV Show features Coachmen RV

Coachmen RV products have been on US roads and highways since 1964.  Founded by three brothers: Tom, Keith and Claude Corson. They started out small, with their first year of production being 12 travel trailers, a single truck camper and 80 truck caps. Since that time, over 600,000 Coachmen recreational vehicles have been produced.

Coachmen joined the ranks of the prestigious "Fortune 500" in 1984 and in December of 2008, Coachmen RV became a proud brand of Forest River Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company headquartered in Middlebury, and manufacturing Class A Motorhomes, Class C Motorhomes, Fifth Wheels and Travel Trailers. New Coachmen owners receive  a one year free membership to the Coachmen Owners Association.

Membership includes campground directory, tours and trips you can take with other members, tips and tricks on making RVing easier for newcomers, and even a catalog to purchase Coachmen apparel.

From the many types of RV’s, to the different benefits of owning a Coachmen, you can see why Coachmen is a top choice for the RV Lifestyle.

Coachmen RV … Great Product, Great Price, Great Value …
Easy to Buy, Easy to Own, Easy to Use …
“Life Should Be So Easy”

RV Country Honors Bob Tiffin; An RV Industry Icon

Tiffin motorhome owners love Bob Tiffin, and we understand why. Bob started his company with two things in mind; Quality products and superb customer service.  Tiffin Motorhomes is a family owned business, but it isn’t just his family that makes this business unique. His employees believe in the product and the high standards that he has set, and they are extremely loyal. So loyal in fact, that even multiple generations of employees are known to have worked there.

Bob founded Tiffin Motorhomes in 1972.  Over the years he has been joined by his three sons: Tim- General Manager, Van- R&D Manager, and Lex- the Quality & Assistance Plant Manager. Also joining the ranks was his wife, Judy Tiffin. Judy gives her amazing insight to the interior and exterior design of Tiffin products.  She also gets credit for naming the original product line: Allegro. Judy has retired, but she still travels with Bob to RV shows and we’re always happy to see her.

Tiffin Motorhomes is known quite well for its innovations over the years. From ¼” glass windows to a full basement for storage, the Tiffin product credits being a leader in innovations to one thing; Listening to their customers. 

Ask any Tiffin owner about the customer service experience and you won’t hear a complaint.  At an Allegro Club rally, Bob and a group of plant technicians knocked on every coach door offering to make whatever minor repairs time and parts allow. At an RV show, RVers (no matter what brand of RV they drive) line up to shake Bob's hand and have a quick visit.

The Allegro Club is a membership organization of Tiffin Motorhome owners. If you're a new Tiffin owner, your first year of membership is free and you can submit your application on-line. There are also other Tiffin clubs you can join as well. The iRV2 Club has a Tiffin group and you can find some great information on the Tiffin RV Network website.

One thing is for sure, if you own a Tiffin or you’re thinking of owning a Tiffin, you know you’ll own a superior product and you’ll be well taken care of.

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Bob Tiffin will be here at Paul Evert's RV Country for two days this May. Stop in during the Manufacturer RV Show & Sale May 20th and 21st to say hi!

Have GPS Units Made Maps and Atlases Obsolete?

It used to be true that anyone who was venturing off on a road trip would have to take a paper printed map to find their route. Then came the digital age and we had the option to go online to a mapping site, enter our destination and print out a route, or even a step by step set of instructions complete with distances from one point to the next. Now it seems that the most common choice for travel assistance are those handy portable GPS units.

GPS units, or Global Positioning Units, were originally created for use by the military, but are now widely used by the general public. With prices starting at less than $100, they have become very affordable and offer so much more to their users than just a road map.  In addition to providing current road maps, they can also help direct you to the nearest emergency services, food, gas, or lodging, as well as help you to adjust your route to avoid roadwork, accidents, and traffic jams. It is also helpful to have a pleasant voice directing you on what move to make next, rather than trying to read a map while driving, or relying on your co-pilot to feed you step by step instructions while they wrestle with a giant folding map the size of your vehicle's interior. Plus, have you ever tried to properly re-fold those maps? That's always good for a laugh!

Rand McNally has even announced that this June they'll be coming out with a GPS unit specifically designed for RV'ers!  It's called The TripMaker® RVND™ 5510.  In addition to the usual information, this unit goes beyond to give you height/weight restrictions, RV campgrounds, festivals and more, all designed for the specific type of RV you are using.  Click on the link above to learn more and pre-order.

So, if your vehicle didn't come with a built in GPS system, and you haven't yet made the leap from the paper map or atlas, now may be the time to check one out. No one wants to waste time getting lost... That's valuable time that you could be spending playing at your destination! Also, no printing on paper makes GPS units a more eco-friendly option.

Best of the Road Contest perfect for the RV Lifestyle

Think you’ve got what it takes to trek cross country on a three week course competing against four other teams for a chance to win $10,000.00? If you do, then you may want to consider entering the ‘Best of the Road’ contest put on by USA Today and Rand McNally.   

They’re looking for the best town’s and attractions and each team will visit four towns in an assigned category. Fans can follow the progress through different forms of media on bestoftheorad.com, travel.usa.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

You’ll have to apply before May 23^rd and each team needs to have two people.  

 The five selected teams will be announced May 31^st.  For more details on this fun and exciting adventure you’ll want to visit their website and of course, if you get chosen - don’t forget to let us know!

Chunky Monkey Pancakes Recipe

Now here's a delicious and easy recipe that puts a little spin on the regular pancake breakfast. This is one we wanted to share because it's nice and simple and definitely one that the kids will love!
This is taken from Dot's Back Inn in Richmond, Va.


*Makes 2 Servings*

Ingredients:
Your favorite pancake batter
1/2 Cup chocolate chips
1 Cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
2 bananas peeled
2 Tablespoons butter
Whipped cream for serving
Confectioner's sugar for serving


Directions:
1. On greased griddle or large skillet, ladle about 1/4 Cup of batter to make a large pancake. Once bubbles begin to appear on the surface, sprinkle half of the chocolate chips and nuts on top of pancake. Flip the pancake when golden brown on the bottom and cook until set. Transfer to plate, and repeat to make another pancake.

2.  While the pancakes cook, sprinkle 1/2 tsp or so of cinnamon to taste over the whole bananas. Melt the butter in a small frying pan over medium heat. When foam subsides, place the bananas in the pan and saute, turning until tender.

3.  Wrap each banana in a chocolate chip pancake. Garnish with whipped cream and confectioner's sugar and ENJOY!

Yummy!!

An Interactive National Park for the RV Lifestyle

When you hear the term "National Park", most of us have a vision of ongoing acres of old growth trees, wildlife, and possibly a river, creek or a lake, but the Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado gives the term a brand new perspective. 

The Ancestral Pueblo people lived here some 700 years ago, and it's home to the nation's largest archeological preserve with over 4,000 known archeological sites including 600 cliff dwellings.  To really get the full experience of this park you’ll need a full day (or two) but the website is great, and offers suggestions on what you can do provided the time you have available. 

Even though there is education packed in with this adventure, your children will love this park.  Getting to climb a 32 foot ladder, crawling through a tunnel, and then seeing the dwellings carved into the sandstone is just an awesome experience.  Most kids don’t even realize that after a day spent exploring this wondrous treasure, they have just had one of the greatest learning adventures of their life! Your kids will even have the opportunity to become a junior ranger.

We think this is one unique National Park, and definitely one worth visiting!

Oregon's Scenic Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area is famous for it's collection of stunning waterfalls... 77 on the Oregon side alone! From the majestic tourist attraction of Multnomah Falls (which is the second highest year round waterfall in the U.S., cascading a full 620 feet - see the gorgeous picture), to lesser known little falls (such as Punchbowl Falls, still beautiful at only 15 feet) that must be hiked to. All of these waterfalls reside within only about a 15 mile span, and can be reached by a nice, slow drive down the Historic Columbia River Highway. This scenic old route winds through some of the most awesome beauty in Oregon, and with so many waterfalls packed into such a small area, you can plan on spending at least a full afternoon here.

There are waysides, rest areas, picnic areas and parks throughout, but there is no RV camping available on this highway. However, should you mosey just a bit further through the Gorge on Interstate 84, about 14 miles from Multnomah Falls, you will come to the cozy little town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. Cascade Locks is situated along the beautiful Columbia River. This small town is deceptive, as there is so much to do! You can hike the Pacific Crest Trail, visit the newly unveiled bronze statues of Sacajawea and Seaman the dog and learn the history of this noted stop on Lewis & Clark's trail. You can stop by the Eastwind Drive-In for the best burgers and shakes, and the Port of Cascade Locks RV and Tent Campground will provide you with all the amenities you need, plus the most stunning view of the river and gorge you could hope for.

It is also located right next door to the local historical museum, as well as a huge, beautiful, park full of acres of green grass and a giant playground for the kids. Book a dinner cruise on the historic Sternwheeler, or take a stroll across the foot bridge to Thunder Island and let your kids and dogs run free and explore... There you will find the most beautiful view of the Bridge of The Gods and a new appreciation for all of natures glory.

RV Country's Pet Photo Contest

Everyone loves to get away, but with gas prices at an all-time high, it’s more difficult than ever to travel to the places we want to. That’s why here at Paul Evert's RV Country, we’ve come up with a fantastic way to help get you and your family on the road! Enter our pet photo contest, and you could win a gas card worth $100!

We’ve heard from so many of you how your pets love the RV lifestyle, and since we know how much pets are truly a part of the family, we just know you have some wonderful pictures of them! The only catch? You must share your photos of wherever your gas card takes you. Hey… we love hearing your stories and seeing pictures of your travels... you’re as much a part of our RV family as your pets are of yours! 

So, visit our Facebook page and submit a photo of your pet enjoying the RV lifestyle between now and May 30^th.  Then between June 1^st and June 15^th have all your friends and family visit our page and vote for your photo. The photo with the most votes wins!

Now go find fluffy and have him strike a pose for that winning shot.

Eating Your Way Across America

Do you just love a great roadside diner? Are you always on the lookout for that little hole-in-the-wall place that just may have the best food ever? Do you consider yourself a "Foodie"?  Well you, my friend, are not alone.  Sharing great food with family and friends is one of the simple pleasures in life!

     

When traveling through a new town, it's always best to find out where the locals eat, and go there.  And now there is a perfect guide to get you to all the right places.  While there are many published guides to eating your way across America, we have found one in particular that we think every traveling "foodie" should carry. Keep in mind that if you are someone who prefers a fancy eatery with lovely ambiance to a down-home BBQ joint, this is not for you...  However, if you are in search of inexpensive cafe's and diners that serve up delicious comfort food, regional specialties, and diner classics, then you have come to the right place.

Gourmet Magazine's popular restaurant critics Jane and Michael Stern have done it again. Their newly updated book, "Roadfood: The Coast-to-Coast Guide to 500 of the Best Barbeque Joints, Lobster Shacks, Ice Cream Parlors, Highway Diners, and Much More" is their best dining guide ever, with over 200 new entries.
The Stern's updated book favors affordable places with great food, and a local atmosphere.  Using their guidebook, you will get the insides scoop on where to go, what to order and what you can expect at each place.  All areas of the continental U.S. are covered, so no matter where you're headed you'll be sure to find some stops along your route.

Do you have a favorite place you always eat at when you're traveling that you want to share with all of your fellow RVers? Submit your story and a picture of you and your family at your favorite eatery to let us know "How You RV". You just may win a gift certificate to our store!  We wish you safe travels and full bellies!

California's Hidden Giant

Hard to imagine something being able to hide when it is 379 feet and 4 inches tall, right?  Alas, somewhere, deep in the Redwood National Park in Northern California, lives the World's Tallest Tree. It was found by two hikers, Chris Atkins and Michael Taylor.

The finding of this tall majesty took the title away from the previous holder, known as the "Stratosphere Giant" which stood at 369 feet tall, in Humboldt Redwoods State Park. The new record holder, named "Hyperion" beat out the old Giant by 10 feet!

According to an NPR story on these record breaking trees, "We have the precise measurements because after Chris and Michael announced their discovery, a team of scientists, led by Humboldt State University ecologist Steve Sillett, climbed to the top of the tree and dropped a tape down to the ground. Some things are still that simple". No one is saying precisely where this beautiful giant is located for fear that tourists will cause damage to the tree wanting to take carvings, climb it, photograph it, etc. "Trees, says Steve Sillett, are not like people. They cannot run away from paparazzi."

Perhaps it is best to just leave it be and enjoy the knowledge that somewhere out there in that amazing old growth forest is an awesomely tall, beautiful tree that has been standing strong for over 600 years, never taking more than its share of the soils nutrients, the suns rays, or the skies waters, but reaching ever skyward... and it sounds like it's getting pretty close.

Green RV Parks for the RV Lifestyle

Did you know that there are RV parks that are actually certified as ‘Green’? There’s even a way to search for these green parks. If you’re on Facebook head over to Facebook.com/Woodalls. They have a searchable database where you can click on a state and get a list of parks certified to be green. Now that's pretty nifty!

In order to be considered “Green-Friendly,” parks must meet nine out of the 18 criteria listed below:

• Tankless water heaters.
• Motion sensors for lighting in bathrooms and clubhouses.
• Energy-efficient light bulbs.
• Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.
• Water saving showerheads and/or faucets with automatic shutoff taps.
• Recycle bins for cans, paper, glass and plastic.
• Energy saving appliances.
• Eco-friendly and “Leave No Trace” tips and education for guests.
• Landscaping that uses wood chip, pebble, paved or grass paths to decrease soil erosion.
• “Reduce Water Usage” signage for guests around the park.
• One or more of the following: lighting, heaters and/or coolers with timers.
• Solar or wind power.
• Low flush toilets or waterless urinals.
• Grey water access (if allowed in state).
• On-site organic composting.
• Email confirmations rather than paper to minimize paper waste.
• Geothermal heating and cooling.
• A program for frequent tree planting.

 Happy RVing!

Cinco De Mayo destinations for the RV Lifestyle

http://www.golden-gate-park.com/

Where will your RV take you on this Cinco De Mayo? If you're looking for suggestions, why not head to the bay? Nestled over on the West Coast, just south of San Francisco is an RV resort with an ocean-view!  Just minutes from the city on the beach is the San Francisco RV Resort. You can see the ocean from your camp site, eat at gourmet restaurants within walking distance, and they even have a year-round heated pool and hot tub! Public transportation is nearby, so you can still have a safe ride back to your RV after eating too many empanada's or enjoying one too many margarita's, if you like!

While visiting the San Francisco RV Resort, you have all that the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer. A short drive takes you to BART, the area's subway system, which gets you anywhere in the city like Union Square, China Town, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, Pier 39, or even to the boats that will ferry you to Alcatraz. The Golden Gate Park is a playground for kids of all ages and the Cal Academy's new multi-million dollar building is a must stop. There’s also Wine country and the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

There’s lots to do near San Francisco RV Resort and if you decide to make this a Cinco De Mayo destination remember....Diviértase y sea seguro!

For more info on San Francisco RV Resort visit www.sanfranciscorvresort.com.

Amusement Parks Unveil Many New Attractions for 2011

With nationwide gas prices on the rise, you may expect that tourism to family theme parks will drop, but the theme parks aren't sweating it. After a disappointing season in 2009, they saw revenues on the upswing in 2010 and are anticipating that the upswing will continue as we head on into summer this year.


"We don't anticipate rising gas prices will have a significant impact on attendance," says David Mandt of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. "Most Americans live within a one-tank trip of a major regional park, so patterns won't change."

With the cost of admission generally around the $35 to $50 range, amusement parks are regarded as "recession-proof". However, that was not the case when in 2008 and 2009 when many saw attendance and revenues stay flat or take a significant drop.  In an effort to lure in repeat as well as new guests, them parks are always coming up with new and exciting attractions. Here are just a few of the new roller coasters, character themes and even a whole new park coming in 2011. Here, we've broken it down for you geographically:

CALIFORNIA
Debuting May 27 at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim is Mickey's Soundsational Parade featuring live musicians and dancers boogieing down Main Street to Disney tunes and "jamming like never before."

Premiering June 3: The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel's Undersea Adventure , part of an ambitious, multi-year expansion at Disney California Adventure park. The dark ride spotlights characters from the movie in a simulated underwater journey.

Also opening on June 3: Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, in Tomorrowland, a re-engineered version of a ride that opened in 1989, with Star Wars characters rendered in 3D. (The attraction débuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort on May 20.)

Comedian/talk show host Jimmy Fallon signs on as the new video host of Universal Studios Hollywood's Studio Tour. He'll debut in June via the ride's hi-definition monitors, supplementing live commentary by tour guides. Last summer, the studio tour unleashed King Kong 360 3-D, created by Peter Jackson and billed as "the world's largest, most intense 3-D experience." This ride alone is worth the price of admission.

At Legoland California in San Diego County, the new Star Wars Miniland, created with 1.5 million Lego bricks, includes life-size models of Chewbacca and Darth Vader and interactive animated scenes.

Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia has adding three new coasters, bringing the total to 18. The DC Comics superhero-themed Green Lantern: First Flight is a spinning coaster with a vertical zigzag-pattern track and 360-degree head-over-heel spins. Superman: Escape from Krypton, an enhancement of an earlier ride, propels riders backward up a tower at 100 mph. A third coaster will offer a tamer experience targeted for children. (Green Lantern also opens May 25 at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J.)

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park will unveil WindSeeker, a ride with two-person gondolas that spin around 30 stories off the ground.

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo opens SkyScreamer, a 150-foot tower ride that spins at top speeds of 43 mph. (A similar ride is opening at Six Flags St. Louis.)

FLORIDA
Opening this October in Winter Haven, about 40 miles from Walt DisneyWorld, is the all-new Legoland Florida. Targeted at the age 2 to 12 set, this is the largest of the five Legolands to date. Its 10 "lands" will house 50 rides, shows and attractions on the site of Cypress Gardens, the state's first theme park.

At Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, the two-decade-old Star Tours ride gets an upgrade with new footage shot in George Lucas' studio and more than 50 ride variations. Coming to Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios is Disney Junior – Live on Stage! featuring entertainment for the pre-school set.

At Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, the new Cheetah Hunt coaster runs over simulated Serengeti terrain with a stop-and-start rhythm that goes from 0 to 60 mph several times during the ride. A new habitat area, "Cheetah Run," features real cheetahs
.
MIDWEST
Bay Beach Amusement Park in Green Bay, Wis., adds the 2,500-foot-long roller coaster "Zippin Pippin" with drops of up to 70 feet at speeds of up to 40 mph.
The new WindSeeker ride at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, spins and dangles riders 30 stories above the Lake Erie shore in two-person swings. (A similar ride debuts at Kings Island in Mason, Ohio.)

NEW ENGLAND
The Wooden Warrior, a 1,200-foot-long wooden roller coaster, debuts at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, Conn. The three-car train reaches a top speed of 35 mph and takes riders down a 40-foot drop.

Six Flags New England near Springfield, Mass., adds a 10th coaster, Gotham City: Gauntlet Escape from Arkham Asylum. The four-person cars climb five stories then twist through a maze of 17 hairpin turns and dips.

THE SOUTH
The swing ride, Barnstormer, opened recently at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. It reaches heights of 81 feet and speeds of 45 mph and is surrounded by a barnyard-themed play area.

The coaster Dare Devil Dive opens May 28 at Six Flags Over Georgia in Austell, Ga. The ride reaches 10 stories and speeds of 52 mph, putting riders through diving loops and zero gravity.

THE WEST
Lagoon Park in Farmington, Utah, adds a ninth coaster, Bombora, billed as a family-friendly ride.

Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Texas, marks its 50th anniversary with a revamped Texas Giant. The classic wooden coaster is faster and steeper, thanks to a a $10 million makeover that includes a new track.