Table of contents for Issue 17 in RV Destinations Magazine

If you've ever wanted to step back in time to the days of cane fishing poles and picnics on lazy summer days, or if you've wanted to experience a ghostly, forested gorge with a road from long ago, a trip to upstate South Carolina's historic bridges could be for you. Located along South Carolina Highway 11—also known as the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway—you'll find not one but two bridges that are on the National Register of Historic Places. They are as different as night and day, but both are well worth a visit on your RV exploration of the region. Pulling into the parking lot of my first stop, I peered down the hill and saw a nostalgic, red covered bridge that looked like it could've been in a storybook.…

Many visitors to Maine make it as far as Bar Harbor, but just another two hours' drive up Route 1, you'll find the natural wonder and tranquility of Cobscook Bay. This region offers the same breathtaking coastal scenery, fresh seafood, and endless opportunities to convene with nature that Mount Desert Island does, but with a fraction of the crowds. As I discovered when visiting this area in September 2019, on many occasions, I had the trail or seashore to myself. WHERE TO STAY: COBSCOOK BAY STATE PARK To explore the long, convoluted coastline of this easternmost part of Maine—and the United States as a whole—I stayed in the central location of Cobscook Bay State Park, one of the jewels of the Maine State Park system. Located just north of Whiting,…

What island flies four flags, uses three currencies, goes by two names, and yet claims the nickname “One Friendly Island?” It's none other than the Caribbean getaway of Saint Martin! Or Sint Maarten. It all depends on which side you're on at the time. While it's not your typical RV-inspired getaway, it's a gorgeous place to be inspired in different ways. So, four flags? It's true! Once you go through passport control at Princess Julianna International Airport (SXM), you'll be free to move about the island, crossing from the French side (Saint Martin) to the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) as you like. There is a monument at each border crossing, and at each site you'll find these four flags: France, the Netherlands, St. Martin/Sint Maarten, and the European Union. There…

What is your Favorite National Park and Why? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park in Michigan. I have fond memories of day trips as a child climbing the sand dune at the Dune Climb. Then taking my kids there to do the trails to Lake Michigan. The views are breathtaking from the top of the dunes. When we go now, Cherry Republic in Glenn Arbor is a must stop to try something new made with cherries. Tina J. Mishawaka, IN Pacific Rim National Park is my favorite. Long Beach is a bucket list place to see. There are miles of sandy beaches to walk along while watching surfers in the waves and the local birds soaring in the wind. There are also hiking trails in the park. If you would like…

Some RV parks are full of amenities, enticing guests to stay in the park, rarely venturing beyond the front gates. Then there are RV parks that provide a perfect place to park your rig and tempt you to get out and explore the surrounding sights, attractions and town. THERE ARE TWO SUCH RV PARKS IN PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS • Lafitte's Hideout RV Resort • On the Beach RV Park Lafitte's Hideout RV Resort is conveniently located on West Cotter Avenue in the heart of Port Aransas. Walking to restaurants, shopping, bars and attractions is accessible from this location. Lafitte's offers 96 full hook-up sites, partial concrete pads (think concrete strips for your tires) and a community clubhouse and pool. This RV park is a popular destination for Winter Texans—northern folks…

For many, camping elicits images of places a long way away, but it's possible to enjoy city camping, too. And, because exploring local culture through food and beverage is our thing, we often find ourselves camping near cities. The area around Little Rock, Arkansas, offers options for both types of camping within a reasonable distance from area businesses. We opted to stay as close to the city as possible and dedicated much of our time in and around Little Rock to exploring the area's ever-growing and vibrant craft beer scene. One of the best things about our mission was the proximity of Downtown Riverside RV Park in North Little Rock to the breweries on either side of the river and the ability to get around the area by bike. We…

Many of the most visited RV destinations are popular primarily for offering easy access to escape into nature. But many RVers, in addition to wanting to explore the great outdoors, have that one thing they like to do/see in every place they visit. It could be visiting the local coffee shops or bookstores or enjoying a hobby one can only do in specific destinations. During our years of full-time RVing, whenever my husband and I would arrive at a new campsite, we would almost immediately search Google Maps for the nearest breweries. We love sampling the local craft beer in the places we visit and find that breweries are often the perfect laid-back environments to allow you to mingle with locals to get tips for your stay. Many are even…

Located on one of Texas’ longest barrier islands lies Port Aransas, an idyllic little beach town. During the summer, the island comes to life with beachgoers searching for the perfect piece of beach to enjoy the long, sunny days. Streets are filled with golf carts as tourists putz along, passing from restaurant to shop, embracing island time and enjoying life at a slower pace. And for those looking for a quiet, charming, sleepy beach town with plenty to keep you busy even off-season, then Port Aransas, Texas, is for you. Port Aransas is home to just under 3,000 people and is located on Mustang Island. Less than 45 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Corpus Christi, this small island town feels worlds away from big box stores and chain…

Miami is a whirl of hot-sandy beaches, chic resorts, glassed-in high-rise towers, and eclectic cuisine. It's also the gateway to our Florida Keys road trip and the Overseas Highway. You can complete the 150-plus mile drive from Miami to Key West in under four hours, but whizzing past the breathtaking scenery is only a fraction of the Florida Keys experience. To take in the beauty and natural wonders of the keys, we took two days for our road trip, affording time to explore and relax. From exceptional Cuban cuisine in Little Havana to Hemingway haunts in Key West, you can't help but soak up the stunning scenery, absorb a little history, and indulge in sumptuous local flavors. Take time to stop, enjoy, and explore this great strip of hundreds of…