Table of contents for Issue 18 in RV Destinations Magazine

When you think of New York, the Finger Lakes Region probably doesn’t come to mind, but it should. With its majestic mountains, abundance of lakes and charming small towns, the region is anything but forgettable, as anyone who’s been to the area already knows. Continually named one of the best places to travel, the Finger Lakes region in central New York maintains a distinct identity. The old question of “What is there to do when we visit this area?” should swiftly be flipped to “What is there not to do in this region?” Attracting the full array of travelers—young, old, single, couples and families—this region is undoubtedly any traveler’s dream destination. Nature lovers can enjoy a variety of hikes or even scenic drives to explore the famed, glacially formed gorges,…

N orth Dakota may not be one of the first states that comes to mind when planning an RV trip. But after full-time RVing across the country, North Dakota was one of the most surprisingly pleasant states we explored. What may not surprise you is the wide-open space you’ll find in North Dakota. You’ll escape the traffic and crowds of many of the most popular RV destinations, and finding peace and quiet is much easier. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get lost in nature with all the lakes, hiking trails and unique scenery. North Dakota’s appeal is not only about the things the state has but also the things it doesn’t have. I mentioned the fewer crowds and traffic. In many small towns, you won’t find many chain restaurants…

Custer State Park, located at the southern end of the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota, offers visitors a vacation spot that combines the best of all words: outstanding natural scenery, a plethora of wildlife to enjoy, numerous small towns for stocking up on supplies and experiencing a taste of the past, and some scenic drives to create unforgettable memories. This park was one of my favorite stops during a three-month trip in the U.S. west, and it’s a place I’ll return to explore more and relive favorite spots. Sylvan Lake Campground When planning our trip to the Black Hills, I chose Sylvan Lake Campground for its proximity to the lake and the walking trails. From our site, I could walk my dogs for approximately a quarter of a…

What is your Favorite Fall RV Destination and Why? We love heading north to either Michigan or Wisconsin to see fall colors. Upper Peninsula Michigan is just gorgeous in the fall, and we like stopping in the small towns to shop and to try new restaurants. Dan E. Lafayette, IN Basin Trail and see the colors up close and personal. It’s a sight to see but don’t wait too long because the colors change fast in Arizona. Nicloe C. Flagstaff, AZ Favorite Fall RV Destination is the base of the Adirondack Mountains in the Lake George area of New York for the Adirondack Air Balloon Festival in the later part of September. Walking among hundreds of hot air balloons in different stages of preparing to be launched into the air…

Nestled along the shores of the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Oklahoma, under a canopy of mature trees, lies the perfect RV destination getaway: Water’s Edge RV & Cabin Resort. Jutting out onto the more than 40,000 acres of the Grand Lake, this RV park has every box checked regarding tranquility, ways to stay, boat slip rentals, lots of community activities and a fabulous clubhouse. Pulling into Water’s Edge, you can’t miss the meticulously maintained grounds and the sprawling layout of the RV park. Most of the 98 RV sites sit along the banks of the Grand Lake, each with its own covered deck providing peaceful views out over the water. A handful of interior sites still offer a covered back deck area perfect for sipping a beverage after…

Forty or so miles south of Jacksonville, on Florida’s east coast, are Saint Augustine and Saint Augustine Beach. Between Saint Augustine’s history as the oldest European-settled city in the country and the beautiful beaches, it’s no surprise that these towns attract thousands of visitors each year. And, like so many cities in Florida lately, these cities are also booming in population. Growth can make spending time here challenging. Traffic can be crazy, and finding parking is never simple. When traffic was so bad trying to get downtown, we opted to head in a different direction. That's how we discovered Simone’s Wood-Fired Craft Kitchen (185 Murabella Parkway #8) in the World Golf Village area on the city’s northwest side. We loved this place so much that we had to return for…

If you haven’t fallen in love with a National Park yet, then you haven’t hiked the Continental Divide, marveled at the Rocky Mountains, eaten huckleberry jam or gazed at the mountain goats in Glacier National Park. In Montana, you’ll discover the most captivating scenery of fantastic wildlife, pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and stunning glaciers. You’ll be able to say you walked on top of the world. Although you can visit any time of year, it’s best to travel to Glacier after the snow has been cleared from the Going-to-the-Sun Road, typically in mid-June. On that road, you’ll then be able to travel through the middle of the park cresting on the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Getting around the park for an RVer can be a challenge, as anything more…

There are lots of delicious lobster rolls along the New England coastline just waiting for you to take a bite. I recommend beginning your culinary journey in Provincetown, Massachusetts, and eating your way up the shoreline to Bar Harbor, Maine, or vice versa. There are so many great seafood eateries along this route; choosing just a few takes a lot of work. Below I’ve highlighted my favorite lobster shack stops along the way. These are the best lobster rolls I’ve tasted, and I’ve spent years making the ultimate sacrifice of taste testing to bring you these fantastic lobster roll recommendations. It’s a tasty way to travel. Lobster Roll New England has a great debate about how to serve the best lobster roll—warm with drawn butter or cold with mayo. An…

Utah is considered one of America’s best locations for the outdoor enthusiast. Home to five national parks, 11 national monuments, recreation areas and historic sites, there’s no shortage of things to keep you oohing and aahing over for weeks. The Mighty Five— Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands and Arches National Parks—are within a few hours’ drive of one another as you head across the state, making it easy to traverse Utah. Scattered between the Mighty Five are the quintessential small towns, rock shops and mom-and-pop restaurants you’ll want to visit. After all, no trip to this rich geological area is complete without stopping at a rock shop to pick up a piece of treasure once found in the nearby crags and basins. Located in the state’s southwest corner, Zion…

Ready to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Why not journey back in time to America’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine, Florida? Founded in 1565 by Spanish admiral Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, this charming coastal town is home to centuries-old buildings that have seen it all. From cobblestone streets lined with local restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes to historical museums full of incredible artifacts from past eras, there’s something for everyone visiting the beautiful St. Augustine. Whether you decide to relax on the sandy beaches or explore one of the lively old city streets, you can be sure entertainment and excitement fill your RV travel adventure in Florida’s oldest settlement. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable trip through history. Welcome to St. Augustine.…