Discover Colonial America on One Tank in Massachusetts

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is one of the most populated states in all of New England. This state bulges at the seams with American history, but is equally full of artistic and musical attractions. There’s also a vast array of natural wonders to be enjoyed by even the most timid of outdoor adventurers. This One Tank RV Trip from Woodall’s will show you that a trek through the Bay State will be a vacation to remember. Salisbury Beach Salisbury Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the state and it’s not difficult to see why. Resting at the north end of the Massachusetts coast, this quiet community is a haven for those seeking a restful escape. One can walk along four miles of pristine beach, or explore the nearby bird sanctuaries and watch the seals that frolic off the coast. If you enjoy being on the water, the Merrimack River is an ideal place to take a sailboat or maybe try your hand at landing a few fish. A trip to Salisbury Plains will be well worth it, as local farmers maintain fruit and vegetable stands that offer the best of the recent harvests. Gloucester The fishing community of Gloucester is another popular lure to visitors – no pun intended – and lies south of Salisbury Plains. Head west on SR-1 for 5 miles, then merge with the southbound MA-1A for another 5 miles after which you’ll take the eastbound MA-133 for 8 miles into town. Gloucester is known as America’s Oldest Seaport, and its coastal waters have long provided some of... Read more

Streets and Trips 2010

by Chris Guld, Geeks on Tour We’ve been wanting this new feature!! And now, with Streets and Trips 2010 – we have it. We can now plan our trip on the laptop with Streets and Trips, then transfer the locations to our Garmin Nuvi 255W.  As I wrote in a previous post, we like to use both the laptop and the Garmin Nuvi to navigate while we travel.  We recently attended the Hershey RV Show and were thrilled to meet Larry Petersen at the Microsoft booth.  We attended his seminar to learn about the new features in the 2010 version.  He demonstrated several methods of sharing data.  You can import and export .gpx files, you can use a USB cable and ‘Send to GPS’, or you can use the MSN Direct service.  I researched our device – the Garmin Nuvi 255W and decided the USB method was the best.  For more information directly from Larry – check out the Streets and Trips Blog. Here is a short video on the process to send Locations from a Streets and Trips 2010 route to a Garmin Nuvi 255W.  All you need is a USB cable (with a mini ‘B’ connector that fits the Nuvi) and an Internet connection: (You can view the video full screen by clicking on the icon in the lower right corner that looks like an X.)  Read More →

See the Jersey Shore on One Tank

When a first-time visitor hears the name of New Jersey, their first thoughts might be of metropolitan sprawl and industrialization, neither of which conjures an image of the ideal vacation spot. But to those in the know, New Jersey has several pockets of beauty and plenty of fun and adventure to go around, which keeps visitors coming back year after year. This One Tank RV Trip from Woodall’s runs along the Southern Shore region, a place with something for everyone, from family fun to a romantic getaway for two. Spend a day walking up and down miles of sandy beaches, or enjoy any of the dozens of attractions that are just waiting for you. Cape May In the southernmost part of the area, Cape May is famous for its Victorian architecture. The Emlen Physick Estate is a fully-restored 19th-century mansion that is now a museum showcasing the Victorian lifestyle. The Carriage House Gallery is a must-see spot for the art lover, with various traveling exhibits that change with the seasons. Combine this with a trolley tour of the historic district to maximize your Victorian experience. The Cape May Lighthouse is another popular stop for visitors, and those who make the climb to the top of the lighthouse are treated to a spectacular view of Cape May Point and the Jersey Shore. Atlantic City Head up the Garden State Parkway for nearly 40 miles, then take the eastbound Atlantic City Expressway for another 8 miles until you reach Atlantic City. This is a city that needs no introduction;... Read more

1000 Islands & the St. Lawrence Seaway on One Tank

Upstate New York is as different from Manhattan as night is to day. The beautiful countryside is full of lakes and streams for great fishing and boating. Visitors to this region can expect to find quiet getaway spots close to water with plenty of activities to interest even the most jaded local. This One Tank RV Trip from Woodall’s takes you through quaint historic towns near Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Utica Utica is a city rooted in history. It served as the base of Fort Schuyler during the French and Indian Wars, then grew into a thriving trade city thanks to its proximity to the Erie Canal. Now, the Handshake City is a 21st century destination that retains that small town feel. Enjoy a relaxing picnic at one of the city parks before heading over to see the 200 animals at the Utica Zoo. Try any of the downtown Utica restaurants for a nice steak dinner before taking in a world-class show at the Stanley Center for the Arts. digg_url = 'http://digg.com/travel_places/1000_Islands_the_St_Lawrence_Seaway_on_One_Tank'; Syracuse Syracuse lies just over 40 miles to the west, accessed via I-90. This route takes you along the Erie Canal, and when you get to Syracuse you’ll be able to tour the Erie Canal Museum. Housed in the last remaining weighlock building in America, the museum features tours and an array of exhibits depicting life near the canal over the decades. Check out the trendy boutiques, galleries and cafes in the Armory Square district, where you’ll... Read more

Plenty of Outdoor Fun on One Tank in Idaho

One thing’s for sure: there’s a lot more to Idaho than just potatoes. The Gem State’s land mass stretches from Canada to the Nevada border and within those boundaries exists virtually every type of terrain. You’ll find rolling green hills, tree-covered mountains, and clear, unspoiled lakes in the north. The central section holds vast ranges of jagged peaks to be conquered by adventurous climbers. The southern part of the state offers unobstructed views of open vistas and developed farmland. If you’re in the market for a down-to-earth vacation escape, Idaho may be just what you’re looking for. Try this One Tank RV Trip from Woodall’s to get a sampling of the state’s diverse scenery and outdoor fun. Boise Start your trip in Boise, a metropolitan capital city that manages to retain a hometown charm. Browse through the antique shops, enjoy the green parks, catch a play at the local community theater, or tour the art galleries and museums. Several highly-rated golf courses are available in and around Boise, and there are ample opportunities to go rock climbing in the nearby mountains. Check out the view of the area during a hot air balloon ride! This popular and unusual sightseeing experience is offered by several outfitters in town. digg_url = 'http://digg.com/travel_places/Plenty_of_Outdoor_Fun_on_One_Tank_in_Idaho'; McCall Heading north on Highway 55, you’ll enjoy a journey through Idaho’s beautiful countryside on the Payette River Scenic Byway.... Read more

Saskatchewan: The Land of Living Skies

Just north of Montana and North Dakota, the Canadian province of Saskatchewan beckons with a fresh vacation experience. It’s a haven for the nature lover, with countless opportunities to go fishing, horseback riding, or river kayaking. There’s plenty of wildlife roaming free in the forest, prairie, and riparian areas in this province called the Land of Living Skies. But there’s also a bustling city life, too. Countless opportunities for dining, shopping, and nightlife await you in Saskatoon and other points north. This One Tank RV Trip from Woodall’s starts in Saskatoon, about 2.5 hours northwest of the provincial capital of Regina via Provincial Route 11. Saskatoon Saskatoon is a young city (founded in 1882) named for a small purple berry native to the region and is the largest city in the province. The South Saskatchewan River runs through the middle and features several parks along its banks. Take an hour-long river cruise to see the scenery or start a 3-hour paddling trip into the city from the Poplar Bluffs canoe launch. Wander along the Meewasin Valley Trail, 60km of riverbank trails that wind through the heart of the city, or explore the Univeristy of Saskatchewan’s beautiful riverfront campus. The Mendel Art Gallery overlooking the river houses works by Canadian and European artists. Free admission, free parking and a complimentary coat check make it easy to spend an afternoon in this lively gallery. Also worth a look is the Ukrainian Museum of Canada... Read more

Old Farms and Fishing Villages on One Tank Through Maine

It’s not difficult to understand why Maine is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Eastern Seaboard. This is a state where the seasons themselves turn the land into a stage for one picturesque show of nature after another. The spring and summer are the best times to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. Autumn turns the falling leaves into a carpet of red, brown and yellow; the likes of which is seen nowhere else. In winter, the city lights sparkle like diamonds against a curtain of snowy white. Don’t forget to eat your fill of world-class seafood (especially lobster and chowder) at local restaurants during your trip. This One Tank RV Trip from Woodall’s will take you along the southern coast from the New Hampshire border up to the capital of Augusta to sample some of the state’s splendor. Kittery Beginning in the southern part of the state, the town of Kittery offers several points of interest. The Kittery Historical and Naval Museum features exhibits from the town’s rich maritime past, and the stores at Kittery Outlets draw shoppers from all over with its massive array of deeply discounted name brands. Wells Heading north on I-95, a 20 mile drive takes you into the small, historic town of Wells, whose roots date back to the early 1600s. There are many restored buildings available for tours, as well as plenty of grounds open to the public for hiking. Festivals and re-enactments are a popular pastime in Wells, as... Read more

RV Weekly Round-Up (July 18-24, 2009)

Check out these highlights of RV-related news, events and video from this past week. 1. Portable Power & Light: Brian Brawdy shows us his favorite portable power units and headlamps–perfect for those emergency situations or boondocking adventures when you need safe, reliable power and lighting off the grid. Watch the portable power video now! Read more  Read More →

Cruise the Cherry Blossom Drive through Northern Michigan

Michigan is one of those states that’s truly capable of taking your breath away. With over 10,000 miles of crystal clear streams, thousands of rivers and lakes, and more freshwater shoreline than any other state in the country, Michigan has virtually cornered the market on water-based recreation. Up in the northern part of the state, you’ll find some of the best fishing to be had in the entire Great Lakes region. Every stop on this One Tank RV Trip route from Woodall’s has somewhere for you to park the rig, take a deep breath, and let the stresses of day-to-day life melt away. Grayling Starting at Grayling, one place you won’t want to miss is the Hartwick Pines State Park. Spanning nearly 10,000 acres, the park provides more than 100 campsites, several trails for strolling or hiking, and great fishing on four small lakes. It’s also been designated a watchable wildlife area, so be on the lookout for birds and small mammals in their habitat. The Hartwick Pines Logging Museum is on the park’s grounds, and is a popular visitor’s destination that showcases the 19th century logging trade with buildings, a logging camp, and several restored rooms from the period. A visitor’s center features artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the loggers who pioneered Michigan’s logging history.digg_url = 'http://digg.com/travel_places/Cruise_the_Cherry_Blossom_Drive_through_Northern_Michigan'; Traverse City The next stop, Traverse City, lies 50 miles eastward on MI-72.... Read more

Bargain Hunting + Sightseeing = The World’s Longest Yard Sale

This summer, why not take a trip dripping with small-town Americana? If you enjoy yard sales, back roads and one-horse towns, then you’ll love experiencing The World’s Longest Yard Sale! The 4-day event covers 654 miles in 5 states from Gadsden, Alabama, to West Unity, Ohio, along Highway 127. This year’s sale takes place August 6-9. If you can’t make it this year, the event always takes place the first Thursday in August and continues through the following Sunday of that week, so mark your calendar for 2010! The Sale is now in its 22nd year, and has grown like a weed in the past few years…it keeps getting longer! In its first few years it ran from Covington, Kentucky to Chattanooga, Tennessee. Now it cruises through Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio–almost to the Michigan border. Read more  Read More →

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