Touring America

Alabama

The Selma to Montgomery March Byway is a 43-mile route that follows US 80 in central Alabama. The byway is more than just another scenic route; it celebrates one of the major historic events in 20th century American history. The Selma to Montgomery march represents two fundamental ideals of the American people -- democratic equality and nonviolent protest.

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Special Offer

For a limited time, you can save some money when you buy all three of our electronic books together. This special offer includes the following ebooks:

• Interstate Rest Area Guide
• RVer's Guide to Dump Stations
• Wal-Mart Directory

Select this link to learn more about each ebook.

RV Vacation Planner

by Donna Flanders

Donna is retired from computer programming. After 20 years of computer work, she now devotes her analytical, organizational and research skills to developing vacations for others. She is a list maker and she shares her lists with you at RV Vacation Planner.

The Walk Through

I have read many articles about the walk through when you pick up your new RV. One suggestion was taking notes or even video taping the whole thing since it can be an overwhelming amount of information.

When we sold our first motorhome privately we did a double walk through. Harv spent time with the husband and I explained things to the wife. Let's face it, there are totally separate areas of interest. Yes, there are some things that both people need to know, but there are definitely things more meaningful to one or the other.

Select this link to read the full article.

Fun Stops U.S.A.

Nebraska

The Arbor Day Farm in Nebraska City is a 256-acre national historic landmark. Visitors can enjoy walking the Tree House Trail or climb the 50-foot high Canopy Tree House. The Woodland Pavilion features a 20-minute film about Trees in the Movies.

Select this link to learn more.

RV Dump Stations

Here are some recent additions to the RV Dump Stations web site:

Discovering Your Public Lands

Virginia

John H. Kerr Reservoir is a Corps of Engineers project in south-central Virginia, east of Danville. The 50,000-acre lake extends 39 miles up the Roanoke River along 800 miles of wooded shoreline. There are five campgrounds managed by the Corps; camping fees range from $14 to $20 per night.

Select this link to learn more.

RV University

by Mark Polk

Mark Polk is the producer of training videos on how to use and maintain your RV. He is also the author of The RV Book, a personal guide to understanding and enjoying your RV.

Gas vs. Diesel

This article discusses an age old question and one I get asked a lot, should I buy gas or diesel? This question has fueled many a heated debates too. Sometimes this question involves a truck that will be used to tow a trailer, and other times it involves what type of motorhome to purchase. A universal response you could expect to hear to this question goes something like this: Diesels cost more. Don't buy a diesel unless you plan to put a bunch of miles on it and keep it for a long time. That's the only way you can justify the extra cost of a diesel.

Several years ago there was some truth to this somewhat typical response. But things are changing, especially when you're talking about motorhomes. Today, the cost of some gasoline powered motorhomes is about the same as many of the entry level diesel motorhomes available on the market. This higher cost is mainly due to advancements in gasoline RV chassis' design; with greater Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR) to accommodate coach designs with 3 and 4 slideouts. And don't forget to factor in the new technology in gasoline engine and transmission design over the past several years.

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Exploring State Parks

South Dakota

Snake Creek Recreation Area is situated along the shore of Lake Francis Case about 14 miles west of Platte, South Dakota. The Lewis & Clark expedition traveled through this area, where they watched for "burning bluffs" and for their missing crew member George Shannon. The recreation area has a total of 115 campsites in two campgrounds. Most sites have electric hookups; camping fee is $10 to $14 per night.

Select this link to learn more.

Camping in City and County Parks

Iowa

The Miller-Riverview Park in Dubuque, Iowa, is a 20-acre city park that has sites with electric hookups for $10 to $12 per night.

Select this link to learn more about this park and others in Iowa.

Illinois

Spindler Campground and Marina in East Peoria, Illinois, is a city park with a total of 74 sites. The camping fee ranges from $18 to $20 per night.

Select this link to learn more about this park and others in Illinois.

Suggestions

Do you know of a city or county park that has a campground? Tell us about it.

Gadgets & Gizmos

Womp'Em Stick

The multi-function Womp'Em Stick is a favorite from breakfast to dessert. Its solid oak cooking head is perfect for cooking Womp'Em biscuits (Pillsbury biscuits) filled with your favorite fillings such as ice cream, fresh berries with whipped cream, or even a hot dog - use your imagination. Attach the stainless steel prong and you're ready to cook hot dogs or marshmallows.

Select this link to learn more.

Legends of America

by Kathy Weiser

Kathy is a personal friend and webmaster of the Legends of America web site. Her site focuses on the history-rich travel destinations of the American West.

Saloons of the American West

Well, there just ain't no talkin' about the Old West without mentioning the dozens, no hundreds – er, thousands of saloons of the American West. The very term "saloon" itself, conjures up a picture within our minds of an Old West icon, complete with a wooden false front, a wide boardwalk flanking the dusty street, a couple of hitchin' posts, and the always present swinging doors brushing against the cowboy as he made his way to the long polished bar in search of a whiskey to wet his parched throat.

When America began its movement into the vast West, the saloon was right behind, or more likely, ever present. Though places like Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico already held a few Mexican cantinas, they were far and few between until the many saloons of the West began to sprout up wherever the pioneers established a settlement or where trails crossed.

Select this link to read the full article.