As travel lovers, RVers get to see more of the world than many people do. A particular site often stands out in one’s memory, such as the following offered by FMCA members who participated in this month’s discussion: Describe a favorite motorhome destination.
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One place I still remember fondly, even nine years later, is a roadside park on State Highway 6, near the old gold-mining town of Lyell on New Zealand’s South Island. It was only $5 (New Zealand currency) to dry camp there, with a gorgeous fern-forested hiking trail close at hand. I even spent one of those frozen-in-time moments at my own personal waterfall. That whole country is tailor-made for motorhome travel: size, terrain, friendly people, and lots of “motor caravan” (as they call them) rallies and events to attend. How much did I like it? I joined their motor coach club (the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association)!
Michael Canode, F13059S
Columbus, Ohio
Anywhere that I have the campground all to myself.
Richard Miller, F333547
Gatesville, Texas
One cannot spend just one night at Lost Dutchman State Park, nestled in the shadows of the Superstition Mountains, a little east of Phoenix, Arizona, without wanting to return. We first visited there in 1998 with an RV group called Movin’ On, led by Ron and Barb Hofmeister, authors of a great full-timing book of the same name. It took only that first night with friends around the campfire and we were hooked! Whether it is watching the sun come peeking up over the mountain or watching it go down, creating unbelievable Arizona sunsets through the majestic saguaros, you won’t find too many places that can compare. Besides the wonderful scenery around the area, the park has spacious sites surrounded by many species of cacti, plus several hiking trails, some more difficult than others. On your next trip west, be sure to give this beautiful park a try. See you there!
Dona and Bonnie Maus, F323783
Tulalip, Washington
We live near a beautiful river in Arkansas, but having been raised in New Orleans, we LOVE that city! It is one place that we must return to, as the food and delights of New Orleans can be a pleasure. We park our coach at a KOA and just enjoy getting back to the great places that serve some of the finest eats, with good prices! We can never get enough time well spent in New Orleans. Our coach is usually overloaded on the trip back with foods, breads, spices, seafood, etc. that we need to survive at home.
Steve & Cynthia Ecton, F287228
Heber Springs, Arkansas
My favorite destination is any one that I don’t get to easily. I usually find the best places, sights, and attractions by getting lost or having to take detours. I can’t count the number of gems and/or diamonds in the rough that I would never have seen if I hadn’t taken that wrong turn a ways back. So many great diners/restaurants, stores, and activities are off the beaten path. Of course, occasionally I find a few bad ones, too, but I think I’ve found more bad ones on the beaten path than off of it. The only drawback is that most of the time I’ve gotten so turned around that I probably could never duplicate my route to find the place again.
Bev Wasson, F331336
Allenstown, New Hampshire
Years ago, Carol, the love of my life, and I discovered Arizona. Each year our favorite motorhome destination is Roadhaven RV Resort in Apache Junction, near the Superstition Mountains, where we enjoy activities with friends and neighbors. These are some of our favorite amenities: our own lot on a golf course with an Arizona room that we attach to the motorhome; four tennis courts and organized play; entertainment scheduled by our activity director; off-roading (we’ve found 50-plus mines from the 1800s, plus seven ghost towns); three pools and three hot tubs, maintained perfectly; a nine-hole par-three golf course; a restaurant, card rooms, and an exercise room that we do use.
Phil and Carol Scott, F45930
Gladwin, Michigan
Actually, any destination is a favorite with us. However, if we had to pick one absolute favorite, it would be the Railside RV Ranch in Williams, Arizona (http://railsidervranch.com/). Owners Pat and Tamara offer accommodations, services, and hospitality beyond belief. Their free continental breakfast would put any five-star hotel to shame. And the ranch is truly railside; the Grand Canyon Railroad makes two daily passes to and from the Grand Canyon just 50 yards from your RV “” a delight for railroad fans and children alike. The lunch and dinner cookouts that were offered to RVers during our last stay were unexpected but greatly accepted, and everyone brought a dish to contribute. If you ever are in the vicinity to visit the Grand Canyon or to see downtown Williams, with Route 66 still its main street, stay at the Railside RV Ranch.
Dick Kashdin and Sandy Donovan, F250007
Williamsville, New York
Future questions:
1. Describe a favorite snack or meal you enjoy as a tradition on each motorhome trip. Share the recipe if you’d like.
2. What is your motorhome’s best feature (looks, livability, a special component, etc.)?
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