Exploring Madison, Wisconsin: A Capital City with Small-Town Charm Nestled between two sparkling lakes in south-central Wisconsin, Madison is a city that effortlessly blends the vibrancy of a state capital with the warmth of a close-knit community. Known for its progressive spirit, rich cultural scene, and outdoor lifestyle, Madison consistently ranks as one of the best places
Exploring Bodie Ghost Town and 4 Nearby Cities Welcome to the Next Stop section of The Smart RVer Podcast! I’m Eric Stark, your host, and today we’re diving into four fantastic cities—Bishop, Bridgeport, Gardnerville, and Mammoth Lakes—that serve as perfect bases for RVers exploring Bodie Ghost Town. Nestled in California’s Eastern Sierra, Bodie is a
Dillon, Montana: Your Ultimate RV Camping Guide Dillon, Montana. Nestled in the heart of the Beaverhead Valley, Dillon is a charming town of approximately 4,000 people, renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history, and easy access to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re passing through on I-15 or making Dillon your basecamp, this episode will cover why
Welcome to Nampa, Idaho Nampa, Idaho, the third-largest city in the state with a population of over 100,000, is a vibrant hub in the Treasure Valley, just 20 miles west of Boise. Founded in 1886 by Alexander and Hannah Duffes, Nampa grew from a railroad stop along the Oregon Short Line into a bustling agricultural and
Olympic National Park Olympic National Park, spanning nearly a million acres on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve renowned for its diverse ecosystems, from rugged Pacific coastlines to temperate rainforests and glaciated peaks. Established as a national monument in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt and upgraded to a national
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, might not be the first place that pops into your mind when planning a road trip or RV adventure—but it should be. Nestled in the heart of Eastern Iowa along the Cedar River, this friendly and welcoming city is known as “The City of Five Seasons.” The fifth season? It’s the time
Omaha, Nebraska, the state’s largest city, is a vibrant urban center steeped in history and strategically positioned along the Missouri River in the heart of the Midwest. Founded in 1854 by speculators from Council Bluffs, Iowa, who saw potential in its riverfront location, Omaha quickly grew into a key transportation hub with the arrival of
Charleston, West Virginia, is the state capital and largest city, with a population of 48,864 as of the 2020 census. Located at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk Rivers, it was founded in 1788 as Charles Town, named after George Clendenin’s father, and incorporated in 1794, later becoming the capital in 1870. Historically, Charleston
Overview & HistoryMoab, Utah, is a captivating desert town nestled in the heart of the American Southwest, where ancient history, geological wonders, and rugged adventure converge to create an irresistible destination. Founded in the late 19th century, Moab’s origins trace back to the 1850s when Mormon settlers first attempted to establish a trading post along
Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and culture, known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution and its vibrant industrial past. Founded in 1762, Allentown famously hid the Liberty Bell in its Zion Reformed Church during the war to protect it from the British, a legacy still celebrated today. Once a booming
Background and Overview of Odessa Odessa, Texas, was founded in the 1880s as a water stop and cattle shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railway. Its name is believed to come from Ukrainian immigrants who thought the region’s flat, open plains resembled their homeland. The discovery of oil in the 1920s transformed Odessa from
Carson City, Nevada: A Comprehensive Guide for Visitors Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Carson City, Nevada’s capital, is a charming blend of history, outdoor adventure, and modern amenities. Whether you’re passing through on an RV trip or planning an extended stay, Carson City has something for everyone. From delectable dining options to
San Jose, California San Jose, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a vibrant city known for its technological innovation, cultural diversity, and rich history. Nestled in the Bay Area of Northern California, this bustling metropolis offers a blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, San Jose has something
The City Different Santa Fe, New Mexico, affectionately called “The City Different,” is a place like no other. Nestled in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, it offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, art, and natural beauty. With its Pueblo-style architecture, world-class cuisine, and endless opportunities for exploration, Santa Fe is a
Discovering Cottonwood, Arizona: A Hidden Gem with a Gateway to Jerome Nestled in the Verde Valley of central Arizona, Cottonwood is a charming small town rich in history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor, Jerome, Cottonwood stands out as a destination in its own right while serving as a
Nestled in a breathtaking box canyon surrounded by the rugged San Juan Mountains, Telluride, Colorado, is a historic gem that seamlessly blends Victorian-era charm with world-class outdoor adventure. Once a bustling silver mining town in the late 1800s, this National Historic Landmark District now captivates visitors with its colorful, well-preserved buildings and a vibrant cultural
Guntersville Lets travel to beautiful Alabama this time where we will learn about the outdoor beauty and historic gems. Here’s some reasons why travelers choose Guntersville! 1. Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Activities Lake Guntersville: The area’s centerpiece is Alabama’s largest lake, covering 69,000 acres. It offers picturesque views, and excellent boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
San Antonio Texas San Antonio, Texas, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for RV travelers. Whether you’re drawn to its historic missions, lively River Walk, or the vast Hill Country surrounding it, RVing in San Antonio offers a unique and flexible way to explore this vibrant city. With
Boise: 8 Reasons to Visit The vibrant capital of Idaho, is not just a gateway to the Pacific Northwest but also a dream destination for RV enthusiasts. The city, nestled in the Treasure Valley and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, offers a perfect blend of urban charm and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned RVer
Glacier View Campground Nestled in the rugged heart of Idaho, Glacier View Campground is a true haven for RV enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure. Located on the picturesque shores of Redfish Lake, this campground offers a perfect getaway, providing stunning landscapes, many outdoor activities, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned
Joshua Tree Joshua Tree National Park is open year-round. There are few facilities within the park’s approximately 800,000 acres, making Joshua Tree a true desert wilderness just a few hours outside Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. About 2.8 million visitors visit the park each year to enjoy activities such as hiking, camping,
Homer sits at the end of the Kenai Peninsula, one of Alaska’s most popular tourist destinations due to the beautiful scenery and fascinating towns dotting its coastline. Nicknamed the “End of the Road,” Homer is about 200 miles south of Anchorage and is the very last stop on the Sterling Highway, which terminates at a
White Sands What to See in White Sands Driving Dunes Drive Dunes Drive, an eight-mile (13 km) scenic drive, leads from the visitor center into the heart of the gypsum dune field. The 16-mile (26 km) round-trip drive takes approximately 45 minutes. However, you may want to allow additional time for taking walks in the
Acadia National Park Acadia National ParkThough Acadia National Park was founded in 1916, many of the trails that now define Acadia began as efforts by civic groups and private donors prior to the park’s creation. The incredible island-wide trail system began with Rockefeller’s in the mid-1800s. John D. Rockefeller’s construction of a carriage road system
Austin Texas Have you ever been to Austin Texas? Popular opinion says that Austin is a must-see if you’re visiting Texas! Here’s why… Places to See/ Things to Do in Austin Texas Rodeo Austin Come see the official sport of Texas in the Capital of Texas! Rodeo Austin hosts one of America’s top ProRodeos every
Kennebunkport Maine is home to hundreds of quaint seaside towns, but none are as famous as Kennebunkport. The quaint coastal town is known for its charming downtown with many restaurants and boutique shops, Goose Rocks Beach, and the historic rustic stone chapel of St. Ann’s Episcopal Church. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a
Wall Drug Wall Drug has a rich history in the state of South Dakota. Nestled in the city of Wall in the western part of the state, Wall Drug has grown from its humble beginnings in 1931 to a thriving oasis. Wall Drug offers dining, activities, gifts and souvenirs, visitor information, and of course, free
Banff Canada Things to See Lake LouiseLake Louise is highly popular throughout the peak summer season, with parking lots filling up early each day. If you are planning to visit Lake Louise from June to October, the best way is to reserve a Parks Canada shuttle or a seat on Roam Transit ahead of time.
Lake Placid New York Imagine your perfect summer getaway: rolling hills, distant peaks, glistening water, and a gorgeous town in the heart of it all. That’s Lake Placid. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains or walking through town, this is the place to invent your perfect day. Completely PlacidLake Placid is an opportunity to enjoy
Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Mountains: History and Culture It is an elongated park, protecting significant mountain landscapes far beyond the shoulders of the road itself. It is a series of parks providing the visitor access to high mountain passes, a continuous series of panoramic views, the boundaries of its limited right-of-way rarely apparent, and
Makoshika State Park Today, as Montana’s largest state park, the badlands of Makoshika are set aside for visitors to see and enjoy. In addition to the pine and juniper studded badland formations, the park also houses many fossil remains. Our visitor center (with a gift shop) at the park entrance, houses a Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus
Mammoth Lakes California California is full of places to explore! Mammoth Lakes and surrounding natural attractions are beautiful. We will explore what sorts of places you can expect to see and what activities you can do! So pack your bags and start planning your road trip to California! History and Culture Prospectors settled into the
Lewis and Clark Caverns Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is Montana’s first and best-known state park featuring one of the most decorated limestone caverns in the Northwest. Naturally air-conditioned, these spectacular caves lined with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and helictites are electrically lighted and safe to visit. Above ground, a self-guided nature trail provides opportunities
Tualatin Valley is the perfect way to spend the summer! With so much to do, you’ll want to stay as long as possible. Pack up that RV of yours and travel to Tualatin Valley, Oregon. History and Culture The valley is rich in history. Pioneers from everywhere started coming into the Oregon territory in the
How Old Do You Have to Be to Go White Water Rafting? Written by Steve W White water rafting can be a fun and great family activity. However, rafting is not without risks, and people falling out of the raft, especially on big rapids, is not unheard of. So people with kids often wonder how old
Whitefish Montana Named one of the “Top 25 Ski Towns in the World” by National Geographic, Whitefish Montana is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and at the base of Big Mountain-home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. A short jaunt to Glacier National Park, Whitefish is a year-round destination with plentiful attractions and an eclectic
Pismo Beach California. It’s a state full of exciting places to see and things to do. Whether you’re new to RVing or you’re a pro, California is the place for you. And Pismo Beach should be on your bucket list! Pismo Beach History & CultureIn 1769, Don Gaspar De Portola lead the Portola expedition through
Finger Lakes New York! Are the finger lakes worth visiting? Absolutely! All 11 lakes offer something for the outdoor lover. From water biking to sailing, you can’t go wrong with making your way to these lakes for an adventure. Pack up the RV and make your way to upstate New York! Finger Lakes History &
Mount Rushmore Have you ever wanted to see history, etched in stone? Mount Rushmore could be the fun and historical RV road trip you’ve been looking for! The National Monument is family-friendly as well as educational. Find out what makes this place so special and why you need to plan your next trip here! History
Victor Montana Victor MT (AKA Us!) Come visit us in beautiful Victor Montana! In the beautiful Bitterroot Valley, Victor is nestled between the Bitterroot Mountain Range, the Bitterroot River, and the Sapphire Mountain Range. This positions the community of Victor for some of the valley’s most breathtaking, panoramic views. The warmth and charm of Victor
