Coast Storm Watching (Safely!): Why It’s Worth the Trip    There’s nothing quite like standing on a rugged coastline while the sky darkens, waves explode against the rocks, and the wind fills the air with salt spray. Coast storm watching has become a favorite off-season adventure for RVers and road-trippers because you get drama, beauty,

Winter Bird Migrations Safari   “Feathers, fog, and a sky that lifts off like confetti.” Why this “Next Stop” belongs on your winter loop If you’ve ever wanted nature to shake the ground before your first cup of coffee, put Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico and Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the

Next Stop: The Hot Springs & Steam Trail (ID • MT • NM) “From frost to toast in 30 seconds.” When winter roads cool your bones, nothing hits like rolling into camp, grabbing a towel, and sinking into a mineral pool while snow dusts the banks. This four-stop Hot Springs & Steam Trail routes you

Stargazing Road Trip – Capitol Reef → Great Basin → Chaco → Big Bend “Park the rig, kill the lights, and let the Milky Way do the talking.” Why winter? Early sunsets + crisp, dry air = longer, clearer starscapes with fewer crowds. If you’ve already “gone south,” this loop gives you bucket-list skies without

  Top 10 Winter RV Destinations for Snowbird RVers When the temperatures drop up north, RVers hit the road in search of warmer weather, sunshine, and new adventures. Winter is “snowbird season,” and thousands of RV travelers flock to the southern states for long-term stays, festivals, and affordable camping. Whether you want beaches, desert boondocking,

Why Southern Arizona is the Ultimate Winter Escape for RVers As the days grow shorter and the first snowflakes begin to  fall, a mass migration begins across North America. The snowbirds, a flock of thousands of RVers, turn their wheels toward a single destination: the warm, sun-drenched landscape of Southe rn Arizona. For those of

Next Stop: Tonopah, NV — An RV Basecamp for History, Quirk, and Dark Skies Why Tonopah Belongs on Every RVer’s Map If your idea of adventure is part Old West, part roadside oddity, and part cosmic wonder, Tonopah RV travel is your sweet spot. Set roughly halfway between Las Vegas and Reno along US-95, Tonopah

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

Next Stop: Richmond, VA — The Perfect Hub for RV Day Trips Why Richmond Makes RV Life Easy Set along the James River with quick access to I-95 and I-64, Richmond is a sweet spot for Richmond VA day trips. It blends city conveniences with small-town charm and easy highways in every direction. You’ll find

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

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

The Exciting State of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania, often called the Keystone State, offers RV travelers a rich tapestry of experiences. From its vibrant cities to its serene landscapes, Pennsylvania is a destination that promises a mix of historical intrigue, natural beauty, and adventurous activities. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a

Top 10 Best Bakeries in the US Exploring the best bakeries on the eastern seaboard of the United States is a delightful journey through diverse flavors, techniques, and traditions. From New York City’s famed patisseries to the hidden gems in smaller towns, these bakeries offer some of the most delectable pastries, breads, and desserts. Here