USA Travel Magazine

Tips For Preparing Your RV For Travel Season

Tips For Preparing Your RV Before Summer Travel Season

We’re ready for summer vacation, and cleaning out the RV. As you look ahead to your travels, consider looking over your RV too because proper RV maintenance is key to preventing frustrating equipment issues that can lead to expensive repairs. We’ve been there once, and it was no fun, so before you hit the road this season, learn how to avoid the havoc the great outdoors can wreak on your RV.

Avoid Sun Damage

The sun’s UV rays can damage an RV inside and out. The outside of your RV can dry and fade, while the internal temperature can rise and damage components—even air bags. Protect your RV in the hot summer months by creating your own shade using tarps, fitting your RV with a snug cover or keeping it under an RV carport. Another way to prevent fading is to wash and wax your RV a couple times per year. Crack a window open or run your air conditioner every so often to ensure the internal temperature doesn’t get too hot.

Extend the Life of Rubber Seals

The sun that RVers seek can cause rubber seals to deteriorate and crack, allowing water, dirt, wind and rodents to enter RVs. Without proper rubber seal maintenance, slide-outs, windows, doors, compartments and hatches can stick or tear, requiring costly repairs. 3-IN-ONE RVcare™ Rubber Seal Conditioner protects against damaging ultraviolet rays with a proprietary UV shield, preventing overall friction and wear, stickiness and deterioration, thereby ensuring smooth operation and extending the life of rubber seals.

Check Your Screens

Windows and doors also need regular TLC. Wear and tear is common over time, especially on screens. If you see a tear, replace the screen or fix it immediately—there are several kits on the market for easy screen repair. Properly maintained screens will allow you to enjoy fresh air while keeping bugs from ruining your respite.

Learn more about 3-IN-ONE RVcare™ products at www.3inone.com and pick up a can at Walmart, or RV dealers and distributors nationwide.

Thanks to our friends at 3-IN-ONE RVcare for sharing these helpful tips!

Helpful Tips For Children’s Dental Health

Daily brushing and flossing are important to help your child have a healthy smile, and so are regular dental check-ups. Here are some helpful tips for your children’s dental health now and in the future.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay remains the most common chronic disease in children, though it is almost entirely preventable,” said Walter Lucio, DDS, MPH, a dental consultant for Smile, California, Medi-Cal Dental’s campaign to improve oral health among its members.

Healthy teeth are an important part of your child’s overall well-being, so make sure you are doing all you can to protect their teeth and gums.

“Children should start seeing the dentist when their first tooth appears and every six months thereafter,” explains Dr. Lucio. “Parents who set this routine early will help their child with a lifetime of good oral health.”

While free dental exams are provided with Medi-Cal—and most insurance plans—less than half of children enrolled in the program have been to the dentist.

To help, Smile, California aims to increase dental utilization among all 13.5 million members, especially children. This includes preventive services such as teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and molar sealants as well as restorative services to fix problems.

Smile, California offers these five tips to keep your child’s teeth and gums in great shape.

1. Do it Right from the Start: Caring for your baby’s smile begins the moment he or she is born. Baby teeth do fall out, but it is important to take good care of them until they do. Baby teeth help your child chew and speak properly.

2. Go to the Dentist: Use your free or low-cost Medi-Cal dental services and see a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Your baby should see a dentist at the first tooth or first birthday, whichever comes first. After their first visit, they will need to go to the dentist every six months.

3. Practice Good Habits Every Day: Help your child with proper daily oral hygiene, schedule regular dental check-ups, and limit sugary foods or drinks to lower the risk of infection, gum disease and tooth decay. Be a good role model with your healthy habits.

4. Ask for Molar Sealants: Protect your child’s permanent molars from harmful bacteria and cavities by scheduling a check-up and asking the dentist to apply molar sealants. It’s quick, painless and can last for years.

5. Seek Care Right Away: If your child has unexpected dental problems or concerns in between your regularly scheduled visits, call your dental office for help. If your child is in pain, see your dentist right away or go to the emergency room.

Find More Helpful Tip From Smile, California

Visit http://smilecalifornia.org/ for more oral health information and helpful tips, to learn about covered services and to find a dentist.

Thank you to Smile California for sharing this helpful information!

Zac Brown Band Headlines Firestone Legends Day Concert

Get ready for a exciting and outstanding, Firestone Legends Day Concert with the Grammy Award-winning Zac Brown Band, who are headlining the event on this May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, one day before the running of the Indianapolis 500. The Firestone Stage will be located inside Turn 4 of the IMS oval, and there will be plenty of entertainment to keep your toes tapping!

Tickets for the race are on sale now, and all concert tickets include admission to the concert and all Legends Day presented by Firestone activities that day at IMS. This would include autograph sessions with current and past Indianapolis 500 drivers, the Indianapolis 500 public drivers meeting, historic race car laps and more activities. IMS gates open at 8 a.m., with concert gates opening at 2 p.m.

Have You Got Your Tickets Yet?

Check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway website for tickets that are on sale now, call 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700, or visit the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building.

The Wellesbourne Is LA’s Elegant Escape

Inspired by 19th English styling, The Wellesbourne is the classic, elegant lounge offering a low-key sanctuary from the bustle of city life. The Wellesbourne is home to three sophisticated rooms including The Library Room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves; The Games Room where revelers can participate in a game of shuffleboard or cozy up to the brick fireplace in The Study, perfect for conversing over Kir Royales.

The subdued and stylish ambiance of the lounge welcomes party-goers, celebrities and relaxed locals to enjoy both cocktails and the classics. Thanks to its prime location in Los Angeles on famed Pico Blvd., The Wellesbourne is featured in numerous television shows such as “The Hills,” “Shahs of Sunset” and “Vanderpump Rules” and most recently for interviews with Actor Christian Bale.

Among the other events at the Wellesbourne are:

Celebrate National Shakespeare Day – Mid April

Wellesbourne Classic – Mixology Competition – End of Apr – Jun

Live Music at The Wellesbourne w/ Jason Sulkno – Early May – Jun

Celebrate National Shakespeare Day: Named after a small village near Shakespeare’s hometown of Stratford Upon-Avon, the Wellesbourne is reminiscent of old English manor houses. It is here where many popular events are hosted like a staged drunk reading of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to honor and remember William Shakespeare on his day of birth and National Shakespeare Day in Mid April. This is just one of many festive events hosted at the Wellesbourne that is well-known for live entertainment. Check out their website and social media for full schedule of events, jams with DJ’s, and more to enjoy!

Plan Your Visit To The Wellesbourne

To join upcoming events at The Wellesbourne located at 10929 Pico Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA, 90064, visit their website.

Photo Credits: The Wellesbourne/Hospitality Blvd

Join The Forage And Ferment Camp In May Little River Run

Join The Forage And Ferment Camp In May At Little River Run in Mendocino County, CA

Staying at the beautiful Gothic white Victorian Little River Inn feels more like visiting friends, than at an Inn. Perhaps, it’s because of the beauty that surrounds you and the stunning gardens, teaming with daffodils, tulips, and spring flowers in every color imaginable in the spring. It could be because this family-owned and run establishment knows how to add that special touch to their full service resort. Plus, they offer exciting programs like the Forage and Ferment Camp each May that gives guests a chance to – well, forage and learn how to cook up some delicious recipes with the help of local experts.

They will have cooking demos with Greg Fonts of Freedive Shop, and he will dive in the morning with his team for the evening’s appetizers. In previous years, Greg has come back with scallops, rock fish, box crabs and urchins. He’ll teach everyeone where he found each sea creature, and how to prep and cook it.

Kevin Smith, archaeologist and PhD student, will join the group the next day after you feast on a complementary breakfast. He is well know for his Catch n Cook California series on YouTube, Countryman Forager, and has over 30 years of experience foraging the California coast from Del Norte to San Diego. He’ll show everyone how to mine the forest for treasures such as mushrooms, roots and berries.

The journey continues as you join Larry Knowles and Erica Fielder, co‑owners of Rising Tide at Van Damme Beach. Now, here it gets interesting because they are going to show everyone how to locate various palate pleasing varieties of seaweed that may include Kombu, Nori and Wakame and how to explore tide pools the plethora of seafood that can be found there.

As the day draws to a close you can look forward to communal feast prepared by Chef Marc Dym, featuring the day’s haul and local fare, plus tips on preservation and more conversation.

Explore More On The Region: Read Unwind On A Getaway In Mendocino County, California

Join The Forage And Ferment Camp At Little River Run

A limited number of spots are available to participants. Visit the Little River Run link here provide for information on this event. Reservations are based upon availability and require a 7-day notice. Please note that the package pricing does not include a California Fishing License. Guests MUST purchase a license prior to Saturday’s tide pooling experience. You can purchase one day license, a two-day license or an annual license.

Find Your Happy In Mendocino County, California

To explore current events, visit local attraction and enjoy a taste of the region’s best food, wines, and more to savor go to the Mendocino County Tourism Commission, Inc. website for region tourism information.

Photo Credits: Little River Inn

Unwind On A Getaway In Mendocino County, California

Mendocino County, California Getaways Are Blooming With Options At The Little River Inn

Mendocino County, located three hours north of San Francisco, is beautiful – especially when spring wild flowers dot the dramatic bluffs and roadsides. According to our friend, Heather Noll, at Chalkboard Communications, this time of year is ideal for exploring this spectacular paradise of coastal splendor and towering redwoods, before summer ushers in higher rates and larger crowds. She’s sharing several lovely vacation ideas to help us plan the perfect California vacation this Spring. Enjoy your Trip!

Little River Inn Getaways

A Gothic white Victorian that presides over the Pacific with stately grandeur awaits your arrival – it is here you’re reminded what season it is at the Little River Inn where you’ll find its gardens, teaming with daffodils, tulips, and spring flowers in every color imaginable. There’s nothing stuffy or antique about this family-owned and run establishment, however.

The only full service resort on this stretch of coast, Little River Inn has a chef-driven restaurant, a nine-hole Audubon-certified golf course, professional tennis courts, and a day spa and full service salon. Accommodations at the inn comprise 66 guest rooms ranging from the modest to the luxurious – and each and every one of them has an ocean-view.

They offer a number of packages throughout the year with amenities that have included champagne, spa treatments and breakfast in bed. To book your stay at the Little River Inn, located at 7901 N. Highway One, Little River, CA 95456, call (707) 937-5942, for current packages available or visit their website.

Executive Chef Scott Allen cooks up delicious selections at Brewery Gulch Inn in Mendocino County, California

Getaways At The Brewery Gulch Inn

Travel a bit farther north along Hwy 1 – just before you hit charmingly preserved Mendocino Village – you’ll find Brewery Gulch Inn. Situated high above atmospheric Smuggler’s Cove, Travel + Leisure named the 10-room Brewery Gulch Inn as the #53 best hotel in the world. Condé Nast Traveler named them the best inn in Northern California. This architectural masterpiece offers every modern convenience, and has many guests raving about the warmth and comfort of the inn and compare the ambiance to staying at a good friend’s well-appointed rustic-chic home.

Executive Chef, Scott Allen, who cooks only for guests of the inn, trained at various 5-star restaurants. Chef Allen’s new breakfast menu for spring includes a slice of grilled brioche served open-faced, topped with brown sugar Millionaire’s bacon and served with sliced fried green tomatoes, fanned avocado and peppery arugula dressed with a toasted shallot vinaigrette.

The inn’s property borders the 50,000 acres of virgin redwoods and wildflower studded meadows that make up the Jackson Demonstration State Forest. The Brewery Gulch Inn is located at 9401 N. Highway One, Mendocino, CA 95460. For current rates and packages available call (707) 937-4752 or check their website.

Find Your Happy In Mendocino County, California

Thank you to Heather Noll for sharing this wonderful news on Mendocino County, California!

Photo Credits: Little River Inn/Brewery Gulch Inn

5 Reason’s To Visit Alcatraz East In Pigeon Forge

Fans of NCSI, crime drama’s and mysteries will find a visit to Alcatraz East a entertaining and enlightening experience. On your visit you’ll encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime solving, and our justice system. And, here are 5 things everyone should know about Alcatraz East Crime Museum when visiting the Pigeon Forge area:

Inspired By Alcatraz – This Museum Is Unique!

While the famous prison inspired this attraction, Alcatraz East is a crime museum, featuring an in depth look at American crime history, with artifacts from different eras and topics. The one-of-kind building was designed as a combination of Tennessee’s first state prison from 1898, and guard towers inspired by the Alcatraz lighthouse in California. The two-story building offers over 25,000 square feet of exhibit space.

“We’ve had an amazing response since opening our doors in December,” states Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer for Alcatraz East, “We have something for all ages, and most families spend 2-3 hours going through the exhibits. Guests walk away saying they knew they would love it, but it was better than expected, and that makes us feel very proud.”

Crime Is Among America’s Favorite Subject

With all the movies and TV shows related to the topic of crime, this museum is a must see. The museum features five themes that give you a glimpse into notorious crime history, forensic science, law enforcement, our justice system and pop culture. There are over 100 inter-actives throughout the museum that offer a hands-on experience and take you deeper into the engaging world of crime and justice.

One-of-a-Kind Artifacts To Explore

From white-collar crimes to Old West gunslingers, the museum features original artifacts from Jesse James to Whitey Bulger. Things to watch for include the famous O.J. Simpson chase white Bronco, John Dillinger’s death mask, Al Capone’s rosary, a submachine gun from the movie Scarface, Ted Bundy’s VW Beetle. Throughout the museum Tennessee is well represented, with objects such as the Old Smoky electric chair and moonshine stills as well as notable Dr. William Bass, highlighting his achievements- which advanced forensic anthropology.

Explore Engaging Exhibits

Beginning mid-May, Alcatraz East debuted the first of its temporary exhibit programs, which will be an annual rotation in two areas of the museum. Currently they are revealing how endangered species are affected by poaching and what the public can do to help end the practice in their exhibit, “Ivory, Tortoise Shell & Fur: The Ugly Truth About Wildlife Trafficking. The museum’s future exhibits will be just as educational and engaging.

Interact With The Museum Exhibits

Having fun and learning go hand and hand at Alcatraz East, so bring your family and friends and take the museum’s Top Detective Challenge. Follow clues throughout the museum to solve the crime of a stolen artifact, and receive a prize if you crack the case! There is also an opportunity for parents and kids to enjoy the thrill of The Heist Laser Maze.

“Every year, families make lifetime memories here in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area,” states Vaccarello, “We are happy to now be a part of those memories, giving them a look at history, crime prevention, while having an interactive experience.”

Plan Your Visit To Alcatraz East

Alcatraz East is located at the entrance to The Island, at 2757 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, near the Margaritaville Hotel and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. For ticket information and current exhibits visit their website at www.alcatrazeast.com.

Foreigner Headline’s Miller Lite Carb Day Concert At IMS

When it comes to legend’s of classic rock, Foreigner, top’s the list, and they’re playing the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert coming up next May! Read More Here…

That’s right, Foreigner will headline the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Can you believe what a exciting concert it’s going be? Racing, all the exciting events, Foreigner, and we’ve heard Kool and the Gang will be joining them too!

With 10 multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, which now exceed 75 million.

Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems, including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” and the worldwide No. 1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than 40 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard Top 200 album success. Foreigner also features strongly in every category in Billboard’s Greatest of All Time listing.

Foreigner’s catalog sales were celebrated in the Sept. 13, 2017 edition of Business Insider magazine as hitting the Top 40 among the best-selling music artists of all time. The Beatles were justifiably No. 1, but Foreigner came in ahead of Britney Spears, Bob Dylan, Phil Collins, Prince, Queen, Bon Jovi and Def Leppard.

The year was a big one for the band – 2017 marked the celebration of Foreigner’s 40th anniversary. We’ve rocked with them all the way, and they felt the love of their fan’s while on tour playing 40 shows across the United States, where the band was supported by Cheap Trick and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience.

They’ve taken their music to another level and expanded its fanbase in 2018 with the release of “Foreigner with the 21st Century Symphony Orchestra & Chorus,” a live recording of Foreigner’s first ever orchestral shows in 2017 in Lucerne, Switzerland. The band launched an orchestral concert series in the U.S. in 2018, also playing orchestral shows in Australia and New Zealand, including an appearance at the iconic Sydney Opera House.Later, “Juke Box Hero, the Musical” launched in August 2018 in Canada, a theater production featuring many of Foreigner’s biggest hits.

Get ready for a exciting time at IMS, so be sure to grab your tickets soon. General Admission prices start at $30. Special Concert Pit access also is available for an additional $20, and a limited number of VIP Deck tickets are available for $250. All General Admission and VIP Deck tickets include admission to the concert and to on-track activities that day at IMS, which include the final practice for the 103rd Indianapolis 500, the Freedom 100 Indy Lights race and the Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge.

Get Your Tickets To The All The Race’s and Events At IMS

Visit www.IMS.com to buy tickets or for more information on the all the races at IMS. Tickets are on sale now via the link above or by calling 800-822-INDY or 317-492-6700. You can also visit the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building.

Photo Credits: IMS / Walt Kuhn

Top Places in the World to Drive An Electric Vehicle

The classic American road trip is one many dream of taking – you may know which one we’re talking about – Route 66 that runs over 2,015 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. This is a journey you see featured in classic and modern movies. For travelers who love to stop and explore the sights this is one route that offers entertaining and iconic attractions to explore and memories to last a lifetime.

Our grandparents and parents, who may have taken this trip drove at a time when gas prices were much different they are now. Car’s are designed to run more efficiently, and there are more electric cars on the road. If you happen to have one of these electric cars you’ll discover there are over 250 charging points for EV’s according to our friends at Comparethemarket.com.

As one of the UK’s leading price comparison websites, Comparethemarket.com has done great research on road trips, with Route 66 being among the top 3. Also on their list is Germany – Frankfurt to Hohenschwangau that spans over 260 miles. This route is really nice if you’re driving a electric car, and it will take around 4 hours to complete and has 91 charging points. As you drive, you’ll find you’ll passes through the historic city of Warburg and the picturesque town of Rothenburg.

A visit to the United Kingdom is ideal, and there are many fantastic sites and world class entertainment to experience here. For a road trip suggestion, Comparethemarket.com offers a drive from Bath to Falmouth that is a 200-mile road trip. It’s a reasonable drive if you’re cruising in a rental or a electric car, which takes 3 hours and 40 minutes to complete. While traveling through Weston-super-Mare, Topsham and Truro, you’ll find there are also 65 charging locations along the route so no problem if you need to stop for a charge. This also gives you time to get out and explore for a while, and that’s always nice.

Explore More Great Road Trip Idea’s

Comparethemarket.com have put together a list of the best countries for road trips, which are suitable for electric vehicles.

Photo Credits: Comparethemarket.com

Gift Ideas That Go Everywhere

Searching for a gift for Mom, Dad, or just that someone special is fun – there are so many options. I’m always looking for something surprising to give as a gift throughout the year. Among the popular gifts to give is a subscription to a lifestyle service – prepare your own meal, or a wine of the month club. There are so many different services to pick from – how do you choose?

Depends on the personality of the person you’re buying the gift for…

Do they like wine?
Do they prefer beer?
Have they also wanted to learn how to paint?
What kind of food do they like?
Are they an adventurer?

If you said yes to the last question we may have found the perfect option for you… Nomadik Subscription Boxes – they are designed for the wanderer at heart. We were sent a box recently, and here’s what we discovered inside:

Eco Vessel Metro-Insulated and Reusable Tumbler

Traveling with your favorite blend of tea or coffee is nice when you have the perfect cup. We were gifted a EcoVessel Metro-Insulated and Reusable Tumbler – it’s bigger than my normal cup – 24oz, and ideal for traveling on a road trip. The tumbler keeps the coffee hot and iced tea cold, regardless of the weather.

Learn More About The EcoVessel Company

Discover more about the EcoVessel company, their products, and how they are helping support environmental awareness and change.

Learn More About Simply Straws Stainless Steel Re-usable Straws

Another product included was Simply Straws stainless steel re-usable Straw. At first it looked odd – just a long tube – what’s it for? Then it all made sense once we pulled the inner cleaner – what a wonderful idea! We have so man many cool character cups and no one has ever thought to include a way to clean the straw.

Okay, this might sound like a exciting find. Here’s something to consider with Earth Day coming up – Do a simple web search and you’ll find that about 500 million straws are used Granted, we all do our best to recycle or at least put trash in its place – still plastic, including straw end up in the oceans, and threaten aquatic life.

Learn More About Simply Straws Stainless Steel Re-usable Straws

Explore more about Simply Straws, a woman owned company encouraging environmental awareness one sip at a time by reducing the use of plastic with their reusable straws, utensils, and drinkware.

MPOWERD Luci Solor Light

The MPOWERD Luci Solor Light is light weight is flattens down like a accordion. It can fit in your glove box, backpack, or tool box – I’d suggest keeping it in a protective box since it is inflatable though. Yes, it blows up to provide a lantern that is quite bright. Oh yes, the Luci light also is a strobe light, and has a red light – just what we would need on a road trip in case of a emergency.

Learn How MPOWERD Light Makes A Difference

To explore the possibilities Luci Light can be used, including how you can shine a little light in someone else’s life through their humanitarian relief program, visit the MPOWERD website.

Inspire Outdoor Adventures With A Nomadik Gift Boxes

Step outdoors – because that’s exactly where Nomadik it intends for it’s members to go. Get ready for an adventure in every Nomadik subscription box – inside each box is a monthly outdoor challenge for members, plus, new gear to enjoy, and expert tips in each themed package. Visit their website to order a one monthly surprise box, or select other options for a gift or yourself, and learn more about the company.

Each of these companies offers something unique, and supports environmental awareness. When we all work together toward protecting this planet it’s good for everyone!

We hope you have a fantastic Earth Day Everyday!

Where will you next adventure take you?

Photo Credits: Nomadik/Simply Straws/EcoVessel/MPOWERD

Thank you to the above companies for introducing these products to our readers.