Tag Archives: Family

Family Vacation…Did I really just see that?

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Just came across this awesome article and wanted to share it with our readers.  This is really, really cool.  Would love to see this going down the road.

national lampoons vacation motorhomeKeith Boreani started out about 11 years ago, renovating an old school bus.
As reported by the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette, raising the $5,000 to buy the bus was the easy part. Finding partners to help him do the job was a challenge. Nobody could quite grasp the vision that Boreani had for the old hulk. Boreani figured he could rent it out as a party bus, but the plan didn’t pan out.
You can’t keep a guy with crazy automotive ideas down, though, and Boreani, who’s in pharmaceutical sales, has a vision for a whole new fleet of vehicles that will never make a lot of money but will turn plenty of heads.  The first vehicle in the fleet has recently been completed. Boreani bought a 1971 Winnebago, with a big W on the side and 75,000 miles on it.  “It wasn’t the worst, but it wasn’t pretty,” he said.  But he had an idea to make it really outrageous. Working with an Angola airbrusher, Harry Martin of Hairydidit, he converted the old motor home into a combination of Clark Griswold’s hideous green station wagon and Eddie’s hideous motor home from the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movies.  The green station wagon is painted on the side, complete with a dead grandma wrapped in a tarp and strapped to the roof. There are plenty of Walley World characters and tons of painted rust on the side, front and rear.

So if you see this unique motor home going down the road, be sure to wave hello to Sparky!

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

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RV News and Tidbits

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News Tidbits For 1/4/2014

*Next weekend, Pennsylvanians have 2 #RV shows to get to and enjoy. In the western part of the state, The Pittsburgh RV show starts January 11 and runs the entire week. Those in the east can visit the Allentown RV show Friday through Sunday. Winter RV shows are a great way to break the cabin fever.

*Crossing Pennsylvania via the state’s turnpike? Hang onto your wallet — tolls are increasing by a whopping 12 percent for those who pay with cash. If you hold an “E-ZPass” the rates will jump by a modest two percent.

*Ford F-150 truck fans, changes are in the works. The rollout for 2015 models will see all-aluminum bodies and a smaller 2.7 liter V-6 “EcoBoost” gas engine — so says Fleet Owner, but Ford won’t confirm.

*If approved, Canterbury, N.H., could become home to a 300-site RV park. The park would be built in stages, beginning this year, and would include four miles of hiking trails, a water park and access to a pond for canoes and kayaks.

*CarHistory.us.org is launching a comprehensive guide to purchasing recreational vehicles. It ill go through the ins and outs of different types of RVs, how dealers price them, and the best ways to negotiate when you are looking to buy.

*The Good Sam Club, a recreational vehicle organization with 1.5 million members, is hoping to bring in as many as 500 RVs to bolster attendance for the popular Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. The Havasu (Ariz.) News reported that the festival, set for Jan. 17-19, already has 260 RV enthusiasts signed to camp out for the festivities, said Marquita McKnight, an executive director for this year’s event.

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

– Information gathered from CampingPA.com.

Have you been to the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania?

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grand-canyon-of-pennsylvania-pine-creek-gorge

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in its Autumn beauty.

The PA Grand Canyon Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and the Pine Creek Gorge, the PA Canyon area stretches for over 45 miles with depths of nearly 1500 feet. It’s dynamic topography creates many scenic wonders, including steep canyon walls and waterfalls. The PA Grand Canyon is part of the Tioga State Forest, beginning just south of Ansonia, PA, near Wellsboro in Tiago County.

With numerous developed trails the Grand Canyon of PA is a hikers paradise.  Year round activities include floating, boating, fishing, hiking, and biking are all part of the area’s available outdoor recreational opportunities.  The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon State Park areas display spectacular views.  Colton Point on the west rim and Leonard Harrison on the east rim of the canyon are the “must see” vistas to visit.  Camping and picnic areas are also available here as well.

One of the most popular areas to visit in the canyon is the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed that travels along Pine Creek at the floor of the canyon. USA Today cites the Pine Creek Rail Trail as one of the ‘Top 10 Great Places to take bike tour’ in the world.  Due to the gentle grade, the trail offers easy peddling, hence it can be experienced with minimal physical impact and basic biking gear and experience.  Why not add this bike trail to your biking ‘bucket list’?

Come experience the Pennsylvania Wilds, and enjoy the beauty of route 6 which traversed the top half of the state.  You will not be disappointed in the Autumn beauty of this particular region of Pennsylvania.

Safe Travels and Happy Rving!

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Apple Crisp the right way!

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This is the perfect time of year to take advantage of some of nature’s produce that is not as plentiful during the rest of the year. Among other things, this is apple season!

Here at your central Pennsylvania RV dealership, we are always looking for new recipes to help you enjoy the seasons. It is in that spirit we have found this terrific Autumn recipe to share with our followers, a Campfire Apple Crisp recipe. It is perfect over a campfire but you can make it in a regular oven as well. It is very similar to grilling “potato packs” over an open fire, but with apples instead of potatoes.

Apple Crisp the Camp Fire Way

  • You will need four apples, of your choice, chopped up
  • 1/3 cups of uncooked oatmeal
  • 3/4 cups of brown sugar,
  • ½ cup of flour
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup of butter
  • 3 tablespoons of white sugar
  • Foil

Directions: In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients with the butter until the butter is dispersed in the mixture. Then add the apples. Mix well. Then take three pieces of foil and add the ingredients to make three “pouches” that you will seal to go over the campfire. . squeeze the ends to make a boat shape. Put the apples in the center of the foil and fold the foil over to make sure you have nice, sealed foil packages.

Put a grate over the campfire and cook the package for 15 to 20 minutes. If you have no access to a grate, put the foil pack directly into the campfire a bit farther away from the heat and rotate it every 5 minutes. Check to make sure the apples are cooking evenly about half way through.

You can also use this recipe in your RV if the weather is not conducive to a fire by putting the ingredients in a casserole dish and putting it in the oven for about one hour at 350 degrees.

This is a great tasting, great smelling desert dish that is perfect for the season. If you are looking for an easy recipe to take advantage of the abundance of apples this fall, this can be it.

There are still some great fall RV weekends ahead. Safe travels and Happy RVing!

Unique ways to S’more

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Nothing says camping like roasting marshmallows over a campfire to create the perfect s’more. A traditional s’more recipe calls for sandwiching a roasted marshmallow between graham crackers with a couple of pieces of chocolate. But there is no “right way” to make a s’more. In fact, there are endless combinations and creative ingredients that can be used to create unique and fun treats. So the next time you’re camping in your RV, check out these recipes for a fresh spin on an old classic.

The S’more Dip

Ingredients
– Chocolate cream cheese

– Marshmallow cream

– Chocolate chips

– Miniature marshmallows

– Aluminum foil

– Parchment paper

Directions: Tear off a large square aluminum foil. Add a square of parchment inside the aluminum foil. Place scoops of chocolate cream cheese and a dollop of marshmallow creme in center on top of parchment paper. Wrap up and place on campfire for 15-20 minutes, until melted. Use tongs to remove packet from heat. Sprinkle miniature marshmallows and chocolate chips on top. Serve with graham crackers of course!

The S’more Cone

Ingredients

– Waffle ice cream cone

– Chocolate chips

– Miniature marshmallows

– Chopped fruit (bananas, strawberries, etc)

– Aluminum foil

Directions: Mix miniature marshmallows, chocolate chips and chopped fruit in a cone. Wrap cone in foil. Lay wrapped cones over your campfire for 5-7 minutes; rotating occasionally. Use tongs to remove cone from heat. When the foil is cool enough to hold, unwrap cone and enjoy.

The S’more Burrito

Ingredients

– Chocolate chips

– Miniature marshmallows

– Peanut butter (optional)

– Flour tortillas

– Aluminum foil

Directions: Spoon two tablespoons of chocolate chips or pieces, a dozen miniature marshmallows and peanut butter (optional) into the center of a flour tortilla. Roll up the tortilla, wrap it in foil, and set it on campfire coals for about 4 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Use tongs to remove the burrito from heat. When the foil is cool enough to hold, fold it down on one end and eat this sweet burrito treat.

S’more Golden Graham Treats

Ingredients

-1/4 cup butter
-1 (10 oz) bag regular marshmallows
-1 box of Golden Graham cereal
-1-2 cups Chocolate chips

Directions: Combine marshmallow and butter in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for approximately 1 minute. Stir mixture together until combined, microwaving in 30 second intervals until completely melted. Add Golden Grahams to bowl and stir until they are all well coated. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 pan and press evenly. Let cool at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares and going to town!

The Banana S’more

Ingredients

– Bananas
– Chocolate chips
– Miniature marshmallows
– Graham crackers

– Aluminum foil

Directions: Slice banana lengthwise and slightly open. Place on a square of aluminum foil. Insert marshmallows and chocolate chips into the sliced banana. Wrap each banana up in foil and cook on the grill for 5 to 10 minutes. Use tongs to remove the banana from heat. When the foil is cool enough to hold, unwrap the bananas and top with a few tablespoons of crushed graham crackers. After the banana s’more has slightly cooled grab a spoon and dig in.

Any ways to eat s’mores that we missed? Let us know in the comments. We’re always looking for new, delicious ways to get our favorite camping dessert!
Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

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Camping is for the dogs too!

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Camping is for the dogs too!

Camping is for the dogs too!

Pennsylvania camping is for the dogs (and other pets too.)

No one understands family like Lerch RV. That’s why when we say “family”, our four-legged, furry friends are always included.  Camping is a great way to bring families closer and often that includes pets. That is why your central Pennsylvania RV dealership is pet friendly. You can always find a few four-legged friends inside our dealership.  Customer are always welcome to bring their pets inside with them. We are dog friendly as long as your dog is friendly as well.

Pet Friendly Campgrounds:

No need to leave any family members behind when you head out for a family camping trip.  We’ve found a great resource for finding pet friendly campgrounds! There are many internet sites out there that will help you find a campground that both you and Fido will enjoy. Many more campgrounds, private and state funded are becoming pet friendly.

Camping Etiquette:

Pet friendly camping is the perfect way to include all family members in your vacation, but don’t forget, that does mean a little more work for you and your family.  Here are a 4 rules to remember when you RV with Spot:

  1. Pick it up: Always clean up after your dog (or other pets) after they’ve finished going to the bathroom.  No one wants to be out for a hike and step in Fido’s leave behinds.  Bring plenty of environmentally friendly pick up bags with you and dispose of them in dedicated receptacles.
  2. Know your limits: Your dog might be the friendliest dog you’ve ever met, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s dog is on the same page.  When leaving your campsite to roam the grounds, bring along a leash for those less than friendly encounters.
  3. No man (or pet) left behind: Remember the tent or RV you’re staying in might not feel like home to your family pet.  Try to minimize leaving your pet alone to reduce the amount of stress your pet experiences.  No one wants to be left out of all the fun!
  4. Watch the weather: Just like us humans, pets are sensitive to extreme hot and cold. On hot days, bring water and find rivers/lakes to help pets cool down. On cold days, think about leaving Fido in the RV or bringing along an adorable puppy jacket.
  5. Be courteous:Just be courteous of your neighbors and surroundings. Not everyone is a pet lover. So use a common sense approach when camping with your pets.

Have any other pet tips to share? We’d love to add them to our list. We love to hear from you…

Yummy Campfire Breakfast

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Campfire Toad in a Hole

Campfire Toad in a Hole

Difficulty: Easy | Total Time: 1 hr | Makes: 4 servings

Preparing food on the campfire is all about making do with what’s in the camping kit, and all you need for this dish is a sturdy cast-iron pan. We took the elements of the classic British Toad in the Hole and made a one-pot sausage-and-pancake meal. This Americanized breakfast version starts with an easy batter of cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs that you can make at home and throw into the cooler. When you’re ready for breakfast, heat up the cast-iron pan over the campfire and brown some breakfast sausages. Then pour in the batter, drizzle with maple syrup, and let the whole thing cook up into one big sweet-savory pancake. Slice into wedges, and a hearty meal is served.

Game plan: The batter can be made up to one (1) day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or in a cooler with ice. When you’re ready to use it, be sure to whisk the batter again to recombine everything.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1/2 cup fine-ground yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/4 stick)
  • 14 uncooked breakfast sausage links (12 ounces)
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Whisk the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Add the milk and eggs and whisk until just combined and no streaks of flour remain; set aside. (The batter can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cooler.)
  2. Heat a camping stove to medium (about 350°F to 450°F) or fit a campfire with a grilling grate.
  3. Place a large cast-iron skillet on the stove or grate and heat until a drop of water sizzles and immediately disappears on the surface, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the butter and heat until foaming. Add the sausages and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the sausages to a large plate.
  5. Whisk the batter again to recombine, then pour it into the skillet in an even layer. Arrange the sausages on top of the batter in an even layer and drizzle the measured maple syrup over the surface of the batter and sausages. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and cook undisturbed until the batter is puffed, cooked through, and golden brown on the bottom, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  6. Cut into wedges and serve immediately, passing additional maple syrup on the side.

Enjoy!

Safe Travels and Happy RVing!

Plan that next RV Vacation wisely Pennyslvania

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“Vacation, all I ever wanted, Vacation, had to get away..”

Vacation, not just lyrics to a popular eighties song by the all girl band, The Go-Go’s.  Vacation is a state of mind for some, while other use it for a time to get away from the everyday hustle and bustle. However you choose to spend your vacation, RVing is a very cost-effective way to do so.

With any tow behind trailer or Motor-home there is always the consideration of gas to get where you want to go! Surprisingly RV travel can save on family vacations!

Depending on the type of trip and RV used, a family of four can save 23% – 59% on vacation costs according to the PKF Vacation Cost Comparison Study.  For a couple of two or all those empty-nesters out there, it is possible to save 11%-46%. In fact, 80% of RVers say that vacationing in their RV even when gas prices rise, the trip still costs less than other types of vacations. In all reality, there is no need to worry even with gas prices going up, if used appropriately.

Pennsylvania Vacations at Lerch RV

Ways to plan Smart Vacations with your RV:

1. Choose destinations that are closer to home. This allows you to drive fewer miles and staying longer in one location.

2. Enjoy the campground! By spending more time by the campfire, socializing with family, and taking day hikes you will be able to spend less time on the road

3. Pack lighter to reduce weight. Leave those un-necessaries at home.

4. Consume less fuel by driving 55 mph instead of 65 mph. Many RV owners say that this truly helps with traveling costs. Why be in hurry to get somewhere, the trip is as much as the destination.

5. Keep home utilities turned off to save energy while traveling. Turn down or turn off that hot water heater. Unplug the microwave or other energy-consuming items that are always on stand-by.

By using these ways to save, your vacation with friends and family will still be just as fun! If gas prices go up you can count on plane fares and other traveling modes to increase in price as well. So you can count on RVing to be a cheaper option. At this point in time, for RVing to become more expensive than other forms of travel for a family of four, the prices of fuel would have to more than double.

So if gas prices are making you worry when it comes to family vacations, there is no need. Like with any money spending decision, if planned appropriately, can be worked out. By using these ways to be smart about RVing then you don’t have to compromise your getaway from the everyday hustle and bustle and the good memories spent with those you love.

“Vacation, All I ever wanted. Vacation had to get away”…

RVing – A Good Vacation Option For Your Family!

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I came across this article while reading some RV related blogs.  I thought it was a great reason to go RVing!  This article goes along with one of my previous blogs as to how affordable RVing/camping can be.  Even in the economical times we are experiencing.  Hitting the road towing a travel trailer, fifth wheel, pop up or even behind the steering wheel of a motorized coach, you make memories that are going to last a lifetime.  So take a few moments to read this article and determine if RVing is one of America’s greatest things to do.

Have you ever been camping in an RV? Well, according to the RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) almost one in 12 vehicle owning households in the U.S. can answer yes to this question. If you answered No to this question, then stick around, this article is meant for you.

If you are like most people you lead a very hectic life. You feel like you are working harder now than you ever have before. The end result is you have less leisure time to spend with your family. So, once it is time for your vacation you are ready to get away from it all, relax and spend quality time with your family.

Going camping in an RV is an option you should consider for your next vacation. The reason is simple, it will allow you to slow down and unwind. And who does not want to do that? When you go RVing you don’t have to worry about missing a flight, losing your luggage or renting a car. You do not even have to worry about unpacking your luggage, as everything you need is already in the camper .

Our extended family has been enjoying the RV lifestyle for 34 years in some form or another. From one night stays to extended weekend stays. Over the years our extended family has visited many campgrounds, state and national parks. Don’t get me wrong: we have gone on vacations where we flew to our destinations, because of time constraints. We have even flown over the Grand Canyon a couple of times on commercial airliners. The pilots were always kind enough to point out that if we looked out the windows, we could see the Grand Canyon, and I have to admit it looked pretty good from 35,000 feet. But it wasn’t until we actually drove an RV into the Grand Canyon National Park and looked over the rim and saw it from ground level, that we realized its true grandeur.

An RV is a vacation home on wheels with one exception. One day you are in the mountains; the next day you could be at the beach. Try that with a vacation home. RVs come in all shapes and sizes. If you are looking for accommodations similar to those found in some of the best hotels in the world you may want to look at a Class A Motor Home or Fifth Wheel Trailer. If you want a more rustic experience, you might want to look at a Tent Trailer.

Regardless of which type of RV you choose, you may find that vacationing in an RV provides more time to relax and bond with your family. While RVing, getting to your destination is half the fun. You will be surprised by some of the interesting places you run into along the way. Seeing all of this at ground level makes a difference too.

I hope this article has piqued your interest in taking your family on a RV Vacation Adventure. I am sure that you have many questions. The internet is a great resource to get those questions answered. There are websites that have information on RVing, the Types of RVs available to both rent and buy and tips on what to see and do along the way.  I can honestly say that my worst RV vacation was still better than my best traditional vacation. The memories of our RV camping trips will last us a lifetime.

Your next family vacation may be the ideal time to go RVing and create some excellent family memories of your own.

If you don’t know what RV type is right for your family, please contact your locale Central PA RV Dealer. For over 34 years we have been helping families have fun.

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