2022 Destinations
Fort Myers Beach, FL
May 2022
We’ve been traveling to southwest Florida since 2006, and something keeps drawing us back year after year. This trip was no exception. We were fortunate to spend our vacation at our favorite rental home, Casa Cielo on Fort Myers Beach. If you’re looking for a place to stay, you can find it on Airbnb. We love it because it’s simple, clean, just a short walk to the beach, and close enough to the grocery store that the truck can stay parked most of the week.
One of my favorite parts of every trip is my early morning walk on the beach. It’s my time to think, reflect, and simply enjoy the moment. I’m usually the first one awake, so while everyone else is still sleeping, I’m out watching another day begin.
Fort Myers Beach is perfect for walking. The sand is packed enough that you don’t feel like you’re trudging through deep snow, yet soft enough to preserve yesterday’s sandcastles and heartfelt messages written in the sand, all waiting for the next high tide to wash them away. I’ve been walking this same beach for more than ten years, and it never gets old. There are miles of shoreline and, in many places, nearly a hundred yards of sand between the water and the dunes. It’s a place where I can simply slow down and take in everything around me.
This morning was picture perfect. The sun was shining, the temperature was comfortable, and a light breeze allowed pelicans to glide effortlessly just inches above the water as they searched for breakfast. Every so often, the quiet was interrupted by an ultralight aircraft cruising slowly along the coastline.
As I walked, families were beginning to claim their spots for the day with chairs and umbrellas. A little girl squealed as her older brother tried convincing her to come into the water, while she insisted she’d be eaten by a shark. A grandfather and grandson searched patiently for seashells on a day when the beach had very few to offer. I passed familiar faces who never say a word, others who always offer a friendly “good morning,” and smiled as serious runners were occasionally passed by people riding electric bikes while getting their own version of a workout.
One of my favorite beach memories happened several years ago. I was walking early one morning when I noticed two older gentlemen heading toward me. I stepped to one side to let them pass. They stepped the same way. I moved again, and so did they. After the third time, I stopped, convinced I was about to be mugged on Fort Myers Beach.
The two men, both probably in their seventies, stopped in front of me.
“You’re new here,” one of them said.
“Well, yes,” I replied. “But I’m just visiting.”
“We want to know your intentions.”
“My intentions?”
“There aren’t enough women on this stretch of beach already. We don’t need any more competition.”
After I stopped laughing, I assured them I was happily married and had no interest in competing for their imaginary dating territory. We stood there chatting for several minutes before continuing on our separate ways. Since then, I’ve run into one or both of them several times over the years. We always wave, laugh about our first meeting, and occasionally stop for another conversation.
As I headed back to the house, I was already looking forward to another spectacular Fort Myers Beach sunset that evening. Back at Casa Cielo, breakfast was ready, and the chatter around this year’s jigsaw puzzle drew me inside.
Of course, we didn’t spend all our time relaxing.
One day we took a break from the puzzle and rented jet skis. Things have changed since our last visit. Rental companies are no longer allowed to launch from Lovers Key Boat Ramp, and the only rentals available directly on Fort Myers Beach are guided tours. We’ve done enough guided tours over the years, so we wanted the freedom to explore on our own.
Last year we rented from Ski Ft. Myers, and this year they were operating out of Horton Park in Cape Coral. Kurt and his crew are great to work with. They maintain their equipment well and offer excellent advice on places to ride and things to see. The riding area on the Caloosahatchee River wasn’t quite as scenic as the Intracoastal Waterway around Fort Myers Beach, but it was still a great day on the water. Next time we’ll probably use them again but launch from a different location.
The weather cooperated with partly cloudy skies and comfortable temperatures, but the Florida sun was stronger than we gave it credit for. Even with sunscreen, Pat and Travis both ended up with pretty good sunburns. Four hours on the water can sneak up on you.
Some traditions never change. Miniature golf and ice cream are annual favorites, and we usually spend time at Hammond Stadium watching the Minnesota Twins during spring training. Unfortunately, the MLB lockout meant there were no games this year, so we simply found other ways to enjoy our time.
We also spent a day exploring Sanibel Island. Lunch at The Bubble Room is always a must. The food is excellent, and the restaurant itself is unlike any other, filled with unique decorations and nostalgic memorabilia. We were also treated to the sight of several manatees spending nearly an hour swimming around the slips at Tarpon Bay. Watching these gentle giants up close was one of the highlights of the trip. Before heading home, we’re planning to return to Sanibel to kayak and try out a set of electric bikes.
If you ever have the opportunity to spend time in the Fort Myers Beach area, I highly recommend it. Between the beaches, wildlife, great restaurants, and the laid-back lifestyle, it’s easy to understand why we’ve been coming back for nearly twenty years.
Pete’s Retreat Malmo, MN
May 2022
Our first camping trip of the season is always something we look forward to, and this year we headed back to Pete’s Retreat. We’ve camped here several times and enjoy it so much that we’re hoping to secure a seasonal site in the near future.
This first outing is always a bit of a “shake down” trip. It’s our chance to make sure the camper made it through the winter without any issues and to test some of the new gear we picked up during the off season. Thankfully, everything worked just as it should. If you’re interested in the new equipment, be sure to check out our blog for more details.
We had a wonderful, relaxing weekend. The campground was quiet, with many seasonal campers arriving to open up their RVs for another camping season. It was nice to be back around fellow campers and simply enjoy the slower pace of campground life.
One unexpected highlight was a visit from our friend Joe and his son, who happened to be passing through the area and stopped in to say hello. We also met another couple who own the exact same fifth wheel and tow vehicle that we do. What are the chances of that?
We did come away with one important lesson. If the weather forecast says there’s a 100 percent chance of rain the next morning, and checkout time is 11:00 a.m., it might be wiser to head home the evening before! We’ll leave the details to your imagination.
As always, we had a great stay and will definitely be back again. Pete’s Retreat
Burlington Bay Campground Two Harbors, MN
May 2022
Our second camping trip of the season found us at Burlington Bay Campground in Two Harbors. Since I had recently retired, Pat and I decided to trade some of our busy weekend trips for quieter weekday getaways. This trip was a four-night stay, from Monday through Friday, and it turned out to be a great choice.
Burlington Bay is one of our favorite campgrounds. The views of Lake Superior are spectacular, and its location on the edge of town makes it easy to get to restaurants, shopping, and the local attractions.
The only thing we couldn’t find was a place to refill our propane tanks.
Our first night was chilly, with temperatures dropping into the 30s. Even with our electric heater running, the furnace cycled on frequently and emptied one of our 30-pound propane tanks overnight. No problem, we thought. We’d simply get it refilled.
Not so fast.
As we discovered, no business in Two Harbors refills 30-pound propane cylinders. You can exchange a 20-pound tank, but that’s about it. In a community that depends so heavily on tourism, and with several campgrounds nearby where many RVs use 30-pound tanks, it seemed like a missed opportunity to provide a service that campers genuinely need.
Aside from our propane adventure, we had a fantastic trip. We rode our bikes from Gooseberry Falls State Park to Split Rock Lighthouse, enjoyed a great meal at the Rustic Inn Café, and returned to Split Rock that evening for an open house and the lighting of the lighthouse. Watching the beacon come to life overlooking Lake Superior was a memorable experience.
We also had an electrical problem with the RV on our second day that had me scratching my head for a while. Fortunately, we tracked it down and solved it. If you enjoy a good troubleshooting story, check out the blog post where I walk through the problem and how we fixed it.
Overall, we had another wonderful stay at Burlington Bay and will definitely be back. Next time, though, we’ll make sure both propane tanks are completely full before we leave home!
Eagle Cliff Campground and Hotel
June 2022
We spent a Tuesday-Friday at Eagle Cliff Campground near Lanesboro, Mn this week. This is the most well kept campground we’ve stayed at in years. Clean sites, well kept grounds and structures.
We did the midweek camping again and I am falling in love with it. The grounds were probably less than 40% capacity which is fine with us. Much quieter than a weekend which makes it that much more relaxing.
The sad thing is that the fuel prices are having an effect on the number of people canceling their stays. We talked with the owner during our stay and he told us that he is regularly getting calls from people canceling due to the high cost of fuel. A good size traveling group that was scheduled to stop by on their annual 4,000 mile camping circuit (for years now) has canceled. Fuel costs are to blame.
There is a lot to do in the area and the campground, it’s a large diverse campground with ample sites for tents to class A’s they even have some hotel rooms on the property. There are playgrounds, large open areas for any field games you enjoy and they have canoes, kayaks and bicycles for rent. The site is right on the Root River so access is a few steps away.
As most campgrounds do now, they have seasonal sites, but this place is unique in that the seasonal campers are in the minority when you look at the overall number of sites. Currently they have no plans on changing that. The site we were on had seasonal sites on the outer rows. We found the few people that were there were very welcoming and even though we were only there a few days they took the time to say Hi and get to know us. From the staff to the regulars we felt very welcome.
We spent our days on the Root River trail with our e-bikes and had a great time. Good weather helped. Just don’t plan on shopping or dining out at the local shops on Wednesday’s. They are all closed. We’ve learned to plan accordingly on future midweek trips. We will be staying here again.
Grand Marias Campground Grand Marias, MN
July 2022
We spent the Fourth of July at the Grand Marais Municipal Campground. We’ve camped here before and will almost certainly return again. It’s an older, well-established campground, so the sites are a little closer together than you’ll find in many newer parks. They aren’t uncomfortably tight, but I always appreciate a little extra elbow room. The campground is clean, well maintained, and it’s obvious the city takes pride in keeping it that way. You’ll regularly see maintenance crews making their rounds.
As you might expect, it’s a very popular campground, especially during the summer, and weekend reservations can be difficult to get. The staff does an excellent job of filling cancellations, so if you’re looking for a last-minute getaway, it’s worth giving them a call.
The campground offers a mix of pull-through sites for larger RVs, back-in sites, and tent sites. They aren’t separated into different sections, so it’s common to see tents next to large motorhomes or fifth wheels. The campground certainly shows the wear that comes with being a year-round destination, but it’s well cared for and still provides a comfortable place to stay.
Amenities include open grassy areas for games and gatherings, a softball field, and easy access to a beach on Lake Superior for those brave enough to take a swim in its chilly waters. There’s no swimming pool, but with the lake only steps away, most visitors won’t miss it.
One of the campground’s biggest advantages is its location. It’s only about a quarter mile from downtown Grand Marais, making restaurants, shops, and the harbor an easy walk from your campsite. The surrounding area offers something for everyone, including fishing, hiking, biking, golf, miniature golf, local art galleries, unique gift shops, a microbrewery, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and countless sightseeing opportunities. The scenic North Shore alone is worth the trip, and the famous Gunflint Trail begins just outside of town.
If you’re looking for a relaxing campground with outstanding access to one of Minnesota’s most beautiful destinations, we highly recommend Grand Marais Municipal Campground. It’s a place we always enjoy visiting and one we’ll continue returning to for years to come.
Blue Highway Lodge Hillsboro, WI
July 2022
This wasn’t an RV trip but a weekend motorcycle getaway with a group of longtime friends. They had stayed at the Blue Highway Lodge before and spoke very highly of it. After spending the weekend there ourselves, we can certainly see why.
Rather than repeating everything here, I’ll let our blog tell the full story of our stay, the scenic rides, and the local attractions we enjoyed. Suffice it to say, we had a fantastic weekend of motorcycling, sightseeing, and catching up with good friends.
If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay while exploring the beautiful roads and countryside of southwestern Wisconsin, we highly recommend the Blue Highway Lodge.
Bunker Hills Regional Park Anoka, MN
July 2022
We spent a couple of days at Bunker Hills Regional Park with two of our grandchildren, and it turned out to be a great family getaway. There was no shortage of things to keep everyone entertained.
The campground is part of a large regional park that offers horseback riding, biking, hiking, and one of the area’s most popular water parks. There’s also an excellent golf course for the adults, making it a destination the whole family can enjoy.
Located in the Twin Cities metro area, Bunker Hills is understandably a popular campground. We visited during the week, which made it easy to find a campsite, and there were still several sites available.
The water park was definitely the highlight of the trip for our grandkids, and we spent most of a day there. Their smiles and laughter made the trip well worth it.
If you’re looking for a campground that offers plenty of activities for children while still providing something for the adults, Bunker Hills Regional Park is an excellent choice. It’s close to home for many Twin Cities residents but still feels like a true camping getaway.
Adventure Bound Campground Austin, MN
July 2022
Our trip got off to a less-than-ideal start when we discovered a flat tire on the RV. Fortunately, we were able to get it taken care of and still made it to Adventure Bound Campground later that day. We arrived a little behind schedule, but there was still plenty of daylight left to get settled in.
What made this trip special wasn’t the campground—it was having the entire family together. With everyone’s busy schedules, work commitments, and the grandkids’ sports and activities, getting everyone in one place doesn’t happen very often. I suspect these gatherings mean even more to Pat and me than they do to the rest of the family, although no one seems to mind spending a few days together.
Before long we gathered everyone for a family photo, followed by a campfire and s’mores. Watching the grandkids play together while the adults caught up on life was exactly what we had hoped for.
The first full day started with the guys heading out for a round of golf while the kids spent most of the day enjoying the swimming pool. By evening, a few rain showers drifted through, sending everyone under the awning. It turned into one of those memorable evenings filled with laughter, conversation, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Pat couldn’t have been happier.
Day two was “girls’ day,” giving the dads a chance to return the favor and spend time with the kids. Once again, the swimming pool was the biggest attraction, followed later by several spirited games of Kubb with everyone joining in. Seeing adults and kids laughing and playing together was the highlight of the trip. By the end of the day the younger kids were running out of energy, and everyone called it an early night before heading home the following morning.
Pat and I stayed one extra night before beginning the next leg of our adventure to South Dakota for our first visit to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Pat drove the truck and fifth wheel while I followed behind on the motorcycle.
As for the campground itself, Adventure Bound was a great choice for our family gathering. The campsites are generously sized, and there are plenty of cabins for family members who prefer a few more comforts than camping provides.
There was no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. The campground features a swimming pool, water slides, a bounce pad, miniature golf, train rides, an inflatable water slide, and gemstone panning. One pleasant surprise was that all of these activities were included during our midweek stay. We noticed signs mentioning wristbands, but we never needed one or were asked to show one.
A few years earlier we stayed at a KOA near Hayward, Wisconsin, that offered similar activities, but most of them required an additional fee. Adventure Bound provided much better value for families.
The campground itself is older, and its age is beginning to show. Some maintenance around the pool area and a little general sprucing up would make a noticeable difference. The staff, however, was friendly and easy to work with throughout our stay.
Because we camped during the week, the campground was much quieter than it would have been on a weekend. A few seasonal campers seemed surprised by the extra activity when we arrived, but that’s understandable after enjoying peaceful weekdays most of the summer. For us, though, midweek camping is exactly what we enjoy. The kids had room to ride their bikes, throw footballs, play yard games, and simply be kids without worrying about heavy traffic or disturbing packed campsites.
The more we camp during the week, the more convinced we become that it’s the best way to travel. The campgrounds are quieter, there’s more room to spread out, and everything feels just a little more relaxed. Other than special occasions, I don’t see us doing much weekend camping anymore.
Dakota Campground Mitchel, SD
July 2022
This campground was an overnight stop on our way to Sturgis, South Dakota, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The sites were nicely shaded, easy to get into and out of, and despite being conveniently located near the freeway, traffic noise was minimal.
The campground also has a swimming pool, perfect for cooling off after a day on the road. It’s only a few minutes from town, making it easy to pick up groceries, fuel, or any last-minute supplies.
Whether you’re looking for a convenient overnight stop or a place to spend a few days exploring the area, we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again. At less than $40 per night during our visit, it was also a great value.
Sturgis RV Park Sturgis, SD
July 2022
We spent a week here with a group of friends who make the trip to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year. Even though we arrived the week before the official rally began, there was already plenty of excitement in the area. The crowds were smaller, but the anticipation was definitely building.
The campground is an excellent place to stay. The sites are spacious with concrete pads, the grounds are well maintained, and everything is neat and clean. One of its biggest advantages is its location. It’s within walking distance of downtown, so restaurants, shopping, and the rally atmosphere are all close by without having to ride or drive.
We used the campground as our home base while exploring the Black Hills, and it couldn’t have worked out better. The scenic roads in the area provide some of the best motorcycle riding we’ve experienced.
The only downside to our stay was the heat. Temperatures were well above what we’re used to, making afternoons a little uncomfortable. Fortunately, mornings and evenings were perfect for riding.
We had a great week with good friends and made some wonderful memories. We would definitely stay here again, although next time we’d probably choose a cooler time of year to enjoy everything the Black Hills have to offer.
KOA Bismarck Bismarck, ND
August 2022
We stayed here for one night on our way home from Sturgis, South Dakota. Over the years, it has become one of our favorite overnight stops whenever our travels take us through the area.
The campground is clean, well maintained, and conveniently located just off the interstate, making it easy to get on and off the highway. Shopping, restaurants, and fuel are all close by, which is a bonus after a long day on the road.
If you’re planning a longer stay, the campground also offers a swimming pool, nicely shaded sites, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for a convenient overnight stop or a place to spend a few days, we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again. It’s a campground we know we can count on whenever we’re passing through the area.
Kiesler’s Campground Waseca, MN
August 2022
This trip was especially memorable because it reunited several families who used to camp together more than 30 years ago. What made it even more special was that many of our now-adult children were able to come with their own families. Seeing the next generation enjoying the campground while we gathered around the campfire catching up on old memories made for a wonderful weekend.
Kiesler’s Campground is an excellent destination for families. There are activities for all ages, and the daily activity schedule is packed with things to do from morning until evening. Whether you’re looking for organized games, crafts, or just a place where kids can have fun, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.
The campsites are a decent size, although most offer only 30-amp electrical service. That could be something to consider if you have a larger RV and are camping during the hottest part of the summer when both air conditioners may be needed.
The campground is clean, well maintained, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It’s easy to see why this is such a popular destination for families.
If you’re thinking about camping here, be sure to make your reservations early. Campsites fill quickly, especially during the busy summer season. It’s a campground we would happily return to.
Eagle Cliff Campground and Hotel Lanesboro, MN
September 2022
We spent a long weekend here with a motorcycle group. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. Most of the weekend was a washout, so instead of riding the beautiful roads in the area, we made the best of it by playing cards, catching up with friends, and doing a little shopping in the local communities.
This was our second stay here, and just like our first visit, the campground was immaculate. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and it’s obvious the owners take great pride in the property.
The biggest disappointment, aside from the weather, was the campground Wi-Fi, which worked poorly or not at all during our stay. On a rainy weekend when you’re spending more time around your campsite, reliable internet would have been nice to have.
Our only real frustration involved the cancellation policy. Because of the forecast, we considered cancelling, but doing so at the last minute would have meant losing two nights’ camping fees. As we all know, weather forecasts aren’t always accurate, so it’s difficult to know when to cancel without risking either the trip or your deposit. I wish the campground would consider offering a credit toward a future stay when severe weather affects a reservation. For a campground where most activities are outdoors, bad weather can dramatically change the entire experience.
Fortunately, there’s plenty to enjoy here when the weather cooperates. The campground is large and offers a wide variety of sites, from tent camping to accommodations for large Class A motorhomes. They even have hotel rooms available for those who prefer not to camp. Amenities include playgrounds, large open areas for games, and rentals for canoes, kayaks, and bicycles. Best of all, the campground sits right along the Root River, making it easy to get out on the water or simply enjoy the scenery.
Like many campgrounds today, Eagle Cliff has seasonal sites, but unlike many others, seasonal campers make up only a small portion of the campground. During our stay, the seasonal campers we met were friendly and welcoming, taking the time to introduce themselves and make us feel at home. From the office staff to the regular campers, everyone treated us like valued guests.
Although this review includes a few negatives, most of them were the result of the weather rather than the campground itself. We still had a great time with our friends, and we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again. Hopefully, next time we’ll enjoy blue skies instead of rain clouds.
Wilderness RV Park Silver Springs, FL
October 2022
We had finally arrived at our winter escape from the cold and snow. After a lot of searching, we found the perfect spot near Silver Springs, Florida. We fell in love with our campsite the moment we stepped out of the truck. It quickly became our home away from home for the winter.
I wrote a blog post about our stay, the campground, and everything we enjoyed during our time there. Just click this link to read more about it.