Snowbirds & RV Travelers

Bristol’s biggest claim to fame happened in 1927. Bristol Sessions came about when Ralph Peer, a producer for Victor Talking Machine Company, later RCA Victor, wanted to record “Hillbilly music.” Ernest Stoneman, an Appalachian musician who with his wife, Hattie, was already recording for Victor, suggested Bristol. At the sessions, Peer recorded 76 songs by 19 musicians or groups. In 2002, The Library of Congress National Recording Registry ranked the 1927 Bristol Sessions among the 50 most significant sound recording events of all time and named Bristol “The Birthplace of Country Music.”Today’s podcast was written by Kathleen Walls and presented by Perry Mack

About an hour east of the i95 from Richmond or two hours southeast of the acclaimed Civil War attractions in Fredericksburg, Mathews County and the county seat of the same name serve as a winter destination in this region of Virginia.Mathews County in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula is plotted with a number of rural communities with access to two RV parks, scenic downtown districts, waterways, boat tours, and numerous trails. Of course, you can always sink your teeth into some of the best oysters in the state anytime. It’s especially worth a trip here during peak harvest season between October and March or any of the themed seafood festivals.

The American state of New Mexico is known as ‘The Land of Enchantment.’ Its captivating culture blends indigenous, Hispanic and American cultures into being American. New Mexico’s future was established with the Viceroyality of New Spain [Nuevo Espana] in 1535, Mexico in 1821, and the United States in 1848. To understand New Mexico, five major attractions make this state enchanting for visitors.

Small towns are the perfect getaway for Snowbirds. Why fight traffic and spend time hunting for parking spots when you can visit small towns like Gaffney with so much to see and do without all the big city hassle? Gaffney in Cherokee County is known as “The Peach Capital of South Carolina” because at one time, Cherokee County produced more peaches annually than the entire state of Georgia which calls itself the "Peach State."Even more interesting, Gaffney has a pivotal place in history. Had the Patriots not won at the Battle of Cowpens, what are now the southern U.S. states might still English territory.

The Sunshine State is one of the top snowbird destinations in the U.S., especially for Eastern and Central North American snowbirds. But Florida is not a homogenous state with identical winter experiences. History and topography have shaped Florida’s regions into unique realms with different attractions, adventures, and cultural lifestyles. After spending years vacationing in Florida, here are two of our favourites and two perfect parks to call home for the winter.

It’s snowbird season, and you’ve decided to set out on a journey with a fifth wheel. It will become a reliable and comfortable home base during your travels. There are several benefits of owning this class of RV. One of its distinguishable differences from any type of travel trailer, however, is the fifth wheel hitch, which mounts in the bed of the tow vehicle and positions the tongue weight over—or just in front—of the rear axle. Routine care and understanding its components are essential to achieving the peace of mind you want when you’re travelling this snowbird season.Today’s podcast is Courtesy Tulga Fifth Wheel and presented by Perry Mack

RVing in the winter isn’t limited to snowbirds visiting southern destinations. Many enthusiasts north of the border embrace the snow and cold temperatures, using their rigs to set up camp at local ski resorts or select parks to partake in seasonal cheer and enjoy outdoor recreation.These activities lead to the use of lithium-ion batteries, as well as other types of batteries, and how they are affected by cold temperatures. Knowing how the winter weather impacts portable power can help smooth out the purchasing process, from understanding longevity and cost savings to daily performance.Todays podcast, courtesy Relion, is presented by Perry Mack

We made going home an adventure by exploring the scenic coastal states of California, Oregon, and Washington.Many full-time RVers typically spend their winters snowbirding in Arizona to escape the cool and dreary weather in British Columbia. On a recent trip home from the Grand Canyon State, we decided to drive west toward Los Angeles and experience the famed U.S. Route 101.Story and Photos by Larry MacDonald and presented by Perry MackThis is one of the most significant continuous highways in the U.S. and extends through California, Oregon, and Washington. Many full-service RV parks are easily accessible, and with several scenic attractions, the route provided the perfect, relaxing trip for our journey back to BC.

RV parks, golfing, sporting events, and day trips into Mexico—this West Texas destination will keep you active all season.Nicknamed Sun City due to its 300 days of annual sunshine, El Paso’s is perched at 1,158 m (3,800 ft) above sea level. The many attractions in El Paso, TX, draw more than two million visitors every year. One of the novel distinctions of this westernmost point of the Lone Star State is its convergence of Texas, New Mexico, and Old Mexico. The Spanish arrived here in the mid-1600s, and the ‘Spanish influence’ is still present today.Written By Rick Stedman and presented by Perry Mack

From expansive beaches and natural attractions to art galleries, museums, and even an award-winning zoo, there’s so much to see in Jacksonville that it’s easy to spend a few days there. If you’re passing through, to, or from your main snowbird destination, there are several worthy attractions not to miss.Todays podcast was written by Kathleen Walls and presented by Perry MackLocated in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville is unique in the sense that, according to Visit Florida, it’s “home to the largest urban park system in the US.” There are a total of seven state parks, two national parks, a national preserve, and roughly 400 city parks and gardens. Nature lovers will love all of the outdoor activities, while art and history buffs will want to see the museums and galleries.

We all know that the dry, comfortable, warm climate through the winter makes Arizona a popular destination for snowbirds. You can easily fall into daily routines with programs at the RV resorts, while golfing, dining, and shopping are never far away. But Arizona has an immense number of exciting experiences, and you never have to travel far to encounter something new in the Grand Canyon State. Here are six of our favourites, that you may not know about.Written by Steve Fennel and presented by Perry MackAccording to Visit Phoenix, the greater area of Phoenix has more than 160 golf courses, which is just shy of half of the state’s total count of 370, giving you ample opportunities to practice your game. Play a different course every few days, or find one that best suits your skill level. If ‘retail therapy’ is your preference, try Phoenix Premium Outlets, Outlets at Anthem, and Uptown Plaza with locally owned shops and restaurants. But what if golfing isn’t your game and you don’t buy into big-city shopping?

Why it’s so important to understand all of the stipulations when bringing a second car to a destination.Among the number of questions we hear about towing a car (or dinghy, as it's referred to) behind a motorhome, the most common has to be: is it worthwhile? If you drive a large rig, you may find the added length and weight intimidating. However, bringing a second vehicle to any destination has several advantages and a few disadvantages to consider before making your decision.

In the RV community, the term ‘escaping the crowds’ has long been the practice of outdoor enthusiasts, well before the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are many popular attractions throughout Arizona, there are a number of lesser-known, less-populated state parks that are just as appealing, naturally exciting, and serve as great day--or even multi-day--destinations for Canadian Snowbirds.

Do you have burning questions about RV insurance? Whether your home away from home is a trailer, motor home, or park model, it's important to have the best, most complete protection possible. In this podcast, we'll cover the basics of RV insurance, answer frequently asked questions, warn you of the pitfalls when buying insurance, and provide tips to save on your insurance premiums. Meet Amy Bradley, a dedicated and valued member of Orbit Insurance Services for over 19 years.

Approximately 40 km (25 mi) east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a prime southern RV destination in Northwestern Georgia. At 3,200 acres, and about an hour to DeKalb and Henry counties, you can comfortably spend the entire winter here with so much to experience and enjoy.Stone Mountain Park is the largest campground in the Peach State with 400 RV, pop-up, and tent sites plus yurt, safari tent, and RV rentals. With many natural attractions, its significant landmark is Stone Mountain, which rises from the mostly flat landscape, and showcases the largest bas-relief carving in North America (and the largest Confederate monument in the world).

Las Vegas and Reno may be the prime destinations in Nevada to visit throughout the winter, but the open roads beyond their city limits lead to engaging points of interest that truly define the Silver State. The arid, dry climate, friendly communities, RV resorts, and state and national parks all provide perfect getaways.

From dental work to cosmetic surgery, medical treatment in Mexico is growing in popularity for its affordability and accessibility, compared to what many visitors are accustomed to in Canada and the U.S.Medical tourism is not a new alternative for snowbirds. However, as it is becoming a more sought-after service for specific treatments, we examined this growing trend to provide further insight into what is available and what precautions to take.

The brick streets of downtown Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish), Louisiana, have been welcoming visitors longer than any other Louisiana city. The Old City in Cane River Country is the oldest settlement in the Pelican State, and the community has taken care to preserve and honour the unique elements of its storied past. These stand alongside contemporary attractions, and this combination of ‘old, new, and one-of-a-kind’ draws RVers every year.

Nearby southern locales like Georgia’s Jekyll Island and Savannah, Statesboro is where Canadian snowbirds can visit for the entire winter or at least a few months. The area brims with charm, unique experiences, and history, ranking it as a great destination no matter how long you stay. Not sure where to go or looking for something new? Here’s a sampling of what you’ll enjoy during one of the Peach State’s’ top RV trips.

Ever wondered what you need to do to open a first-class RV resort? The kind of place that folks will want to come to and, hopefully, come back to? We interview Jim Germyn and Erin Forrest, who are two experts in opening, managing, and marketing resorts for CRR Hospitality - A Lifestyle Company, and who have been instrumental in opening a brand-new resort, Coachella Lakes RV Resort, in the Greater Palm Springs area. Whether you want to know what it takes or want to know more about an opportunity to stay at an affordable, luxury RV resort, this podcast is for you.