When the new year rolls around, it’s tradition to look at the year that’s quickly disappearing in the review mirror: What did we do? Where did we go? What were the best times we had? What changed our lives?

Traveling and camping in an RV probably tops the list, and all the other questions can be answered in conjunction with a camping trip or two. They are the best memories.

As we look back on 2019, we consider what information you enjoyed reading the most. Here are some of our top posts, and we can’t wait to offer more in 2020.

 

#1: 5 Unforgettable Michigan Camping Destinations

Looking for a place to camp and explore? We have quite a collection of driving tours and destination articles on our website. This particular article featuring five destinations in Michigan is one of our best. The article goes town by town and details why they are worth the visit – and what you absolutely need to do while you’re there.

Petoskey is a coastal town that sits on Little Traverse Bay, an inlet of Lake Michigan. It has a reputation for being quite charming, and it’s easy to see why. With historic grand homes, a gaslight district full of unique shops and restaurants, and a beach nobody wants to leave, Petoskey is Pure Michigan at its finest. It’s also within easy reach of many other small Michigan towns, including Mackinaw City, where you can take a ferry to Mackinac Island. Continue reading…

 

#2: 10 Outdoor Adventures in Michigan

When you’re an RVer, you naturally love to be in and around nature. This article about 10 outdoor adventures gives you a place to start when it comes to setting your New Year’s goals and planning your outdoor excursions for 2020.

Bike the Heritage Trail, Glen Arbor, Leelanau County: This hard-surfaced, non-motorized trail is 27 miles long, connecting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park attractions and the picturesque town of Glen Arbor. There are several trailheads, which will affect your length of ride depending on where you begin. Walkers, runners, families, and those with disabilities can also utilize the trail, so be careful and follow proper etiquette (stay to the right, alert others when approaching from behind, ride single file if passing others, etc.). On a cooler summer day, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the sights of the national park. Maybe take a dip in Lake Michigan following your ride. Continue reading…

 

#3: Driving Tour: Summer Ice Cream Hot Spots in Southeast Michigan

Driving tours are popular on our website, and we feature driving tours in every annual edition of our directory and travel guide (which is free on request). And what’s better than driving around trying ice cream? Each location in southeast Michigan has a unique, original flavor as well as vibe that makes it worth a visit.

When summer temperatures rise, taste buds and appetites turn their attention to something sweet and cold: ice cream. Michigan is full of fun, unique ice cream spots that are most beloved and often “must-stops” for travelers. Many have very distinctive flavors you can’t find anywhere else, and of course, most if not all carry the iconic Michigan child’s favorite: Superman. (We wish we could feature every location in this driving tour, but there are so many well-loved businesses. You’ll just need to branch out!) Continue reading

 

#4: Agate Stone Hunting on Lake Superior

You don’t need to be a bona fide rock hound to enjoy a walk up and down a beach and discovering some of Mother Nature’s loot. Lake Superior is known for its agates, and this article goes over the best stretch to go searching, how to identify an agate, the best time to go, and what to do with your treasures when you get back home.

The Lower Peninsula is most well-known for its Petoskey stones, and the Upper Peninsula is known for its agate. Agate is a semi-precious gemstone formed when water vapor and carbon dioxide became trapped in solidified lava millions of years ago – and it can be found along the shores of Lake Superior. Continue reading

 

#5: Camper Van Pros and Cons

This article from 2015 (yes, four years ago!) continues to be in high demand. Camper vans, also known as Class B campers, are often chosen for their compact size, efficiency, and ease of travel, especially for singles and couples. This article gives you the rundown of what to look for if you’re considering purchasing this type of RV, including floor plan, concessions, expense, and the major differences compared to other types of RVs.

When we mention camper vans, considered Class B motorhomes, the image that might come to mind is an olive-colored VW van with flower power. But camper vans come in a variety of colors, appearances, sizes, amenities, and floor plans. It seems a lot of people prefer them, too. Class B campers have built-in sleeping, eating, and bathroom amenities at a very condensed scale. Continue reading