Big Rig Resorts

Best US Fall Festivals

Celebrate cooler weather, changing leaves and the harvest season at one of America's fall festivals. The autumn doesn't merely mean Halloween happenings; this time of year is also ripe for colorful festivals, focused on everything from apples to oysters, German traditions to New England's culinary favorite, Maine lobster. Celebrate autumn's onset with food and drink fests, brew fests and more. Here, we've selected the best US fall festivals.  Go there...

Autumn colors: Beautiful fall foliage around the USA

School is back in session and so is the NFL. Days are getting shorter and temperatures are beginning to drop. All of it heralds the change of seasons as summer slowly edges into fall. Autumn means different things to different people, but there is one constant for color-lovers: Fall means foliage. From South Carolina to Colorado, Connecticut to Ohio, the leaves are beginning to put on their magnificent annual magic show..Go there...

2015 Fall Foliage Map - Best Leaf Peeping by Region

Ready to start leaf peeping this fall? Before you plan your fall foliage road trip, get the peak predictions from weathertrends360. Check out the 14-day forecast and use thevacation planner tool for your next trip.
For now, take a look at weathertrends360’s recommendations for the best regions to see autumn’s spectacular color show this year.  Go there...

Three Most Beautiful Drives For Your Next RV Road Trip

There’s nothing like a great American road trip. But where should you visit? Here are our top three most beautiful drives we’re suggesting for your next RV road trip.  Go there...

22 Outstanding Free Things to Do in America

Sometimes the best things in life really are free. Here are 22 world-class experiences that cost nothing yet nourish your mind and soul. -  Go there...

8 great places for fall colors across the US

As the calendar turns to September today, it's time to start planning fall foliage trips as the leaf-peeping season unfolds across the country. Whether you're a dedicated fall foliage fanatic or just in the mood for a scenic road trip, you'll find the following eight locations awash with color. Peak seasons vary, so when planning your trip, check with state or local tourism bureaus for the best time to go.   Go there...

10 waterfalls you definitely should go chasing

Waterfalls rank among nature's most alluring features, and there are hundreds if not thousands of them scattered across the United States. Some are spectacular and duly famous, such as Niagara and Yosemite, but there are many more lesser known but equally remarkable cataracts.
Given all of the possibilities, selecting a list of top 10 waterfalls was easier said than done. Nonetheless, here's our lineup of America's 10 most captivating waterfalls.  Go there...

Kings Mountain: Beginning of the end of the Revolutionary War

BLACKSBURG, S.C. -- Many Americans grow up with the idea that all the important sites of theAmerican Revolution are in the Northeast — in places like Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill andValley Forge, says John Slaughter, superintendent of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Group.
But more battles were fought in South Carolina than in any other state, he says.  Go there...

Road trips: Five must-see places in Arizona


Looking for a perfect late-summer road trip? People from around the world come to see the Grand Canyon, but Arizona has much more to offer. These are the Arizona Republic's must-see places in the state.  Go there...

Cuyahoga Valley: Natural gem hides in plain sight in Ohio

Try to pin down one thing that makes Cuyahoga Valley National Park a favorite, and the consensus will be ... that that can't be done.
The nearly 33,000-acre park is tucked away — some might say hidden — between the Cleveland and Akron metro areas in northeastern Ohio. Yet it boasts a variety of experiences that reflect how the local area, and the country as a whole, developed.   Go there...

The Ozarks: Scenic rivers' attraction is clear

The history, and the people, of the Jacks Fork and Current rivers are a bit rugged, but that water is crystal clear.
The rivers, which make up the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways, meander across southeast Missouri for more than 200 miles.
"There are several large springs that pump 200 million gallons a day," says Dena Matteson, public information officer.  Go there...

TripAdvisor's most unexpected popular attractions

Everyone has heard of Central Park, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Vegas Strip.
All three are among the most popular attractions in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas, according toTripAdvisor's Popularity Index.
But as travelers increasingly rely on each other for advice on where to go and what to do, some unusual attractions are popping up near the top of the list.  Go there...

BC Road Trip: Calgary to Vancouver via Highway 3

We asked, you answered! Have you ever driven from Calgary to Vancouver? What stops would you recommend along the way?
 
Hundreds of our Facebook followers commented on their favourite stops from Calgary to Vancouver, so we compiled the must-see destinations along BC’s Crowsnest Highway (Highway 3) via Osoyoos. This route takes you along sections of BC’s historic gold rush trail, over the mountains, into the desert and ending at the wild coast of the Pacific Ocean. -     Go there...

5 Scenic North of Boston Day Trip Destinations

With gorgeous beaches, historic attractions and excellent seafood, there are all kinds of good reasons to plan a little time in the North of Boston region.
It’s true year round, but even more so during the warmer months, when festivals come to town and the sea breeze keeps everyone a bit cooler.
From oceanside parks to breathtaking nature reserves, the North Shore offer some absolute gems. Go there...

Shenandoah: Most striking Skyline in the East

Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive offers views of Appalachian farmland and rolling Virginia hills just a short drive from the nation's capital.
President Franklin Roosevelt dedicated the park in 1936 as a place for both recreation and re-creation, says Susan Sherman, president of Shenandoah National Park Trust, a group with about 1,000 members. "Nearly 80 years later, Shenandoah continues to deliver on that promise," she says.  Go there...

50 Best Dive Bars in the U.S.

A good dive bar has greasy food, music, things placed on the ceilings or walls by past patrons, and ice-cold adult beverages. It may or may not have a pool table, a dart board, a dancefloor, a resident pet, or a friendly barkeep. It most definitely will not have clean floors, pink drink umbrellas, or good lighting.   Go there...

Olympic National Park: Beach, mountains and forest all in one place

Olympic National Park's nearly 1 million acres include something for everyone.
The park, in the northwest corner of Washington state, boasts 73 miles of Pacific coastline.
Its valleys contain some of the largest remaining ancient forests in the country.
And in the center are the Olympic Mountains, topped with massive, ancient glaciers.
 Go there...

Dollywood: A little bit country, a little bit rockin' rides

With its abundance of music and live entertainment, craft demonstrations, celebration of Appalachian culture, year-round festivals, world-class roller coasters and rides, and — of course — its spotlight on icon and namesake, Dolly PartonDollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has long distinguished itself from typical regional theme parks. But with the summer 2015 opening of the 300-room DreamMore hotel, Dollywood has become a true destination resort.  Go there...

GOOD SAM DESTINATION: OUTER BANKS ODYSSEY

In the early 20th century, two Dayton, Ohio, bicycle mechanics sought a place to test their experimental flying machine. They chose a narrow, 200-mile string of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast highlighted by high dunes, blustery winds and the promise of soft, sandy landings. The Outer Banks were a near wilderness then, and the inventors could run their tests out of the scrutinizing glare of a curious public.  Go there...

Yosemite National Park: Bone-dry but still beautiful

As the spring sun melted the final bits of snow, Barbara Ducey and her two sons huffed along the Panorama Trail, all of Yosemite beneath them. Normally, this trail wouldn't be open for weeks or months, but there they were, above the crowds and the cars, staring across the valley at the full height of Yosemite Falls.  Go there...

Road Trip Idea: New England’s Literary Treasures

This week I’m focusing on the northeast, with a picturesque itinerary through the quintessential Massachusetts countryside that inspired America’s early writers and philosophers. You could do this itinerary in as little as two nights, or you could spread it over a week and find plenty more to explore en route. -  Go there...

Quirky America: Roadside attractions you have to see

There’s no time like summer for a classic American road trip. While many travelers obviously enjoy visiting the country’s major cities, landmarks and state parks, it’s the quirky roadside attractions that make the USA such a fun place to drive around. From the world’s largest frying pan to an exact replica of Stonehenge made from foam, here are 10 detours to consider while road tripping across America:  Go there...

Summertime in Colorado: 10 adventures to put on your list

Colorado is lovely in the winter, but visiting the Centennial State in the summer is equally amazing. We’ve narrowed down a long list of things you can do. Some scream adventure, and others soothe the soul.  Go there...

10 Things Every Traveler Should Know Before Going to Mexico

More Americans visit Mexico every year than any other international destination. It’s no wonder: the very idea of a vacation in Mexico conjures up images of white sand beaches, clear, blue water, and sunny weather — no matter when you visit. While hot spots like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas are some of the country’s most popular destinations, there are lots of places (with top-notch food and shopping) to check out beyond the typical tourist destinations. Check out our tips below for making the most of your visit to Mexico.  Go there...

DOWN EAST IN MAINE AND IT’S AMAZING COASTLINE

They call this part of Maine we’ve been exploring this week “Down East.” And it’s a term applied in several different ways. In the narrowest sense, Down East refers to the coast of Maine from Penobscot Bay to the Canadian border, but it is sometimes used as a loose term for the entire eastern portion of the state. Scores, perhaps hundreds, of companies and organizations in Maine have “Down East” as part of their name.  Go there...

Offbeat destinations entice die-hard sports fans

Many people combine their love of sports with travel, stopping while on the road to idolize football heroes at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, or take in a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field. But there are plenty of offbeat sites that die-hard fans of baseball, football, basketball and hockey should know. Here are a few to check off your scorecard.  Go there...

Take the long way home with 7 iconic summer drives

As gas prices fall, the road trip becomes a more affordable option for summer fun. Spend the dollars you save at the pump on an extra night at a special hotel, the perfect souvenir — or, maybe, just keep drivin'. Here are some windshield vistas that provide camera-ready scenery, as well as a glimpse into the nature, culture and history of our great land.  Go there...

A very interesting place and great RV destination -...

You may never have visited this area of amazing shifting sea of red sand dunes and red rock canyons in Southwestern Utah but you surely have seen it.      
But you may have thought it was Egypt.
Or Matt Dillon’s home in the old TV series Gunsmoke    Go there...

7 time management tips for working on the road

Waking up at a bungalow two steps from the beach on Koh Tao Island, Thailand, I knew I had two choices: grab a coconut and relax on the sand or sit on my laptop and work. When you also have a tiki bar next door, fighting the urge to play can feel impossible. The best bet is to learn how to become a fast worker so you can maximize time spent in your destination.
Here are a few other tips to help you manage your time:  Go There,,,

The Top 25 Campsites in Canada

Park yourself at one of these prime destinations for the perfect summer escape:  Go there...

Photo tour: The most beautiful places in New England

From the rocky coastlines of Acadia National Parkto the historic streets of Boston to the opulent mansions of Newport, New England charms visitors with some of the nation's most picturesque scenery. Start your virtual vacation with a photo tour of Maine, above, then scroll through galleries for Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island.  Go there...

America's prettiest beach campsites

When making summer beach plans, sometimes all one really wants is an ultra-simple warm-weather escape: sand, water, sun.
Enter: these 11 sublime seaside camping spots, where visitors fall asleep to the sound of the surf and awaken to scenery to rival any five-star hotel.  Go there...

The 10 Most Popular National Parks for Camping

Last year, camping of all kinds rose throughout the U.S. national park system, according to the National Park Service. The total number of completed overnight stays hit 8.45 million in 2014, up nearly 7% from 7.91 million in 2013, Park Service data show. Those numbers include four types of camping: at tent sites, in “backcountry,” in RVs and at campsites operated by concessionaires. Backcountry camping — in primitive or wilderness areas reached primarily by hiking, boating or horseback — led the way with a nearly 10% jump from 2013.  Go there...

The 20 most visited theme parks in North America

Every year, the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) rounds up visitor information from the top theme and amusement parks, giving us one of the sole measures in the industry of how each park does compared to its competitors. Click through the gallery to see the top parks, along with how many visitors each had, then see below for some analysis of the numbers:  Go there...

The best southern beaches for a weekend escape

The weather's hot, the sun is shining and we're itching to get outside. Just because you're stuck in a landlocked state this coming weekend doesn't mean you can't jump in the car and escape to the ocean for a few days. This month, we're taking a look at some of the best beaches in the South, where beautiful stretches of sand await. Let's start in South Carolina and head south to Georgia, wind our way around Florida and head out west through Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.  Go there...

Take a scenic drive through Utah’s 5 national parks

This spring, my wife and I traveled through Utah in our fifth wheel to see all five of the national parks. We had not previously seen any of them, so we were excited for this trip — especially with the current TV commercials advertising all the parks.
We started in southern Utah by first going to Zion. We stayed right outside the park in the town of Springdale. The weather was just great for March, but the crowds were large as spring break was in full force.  Go there...

Take me to the river: America's best waterside drives

Rivers make natural travel routes, and drivers can find great scenery by following their path through the countryside, says Anne Banas, executive editor of SmarterTravel.com. "There are famous majestic rivers, and these have become iconic destinations throughout the United States," she says. Some routes are designated as scenic byways by states or the federal government, making it easy to stay on course. Banas shares favorite waterside roads with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.  Go there...

24 Signs You're A Good Traveler

You may love to travel, but just because you enjoy taking vacations and visiting far-flung destinations doesn't mean you're good at it. Unfortunately, simply liking travel isn't enough. There are a few traits that every good traveler should possess.
If you've ever wondered if you have what it takes, wonder no longer. If you know in your heart of hearts that you don't quite qualify as an excellent traveler but would like to, then read on.  Go there...

Dolly’s Homecoming Parade

May 1, 2015 marks the 30th Annual Dolly Homecoming Parade, an event filled with extravagant floats, marching bands, horses, entertainers and of course- the grand marshal, Miss Dolly Parton herself!. 
Go there....

Cheap thrills: Theme parks for the budget-conscious

It may be a small world after all, but it costs big bucks to visit Disney World, Disneyland, and the other major destination theme parks. A one-day ticket to enter Florida's Magic Kingdom costs $105 – enough to make Scrooge McDuck think twice before forking over his gold coins.
If you steer clear of the big-name players in Southern California and the Orlando area, however, it is possible to enjoy some great roller coasters and other rides without emptying your wallet.  Go there...

Best warm-weather St. Patrick's Day Parades

  As St. Patrick's Day approaches, play it safe and head south by southwest for a parade under a warm sun, because drinking green beer with your shorts on beats drinking green beer dressed in your woolies in the subzero arctic temperatures.   These cities have just as much history, and their revelers party just as hard. But they do it wearing tank tops.
  Remember: Winter is a choice you make.  Go there...

Road trip USA: 50 states, 50 unique stops

Pack up the car. Crank up the radio. And make your way through unknown territory. Getting behind the wheel for an extended road trip is always an adventure, but these carefully chosen pit stops along the way will add a little extra oomph to your next road trip. Scroll through the gallery to find something fun and unique to do in all 50 states.  Go there...

Video: Explore Nebraska's Carhenge, a monument to American ingenuity

Along a lonely stretch of highway in Alliance, Nebraska sits a mysterious monument to America's rich history of putting the pedal to the metal:Carhenge. We sent our roving photographer, Joel Schat, out to capture the classic roadside wonder on camera, and the video doesn't disappoint:  Go there...

Arrrr matey! Best pirate festivals in North America

Put on your eye patch and grab some grog, there are plenty of pirate parties to keep you busy all year long. From Pirates Week in the gorgeous Cayman Islands to Gasparilla in downtown Tampa, one thing is certain: pirates sure knew how to live it up.  Go there..

The 53 hottest cities in America

Dreaming of some heat while trapped inside under a blanket of snow? These 53 cities have the highest average summer temperatures according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climactic Data Center, so start planning your trip now.  Go there...

Easy beaches: Six hassle-free Florida escapes

The whole point of the Florida beach vacation is to relax. During peak season, the most popular beach towns attract tens of thousands of sun seekers, all looking to relax, which can make the atmosphere decidedly unrelaxing. Fortunately Florida has about 1,350 miles of coastline — Go there...

A ROADTREKING CURE FOR CABIN FEVER: GET OUT THERE!

Cabin fever has hit us big time.
January is a peak time for the malady.
Cabin fever, as described by Wikipedia is: “A claustrophobic reaction that takes place when a person or group is isolated and/or shut in … with nothing to do for an extended period. Cabin fever describes the extreme irritability and restlessness a person may feel in these situations.”  Go there...

THE GREAT CAMPGROUND WI-FI DISCONNECT

Wi-Fi has evolved into the so-called fourth utility at campgrounds and RV resorts, but many still feel a big disconnect between what they need and what they get when logging on to campground Wi-Fi systems
The problem?
Campground Wi-Fi networks often fail – for many reasons – to provide the infrastructure (i.e. have the backbone) needed to support the technology needs users are accustomed to at home.  Go there...

AAA: Gas prices should stay low short-term

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Oil prices should stay low as supplies offset most production shortfalls, meaning U.S. drivers can expect to pay less for gasoline through 2015, AAA said.

The motor club lists a national retail average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline at $2.19, the lowest average price in close to six years. Tuesday's price marks 103 consecutive days since the national average price at the pump dropped.  Go there...

 

10 most scenic national parks

There are currently 59 national parks peppered across the diverse terrain of the United States, but not all are treated with equal admiration. Some park landscapes have been photographed so often, their natural features are as recognizable as Mona Lisa's smile.  Go there...