This past weekend, my wife and I were driving from the Detroit metro area, North up I-75 to my home in Northwestern Michigan. It took me a few minutes to notice, but right about the time I passed the Birch Run Outlet Mall, I began to see truck after truck heading North and South towing both old and new travel trailers, 5th wheels and tent trailers. Seeing so many RVs on the road got me thinking, here’s my observations:
Michigan: What makes this great state of ours the best (I’m from Michigan and I’m justifiably biased) is that there is no shortage of places to visit and things to experience. The more time you spend outdoors, the more time you spend off the beaten path, the better our state gets and there is no better way to experience Michigan than in your RV. Whether you wish to stay an hour or ten hours from home, there are countless places you can take your RV: forests, lakes, mountains, RV parks, campgrounds – if there is a destination that you have dreamed about RVing, chances are you can find it in Michigan. And there is no better time than now – pack up your RV, head to your favorite camping spot, or be adventurous and find something new to love about Michigan.
State of the RV Industry: It’s been quite well documented that the last few years have been rough on Michigan – and the country for that matter. I find it encouraging that despite the rough times our state is enduring, more people than ever are spending quality time with family and friends in their RVs. The evidence is in the conga-lines of RVs on Michigan highways, healthy sales of new and used RVs at Lakeshore RV as well as state parks and campgrounds at capacity this summer. During our drive North, we passed William Mitchell State Park on beautiful Lake Cadillac and it was nice to see so many people enjoying the great outdoors in their RVs – it looked like so much fun! Sunday night I passed Traverse City State Park during a bike ride and it was the same scene there too. The proof is there: in difficult times enjoying the great outdoors with your family is a great way to get away from it all.
August: Unfortunately, the “Back to School” freight-train is at full steam. If you are from Michigan and have kids, last time I checked, you have about a month before summer is up. In my book, there’s still plenty of time to pack the RV, wrangle the kiddies into the family truckster and wrap up summer on a high note. To me, things seem to slow down somewhat during August and I seem to find more time to enjoy my weekends. If you are anything like my dad, he’s a teacher and even though he finished with school back in June, between teaching summer school, a slew of family weddings and a full plate of obligations, he finally found the time last week to get his boat in the water. It’s either desperation or more free time, but if memory serves me correctly, he usually has more time to get out in the boat during the month of August. My point is that there is still plenty of time to get out and enjoy your RV. The weather is great, the water is warm, the sunsets are mind-blowing and summer’s pace is slower, so get out and make the most of this month in your RV.
Purchasing an RV in Michigan: Not only is Michigan a great place to visit with your RV, but it’s also a great place to buy a new or used RV. Thinking about buying? Well, now is a great time, even this late in the year, there is still plenty of time to enjoy a new RV before the snow flies. Right now, at Lakeshore RV, you will be excited to see that we have a huge selection of 2011 Forest River, Heartland and Keystone RVs in stock at unbeatable wholesale prices. And for you bargain hunters out there, the arrival of the 2011′s mean that we still have plenty of 2010 models to choose from at blowout prices. If you’re in the neighborhood, visit Lakeshore RV in Muskegon Michigan, we’ll help you find the RV of your dreams and we will help you save in the process.
Wherever you are, if the weather is as good as it is in my neck of the woods, I suggest you either turn off your computer and enjoy the great outdoors or plan a trip with your RV before the month is up, you’ll be glad you did. Happy Travels!