The Fayetteville Observer Eastern North Carolina
RV Sales
EVENT FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
March 2-4 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER, FORT BRAGG LIFE AND PARAGLIDE
Crown Expo Center Fayetteville
Let’s go camping!
The Fayetteville Observer Eastern North Carolina
RV Sales
EVENT
March 2-4, 2012
The Crown Expo Center 1960 Coliseum Drive, Fayetteville NC
Friday, March 2 Noon to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 3 Sunday, March 4 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Admission Adults $7 • Children (7-12) $2 Children (6 & under) FREE
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information
www.ENCRV.com 804-420-4787
Now, more than ever, families need an affordable vacation, and there’s no better way than camping in a recreational vehicle, or RV. Whether it’s a vacation, weekend getaway or tailgating at your favorite sporting event, you can do it all for a lot less than you may think in an RV. Research shows you can save up to 61 percent in vacation costs over other forms of travel, and the beauty is you can go any time you have the chance to get away. Plus, with lighter weight and more aerodynamic designs, RVing has become even more economical. With the introduction of composite and recycled materials, solar panels, and ENERGY STAR rated appliances, RVing has gone Green! According to a recent study, when it comes to total impact on the environment, an RV vacation can actually be more energy efficient than the average fly-drive-hotel family vacation – saving water, electricity and other energy resources. RVing can also provide health benefits. For example, did you know that by taking an annual vacation (we prefer in an RV) you can cut your risk of a heart attack by up to
50 percent? More specifically, by taking an RV vacation you can also help improve your restful sleep and increase family relationships, all extremely important in maintaining one’s health. To help explain the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, whether it be in an RV or not, our good friends from the American Cancer Society will be available at this year’s expo to answer questions and ask for your support in finding a cure. As Leon Eldred once said, “If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” It’s all here at the Eastern North Carolina RV Sales Event including folding campers (pop-ups), truck campers, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and Class A and C motorhomes. There’s something to fit everyone’s lifestyle and budget. Stop by and see what RVing is all about. Plus, it’s one of the last shows of the season and the perfect opportunity to take advantage of show specials and manufacturer’s rebates! Come on, let’s get you camping this weekend! Rowland J. Bostock Show Coordinator
YOU COULD BE A HAPPY CAMPER … … All you need to do is register to win a 42-inch, 1080p high-resolution HDTV with a home theater system to be given away on Sunday, March 4, at The Fayetteville Observer Eastern North Carolina RV Sales Event! The winner does not need to be present and will be notified. See the registration form at the event for details.
2 March 2-4, 2012 • Special Advertising Supplement
Register to
WIN!
Creature comforts
RVing allows this couple to take their beloved pets on the road.
BY JASON BECK
Some travelers can only relax when they can have all the comforts of home. Alphonso and Linda Russell bought a recreational vehicle for just this reason. Inside their 37-foot, fifth-wheel travel trailer is a ceiling fan, flat screen TV and even a fireplace. Most importantly, RVing allows them to bring along their four-legged family members. The Russells, both retired, love to travel. But when they tried cross-country trips with their beloved terriers, staying in hotels or flying just wouldn’t do. “We started RVing because of the dogs,” Linda said. “We used to find hotels that allowed dogs, but it was difficult. We love our pets; they are our children.
“It’s just like they are at home – when they get to the RV they know,” she said. “They’d probably have a heart attack if we left them.” The Russells put the smelly dog-friendly hotel rooms to the wayside, and now travel in complete comfort. For this Raeford couple RVing isn’t about camping or exploring the great outdoors. Their full-time home is a log cabin at the end of a quarter-mile long dirt road. RVing is an opportunity to vacation in style. With the press of a button, three slide-out sections spring forth from their trailer, providing space for a living room and a generously-sized kitchen in the rear. The bedroom also has plenty of space, and unlike RVs of
SET FREE IN AN RV
Want to declare your independence from travel hassles? RVs offer the ultimate in freedom, flexibility and control, owners say. With an RV you’re free to go where you want, when you want, with no tight schedules, lengthy waits at the airport or luggage restrictions. Millions of RVers like Carol Knobloch of Manchester, Md., are breaking free in their RVs. “I don’t need to worry about restrictions or changes in plans,” said Knobloch. “My freedom is top priority.” With an RV any type of destination is within reach. There are more than 16,000 RV parks and campgrounds located along scenic routes and interstates, in cities and small towns many with resort-like amenities at a fraction of the cost. Travelers feel right at home on the road because RVs are fully equipped with living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens and baths. For added comfort, RVs often have rooms that slide out at the push of a button to create extra living space. For those thinking about trying RVing for the first time, here are 10 easy steps from Go RVing to get started on an RV adventure:
yesteryear, the bathroom has a full shower and commode area. “When we went out and got our first one, the first time we traveled it was like a hotel on wheels,” Alphonso said. “You fall in love with it ... The best way to go is getting an RV.” Their current RV is the second they’ve bought since stumbling upon the lifestyle about 10 years ago. They’ve made full use of the current model, traveling to Pennsylvania, Florida, Indiana and other destinations. This year they will take their longest trip yet – a journey across the West to Las Vegas. “I enjoy driving everywhere,” Alphonso said, emphasizing that he’ll be behind the wheel of the couple’s powerful dually pickup-truck for the entire
expedition. “You get to the RV park and the people are very friendly, and they help you ... I just enjoy being out there.” Inevitably, the talk always turns back to their pets. They both say their favorite travel spot is a campground called Four Paws Kingdom that caters specifically to dogs. Everyone at the camp near Lake Lure is of like mind. “Since everyone has a dog you know are not bothering anyone,” Linda said. “Almost all RV parks have little areas now, like dog parks.” They point to many advantages of RVing, such as saving money on food and hotel bills and the camaraderie built with fellow campers. However, the most important benefit may be the flexibility. “When when we buy something we buy two of them – one for the house and one for the RV,” Linda said. “The nice part is when we did retire, when we take a trip, if we like where we are we can stay a couple extra days.”
Alphonso and Linda Russell enjoy the comfort of their travel trailer’s “front porch.”
10 easy steps to hassle-free travel from GoRVing • Surf the web. The most comprehensive RV website, GoRVing.com, provides information on the RV travel experience, including campground listings and vacation planning suggestions. You can also surf the website for lists of local dealers, RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs. • Learn from real RVers. To learn more about RV travel, watch the “getting started” streaming video at GoRVing.com starring real RV families. Then, become a fan of GoRVing.com on Facebook for tips, photos and advice from the RV community. • Rent an RV. There are more than 460 RV rental outlets nationwide, but demand is soaring, so book your rental well in advance. Renting allows potential buyers to try RV travel and determine which type of unit best suits their needs. Rental dealers are searchable at GoRVing.com.
• Obtain RV buyers’ guides and books. Visit a local bookstore or library. • Look for the RVIA seal. Check for the oval-shaped RVIA seal before buying an RV. This seal shows that the RV manufacturer is a member of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association and means that the manufacturer certifies that the vehicle complies with applicable national safety specifications. • Attend an RV show. A variety of RVs accommodating every taste and budget are on display at retail shows around the country. For a searchable calendar of shows in your area, go to GoRVing.com under “Locator.” • Do the math. RV travel is affordable. A family of four can spend up to 61 percent less when traveling by RV. Campground fees average about $25 per night, well below the average hotel/motel room rates.
• Take your pick of RV parks and campgrounds. It’s easy to find campgrounds with the settings and amenities you desire by checking GoRVing.com’s locator. Campground directories are also available at local bookstores and public libraries, providing nationwide listings and comparative information on fees and facilities. • Get going. The RV driving experience is different, not difficult. With a little practice and proper attention to differences in size, height and weight, RVs are fun and easy to drive. • Take it with you. When you are in the comfort of your own RV, you can bring along all the comforts of home, including full size bottles of your favorite shampoo. There’s also no need to worry about lost luggage, it’s all in the RV with you. For more information visit GoRving.com.
Special Advertising Supplement • March 2-4, 2012
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Help ENCRVSE support Relay for Life
Staying active and fit through the RV lifestyle BY JASON BECK
WHAT IS RELAY FOR LIFE? Relay For Life is the signature activity of the American Cancer Society. It is an overnight event in which teams organize and share in taking laps around a running track to symbolize the nonstop battle against cancer. Relay is a fund-raising event, but is much more than that. It is a celebration of survivorship and a kind of “community fair with a purpose!” The Relay For Life event begins on a Friday evening with a survivor lap, and at dusk there is a luminaria ceremony to honor those who have battled cancer. During the rest of the event there are activities for children and adults, entertainment and a lot of delicious food. It’s a great time to see fellow church members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers and share in the fight against cancer!
WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN RELAY FOR LIFE? Relay For Life is the biggest fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The funds raised at Relay For Life contribute to cancer research and provide for local and national programs for cancer survivors and their families. The Relay is also a celebration of survivorship and the progress we have made in the fight against cancer. It is a time to learn more about how to reduce your risk of cancer, as well as have fun and enjoy in a positive experience.
WHAT IS A RELAY FOR LIFE TEAM? A Relay team is a group of people interested in taking up the fight against cancer. This team works to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Each participant pays a $10 registration fee and is given a T-shirt. Teams can raise their money individually or as a group in the form of carwashes, bake sales or any other creative way they may think of. The team captain attends team-captain meetings held generally on a monthly basis to learn more about organizing and raising funds. Then the team participates in the Relay event. Teams can consist of anyone from within the community – schools, churches, family, organizations and friends. The sky’s the limit. Anyone can form a Relay team.
HOW DO WE GET STARTED? The American Cancer Society provides a teamcaptain packet to all team captains that includes the supplies needed to get started (collection envelopes, calendar of meetings, fundraising ideas, etc). Your Relay For Life volunteer committee is available to answer questions before and during the event. By attending the team-captain meetings, you will benefit from hearing others’ questions and answers. There will also be a time at meetings to share ideas and suggestions with each other. For more information contact: LaDonna Coates 910-309-6440 or ladonnacoates@yahoo.com
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Cumberland County April 20-21, 2012 6 p.m. to noon Opening Ceremonies 6 p.m. JP Riddle Stadium, Home of the Swampdogs relayforlife.org/cumberland 4 March 2-4, 2012 • Special Advertising Supplement
Nancy Kehoe is intimately familiar with RVing, as she’s spent years camping across the country and retired from the parts department of a major RV retailer. However, she’ll never retire from the RV lifestyle, which she says is an excellent way to spend time with family while staying active and healthy. Kehoe, who lives in Anderson Creek, has a 34-foot motorhome that she’s comfortable driving from coast to coast. She’s gradually progressed from nights under the stars to the ultimate form of luxury on the road. “We started out tent camping, then went fifthwheel camping and this is the second motorhome,” she said. “It’s the freedom. You aren’t tied down to a hotel ... and I know who slept in my bed last.” Even after the death of her husband five years ago, Kehoe hasn’t slowed down. She took family members on a cross-country trek to California a few years ago and regularly takes trips to Florida. “I’m the only driver,” she said. “When we go to Florida we always take the RV. It’s easier than driving a car.” Most importantly, RVing promotes a healthy lifestyle. Kehoe often travels with her daughter and grandchildren. “It’s better than sitting at
home and watching TV,” she said. “The more active you stay, the more active life you’ll live. “When you travel in your motorhome, you are eating the food you have at home,” she said. “It’s better if you are on a diet. If you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, you can control your food intake.” There are other health advantages as well. Many campsites are built around outdoor activities from biking to swimming, promoting a healthy lifestyle unfound during typical vacations. Kehoe said she always brings bicycles for her children and grandchildren. Soon, the entire family will travel the length of the Appalachian Trail, with the older grandchildren hiking and the RV used as a base camp. “When you fly you don’t see anything – you miss a lot,” said Kehoe, who has visited all but four of the mainland U.S. states. “There’s a lot of beautiful countryside.” Another advantage is when RV vacationers travel to spend time with family. Rather than imposing, RVers can set up their accommodations without wearing out their welcome. “You aren’t inconveniencing people at all, because you bring your own bed,” she said. “You have everything there.”
Thrill-seeking sports enthusiasts have discovered a convenient way to travel that suits their active and rugged lifestyles. Travel by recreational vehicle is popular among today’s on-the-go outdoor adventurers. “Outdoor sports enthusiasts love the freedom, control and convenience that RV travel offers,” said Recreation Vehicle Industry Association President Richard Coon. “RVs complement almost every outdoor adventure yearround – from skiing and hunting to mountain biking and snowmobiling – making these experiences even more hassle-free and fun for every family member.” The RV’s escalating appeal among outdoor sports enthusiasts is due to its versatility – a mobile location to store and haul sporting equipment combined with comfortable living quarters for economical, flexible travel. Its flexibility makes it ideal for spur-of-the-moment escapes and weekend-warrior fun. On America’s roads today are more than 8.2 million RVs, which include motorhomes, travel trailers, folding camping trailers, truck campers and sport utility RVs. Camping, a long-time favorite RVer pastime, now ranks as the nation’s second most popular sporting activity with 55.4 million participants, according to research by the National Sporting Goods Association (nsga.org) of Mt. Prospect, Ill. Other popular sporting activities RVers enjoy include biking, hiking, fishing, golfing, hunting and skiing – as well as extreme sports like kayaking and snowboarding – reports RVIA’s survey of RV owners.
RVs offer the perfect basecamp for nearly every outdoor activity, sports enthusiasts say, including such perks as: • Hauling capabilities. Sport utility RVs make it easier to haul ATVs, snowmobiles, boats and other outdoor vehicles right on board. Today’s RVs feature built-in “garages” – some with hydraulic lifts for easy loading – to carry all-terrain vehicles, canoes, wave runners, jet skis or motorcycles. • Room for gear. There’s plenty of storage space for odd-sized items like skis, kayaks, bicycles, sleds, skates, skateboards, hunting and fishing equipment, camping gear, children’s toys, food and supplies. There’s no need to worry about lost or broken equipment. • Freedom to roam. Go where you want, when you want. Stay as long as you want, but if the fish aren’t biting you can easily move all your gear to another spot upstream. For sports enthusiasts on limited schedules, RVs allow for flexibility with sufficient time to fit in lots of outdoor activities. • Protection from rough weather. If it rains or snows you’ll have a dry place to relax, plus climate control yearround. For the winter months
RVs come equipped with thermostatically controlled heat, furnaces and water heaters for warmth during cold spells. • Cost savings. If you’re staying for more than a day, no need to worry about scarce hotel reservations or crowded restaurants because RVs are fully equipped with bedrooms, kitchens and baths. • Comfortable travel and rest. Your family can enjoy all the comforts of home while on the road. After the day’s adventures, retire to the RV and enjoy amenities like TVs, computer hook ups, videogame systems, surround sound, upholstered sofas, showers and queen-size beds. Depending on their size, RVs provide sleeping accommodations for up to 10 people. • Cooking amenities. You can refrigerate, freeze or cook your catch or game immediately. RVing means bringing your kitchen along, complete with oven/ stove, microwave and refrigerator. Anything you can prepare at home, you can make in an RV, serve up fresh and take home safely. • Ideal for children. RVs make introducing children to nature much easier. In the cozy, familiar
surroundings of the RV, kids can enjoy favorite meals or snacks when they’re hungry, use the on-board bathroom facilities for “potty” breaks and fall asleep in the same beds every night. • Pet-friendly environment. With an RV you can easily bring hunting dogs and family pets on outdoor adventures. RVs make pursuing outdoor passions even more gratifying, no matter the season. In winter, for instance, RVers can enjoy a day on the ski slopes or at the frozen lake and then retreat to the warmth and luxury of their ski chalet on wheels. Mix up a batch of hot cocoa or prepare an economical, home-cooked meal, and enjoy a restful sleep in a snug bed – just what’s needed before the fun begins again the next day, Coon suggests. RVs come in a variety of sizes and styles for every taste and budget. Renting one is an attractive option for many outdoor sports enthusiasts. Attend an RV retail show or visit a local RV dealer to research the best floor plans and features that complement your outdoor pursuits, RVIA suggests. To learn more about RV travel, consumers visit GoRVing.com. Surf the website for green RVing tips, lists of Go RVing dealers and campgrounds in their area, as well as RV shows, publications, rental sources and clubs.
Special Advertising Supplement • March 2-4, 2012
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One of the busiest north-south highways in the country cuts right through our backyard. There are plenty of great RV destinations up and down the East Coast to suit the city slickers, history buffs and wilderness lovers in your family. Some of our favorite destinations are below:
South Carolina Huntington Beach State Park Murrells Inlet, S.C. When you tire of the hustle and bustle of the grand strand, this secluded park on the South Carolina coast is a perfect alternative to Myrtle Beach for ocean lovers. This park is acclaimed for its natural beauty, which is manifest through freshwater lagoons, salt marshes, maritime forests and the beach. The park is one of the best birding sites on the East Coast. The park has walking and biking trails and observation decks for watching wildlife. For RVers, there are plenty of creature comforts including full hookups, sewer, showers and restrooms. For those who want to visit attractions and shopping, the Myrtle Beach area is only minutes away. Distance from Fayetteville: 127 Miles
Maine Virginia Colonial Williamsburg / Busch Gardens Williamsburg, Va.
Pennsylvania Gettysburg Battlefield Gettysburg, Pa.
New Jersey Liberty Island State Park Jersey City, N.J.
Camden Hills State Park Camden, Maine
When you go camping, rarely do you think about the Big Apple. But there are RV parks with spectacular views near New York City. Liberty Island State Park in Jersey City, N.J., offers a view of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. And while the park doesn’t offer camp sites for RVs, there are several private parks nearby with full hookups. Don’t be afraid to experience the excitement of New York just because you travel by recreational vehicle. For those who tow cars behind their motorhomes, camping is the perfect way to avoid an expensive hotel room.
Maine is a private and remote state, and this park is perfect for campers who love the outdoors. This park is located on a scenic vista atop Mt. Battie with sweeping views of the Penobscot Bay. Activities here include hiking, fishing, boating and views of the foliage during the fall months. The nearby town of Cameron, a picturesque New England village, is only a few miles away. Harbor cruises, whale and puffin watches are available daily. Even though this park is in one of our most remote states, it’s far from primitive. RV hookups, a dumping station, showers and wireless internet access are available to campers.
Distance from Fayetteville: 233 Miles
Distance from Fayetteville: 542 Miles
Distance from Fayetteville: 950 Miles
visitwilliamsburg.com
libertystatepark.org/
visit maine.gov for more information about the park.
This perfect blend of history and excitement is ideal for families of all ages, and it’s only a state away. Colonial Willamsburg offers an opportunity to explore one of our nation’s first settlements. Nearby, Busch Gardens offers some of the wildest roller coasters as one of the country’s most recognized amusement parks. For extreme coaster lovers who want to double up, Kings Dominion amusement park is only about 70 miles away. The Williamsburg area offers a large number of private campgrounds with full RV hookups and amenities.
http://huntingtonbeachsc.org/
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There are plenty of RV parks, some quite popular, near this famous Civil War battlefield. Some privately-owned campgrounds have such unique features as horseback tours of the battlefield, wireless internet and swimming pools. This trip is perfect for the history lover who wants to spend time close to the front lines but desires better accommodations than a foxhole. Distance from Fayetteville: 397 miles
The Fayetteville Observer Eastern North Carolina
RV Sales
EVENT A AmericAmp
A AmericAmp
C Hawley’s Camping Center 1
2
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5
6
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A AmericAmp
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A AmericAmp
B AmericAmp
B Howard’s RV
3-12
Ford of Clinton
D HGR’s Trailers
13-18
Camping World Parts & Accessories
E
Daly RV
19 20 23 24
F
25 26
Rex & Sons
27 28 29 30
ENTRANCE
HGR’s Trailers
A&M Services
F Rex & Sons
TICKETS RESTROOMS
D
D HGR’s Trailers
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CONCESSIONS
Hawley’s Camping Center
1-2
Daly RV
21 22
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Rex & Sons
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Hawley’s Camping Center
Howard’s RV
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9 10 11 12
B
Daly RV
Crown Expo Center / Fayetteville, NC EXIT
AmericAmp
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March 2-4, 2012
EXIT
A
RESTROOMS
19
Ingram Bros. Home Improvement
20
Sunbird Mobile RV Service
21
Cumberland County Fire Safety
22
Cookie Lee Jewelry
23
Morning Star Mini Storage
24
Tupperware
25
Sleepy Bear Campground
26
American Cancer Society
27
Borden RV Insurance Agency
28
Sycamore Lodge Resort
29
Camp Clearwater
30
Topsail Sound RV Park
Exhibitors and booth locations are subject to change.
Special Advertising Supplement • March 2-4, 2012
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BUILT FORD TOUGH AND CLINTON FRIENDLY
spc0015436
213 Southeast Boulevard • Clinton, NC 28328 • 910-592-6056