Park Model Living & Resort Cottage
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Athens Park Homes builds many floor plans and elevations and will even custom design for your sales center, resort or development.
Soaring ceilings and beautiful interior appointments make Athens Park Homes the most innovative manufacturer in the industry.
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Park Models * Cabins * Lofts
May
Features & Departments
Editor’s Corner Letters to the Editor Manufacturer Profile
Aim to Please
Dealer Profile
Country Road
RV Clubs
Join the Club
Cover Feature
Summertime-And the Gardening is Easy
Faimont Park Trailers
Elk Country Homes
Container Gardening
2008
Living Actively
One and Two and Stretch
Library Doors
Play or Stay
Destination Profile
Wild West
Destination Profile
Treasure the Taste
Park Profile
Mountain Music
Destination Profile
A Little China in Texas
Utility Drawer
Summer Safety
Manufacturer Profile
Panel Concepts
101 Best Outdoor Towns
Yellowstone Wyoming
Georgia
Mountain Creek Village NC
Texas
3 5 6 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 24 25
Park Model Living
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Editor’s Corner What a difference one month makes. Life is full of so many variables, and occasionally one of them goes askew. The change casts a different light on everything else in your life and suddenly you are left to reevaluate everything that makes up your life. The last month has been one of those months. Just as things are perpetually changing in one person’s life, so are external things like the weather. The average temperature, for example, has moved from the mid-forties all the way to the upper-fifties. Soon enough, it’s going to be summer and that means seeing people out on bicycles, the sound of lawn mowers, and the rumble of thunderstorms. In the spirit of change, this issue highlights some of the things that make the change from winter to summer so interesting. Like regular homeowners, Park Modelers often plant their spring flowers and vegetables to help give their plot a true sense of home. Our normal departments are a little different this month with the focus of this issue being travel. Included are three destination articles, as well as a review of one of the best travel books to have come out in recent years. I hope that you enjoy the content we’ve prepared for you, and remember to take your magazine outside and enjoy the sunshine while you page through and read about Yellowstone or some of the other places that we have highlighted for you to consider during your summer vacation planning.
Sincerely, Ed Buchanan Editor-in-Chief
Editorial Staff Publisher Peter. F. Gauthier Frank@parkmodelliving.com Editor-in-Chief Ed Buchanan Ed@parkmodelliving.com Features Editor Kaeth Gauthier Kaeth@parkmodelliving.com Columnists Bill Garpow, RPTIA ED AnswerGuy@parkmodelliving.com Contributing Writers Rick Strong Pamela Lewis Kim Grey Terah Shelton info@parkmodelliving.com Web Design Scott Roberts Scott@oldno3.com Production Manager Edward Smolko EdS@oldno3.com Graphic Design Clarence Messer Clarence@oldno3.com Intern Carlie Shaughnessy Administrative & Photography
Park Model Living Magazine is an independently owned and produced magazine. The magazine, logos, & all original design copyrighted 2008, PML publishing, LLC. All logos, symbols, and aesthetic elements that are original and unique to this publication are the sole property of PML Publishing, LLC. Any unauthorized duplicaton is prohibited.
Misson Statement We improve reader’s lives by providing ideas and information that maximizes their Park Model and Resort Cottage experience.
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Park Model Living
Contact us at: Park Model Living Magazine, P.O. Box 13571, Fairlawn, OH 44334 or call us at 1-866-766-0564 Email: info@parkmodelliving.com
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Letters to the Editor Dear PMLM, My wife and I are looking to plan our upcoming summer vacations. Do you have any suggestions of places that we should look into? Spencer Marion, VA Park Model Living, Your park profiles are excellent, and I have started collecting them. When my husband and I are looking for a new place to spend our time, we’re going to page through the ones that I collected and find the perfect one for both of us to have a good time. That is what retiring is all about.
Dear editor, The insurance article in the last issue of PML was interesting and shed some light on the subject. I never knew what it took to wade through the internet until I got lost months ago when I tried to sign up for car insurance. It is good to know that some of the same places I looked for car insurance can provide me with Park Model insurance. Thanks again for your hard work! Jim S. Bristol, TN
Elizabeth Tampa, FL
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May
Manufacturer Profile
Aim to Please By Terah Shelton
M
ake no mistake: Fairmont Park Trailers, a division of Fairmont Homes is serious about making prominent Park Models. After dabbling in Park Models, the company determined it wasn’t working for them and decided to stop building them in 1994. Ten years later, they changed positions and resolved to make sophisticated Park Models viable for them. “We felt we can be successful in the Park Model industry by catering to customers who want their vacation homes built with house-type construction and structure versus what typical RV manufacturers are putting into their Park Models. That’s where our aim and focus is and the catalyst behind making this division what it is,” says John Soard – general manager of the Park Model division of Fairmont Homes, who took over the division in 2005. Fairmont Homes is a very integrated company, which has translated into their Park Models. Besides their housing division that produces their HUD Homes and stick built homes, they own a wood products division that makes cabinets, wood cabinet doors, and wood trim and a builder development solutions division that works directly with developers on various items. “My overview and business plan was to utilize the housing aspect of Fairmont Homes as a strategic advantage over our competition,” says Soard. “We build our Park Models down the same production line as our 20,000 square foot modular homes. Our dry wall construction and hardwood cabinetry are what you would see in a home versus RV cabinetry and RV construction.” Fairmont Homes started in 1971 and currently employees up to 200 people. However, the Fairmont Park division consist one employee, Soard, who oversees product, sales, and general management, then utilizes managers from the home division. Though he acknowledges the Park Model division is small, Soard believes by utilizing employees from the housing part of their labor force, they are able to build a product as a mature company versus a new Park Model company. “Our average employees at our facility have 10 years of experience and a number of them have been there since the start of the company,” says Soard. With over 40 dealers across the United States, Fairmont produces an average of six units per week and ships units all over the country, Currently, they are in the process of getting Canadian standards approval and have secured a number of retailers ahead of their approval. With over 35 years of housing experience, Fairmont’s Park Model – both interior and exterior – features are based off that experience. Their Park Models are beautifully constructed and show off two exterior options, the Brookwood (the modern home) and Country Manor (the log cabin). Even more, the company actually plates the exterior in plywood under the siding and then wraps it
2008
with a house weather wrap, like what you would see on a house. Like other Park Model manufacturers they use thermopane solid windows. However, unlike their competition, they use an upgraded, low-e glass. The interior of each Park Model features true drywall interiors, higher end insulation, and box style, hardwood cabinets built by their wood products division are standard conveniences. Also, in their units, the berber carpeting is the last thing that goes down, with tack strips like a carpet professional. Optional features include vintage stone fireplace and an island bar with butterrum granite and tile edge. Those interested in learning more about Fairmont Park Trailers can peruse their website (www.fairmontparktrailers.com) for floor plans, retailer information, construction features as well as photographs. Prospective buyers who want to see how Park Models are built can tour their state-of-the-art facility in Nappanee, Indiana that produces everything from quarter million dollar modular homes to a $30,000 Park Model. “We invite them to come because we are proud of our facilities and how we build our Park Models,” says Soard. “We love to show the differences between ours and someone else’s.” Overall, Soard says Fairmont Homes is in the Park Model business for the long haul and will continue to introduce new housing type items into the industry. “We won the gold rating in quality and productivity award for two years in a row from Vincennes University. We’ve seen growth in the last two years and that’s pretty good for a company that’s only been serious about building Park Models for two years now.” www.FairmontParkTrailers.com
Park Model Living
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DealerProfile
Country Road By Rick Strong
I
f you are looking for a Park Model dealer that exemplifies experience and commitment to quality, Elk Country Homes located at the foot of the Wind River Mountains in Lander, Wyoming is a sure bet. Proprietor, James W. Jerrett, and Office Manager, Maralyne S. Middour, have a combined fifty-eight year history in the manufactured home business. They have been in business together since 1993 starting out in Wisconsin and relocating to Lander in 1996. Maralyne explains that “living in God’s Country” near Yellowstone National Park draws visitors so their initial investment in Park Models was no risk because if the units didn’t sell, they would at least have four guest cottages. They did sell and she notices that customers immediately recognize their Park Models having seen them in many other regions of the country. “We are both engaged in selling though to us it isn’t really selling at all–we are just helping people get what they want at a price they can afford.” Elk Country takes tremendous pride in delivering personalized service and that tradition of honesty and integrity fits right in with the Wyoming ethic where a person’s word still has meaning and a handshake is a gesture of trust. There are no games or gimmicks – just competitive and fair pricing. The company operates on the philosophy that, “If we wouldn’t call it our own and love it, we wouldn’t expect anyone else to either.” The way that Elk Country attacks the price issue is by maintaining a small office and the expense savings is passed on to customers. Maralyne explains, “Jim does pretty much everything outside the office and I do most everything inside.” They are both engaged in helping people make the right decisions on the perfect Park Model for their particular needs. Most of Elk Country’s advertising is word of mouth, another testimony to the trust factor. Their website, elkcountryhomes.com, helps spread the word about this exceptional Park Model dealer. Maralyne also does a weekly radio show, “Housing Solutions Today” on World Talk Radio, where she interviews guests and discusses all
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Phoenix interior
facets of prefabricated housing including Park Model Homes. According to Maralyne, the country’s aging population is, “causing many people to re-think driving the truck and pulling the RV behind.” For many folks, the solution is to invest in a “home away from home” and commute to it in a fuel-efficient vehicle. She expresses amazement at the variety of uses customers find for Park Models, “everything from a mother-in-law cottage in back to a place to house children who are old enough to move out yet refuse to leave the comforts
May
Dealer Profile of home.” People have told her that they are buying a Park Model to escape their kids! They give the family home to the kids and get a brand new Park Model for themselves. Another point of pride is the tremendous delivery range Elk Country covers. The company website explains that they will deliver “almost anywhere.” That includes the lower forty-eight states as well as Canada, the Yukon Territory and Alaska (an exception is noted for remote and roadless areas). The drivers are licensed, bonded, and insured. One veteran driver, Dave Esser, handles Canada and most of the long hauls. Maralyne says, “He is the only man on the planet who can say he has kept me one hundred percent happy for more than two decades because that’s how long he has been delivering all types of homes to me and my buyers.” The Quailridge series is the Park Model featured by Elk Country “because they offer so many great standard features.” The Park Models offered come from For-
2008
est River, Inc. and Badger-Built Homes of Dorchester, Wisconsin. Maralyne notes that the Badger-Built units offer tremendous options and upgrades like solid oak cabinets, attached covered porches, ceramic countertop edging and backsplash and deluxe carpet and laminate floors. They also have a steeper roof pitch and higher ceilings that make it much easier to hang decorative items. Wherever home may be for you, Elk Country Homes can help you choose the best Park Model to realize your dream. www.ElkCountryHomes.com
Phoenix Park Model home
Park Model Living
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RVClubs
Join The Club By Kim Grey
I
f you’re an RV lover,you may wonder about RV clubs. Good news! Joining a club is one of the best ways to enhance your recreational vehicle experience. When you join a focused club, like one for fifth wheel owners, you connect with fellow RV owners to find ways to have fun together. You can find new places to visit, share valuable information, get discounts, and organize RV adventures. Most clubs are based on an RV model, but some of them are open to all RV enthusiasts. Probably the oldest recreational vehicle club, as well as the most popular, is the Tin Can Tourists of the World club. Begun in 1919 “to unite fraternally all autocampers”, today this club boasts over 600 members. RV clubs require payment of an annual fee that generally ranges from five to fifty dollars with the average price about twenty dollars. Some clubs require RV ownership, and some only require a love of RV’s. Membership ranges from half a dozen for a small regional club to hundreds of members for larger clubs. Finding a club that’s right for you and your family is easy. Search online for your RV model club or for a list of RV clubs.
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In addition to the social connections, you can find out about wonderful places to go, exchange helpful information, tell travel stories, share photos, receive free subscriptions to RV newsletters and magazines, and get discounts. Most clubs publish a newsletter at least twice a year. You’ll find that clubs give valuable information to members, such as RV related links to forums, tips, troubleshooting guides, parts suppliers, salvage yards, manuals, and diagrams. Club websites can be a terrific resource. Some sites provide a place for members to buy, sell, and trade through online advertising. The Tin Can Tourists club offers members resources that can assist anyone working on a vintage trailer restoration project. Campground site information is commonly shared by clubs, to help you find places to enjoy the great outdoors, in the United States and around the world. Other clubs offer special benefits, such as emergency roadside assistance, available to members of the Fleetwood Travelcade Club. The Holiday Ramblers club gives members the chance to get theft protection for their RV. One
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RV Clubs
of the most amazing deals is offered to Gulf Streamers club members: Sky Med International emergency air evacuation membership plans. Imagine being stranded in the middle of the desert or another inhospitable place, then being rescued by aircraft! Those of you who are serious about your RV adventures could find this service to be a true lifesaver. As an RV club member, you may receive discounts on goods, services, camping, and attractions. For example the Holiday Ramblers club members get discounts on Hertz car rentals. Members of the Starcraft Camper Club get great deals on national theme parks, special attractions, campground directories, and magazines. Gulf Streamers club members receive discounts on national theme parks and special attractions. This club also has a very special attraction just for their members: the Gulf Stream Country Club. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, this 55-acre complex includes a nine-hole par-3 golf course, shuffleboards, basketball and tennis courts, and a swimming pool. Many clubs sell logo decals, patches, and apparel. There are so many reasons to join an RV club. But of course
2008
the greatest reason is to have more RV fun! A fantastic way to enjoy fun and fellowship with fellow RV lovers is to meet at a club rally. Clubs hold rallies, or jamborees as some call them, to provide members with a place to mingle, and check out their prized vehicles. Many people say these events are the highlight of the RV club experience. Rallies are a wonderful way to make friends, explore new places, and share enthusiasm for traveling and camping. Clubs host rallies at campgrounds, national parks, historic sites, and sporting events. Some rallies have unique themes and activities. A rally was held at the Indy 500 race for members of the Starcraft Camper Club. The Gulf Streamers club held a “Lighthouses & Lobsters” rally in Portland, Maine. They also hosted a rally at the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Sunny Travelers got together to enjoy the 2007 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, a terrific hotair balloon celebration. Many clubs hold a large annual gathering for their members. One such rally is in Dearborn, Michigan for the Tin Can Tourists
club. Members can swap RV travel tips and stories and check out terrific renovations done to vintage trailers. Some clubs organize rallies to attend RV conventions, such as those hosted by the Family Motorcoach Association. Vintage Airstream enthusiasts can attend a rally held to highlight and celebrate renovated vintage trailers, as well as compete for awards for their renovation efforts. Touring rallies are another popular option. In 2006, the Discovery International club took members through the beautiful state of Utah. They toured amazing natural wonders in Monument Valley, Capital Reef National Park, Valley of the Gods, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon. Sunny Travelers are planning two terrific tours for 2008: the “Northwest Adventure” from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to Portland, Oregon, and their “Grand Tour” from the Grand Teton Mountain in Wyoming to the Corn Palace in South Dakota. Another group, The International SnowBird Travel Club, held a rally along the turquoise trail in Santa Fe, New Mexico to give members the chance to learn about the fascinating
history of this ancient trade route and enjoy shopping for their own Southwestern treasures. There are countless reasons to join a fifth wheel owner’s club. Whether you would like to meet new friends, travel to new places, or show off your restored vintage ride, you will find RV clubs provide fantastic opportunities. If you don’t find a club for your RV model or your interests, why not start your own club? Surprising adventures may await you once you connect with other RV enthusiasts and hit the open road!
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CoverFeature
Summertime And the Gardening is Easy By Kaeth Gauthier
T
Cutleaf Canopy Whiteflower Farm
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here is a heady intoxication to greenhouses. The rich, smell of warm earth and sometimes eye-watering mix of fertilizer beckons me. I feel like Alice in Wonderland, ready to be enchanted. My cart is always too small for the rich abundance I believe my garden needs. Wandering the aisles with acquisition fever upon me, I choose flowers based on color, scent and memory. Tiny white-blossomed alyssum is always in my cart because my mom planted it years ago. I recall picking small bouquets to decorate the table where my dolls and I had tea parties. The smell of alyssum returns me to the soft summer days of my childhood. Bright pink and blue attract me with the rich contrast of shocking pink geraniums and electric blue lobelia. Add some purple salvia and I’m delighted. In a more subdued mood, I may use pale pink begonias and asters with their fluffy faces. On occasion I have bought a plant, such as “highway sparkler” because of the whimsy of the name. I leave the garden center with colorful scented abundance to fill my garden. However, when I spread the plants out along the sixty-five feet of my back fence, they suddenly shrink and look pitiful and shy, no matter how dramatically they filled my cart. My time and energy this year are spent at the publishing company, mostly indoors, and I long for the garden. I love to create order out of chaos. Weed-removal is a satisfying task, yet I become discouraged when I have created such a tiny stretch of order and many more feet (miles?) await me. The solution for me is containers. At my front door are large ornamental faux concrete containers. I can splurge and have a riot of color that requires only a few minutes
May
People from a planet without flowers would think we must be mad with joy the whole time to have such things about us.
~Iris Murdoch
“Flowersseemintendedforthesolaceofordinaryhumanity.” ~John Ruskin
“Earth laughs in flowers.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
of attention each day to water, pinch and weed. Because the containers sit on a raised platform, I don’t even have to bend over to work. Several times a day I take our schnauzer, Lucy, outside and enjoy the color and fragrance of the flowers. Lucy fails to appreciate that I like to stop and smell the flowers but we have reached an agreement – I only stop on our return when she has more patience for my lingering. Because container gardening is so versatile, it’s ideal for full or part time homes. You can over plant for a short growing season, and recycle the plants to a neighbor when it’s time to leave for the season. Some planning is required to have a successful experience with containers. You must determine a location based on sunlight and watering conditions, select the container and then choose the flowers. The three most important things to remember before you spend money are: location, location, location. Sun/shade variables, temperature and water conditions are all important. If you live somewhere that imposes a watering ban in August, don’t choose thirsty flowers. Before you shop, sketch your area with a note about its compass orientation and shade conditions. Most container gardens need five hours of sun each day. Be realistic about sun and water conditions. Plants at the nursery have informative tags that tell you how much sun and water are required for the plant to prosper. If the plant requires full sun and you plant it in mixed sun and shade, the plant will likely have fewer blooms. My front door faces directly east, however, I have large trees in front of the house and the containers get mixed
sunlight and shade. One side of the porch gets significantly more sun than the other and the plants in the sun bloom more robustly. Last summer I had this fantasy that I would move the pots once a week, to get a more even distribution of sunlight. Reality set in the first time I tried to move a large pot filled with dirt. I have adjusted to lopsided blooms. Containers can be traditional, artistic, or whacky. I’ve seen geraniums blooming in an old boot, and miniature roses climbing track from an old train set. Some Park Models can be purchased with fabulous window boxes designed to match the structure. Nurseries sell hooks that easily attach to porch railings and have a ring to hold a container. Consider the placement and use of your containers. If you want them to be somewhat portable, choose lighter weight and smaller containers. You may want to move plants away from the sun or rain. It’s possible to put wheels on pots to improve their portability. If you’re an experienced gardener and you’ve learned about the right conditions for your favorites, buying the flowers may be an easy shopping trip for you. If you’re a newer gardener, rely on information from experts. Most nurseries have plants divided by perennial / annual and sunlight required. The staff will help you pick combinations that appeal to you. A great way to start shopping is gardening catalogues and websites. One of my favorites is www.whiteflowerfarm. com. There are high quality photos of plants in bloom and a wealth of detail about their blooming habits. It’s easy to wander through the site and make preliminary selections. You can order directly through the website catalogues. Gardening continued on page 16.
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Park Model Living
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Livung Actively
One and Two and
Stretch By Pamela Lewis
B
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ags are packed. Everything on the list has been checked off, twice. Everyone is ready to travel. But your very best fitness friend, your treadmill (delete treadmill and fill in the blank with your favorite piece of exercise equipment) will not be coming along. While staying in your Park Model home, how can you stay fit? Changes in daily activities and surroundings have a tendency to wreak havoc on our habits including exercise routines. We spend more time in restaurants, eating different foods and sampling the local fare. We go to bed later or earlier, get up later or earlier and spend a lot of time behind the wheel of a vehicle, looking at the local scenery. Sometimes we simply decide that we’ve earned a good, long rest and time away from everything, including exercise. But hold on just one moment! Did you know that dropping your exercise routine for one week may have a detrimental effect on how you feel during and after your stay away from home? Did you know it is difficult to come back to a regular exercise routine after a taking a break for a period of time? Fact is that it is better to maintain activity, in one form or another, in order to keep up a fitness regimen and the feeling of good health that goes along with it. Living actively and staying fit while living in your Park Model home may not be as difficult as it may seem. Of course it may be a bit of a challenge without the convenience of having that piece of exercise equipment looking at you in the family room, but many alternative ways of staying active and maintaining fitness exist. According to one source, exercise is about movement and motion that is beneficial to your body; choosing to be active in one form or the other can take the place of a regular routine, increasing the possibility that you will step back into the regular routine when you return home.
Park Model Living
May
Consider the guest amenities that are provided at your park. Many parks offer exercise facilities or work-out rooms full of standard workout equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, and even showers. Some may offer exercise classes where you can get to know your park neighbors. If your park does not offer workout facilities, consider working out at health club in one of the nearby towns. Check with your gym or visit www.gymticket.com to locate a gym near your park using a zip code. Gymticket.com also offers the opportunity for free guest passes and promotional deals. By doing a little pre-trip work on the internet, your workout situation may be solved. Perhaps your park is a bit more remote and the nearby towns do not offer such facilities. Nature provides many ways to stay active. Trade in that treadmill for an excursion in or near your Park Model home. Walk, hike or bike on nearby trails and have a close encounter with nature. Take a jog or run through the park. Swim in the pool or lake. Enjoy rowing a boat, kayaking or canoeing. These choices all offer the benefits of aerobic movement, from lower to higher levels, combined with fresh air intake which is excellent for the body. Group hikes or nature walks may be available for those who would rather explore the wild with a guide. Another option for working out is a fitness video. Choose a workout that does not require a great deal of space to practice. Yoga, Pilates, Belly dancing, and spot workouts are all worthy of exploration. Prior to your trip, browse the public library for DVD’s and find a workout that you enjoy before making a purchase. Take note of any special equipment (resistance bands or mats) that may be required for the workout and purchase prior to your trip. This way you are one step ahead of maintaining your exercise routine by pre-planning and eliminating any excuses. Many forms of aerobic exercise have been suggested in this article. However, alternative options exist for maintaining fitness and increasing movement in relatively small spaces. According to most sources, a complete basic fitness workout includes four steps. First, the body must be warmed up for three to five minutes to increase circulation. Warm ups include running in place, the inverted bicycle, or jumping jacks. Second, the body needs to be stretched in order to avoid injury
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and decrease the possibility of muscle soreness. Six basic body stretches can be completed in five minutes as a continuation of the warm up process. Third, a series of seven strengthening exercises can be completed in about fifteen minutes. Strength exercises include the shoulder raise, push-ups, seated dips, a towel pull, sit-ups, a back tightener and lunges. Fourth, perform a two to three minute cool down similar to the warm up. For more specifics on basic, no hassle workouts, explore internet sites such as realage.com or ivillage.com for tips and create your own routine by plugging in the stretch and strength exercises that work for you. If you are looking for a little more resistance in your routine, use resistance bands for bicep curls, tricep exercises, and to work your shoulders. Beware of using bands in ways that overextend them, such as leg stretches, as they have been known to snap and cause injury. A safe alternative to the resistance bands is a common bath towel. Looking for something with a little weight? Handy choices to increase resistance include using canned goods, loaded hangers, books, and even shoes. Be creative, but be careful in your choices and do not overdo it by using an item that is too heavy or awkward and that may cause injury. Anything that you do to maintain the property in and around your Park Model home counts as an activity. Pulling weeds, painting, cleaning, doing repairs and other chores can provide a healthy level of exercise according to RealAge, Inc., especially when done with intensity. Simply increase your energy output by increasing your pace and intensifying the common movement of the activity. Who knew that seventy-six calories could be burned by washing the dishes? One more thing, consider your personal health challenges and check with your doctor before changing or starting any exercise routine. Remember, staying active is about staying off the couch and keeping your body in motion. Many options exist from basic exercise to exploring nature’s beauty. All you have to do to remain active is choose to remain active.
Park Model Living
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Library Doors
Play or Stay By Rick Strong
S
ara Tuff and Greg Melville set out to create a guidebook listing towns that afford the outdoor enthusiast the best of adventure and at the same time access to amenities. The “too big, too pricey” spots were left out, so you won’t see Boulder, Colorado or Asheville, North Carolina in this book even though they often top the polls of places mixing urban culture with proximity to backcountry. The comfort criteria for the best towns catalogued here are not five star hotels, casinos, or destination amusement parks. Rather, the markers of a worthy town include “a decent café and watering hole.” Of course, the primary touchstone is access to great outdoor experience. Whether your preference is something as simple as relief from crowds and traffic or an adventure sport like hiking, biking, paddling, camping, fishing, or skiing (don’t forget about rock climbing, diving, or windsurfing), Tuff and Melville try to cover the best of what the nearby mountains, forests, rivers, lakes, oceans, or deserts offer the active traveler. For the seeker who hopes to find such a place to sink roots, the profiles include a little section “Can’t Leave?” that lists primary industries and the nearest airport. The authors worked together in New York City at Men’s Journal magazine reviewing gear and destinations, “way too cooped up in our cubicle life,” writes Tuff. True to the inspiration for the book, they soon abandoned the Big Apple for greener spaces. Tuff migrated to Park City, Utah and Melville to Lake Placid, NewYork, and ultimately, by coincidence both to Burlington, Vermont. Researching all 101 towns through direct experience would be any outdoor writer’s fantasy assignment, but the Introduction explains that much of the process of compiling the list involved pouring through census data and chamber of commerce information. While demographic, population and business information is listed for each town, the book manages in
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its particularized descriptions to provide the reader with a sense of authentic local flavor and color. An insert labeled “Local Legend” is included for most of the towns. Hayward, Wisconsin has “The Musky,” a 143-foot long four-and-one half story fish that accommodates visitors in its mouth so they can look out over the landscape. Downieville, California has “The Gallows,” a working restoration of the one that was used to execute a resident who shot and killed his employer. Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, a paddling and rafting mecca, boasts a more civilized feature. Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the architect’s famous cantilevered creation, is a house that spans a waterfall and seems to grow out of the rugged landscape. This type of information could be a balance tipper when you are planning a trip and two destinations seem otherwise equal. The local legends put you in touch with the unique history that contributes to the character of these out of the way places. “The Wild Side” is another insert for many of the towns that highlights the most spectacular of nearby outdoor attractions. For example, Truckee, California is near the Pacific Coast Trail. The description promotes the trail as “one of the world’s longest, toughest, and most diverse backpacking routes”
May
but also warns of “wildly fluctuating terrain and elevation changes.” Apalachicola, Florida is adjacent to the National Forest of the same name that offers camping and horseback-riding trails as well as water sports and mountain-biking. Again a warning: watch out for the alligators and standing water. Elko, Nevada is base camp for Mount Baden-Powell, a 9,399 foot peak that is runner-up tallest in the San Gabriel range. For the hardy hikers who pass the 9,000 foot marker, equally tough knotty limber pines survive there and some are over 2,000 years old. The format of the sketches begins with a detailed but concise overview of the town that provides strong clues as to why the authors chose it for the list. This is followed by informative divisions called Start the Day, Gear Up, Refuel, Bunk, and the previously mentioned Can’t Leave. Start the Day typically gives tips on the best bets for a good breakfast and notes house specialties, ambience, and any extras like a good view. Gear Up provides the authors’ choice for specialty stores, equipment rentals, outfitters, and marinas. Refuel focuses on dinner spots with tidbits like the Apalachicola Seafood Grill’s claim to the world’s largest fish sandwich. If size isn’t all that matters to you, places like Cassie’s Supper Club in Cody, Wyoming has “stuffed and mounted animals, live music, and a cowboy-and cowgirl-filled dance floor.” The Bunk section directs the traveler to campgrounds as well as roof-over-the-head lodging. Along with location and telephone numbers, websites are provided when available. The coast-to-coast (including Alaska and Hawaii) survey concludes with a breakdown of Top Towns listing five categorized by particular outdoor activity. Five Outdoor College Towns are listed and, of course, there is a Top Ten Best Outdoor Towns list as well. Wondering which is number one? Without explanation, the authors picked Lake Placid, New York. Perhaps it was the Ubu Ale, a local brew with 7% alcohol content served “straight from the keg” at the Lake Placid Pub and Brewery. Such would be one of the perks of researching a book like this. You wanderers who don’t like to leave everything to chance should carry and consult this guide to unspoiled places.
Gardening Continued From Page 12.
Their site is very well organized and they’ve done a lot of the design work for you. The container gardening section this year includes “Cutleaf Canopy” and “Dappled Delight.” A general gardening book like “The Big Book of Flower Gardening: A Guide to Growing Beautiful Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs and Roses” by Time-Life Books is a good resource. I usually locate my copy mid-February and start dreaming about plants. I scribble notes in the margin and highlight plants that I want to try, or have had great success with. Local universities may have publications that direct you toward plants native to your area. While this may seem obvious – plants grow! My eyes have often been bigger than my container. That four inch seedling that looks lonely in the container when you plant it can easily choke its neighbor when you plant them too close. Group plants that have the same watering requirements together. This allows you to have containers with thirsty plants and others with plants that don’t like their feet wet. A local nursery has a very attractive option each year. Very early in spring they host weekend container parties. Knowledgeable staff help patrons select plants for the sun/shade combination in your yard. They have huge bins of potting soil and fertilizers. You can wander through the seedlings and imagine combinations of color, height and blooming speed. Staff and strangers make suggestions as you sit little pots around the container and try to picture the array all grown up. When you make a decision, you write down all your items and their prices and begin to plant. I love nestling the little roots into the soil. Then – you put a label on your pots and leave them at the nursery to grow, because it’s much too cold in Northeast Ohio to put them outside. The containers stay at the greenhouse “spa” until all danger of frost has passed. When I pick up my visual treat, the blossoms are well on their way to extravagance. Whether you’re inspired by color, scent or memory, there are container garden options that will delight you. Enjoy!
Tuff, Sarah and Melville, Greg. 101 Best Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Visit, Live, and Play. Woodstock, VT: The Countryman Press, 2007.
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DestinationProfile
Wild West
By Kim Grey
I
Yellowstone National Park
f you’re planning a visit to Yellowstone National Park, you probably already know to visit the main attractions, like Old Faithful Geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, and The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. But you might not realize how many great things there are to do in the surrounding areas. You may be amazed by the wealth of choices available to visitors in areas near the park. Yellowstone National Park is located mostly in the U.S. state of Wyoming, and extends into Montana and Idaho. You’re sure to enjoy the many places of interest each state offers. Since the park is located mainly in Wyoming, let’s start there. Possibly the most famous place to visit in Wyoming’s Yellowstone country is Cody, a terrific example of an old Wild West town. Cody's downtown is on the national Register of Historic Districts. In 1895, William Cody, otherwise known as Buffalo Bill, was instrumental in founding the town. Buffalo Bill was famed for his cowboy-themed shows. He was one of the most colorful Wild West figures of his day, and he made a fortune through the use of his many talents. Buffalo Bill visited Wyoming’s Yellowstone region in the 1870s. Impressed by the development possibilities from irrigation, rich soil, grand scenery, hunting, and proximity to Yellowstone Park, he returned in the mid-1890s to start a town. The town of Cody was incorporated in 1901. Tour the town on a trolley car courtesy of Cody Trolley Tours,
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Destination Profile
or take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage by Whispering Winds Carriage Service and Haywagon Rides. While in Cody, make sure to visit the Irma Hotel, named after Buffalo Bill’s daughter. The famous Victorian-style hotel has a treasure in its dining room: a priceless cherry wood bar, a gift from Elizabeth II, Queen of England. Another great Wild West attraction in Cody is a free gun fight performed downtown from June through September. More fun things include day ranches, museums, rodeos, a stampede, Plains Indian pow wows, and Dan Miller’s Cowboy Music Review, a fast-paced family friendly show including songs from the American West, cowboy poetry and comedy. Montana’s Yellowstone country offers a remarkable number of entertaining and enriching choices for visitors. If you enjoy horseback riding, or would like to try it, head to 63 Ranch, built in 1863, which is located twelve miles from Livingston. Tucked among aspens and pines, the ranch offers visitors the chance to ride horses guided by knowledgeable, friendly staff. 63 Ranch also holds the Livingston Rodeo every year. Rodeos are very popular in this area. Check out the Big Timber Rodeo, Gardiner's Annual NRA Rodeo, or the Annual Wilsall Rodeo. Music lovers may enjoy the Montana State Old Time Fiddlers Contest in Red Lodge. They’ll also love the Red Lodge Music Festival, the oldest and most successful music festival in Montana, serving more than 200 students annually and presenting live performances by thirty professional musicians. Dance fans will get a kick out of the Knothead Jamboree Square Dancing Festival in Billings. Cultural sights and events are aplenty in Montana’s Yellowstone region. Visit the Yellowstone Gateway Museum of Park County, which displays an array of fascinating historical artifacts in a three-story schoolhouse. Antique hunters should be sure to attend the Big Sky Country Antique Fair in Whitefish, featuring furniture, folk art, estate jewelry, china, quilts, linens, and much more. If you like quilts, visit the Annual Quilt Festival at Historic Crail Ranch in Big Sky. Here you’ll find public speakers, demonstrations, quilts for sale, and quilting supplies to create your own heirloom at this free oneday event.
ber from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the city’s many art galleries and businesses. Along with the artwork in the galleries, you’ll find local musicians performing in the streets. Enjoy more artistic culture at the Depot Festival of the Arts. This outstanding northern Rockies event features about 100 fine artists and craftspeople presenting works ranging from sculpture to glass, painting, jewelry, fabric, fiber, photography, ceramics, woodwork, and more in downtown Livingston's Depot-Rotary Park. Don’t forget to get a slice of pie at the Pie Booth. Interested in ancient art? Go see 4,500-year-old pictographs at Pictograph Cave State Park, located seven miles southeast of Billings. The entire family will love to learn at the Northern Rockies Sustainability Fair, featuring goods and services that protect our health and conserve the beautiful environment of the Northern Rockies landscape. Idaho offers some wonderful attractions. Mountain River Ranch has horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides, live western-style shows, and an RV Park/Campground. Located next to Rock Bottom Springs, this 1890's-style frontier ranch is a real gem. The National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier shows you life on the trail through the use of movies, paintings, displays, and live actors in period costume. The Center is located on the spot of the actual historical encampment. Rodeos and pack trips are held throughout the summer in various areas of the Idaho’s Yellowstone Teton Territory. No matter which direction you’re heading on your Yellowstone adventure, plenty of fun is right around the corner!
Don’t miss Bozeman’s Art Walks, which are held on the second Friday of the month in June through SeptemYellowstone National Park
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DestinationProfile
Treasure the Taste By Kim Grey
Wolf Mountain Vineyards
T
he rolling hills of northern Georgia provide the perfect backdrop for a tour through the state’s wine region. Cruise down the road past lush valleys and breath-taking vistas at every turn, and stop every few hours to visit the area’s friendliest and best wineries. Sounds like an ideal vacation to me! Let’s travel from west to east through the northern mountains of Georgia to enjoy the scenery and sample wines from some of the area’s top vineyards. Our first destination is Sharp Mountain Vineyards near Jasper in northwest Georgia’s picturesque mountains. This 19-acre vineyard, sitting at 1,600 feet above sea level, is ideally suited to make intense and complex wines. Sharp Mountain Vineyards operates on the simple but essential principle that to produce the finest wine, you must begin with the finest fruit. The wines are handcrafted in old-world style, creating enjoyable, balanced flavors. Sharp Mountain Vineyards is a 45minute drive from Atlanta. You may bring along a pic-
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Park Model Living
nic lunch to have with their wines. Savor a glass or two while you enjoy the view of elegant grape vine rows against undulating hills. Next on our tour is Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery near Dahlonega. This 25-acre family-owned wine growing estate offers fine wine and delicious food. Sit on their spacious front porch to take in the mountain scenery. Handcrafted Georgia wines are featured in the winery’s event program, designed to broaden one’s knowledge and appreciation of the marriage of wine and food. A weekend class costs $10 to $15 per person. Or simply have a good time tasting any of their numerous varieties of red and white wines. Wolf Mountain is a great place to enjoy the heart of northern Georgia’s Wine Country. Three Sisters Vineyards in the Chestatee River Valley is the third winery on our tour. They’ve planted over 8,000 premium wine grape vines covering 13-plus
May
DestinationProfile Getting back on the road heading northeast, we’ll swing into Persimmon Creek Vineyards to sip another round of wines. Nestled in the mountains near Lakes Burton and Rabun, this winery is a botanical gem. The cool climate and rocky soil on the 2,100-foot elevation site make an ideal home for premium grapes. This 110acre vineyard estate, tucked among the gentle hills along the banks of rippling Persimmon Creek, produces wines of crisp acidity and bright, lively fruit. Last on our tour of Georgia’s wine country is Tiger Mountain Vineyards. This charming winery is on a rocky, sunny hillside in Rabun County. Here the vines are individually tended and the grapes handpicked for quality. Owners Bill Stack and John Ezzard studied traditional European winemaking methods in France before joining the efforts of their families to build Tiger Mountain Vineyards. “Winemaking is as much a creative art as it is an exacting science.” says Bill Stack. At Tiger Mountain, you will taste a finely cultivated group of wines sure to please your palate. By now, you’ve had a full range of wine-tasting experiences that you will treasure for years to come. Don’t forget to return with a few bottles from our tour. Bring home the pleasures of Georgia’s wine country, and come again next year to enjoy the new harvest.
acres, and produce several varieties of reds and whites. Three Sisters is Lumpkin County’s first vineyard and farm winery since prohibition. Special themed tastings are often held here, such as the Wine and Chocolate Tasting, matching rich chocolates with the perfect wines. Each week’s tasting is different, showcasing new releases and special wines. Frogtown Cellars is a modern-style vineyard and winery that creates something different from the usual winemaking establishment. Constructed on a verdant hillside overlooking their vineyards, the Frogtown winery is an underground, tri-level, gravity-flow facility. Using gravity in place of pumps allows for gentle treatment of their wines from start to finish. A fresh approach gives Frogtown’s award-winning wines great flavor complexity. They make many varieties of reds, whites, and rosés, giving you a terrific range of options to sample. Stop by their panini bar on Fridays and Saturdays, or have brunch on Sundays.
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ParkProfile
Mountain Music by Pamela Lewis
N
estled in the midst of the Snowbirds, Valley River, and Junaluska mountain ranges, Mountain Creek Village provides a place to enjoy picturesque views from scenic Andrews located in western North Carolina. Rocky Junaluska Creek, a mountain stream, runs along one side of the village providing nature’s natural music. Though only half of the lots are creek-side, this pleasant sound can be heard throughout the village. According to Owner/Developer Charles Fargason, Mountain Creek Village is being developed to offer comfortable and attractive vacation homes while maintaining the natural setting of a stunning mountain valley. This village is located on a flat surface, which is easily reached by a paved road. Log cabin homes are built with rock foundations using real logs and metal roofs in construction with utilities located underground and are officially considered RV Park
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Models. Each cabin is twelve feet wide and thirty-four feet long with approximately 400 square feet of interior space including one bedroom closet and double-glazed windows. Combined lot/cabin prices start at $79,900 and varies according to lot location and upgrades. Standard features include interior white pine walls, sealed yellow pine flooring, and custom pine kitchen cabinets. 100 amp electrical service, a thirty gallon water heater, and a fourteen cubic feet, frost-free refrigerator with icemaker are also included. Comfort can be maintained in your cabin with the wallmounted heat/AC unit and ceiling fan. Cabins can be upgraded and customized with many interior and exterior options including a porch extension, additional windows, loft, screening, breakfast bar, and raised ceiling for an additional fee. Each cabin is made to order and custom designed to the specifications of the owner. Conveniently located only twenty minutes away is the small town of Murphy, offering visitors all the basics including a regional library, post office, recreational areas, mar-
kets, stores and services. Murphy Medical Center serves a seven county area of western North Carolina, northern Georgia, and eastern Tennessee. Though the only amenity planned at the village is a common picnic area with grill access and a gazebo, easy access to local attractions provide many options to keep visitors busy. Nantahala Lake, the highest lake east of the Mississippi, and Nantahala River and Gorge are located thirty minutes away in Bryson City, located in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitors can experience world-class white water rafting, biking, hiking, fishing and horseback riding in natural mountain settings. Bryson was featured as one of the nation’s best in the book “101 Best Outdoor Towns” by Sarah Tuff and Greg Melville released in June of 2007. Looking for a little excitement? Drive an hour west of Mountain Creek Village and discover the beauty and rich history of Chero-
May
Park Profile
Mountain Creek Village cabin interior
Mountain Creek Village cabin
kee, home of the Cherokee Indian Reservation situated in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Hike the Appalachian Trail or explore the beauty of Deep Creek and one of many waterfalls located in the area, including the 120 feet high Mingo Falls. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Cherohala Skyway. For entertainment, visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel to play one of your favorite games, dine, or see a performance. Unto These Hills is an outdoor drama with a cast of 130 depicting the history of the Cherokee people. Take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railway and experience the beauty of the Carolina Mountains from a different view. Drive a little farther west and visit the many attractions of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Enjoy shopping for mountain crafts and antiques and dine in one of many restaurants. Visit Dollywood amusement park for the ride of your life mixed with a little down home hospitality. Asheville, only an hour and onehalf away, is a vibrant community
that offers many ways to entertain and amuse visitors, just as it did in the days of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Take a tour of historic Biltmore Estates, America’s largest home, and marvel at its size, gardens, and intriguing past. Relax at a spa or enjoy a round of golf on one of many courses. Visit a festival, shop for antiques or nearly anything desired. Take in the arts or a little local nightlife. If a bigger city fix is needed, Atlanta, Georgia is just over 2 hours away. World class dining, theater, golf, shopping, business and nonstop news awaits any visitor. Mountain Creek Village is a secluded retreat conveniently located near many exciting attractions. For additional information on Mountain Creek Village, and to view cabin options, explore the website at www.mtncreekvillage.com, or call Charles Fargason at (770) 454-7000.
2008
Mountain Creek Village
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DealerProfile
Park Model Auctions By
Kaeth Gauthier
A
n auction is a very exciting way to shop. I wander through the offerings on-line or in person, and something always catches my eye. There is a thrill of victory when I get my item at my price. Of course, sometimes the excitement carries me away and I bid more than I planned. Whether it’s the auction at the farm in the neighboring county, or on-line versions, we like to bid and buy. Pat Higgins, owner of Higgins Camper Rental and Sales in Wisconsin has brought the auction energy to Park Models. On May first he opened ParkModelAuctions.com. The world wide web opens the door to thousands of interested shoppers. Higgins has years of experience in the RV industry and saw a need for more ways to market and present Park Models. He says, “Our program site is going to be an invaluable tool for folks trying to move up into a Park Model or trying to get theirs viewed by thousands.” The auction site had 17 models listed when we reviewed it. One model already had more than 20 bids. Many readers of Park Model Living Magazine contact us to ask where they can see models. Park Model Auctions offers models from several manufacturers and
will expand to others. There are details about the models as well as interior and exterior photos. The site will only auction Park Models and Park Model sites. It will not list RV’s or travel trailers. Manufacturers, dealers and individuals can put their units up for auction. Higgins goal is to have a very user friendly site, even for folks who aren’t computer literate. He tells us, “We will have technical people available to help with the process. The auction site is designed to be very easy to use.” Living in a Park Model is a lifestyle choice. It frees you from most home maintenance and yard care. Most Park Models are located in RV parks that offer social events and recreation. Higgins frequently educates people about Park Models, “I encourage people to look at the comfort and convenience of a Park Model. You have conventional appliances and standard showers. This is not camping, but a second home. That really opens their eyes. Customers realize they can stay in the unit for several months and be very comfort-
able.” The auction service offers delivery and set up anywhere in the United States. Financing options are available. Higgins has partnered with Steve Kind, owner of a web design firm, Full Swing Solutions. Higgins tells us, “We have built this site from scratch. This is a labor of love and we’re very excited about it.” Park Model Auctions www.parkmodelauctions.com
May
Utility Drawer
Summer Safety
S
by Kaeth Gauthier ummer months can be reckless and dangerous. We get distracted by fun and festivities and may not be careful enough. The swimming pool and barbecue grill can be entertainment or risky business. Lawn mowers and power tools are dangerous when used incorrectly. Common sense is a great antidote to safety problems. In the ocean, a lake or a swimming pool, respect your limits in the water. If you’re not comfortable in deep water, stay in a pool where you know the depth. Always swim with a buddy or have one at pool side. Alcohol impairs your judgment. Don’t combine alcohol with power tools, boating or swimming. Many emergency rooms report that alcohol use is a major contribution to accidents. The comics character Crankshaft has some amusing moments with his barbecue lighting escapades that usually include the local fire department but that would not be amusing in real life. Follow directions carefully for using charcoal or propane. Construct a child-proof perimeter around the grill or have an assistant keep little ones away while you work your culinary magic. It takes a very long time for grills to cool so stay vigilant long after the cooking is done. An open fire has great ambiance and serious risk. Follow local rules about wood that is permissible to burn. Keep a safe boundary around the fire and have buckets of water nearby. My lawnmower is a delightful little red battery operated mower that hums. It looks something like a ladybug and is quite cute. The stainless steel blades aren’t the least bit cute and can shoot tree limb projectiles across the yard. Keep the safety guard in place on your mower and make sure no one is within projectile range. Do not cut the grass wearing sandals. Sturdy shoes, socks and long pants are a much safer choice. The sun is not always our friend. Repeated sun exposure and sunburns put you at risk for skin cancer and other health problems. Everyone should wear sunscreen and avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 2 pm. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and more often when you’re sweating and swimming. Helmets and safety equipment are required accessories with summer sports such as skateboarding and bicycling. While children may fall more often, adults fall from a higher point and often travel faster, which accelerates the danger. A lovely summer day can be changed forever with an accident. Use precautions for you and your family to be safe and well through the season.
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Manufacturer Profile
Panel Concepts
by Kaeth Gauthier
With this issue we have changed our name to Park Model and Resort Cottage Living. Many of our readers tell us they’re interested in a variety of structures including cabins, houseboats and tree houses. We will continue to show Park Models and will add features and articles about other housing options. Our criteria for a resort cottage is any structure intended for seasonal living.
P
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anel Concepts in Michigan fits our new resort cottage category. Their cabins are available in sizes ranging from 12’x 12’to 20’x 40’. Larger buildings can be ordered by request. Owner John Gascho tells us,“Our buildings are panelized and most can be installed without a contractor.” Gascho grew up in the sawmill industry and began the business in 1996. The structures are all built in four foot panels that install easily. According to Gascho,“I sell the walls, roof, windows and doors to accomplish the look the customer desires.” This concept lets you be the designer. The flexibility of design is very appealing to do-it-yourself folks. The kits come in standard shell sizes. You can create a T, L, U or H-shaped structure which can be built on a foundation, slab or decking. Some cabins without insulation are used for seasonal hunting cabins. Others are purchased with insulation to allow for greater climate control and year round use. The web site (www.panelconcepts.com) gives you a sampling of the great variety of buildings and the many possible shapes and sizes. The video is informative and shows the ease of constructing a Panel Concepts building. I’m reminded of the Lincoln Logs I played with years ago. No nails, drilling or sawing are required. You purchase a kit that includes high grade screws with a special coating to prevent rust and cor-
Park Model Living
rosion. I can see a fun weekend party with your moderately handy friends helping out with a cabin-raising. The only tools required are a level, hammer, screw gun, ladder, and chalk line. In fact, the small cabins can be constructed in a day. The open beam construction creates a very inviting look. Be sure to view the picture album on the web and scroll down to the photo of a bed with netting on a porch overlooking trees. This looks like a vacationer’s dream site. Gascho tells us,“We send our product from California to Maine and Alaska to Florida. Our customers get their money’s worth because we’re a very affordable cabin and cottage company.” When I asked the best compliments they hear from customers, he reported,“ You’re on time.” “The buildings go together easy.” “You were available to answer our questions.” The speed of construction is a terrific feature for Panel Concepts. Gascho will work with you on design, and ship the assembled panels, ready for you and your friends to build and enjoy. Panel Concepts 989-826-6511 www.panelconcepts.com
Next Issue Preview Coming up next month… our writing staff sits down with several pet professionals to find out which animals are great companions for all of your travels – and which are not. Also, if you listen to the news at all, you know that exercise is a word used in almost every broadcast. Next month we’ll examine the basics to starting hiking. Finally, our destination for the month of May is Lake Norman, North Carolina.
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