Full Timer Travel Destination

If you're from the Midwest and are a full time RV'er, it can get a little tricky in the winter months.  We've found a few places south and west that could offer some great relief from the winter weather.

First stop- Arizona!

Desert's Edge RV Park (Arizona)

This is a great place to visit or stay for a period of time in the Phoenix area. They are full hookup lots with concrete patios.  It is also a very dog-friendly RV park with amenities such as a dog run, dog grooming station and two dog parks. It has a pool and hot tub, fitness center, grills, and free wi-fi. 

Photo Credit: Desert's Edge RV

Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort (Arizona)

This is a great 55+ community RV resort in the Casa Grande area. It is a higher end RV Resort that has tons of amenities usually hosting about 165 activities per week. Some of those activities include dances, day trips, special events, and clubs.

Photo Credit: Palm Creek Golf & RV Resort

Next stop- Florida!

Twin Lakes Camp Resort (Florida)
Twin Lakes Camp Resort is located in between Pensacola and Tallahassee in the northern part of Florida. There are docks and boat launches on the lakes which makes the campground great for boating, fishing, and water activities. 

Photo Credit: Twin Lakes Camp Resort

Naples Motorcoach Resort (Florida)
This is a great place to go if you own a motorcoach and love to be by the water. There are a variety of premium sites located on the canal leading to the Gulf of Mexico (great for boating). It offers a community pool, pickle ball courts and much more!

Photo Credit: Naples Motorcoach Resort

These are just a few suggestions of the many places you can travel to get away from the cold winter weather.  We hope you enjoy your "snowbird season" this year!

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Crisp Air, Windows Open, Campfire Food

Fall can be one of the best times to go camping. Sleeping with the windows open without melting from the hot summer heat can be a camping game-changer for some of you who dislike the Michigan summer heat. The campgrounds seem to be a little less busy this time of year. Snuggling up with a good book or magazine and a blanket by the fire can be just the relaxation needed after a busy summer of activities. Here are some of Veurink's RV Center's favorite Michigan campgrounds to visit in the fall with some of the best autumn colors.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

Photo Credit: The Guardian

Ludington State Park

Photo Credit: Plantsamazme

Leelenau State Park

Scenic drive Sleeping Bear Dunes by creed_400

We hope you enjoy these fall camping suggestions with friends or family! Let us know how you liked them and what you spent your time doing on your camping trips.

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Homeschooling on the Road

Home is Where You Park It

There are many reasons a family may choose to homeschool. Maybe you are a military family and always moving around. Maybe you have an athlete or musician in the family that keeps you on the road. Maybe you love to travel with your family and have a flexible work schedule or can work remote. Whatever the reason may be it seems that more and more families are going towards homeschooling. We think at Veurink's RV Center that RVing can be a great option for "roadschooling" and families on the go. 

Photo: Living Life and Learning

Benefits to Homeschooling in an RV:

• Learning at Your Own Pace and Approach: In a classroom of 20-30 children, the teacher must teach at a pace and approach that appeals to the majority of the classroom. Homeschooling would then be a great option if your child moves at a faster or slower pace than the "average" classroom moves.
• Meaningful Learning:  Let's just say being able to travel to an actual historical site across the country versus seeing the picture of it in a history book gives a whole new meaning to learning. It is more difficult to forget a war or president or movement when you actually go visit the place it happened than just regurgitating the information you were told on a pop quiz the next day in school. Giving your kids (and maybe even yourself) experience can be one of the best forms of learning.
• Focus on Life Skills:  Some kids just plain don't love school. Your child may show that they are a phenomenal woodworker, aspiring artist, a mechanically inclined mind, or even a natural born musician. This is where homeschooling may offer more time for those skills where in an organized schooling program, the time for some of these things are limited to a few times a week or not even at all. It is a great way to encourage your child's gifts and abilities at an early age while still learning all the needed "credits" for schooling. 
• Spending More Time with Family: Work has a new meaning in this day an age. So many jobs can be done remote now days from "wherever you park it" (your RV-that is). It seems that it's less likely to be the 9 to 5 and more likely to have different hours or even travel time. It can be harder and harder for families to be "together around the dinner table" now. Homeschooling in an RV can be a great way to spend more time as a family while meeting the demands work can bring.

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RVing Marie Kondo Style

Rving Marie Kondo Style

The internet recently blew up when Netflix showed a series of episodes of the famous Marie Kondo's best tips and tricks to tidying up and staying organized in your everyday life. In it, she teaches the correct ways to de-clutter and clean out your closets and storage areas. She uses a proven process to help do so. Here at Veurink's RV Center, we believe some of those tips and tricks can be transferred to keeping your RV tidy and make more room for things you may need. If you RV full time, this might be a great way to do things in order to have everything you need with you in your home on wheels. 

Photo: Marie Kondo

The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.

Here are the six basic rules of tidying according to the KonMarie technique.

Rule 1: Commit yourself to tidying up.

Rule 2: Imagine your ideal lifestyle.

Rule 3: Finishing discarding first.

Rule 4: Tidy by category, not by location.

Rule 5: Follow the right order.

Rule 6: Ask yourself if it sparks joy.

Using these tips and tricks, you can organize your RV better to create more storage for things you might need on your trips. Some examples might be storage bins and boxes to help contain things in a similar "category" to keep them organized and together. This way of organizing also helps simplify the things you do need and makes your choices of what to bring more purposeful and intentional. 

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Decorating Your RV on a Budget

RV Decorating Tips on a Budget

Do you want that "homey" decorated feel in your RV but don't want to break the bank doing so? Here are some tips we have learned at Veurink's RV Center.

1. Don't underestimate the dollar store.

It's surprising what you may find at the dollar store sometimes. We found these cute little succulents hanging out at our dollar store down the road. These little guys were only $1-$2. They add the perfect touch to a side table, bathroom corner, or kitchen counter for a homey feel in your RV. Better yet- you don't even have to try to keep them alive!

                       

Succulents found at Dollar General.

2. Re-purpose your old home decor. 

If you don't live in your RV and have extra old home decor laying around your house, it may not be ready to be thrown out just yet! If you are sick of seeing it in your home, add some paint or other little things to dress it up for a new look that you could use in your RV. This is a very cost effective way to add some spice to your camper. You could recover an old pillow with an old sweater you no longer use or some clearance fabric from JoAnn Fabrics (or your local fabric store). Paint an old flower pot or use a vintage kitchen bowl and steal some flower stems from an old table arrangement you don't use anymore. Throw together a new table arrangement for your RV. Old is the new-new!

Here's an easy tutorial on how to make an envelope style slip cover for an old pillow that we found on curbly.com. 

3. Use old food or storage jars and boxes. 

A can of spray paint can go a long way. You can also use the leftover paint from redoing your kitchen last fall. Grab an old pasta sauce or salsa jar, clean it up real good, and paint it from the inside for a glossier look or the outside for a more matte look. If you have a creative hand, you can also add some fun calligraphy or even printable letters/words off of the internet to trace on your painted jar. You can use the jars purposefully and put your wooden spoons in them or decoratively with some real or faux flowers to liven up your RV. Things that are normally thrown away or recycled can be transformed in a whole new way. If you have a rainy day while camping and are stuck inside anyways, get your creative thinking going and see what you can find to transform!

Photo from housefulofhandmade.com.

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Rving With Your Pets

RVing With Your Pets

Rving is a great way to take your pets along with you on your travels. Many lodging areas don't allow dogs, cats, or any other furry friends to come along on your travels with you. Here at Veurink's RV Center we believe RVing is a great way to take your furry family members along with you.

Veurink's RV Family Dog: Sophie

RVing with your pets is a great way to keep yourself and your pets active. Make sure you know the rules of the campground or resort before you take off. When packing for your pets, don't forget the basics. Start with the obvious things first and then add in the fun stuff later. A great way to bring along your pets food and water are these convenient and non-toxic pet bowls. They come in 8 different sizes and 10 different colors to choose from as well as different heights to best suit your pet's needs. We carry them in our camp store at Veurink's RV Center. 

A good pet friendly campground in the northern Michigan area is Traverse Bay RV Resort. Traverse City is a great Michigan area that you can hit up for the famous Cherry festival week that comes around once a year, or just to camp and enjoy the beautiful northern Michigan summers. Maybe you have a wedding to attend in Traverse City but can't bring your pets to the reserved hotel. RVing is a great way to attend events in different cities and also bring your four-legged (or so) family members along with. This particular RV Resort welcomes pets along to enjoy your adventurous lifestyle along with you.

Photo: Traverse Bay RV Resort

We are big on the treats here at Veurink's RV Center. Don't forget to make something fun and special for your pets as well. Try this banana and peanut butter pupsicle treat recipe to keep your pet cool!

Click here for the recipe.

We hope you enjoy your camping trips along with your pets this RV season. Remember the essentials but don't forget some of the fun stuff, too! 

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Why RVing is Beneficial to Your Health

Why RVing is Beneficial to Your Health

It has never been a better time than now to make sure we are caring for ourselves. Life can be so stressful and demanding sometimes. It's important to remember to take time to unplug and refuel. For  most of us, that means completely removing ourselves. How many times have you said you're taking the day off but find yourself working at home or in the car anyway? You deserve to have a break and spend time either by yourself or with the ones you love! 

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that in the U.S. there were 705 million unused vacation days in 2018? We are burning ourselves out here, people! This is why we are so passionate about RVing.

If you don't want to have TV or internet, you don't need to! It's easy to remove yourself from the stress when you get lost in the beauty of a gorgeous kayaking spot, or on a breathtaking (no pun intended here) hike up a mountain. Take time to recognize what hobbies you've missed out on lately and get back into doing what you love.

We've rounded up a few ways that RVing can benefit your life!

UNPLUG

Unplug and disconnect from your every day workload. With the RV Lifestyle, you don't have to have an agenda, unlike your career. Take a breath and kick back in that chair and take a nap if you want to. Open that book you've been wanting to read. Have you been wanting to cook over the fire? Go for it! The "no agenda" life is a way for you to disconnect from the demands of your every day life and enjoy the freedoms of the RV Lifestyle.

Photo Credit: lovetoknow.com

 HOBBIES

Fishing, hiking, swimming, kayaking, sightseeing, reading, jeeps/atvs, running, and biking are just some of the few things we can do while camping. Hey, even better if we can be active while on vacation, right?

Photo Credit: innatcedarfalls.com

EXERCISE

RVing somewhere new? What better way to get outside and explore! Take a walk to the local ice cream shop outside of the campground. Hop on your bike and take the family on a spin through the campground. Love to explore new trails? Many State and National Parks are near campgrounds, so it makes it easy to take a hike and get your steps in. Did we mention how exercise and fresh air helps you sleep better? RVing gives you the freedom to explore the world one step at a time.

Photo Credit: preciouspetservices.com

CREATE MEMORIES

It seems like families are busier than ever these days. The kids have sports games, appointments, dance lessons...the list goes on. How many family moments and memories are you creating together as a whole? RVing can create a tighter bond with the friends and family and people you love. Make memories around the campfire, catch up with your friends from out of town and play some camping yard games. It's time to recognize what matters in life and why not create lasting memories that will be with you forever?

Photo Credit: KZ-RV.com

Whatever it is that helps you unplug and relax, Veurink's RV Center challenges you to take the time to do so.

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Top 9 US National Parks for Camping

Top 9 US National Parks for Camping

We found on Popular Mechanics America's best national parks for camping. Well, we love camping here at Veurink's RV Center so we thought we'd pass the info we'd found along to you!

1. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Mostly in Wyoming, but spreading to Montana and Idaho as well is Yellowstone National Park
featuring canyons, rivers, forests, hot springs, geysers and the famous Old Faithful. Some wildlife
that can be found in Yellowstone National Park are bears wolves, bison, elk and antelope. 

https://www.beyondthetent.com/visitors-guide-yellowstone-national-park/

2. Biscayne National Park, Florida
Biscayne National Park is found in the Florida Keys with reefs and islands only reachable by boat.
Here you will find excellent diving and snorkeling sites including coral reefs and shipwrecks.
Some animals found in Biscayne National Park are dolphins, turtles, and pelicans. 

https://www.wanderlustwhileworking.com/biscayne-national-park-tours/

3. Acadia National Park, Maine
Found in Maine is Acadia National Park encompassing woodland, rocky beaches and
glacier peaks. Wildlife that can be found here are moose bear, whales,and seabirds.

https://visitmaine.com/things-to-do/parks-natural-attractions/acadia-national-park

4. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park was established to keep the hot springs flowing. This national park includes hot springs, hiking trails, scenic drives, and picnic areas. Wildlife includes rabbits, rodents, foxes, and deer. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_Springs_National_Park

5. Yosemite National Park, California
Found in California and Nevada is Yosemite National Park known for its sequoia trees, cliffs, waterfalls, meadows and deep valleys. You might find some bears, bighorn sheep, deer, bobcats, and coyotes here among the wildlife.

https://www.travelyosemite.com/employment/

6. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina
Found between North Carolina and Tennessee is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
which includes forests, wildflowers, streams, rivers, waterfalls, and the Appalachian Trail.
Wildlife found here are coyotes, deer, bobcats, and elk.

https://www.tripster.com/travelguide/great-smoky-mountains-national-park-guide/

7. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Founded in Michigan among Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park consists of hundreds
of islands. Wildlife found here are moose, bald eagles, and gray wolves.

https://www.npca.org/articles/1788-introduction-of-wolves-is-right-move-for-isle-royale

8. Denali National Park & Preserve, Alaska
Found in the wilderness of Alaska lays Denali National Park consisting of 6 million acres
of Alaskan land. Tundra, forests, glaciers, and wildlife are things you may find here.
Wildlife includes grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou and sheep.

https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/nature/wildlife.htm

9. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Voyageurs National Park found in Minnesota is known for its forests, waterways and lakes.
Wildlife you might find here are black bears, moose, beavers, and white-tailed deer.

https://www.voyagaire.com/maps/voyageurs-national-park/

So, as you take time to take your family across America, make sure you visit a few of these beautiful places in our country.

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Veurink's RV Center is Celebrating 65 Years!

We're 65 Years Old!

Veurink's RV Center is celebrating 65 years, of serving the West Michigan community. We are thankful for our industry partners, employees and each and every one of our customers for supporting us.

Thank you to everyone that helped us celebrate this month and we look forward to many more years to come.

Tune into this video of Owner and President of Veurink's RV Center, Tim Veurink.

Here are a few vintage photos of founder, Howard Veurink, and the history of Veurink's RV Center.

1954: Howard Veurink and his wife, Barb Veurink,

after the Korean War. He then went into business with his Dad.

Howard Veurink Travel Trailers featuring a Fan Travel Trailer

1969: Howard Veurink built a new showroom located

on South Division in Grand Rapids, MI

Howard Veurink at Holiday Rambler Dealer Congress

 1973: Howard Veurink took his family for a month long

RV trip out West. They stayed in a vintage Holiday Rambler Travel Trailer.

Howard eventually sold the dealership to his three children, Tim, Tammy and Tom.

They later renamed it Veurinks' RV Center.

We were the top Holiday Rambler RV Dealer in the country

and still sell this brand today.

Pictured: Howard Veurink and his grandson, Matt Veurink, who is the General Sales Manager.

Top: Matt Veurink and Mollee Veurink RVing back in the day.

A few photos of the Veurink RV trip out West.

1998: Veurinks' RV Center moved down the road and built

a new facility, which is where we are currently.

2019: With over 200 RVs in stock, we take pride in being a

locally owned and family operated business in West Michigan.

Once again, thank you for your continued support and choosing to Go RVing with Veurink's RV Center.

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From the Desk of | General Manager, Tim Veurink

The words in the graphic are from Peter's brief Sermon in Jerusalem

just 7 weeks after Jesus had resurrected from the dead. 

After Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus spends 40 days moving

around Israel. There are 12 appearances of Jesus recorded in the New

Testament to over 500 people. Peter, himself, witness' Jesus living in the

flesh at least 6 times with one very special and detailed conversation, at a

fish fry as recorded in John 21.  

After 40 days, the disciples witness Jesus ascending to heaven to sit on the

right hand of His Father.

The seventh Sunday after Jesus resurrection was Pentecost and as promised

the disciples received the Holy Spirit. 

Prompted by the Spirit, Peter is embolden to preach a brief but powerful

sermon. (Acts 2:14-41). There is so much that I love about this sermon but

the one thing I find both powerful and  hopeful is this...

The sermon was preached in Jerusalem 7 weeks after Jesus' death, and resurrection by Peter who witnesses seeing Jesus in the flesh at least 6 times after the

resurrection. The sermon being preached in Jerusalem, is the same town were

Jesus hung on the cross and was put into the tomb. However, the tomb was empty

because Jesus had risen and was not there. 

At this time Jerusalem wasn't that big; both the cross and the tomb where more than likely just a very short distance from were Peter was preaching. Anyone could walk over 

to see the empty tomb. With the bloody cross and the empty tomb...you can come

to your own conclusion on what happened on that Easter weekend. 

After Peter's sermon, 3000 people were convicted by the Holy Spirit and put

their trust in the resurrected Jesus. A few days later 2000 more people

believed and then the Christian movement spread like wildfire. 

Since that day, billions have put their trust and hope in Jesus Christ 

- the resurrected Savior of the world.  

Today, we celebrate a resurrected Savior. Today we have nothing to fear for

the Bible says for those who put their trust in Jesus Christ will be saved

and one day be resurrected from the dead just as Jesus was raised up. 

Happy Easter,

Tim Veurink

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Do You Have the Case of Cabin Fever?

It's that time of year...you're counting down the days until Spring officially makes it's appearance.

While you're waiting - let's get you and the family out of the house and into a BRAND NEW RV during our Cabin Fever Sale! 

With Spring Break right around the corner, we've got Spring Break Savings on new 2018 models, along with in-store only Camp Store and Service specials.

Plan head and beat the rush...let's get you prepared to have an incredible RV Season.

There's nothing better than to get rid of your Cabin Fever and jump into Spring Savings today with Veurink's RV Center!

• Hurry, these savings are only good till March 31, 2018 •

CLICK FOR SPRING BREAK SAVINGS

CAMP STORE SAVINGS

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Special Deals on a Few Remaining RV Show Demos!

CLICK TO SHOP AFTER THE SHOW SALE NOW!

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RVing Down South this Winter?

There's still time left...

It's that time of year! Many of you flee down South for the Winter to get away from the cold weather and bask in the sunshine. If you're still contemplating, there's still more time to hit the road in a new RV! 

Veurinks' RV just kicked off our November Sale...

Are you ready to experience new adventures and enjoy the warmer weather and freedoms that the RV Lifestyle brings? Let Veurinks' RV Center help send you down South in a brand new RV, with low monthly payments this season. 

Click to Shop Event

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It doesn't stop there...

We have the RV Essentials on sale in our Camp Store this month...with prices you won't want to miss! We want to send you Down South equipped with everything you need to truly enjoy the RV Lifestyle.

We'll see you soon! Don't wait any longer...snow is on the radar.

This is an event you won't want to miss out on!

Sales Department Hours:

Monday - Friday: 9am - 6pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: CLOSED

Camp Store

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

Saturday: 9am - 1pm

Sunday: CLOSED

Service Department

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm

Veurinks' RV is located at:

7144 Division Ave. S.

Grand Rapids, MI 49548

p. 616.281.5111

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