Flea Market RV Trips

Chances are, any time you’re on the road with your Iowa RV, there’s a flea market nearby. From collectible Scooby-Doo lunch buckets to velvet Elvis paintings, America’s flea markets have it all.

Kathy Johnson, who owns Pieces of the Past in Johnson City, Texas, is a flea market pro. She travels to flea markets all across the south in search of the perfect architectural antiques for her clients. “I tell people that the best way to plan your flea market road trip is to get that RV up and running,” says Kathy. “It’ll give you more room to carry your treasures! It’ll also give you a place to go when you’re tired, confused, hungry, or annoyed at the “sold” sign on that special something you wanted.”

Where will you begin your flea market adventure? The Travel Channel http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/shopping/articles/worlds-best-flea-markets put together a list of what it considers the world’s best. The most intriguing one for those of us in RVs is likely the 127 Corridor, which runs from Gadsden, Alabama all the way to Jamestown, Tennessee. For three weeks every August, more than 2,000 vendors line the road and welcome the adventurous shoppers.

Here in Iowa, the What Cheer Flea Market offers primitives, farm antiques, and baseball cards, and there are many more markets to choose from. For a full list, visit American Flea.com and we’re sure you’ll find something you can’t live without!

While almost any flea market can help you add to your favorite collections, some also offer some great foods and local music while you shop. Let us know if you find a good one!

What’s your favorite flea market? What your best flea market find?

Badland's National Park

Badlands National Park

Looking to get away? Far away? If you are in the market for a fun, extended RV trip we highly recommend taking a trip to Badlands National Park! This majestic land is quite the drive from here in Webster City, IA. Located eight and a half hours away in South Dakota, this 244,000 acres park is full of Jurassic relics and activities for all. So, gas up your motorhome and take a drive west!

Ranger Programs

Think Ranger Programs are just for the kids? Think again! At Badlands, it is important to put into perspective how ancient the land is. Knowing dinosaurs once roamed across the same ground as you is a lot to take in. That’s where the rangers come in. They provide a real learning experience at several spots across the park everyday! If you are an early riser, and interested in the ground, the Geology Walk is right up your ally! Want to learn more about the creatures from long past? Fossil Talk is for you! There are also programs to learn about the sun, sky, and landscape. And, of course, there is a Junior Ranger program where the kids can earn a patch and badge for participation.

Hiking

We know you love your Webster City RV as much as we do, but after all that driving, you will be ready to stretch your legs. Badlands offers many opportunities to do just that! There are many trails set up across the land that varies in length and intensity. Ben Reifel, ranger at the visitor center, is an expert on all the trails and can lead you towards the one that is perfect for your experience level. From the easy Door Trail to the strenuous Saddle Pass, there is balance for the whole family. The park also provides for those who want a different view with backcountry camping and hiking areas.

Night Sky Program

Everyone wants a good view of nature, but not everyone considers his or her own night sky. When you live in the city, or even suburbia, the chances of a vivid night sky are slim. Don’t miss your chance to see the sky like you’ve never seen it before out here where there is no light pollution. People of all ages thoroughly enjoy the wonder of the starry night sky. The visitors at Badlands National Park can see over 7,500 stars. This program is available Friday through Monday nights during the summer, which includes a multi-media presentation of the sky and a tour of the universe. If that wasn’t enough, everyone gets to see through state-of-the-art telescopes. What will you find in the sky?

This is just a snippet of the unique experience you will have at this awe-inspiring getaway. Make sure to check out their website before you leave for need-to-know information and trip planning suggestions. You are guaranteed to have a fantastic time!

Let us know about your experiences at Badlands National Park in the comments and share your tips with us!