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500 Miles or Less Trips: Roadside Oddities RV Trip Along I-71/I-75 (#1)

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  Outland Adventures: Roadside Oddities RV Trip Along I-71/I-75 If you’re looking for a mix of kitschy roadside charm, quirky attractions, and RV-friendly adventure, our I-71/I-75 road trip from Cincinnati, OH, to Chattanooga, TN is perfect for a 5-day escape. From retro signs and giant horse statues to the underground marvel of the Lost Sea, this trip is all about fun stops, photo ops, and easy driving days . Day 1: Cincinnati → Lexington, KY (~80 miles, 1.5 hours) Kick off your adventure in Cincinnati, where retro meets quirky : American Sign Museum – Wander through a rainbow of vintage signs, from neon classics to quirky commercial kitsch. Perfect for your first Instagram shot of the trip. Newport Aquarium Oddities – Just across the river in Newport, KY, the tunnels and unusual aquatic exhibits make a fun roadside detour. Big Bone Lick State Park – Travel back in time with fossilized mammoths and bison. The quirky name and historic vibes make for a unique photo ...
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Top 5 Books, Podcasts, & Games for Cozy Winter Travel Days

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  Top 5: Books, Podcasts, & Games for Cozy Winter Travel Days Winter travel days feel different when you live on the road. The sun slips away early, mornings take a little longer, and sometimes the best decision you can make is to stay parked, stay warm, and let the day unfold slowly. Whether we’re creeping along winter highways or tucked into a quiet campground with frost on the windows, these are the books, podcasts, and games that keep us company when the world outside feels cold and still. These aren’t “productivity” picks. They’re comfort picks. The kind that make winter travel feel intentional instead of inconvenient. 1. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir This is one of those rare stories that works equally well for long drive days and lazy afternoons inside the rig. It’s smart without being heavy, funny without trying too hard, and surprisingly heartfelt. As an audiobook, it’s especially great for winter roads—engaging enough to keep you focused, but easy to listen to...
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A Day in the Life of Winter RV Living

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  A Day in the Life of Winter RV Living ❄️🚐 Winter RV life isn’t just about cozy blankets and hot cocoa—though there’s plenty of that. For me, Amanda, writing this from Wildebeest, it’s a mix of adventure, creativity, and a little bit of “how did it get this cold?” sprinkled with humor. Here’s a peek into a typical winter day on the road. Morning: Cold Air, Warm Propane ☕️ We wake to frost on the windows and a chill that makes stepping outside a bold move. First things first: we fire up our propane heater inside Wildebeest—no cold toes allowed. While it warms the RV, I brew a steaming cup of coffee and start planning the day. Breakfast is usually something simple cooked on the propane stove or Blackstone —think eggs, oatmeal, or pancakes. Meanwhile, Chris checks road conditions and makes sure our gear is ready for the day. Midday: Exploring Small Towns & Quirky Stops 🛣️ Once we’re bundled up and fueled, we hit the road. Winter travel has perks: empty attractions, ope...
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Top 5 RV Organization Hacks for Small Spaces

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  Top 5 RV Organization Hacks for Small Spaces This was the 6th attempt... I thought it was funny enough to use. Living and traveling in an RV means every inch counts—and when your home is on wheels, clutter shows up fast . We’ve definitely had moments where one wrong turn, one flying pantry item, or one overflowing cabinet made us stop and say, “Okay… something’s gotta change.” After plenty of trial, error, and road-tested rearranging, these are our top 5 RV organization hacks that actually make life easier in a small space. No Pinterest-perfect nonsense—just what works for real RV living. 1. Vertical Space Is Your Best Friend If you’re not using your walls, you’re leaving space behind. We rely heavily on: Command hooks for jackets, hats, keys, and everyday grab‑and‑go items Wall-mounted baskets for mail, sunglasses, and random odds & ends Over-the-door organizers for storage doors and closets Anything that gets stuff up off surfaces instantly makes the rig feel bigger. ?...
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Unexpected Winter Festivals & Local Traditions

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  Unexpected Winter Festivals & Local Traditions Winter in Northeast Ohio Edition Winter in Ohio doesn’t mean hibernation—it means cozy, quirky, and quietly magical traditions that locals show up for year after year. If you’re road‑tripping through Northeast Ohio or parked nearby for the season, these winter happenings are worth bundling up for. ❄️ Medina Ice Festival (Medina County) When: February A beloved Northeast Ohio winter event where professional ice carvers transform Medina Square into an outdoor gallery of frozen art. Live carving demos, family activities, and glowing sculptures after dark make this a true cold‑weather spectacle. Why it’s unexpected: It turns bitter winter days into a reason to linger outdoors—and the historic square feels extra magical under ice and lights. (This was one of my favorites growing up!) 🎄 Downtown Holiday Walks & Light Nights (Multiple NE Ohio Towns) Where: Medina , Millersburg , Loudonville , Ashland When: Late November–Decem...
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Historic Eateries & Odd Cafes

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Historic Eateries & Odd Cafes: January Edition – Wayne, Medina & Summit Counties Winter in Northeast Ohio is perfect for exploring cozy cafés, retro diners, and quirky spots with character. From Amish comfort food to coffee shops with a creative vibe, here are real, verifiable places in Wayne, Medina, Summit Counties , and Barberton that are perfect for a café-hopping adventure. 1. Der Dutchman – Walnut Creek, Wayne County Why Go: Open since 1964, Der Dutchman is a classic Amish dining experience. The rustic, cozy setting pairs perfectly with hearty comfort food. What to Order: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and any of their famous homemade pies. Odd Factor: The attached bakery and gift shop sell Amish jams, fudge, and unique crafts. 📍 445 S Jefferson St, Walnut Creek, OH 44687 🌐 derdutchman.com 2. Swensons Drive-In – Akron, Summit County Why Go: Since 1934, Swensons has been a local Akron institution, famous for its burgers, fries, and chocolate malts. Retro carh...
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Winter RV Life 101: Staying Cozy on the Road

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  Winter RV Life 101: Staying Cozy on the Road Hey Y'all! Winter RV life can be magical—quiet campgrounds, snow-dusted landscapes , snow-covered views, and crisp mornings with hot coffee. But it can also be intimidating if you’re not prepared. Cold weather demands flexibility, smart routines, and a little creativity to stay comfortable on the road. Whether you’re chasing mild winters or braving frosty nights, this guide covers the essentials for staying warm, managing propane and heat, and building winter-friendly RV routines. Staying Warm (Without Freezing or Burning Through Your Budget) Insulation Is Everything Cold air will find every tiny gap. Start by: Sealing drafts around doors, windows, and storage bays with weather stripping or foam tape. Reflectix or thermal window covers for large windows and windshields. Rugs or foam mats on floors to block cold from below. Skirting (DIY or purchased) to reduce wind under the RV—especially helpful for longer stays. Layer Your Hea...
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