Outland Adventures

  Winter Road Trips: Is Off-Season Travel Worth It? When most people think of road trips, they picture summer sunshine, crowded campgrounds, and long daylight hours. But winter road trips have their own kind of magic— quiet highways , empty scenic overlooks , and small towns that feel like you’ve discovered a secret version of the world. So the big question is: is off-season travel worth it? After spending time traveling in colder months, here’s our honest take. The Pros of Winter Road Trips 1. Fewer Crowds, More Peace One of the biggest perks of winter travel is space. Campgrounds, roadside attractions , and scenic areas are often quieter, sometimes nearly empty. You can take your time exploring without feeling rushed or boxed in by crowds. For us, this means more relaxed mornings, easier parking, and a chance to really soak in a place. 2. Lower Costs Off-season rates are real—and they add up. Many campgrounds, small motels, and attractions offer reduced pricing in winter months...

  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...

  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...

  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...

  RV Winter Survival Without Hookups: How Wildebeest Stays Warm & Functional ❄️🚌 Winter RV living looks a lot different when you don’t have hookups—and even more so when your rig is a 1990 Ford E350 EMS‑converted shuttle bus . Welcome to life with Wildebeest , our off‑grid , no‑nonsense, former mobile command unit that refuses to hibernate just because the temperatures drop. This isn’t a glossy, luxury‑RV winter guide . This is the real‑life, boots‑on‑the‑ground version—what works, what doesn’t, and how we stay warm, mobile, and functional without shore power , water hookups , or holding tanks . Grab a hot drink ☕ and let’s dig in. Know Your Rig Before Winter Hits 🧭 Wildebeest has quirks—and winter doesn’t forgive ignorance. Our setup at a glance: 🚑 1990 Ford E350 Shuttle Bus (former county EMS command unit) ❌ No water hookups ❌ No black or grey tanks 🔥 Propane stove(s) ⚡ Limited electrical capacity 🚐 Built to move, not sit forever Because we don’t rely on tanks or hoo...