Just because it’s cold in some parts of the country, doesn’t mean Thousand Trails campers can’t explore this great country! Check out some activities nearby Thousand Trails campgrounds that are open year-round.
Cloverdale, California, home to the Russian River RV Campground, was recently named one of America’s “Coolest Small Towns” by Budget Travel magazine. The magazine cited Cloverdale as “a quiet Sonoma wine town along the Russian River flanked to the north by an unspoiled wilderness of redwood forests and to the south by orderly rows of vineyards.”
If you decide to visit this charming small town, learn the town’s history at the Cloverdale History Center and Gould-Shaw House Museum. The Gould-Shaw House is one of the oldest homes in the town and the exterior, in the Gothic Revival Cottage style, is much unchanged from its 1870s beginnings. Historic artifacts, including vintage tools and equipment, can be viewed in the Center’s multiple exhibits.
Another neat, not-to-miss location is the Sculpture Trail. More than 15 sculptures can be found along the outdoor trail that stretches through downtown Cloverdale. For more outdoor fun, check out the Cloverdale River Park, which has a 1-mile paved trail for hiking and cycling and also has plenty of picnic areas.
Virginia’s Colonial Williamsburg, which is just about a 20-minute drive from Williamsburg RV Campground, hosts the Liberty’s Ice Pavilion through February 19. This family-friendly outdoor skating rink is set up in the middle of Colonial Williamsburg so you can take to the ice yourself or enjoy watching others while you sip some hot chocolate. Another festive event is the Christmas Town™ at Busch Gardens® Williamsburg which runs through January 5. Imagine millions of twinkling lights, a Christmas Express train ride and all the spirit of the season you can imagine. If you like jazz, mark your calendar for January 12-15, 2019 so you can enjoy the Winter Blues Jazz Fest that will be held in downtown Williamsburg.
Speaking of holiday spirit, why not enjoy some spirits, specifically wine, with a visit to the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville. Belle Meade is a 5,400-acre plantation built in 1853 in the Greek-Revival style and a complimentary wine tasting is part of the guided tour. The winery also offers a food and wine pairing event that includes five wines with light food pairings. Belle Meade is located about 90 miles from Natchez Trace RV Campground.
Although it’s closed from December 23 to January 1, the Elephant Discovery Center in Hohenwald is worth a visit. The Center has self-guided exhibits to educate visitors on the many ways elephants shape our world. And while there are no elephants at the Discovery Center, the Elephant Sanctuary is home to 27 elephants, and the purpose of the Center to provide education to the public. On the second Saturday of each month, there is a Caregiver Chat where the Sanctuary’s caregivers discuss the care of the elephants and answer questions.
Did you know La Conner, Washington is great for winter bird watching? The birds begin to arrive in late October and stay until late January. Situate yourself in this middle of this migratory experience with a stay at La Conner RV Campground. Stop by the town of La Conner’s Visitor Center for a bird identification brochure. More winter-specific fun can be found at the nearby Mt. Baker Ski Area which offers downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, and show-shoeing opportunities.