Each year on the third Monday in February, Americans celebrate President’s Day. In 2021, it falls on February 15. RVers who enjoy theme-type travel may want to look for presidential sites to visit during their next road trip. Whether they’re birthplaces, burial sites, official museums, libraries, or other locations tied to the U.S. commanders in chief, these spots reveal so much about the lives of the men and the times in which they governed. We offer some tips on where to find presidential sites below.
Whether you’re roaming in your RV right now, snowbirding in a warm place, or waiting out winter till the spring thaw, enjoy February — the shortest month of the year. Warm wishes from your friends at FMCA!
The FMCA Team
| |
We just took advantage of FMCA's RV insurance discount. Becoming full-timers, we wanted to make sure we had a full-timers' policy. Thanks to FMCA's help, our policy is now in full effect, and it was quick and easy.
-WILLIAM ALAN BROWN & BRITTA BROWN, F481545
| |
FMCA Members Stay ProtectedAs an FMCA member, protecting your RV is just one of your many priorities. With our member discounts, you can save on insurance for your RV, home, or automobile, as well as pet insurance and international travel insurance. Click here to learn more about all the ways FMCA enhances the RV lifestyle.
| |
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how you are going to show your special somebody that they mean the world to you. For full-time RVers, planning a date night might seem a little strange, especially if you are retired and spend ALL of your time with your spouse or partner. But there are still lots of ways to go above and beyond your normal routines and make a night at the RV park or boondocking in the middle of nowhere something romantic to remember.
| |
| Folks who love history, especially the U.S. presidency, can discover presidential sites throughout the country. Each offers insight into the lives and times of these American history-makers before, during, and after their times in office.
| |
The National Park Service has partnered with other organizations to present the Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary, which describes sites associated with 43 American presidents. The list begins with four locations related to the first U.S. president, George Washington. Two are in Virginia: his birthplace, which is now a national monument, and Mount Vernon (pictured), his plantation home for 40-plus years. The list ends with the childhood home of George W. Bush in Midland, Texas; it also recognizes his father, George H.W. Bush, who purchased the home in 1951 with his wife, Barbara.
Want to know which presidential sites are near you or could be added to your next RV journey? A “field trip guide” from Our White House provides a state-by-state list. Twenty-four states are represented, along with Washington, D.C., and Canada — Roosevelt Campobello International Park in Welshpool, New Brunswick, once the family retreat of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
And here’s one more suggestion: Road Trips & Coffee touts its “definitive” list of every presidential home that’s open to the public for guided tours. Fifty-six homes are listed by state.
| |
| Another Day in Perrydise
In just over a month, FMCA will host our 102nd International Convention & RV Expo in Perry, Georgia, March 10-13. The theme for the convention is “Another Day in Perrydise,” and we have lots of fun planned! Learn more about your RV at a seminar, or tour the latest RV models and check out aisle after aisle of RV-related accessories. The outstanding lineup of entertainment and activities will keep you busy day and night! Click here to register for Perry.
| |
A Presidential Visit to an FMCA Convention
FMCA has been hosting conventions and other gatherings across the United States for more than five decades. One noteworthy event occurred in June 1989 when President George H.W. Bush visited the association’s convention in Richmond, Virginia. In a speech to attendees, the president highlighted such topics as scenic byways, the spirit of volunteerism, and the joys of the RV lifestyle. Click here to watch the full video of his speech.
| |
Mail Forwarding Services for RVers
Full-time RVers will tell you that one issue associated with not having a permanent residence is how to receive mail. Fortunately, FMCA’s mail forwarding service partners can help: our friends at Your Best Address and Americas Mailbox. They will set you up with a South Dakota address where all your mail can be forwarded. They will sort through it, tossing out junk mail if that is your preference, and will send the mail to your current location, which can be updated whenever you like! You can even choose to have your mail scanned and sent digitally! FMCA members receive exclusive offers. Learn more here.
| |
| America's Civil War with Fantasy Tours
America’s Civil War with Fantasy Tours – From Columbia, South Carolina, follow the path of the Confederate Army as it traveled north as far as Gettysburg, the site of the bloodiest skirmish in the Civil War, visiting famous battle sites, memorials, and museums along the way. You’ll also take a break from battles to appreciate Southern charm by visiting Atlanta’s Stone Mountain Park, exploring an antebellum plantation, and much more. Join fellow RVers in learning about a significant part of U.S. history.
| |
| Presidential Parks
If you are still seeking more presidential knowledge, we encourage you to look to the National Park Service. The NPS manages over 400 locations. They include national monuments, national memorials, and national historic sites or parks. Several of them hold historic significance because they were important places in the lives of U.S. presidents. One president in particular, Theodore Roosevelt — who established many public lands that eventually became part of the National Park System — has a national park in North Dakota that is named after him.
| |
|
PBS Presidential Hub
PBS has been an excellent source for education throughout the years. Now that we are living in a digital age, there is more content than ever available on its website. Check out this US Presidents page with hours of videos, articles, and films about various presidents. You could easily spend all day exploring this site!
| |
|
By the Cup or By the Bowl
Did you know that February 4th was National Soup Day? Although the date has passed us by this month, soup can be celebrated any day of the year! We’re sharing a few of our favorite soup recipes in hopes of warming up your February.
Maybe you will be inclined to share your soup with your significant other on Valentine’s Day!
| |
Let FMCA be Part of Your 2021 Travel PlansDid your travel plans get ruined or postponed in 2020? Yeah, we thought so. Make sure your 2021 plans are bigger and better than last year and make sure to invite us along for the ride! Click here to learn more about all the ways FMCA can enhance your RV lifestyle.
| |
|
|
|
|