The Magic Of Fall

Embrace the vibrant hues of autumn as leaves transform into their iconic golds and oranges, and the air turns crisp with the promise of thrills and adventure. In cooler climates, it's that time of year when flannel-clad travelers seek the charm of pumpkin patches and orchards. This month, we invite you to join us as we explore the enchanting world of u-pick orchards, where the joy of harvesting your own fruit awaits. But our journey doesn't stop there. Fall also unveils the charm of wineries and the comforting embrace of bourbon. Join us as we dive into the rich tapestry of experiences that make fall beautiful.

Cheers to bourbon, pumpkin spice, and everything fall.

The FMCA Team

SoftStartRV

I purchased a used RV a couple of months ago and have been playing around with things. One thing I dislike is the sound of the air-conditioning compressor coming on and off.

I have a Bluetti AC200P (lithium battery solar generator; 2,000 watts) and thought I would try to run the A/C with it. Nope, it would not work; it faulted out the Bluetti. On a side note, my Honda 2000i generator would start the A/C and seemed to work fine.

So, I bought the A/C SoftStartRV and installed it. Now the Bluetti will start the A/C and the compressor noise is negligible. Much improved. It did take me about 1.5 hours to install, but I took my time.

If A/C noise or tripping a breaker is an issue when your RV’s A/C starts, I would recommend looking into the SoftStartRV product. If you are an FMCA member, you get a discount that makes it cheaper than Amazon.

Chris Townley, F543350

When used to start an RV air conditioner, SoftStartRV temporarily reduces load and torque during the electric current rush of the A/C motor, reducing power demands at startup by 65 to 70 percent. This easy-to-install device is offered to FMCA members at a discounted rate. SoftStartRV is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to FMCA's group-rated discounts. Click here to learn more! 

Tour The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket list trip for whiskey lovers around the world. If you are interested in exploring the Bluegrass State’s signature distilleries, there are multiple things to consider to make the most out of your trip.

The Bourbon Trail may sound like a singular road connecting all 46 featured distilleries, but they are actually spread out across four regions: Central (Louisville and Bardstown), Bluegrass (Lexington), Western (near Tennessee), and Northern (near Cincinnati, Ohio). If you are interested in camping along the trail, check out Kentucky’s State Parks. Fort Boonesborough, Taylorsville Lake, Natural Bridge, Green River Lake, and My Old Kentucky Home state parks are all within an hour or less from Louisville or Lexington. It’s best to organize your itinerary by these regions as well.

Once you have picked your desired region of the Bourbon Trail, plan your distillery tours early and carefully. Tours must be booked in advance — the earlier, the better. While you may be excited to see as many distilleries as possible, try not to overbook yourself. It’s tough to visit more than two distilleries a day because of tour times and the possible distance between them.

For more hints on planning your time on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, check out these 6 tips from Whiskied Wanderlust.

RV-Related Recall Information

Looking for the latest RV-related recall information? Visit FamilyRVingmag.com for a list of the most recent recalls issued by RV and component manufacturers. To search for recalls, investigations, and complaints by vehicle year, make, model, and VIN, visit www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline is (888) 327-4236.

Tasty Trails

Themed travel based on your interests can make for fun journeys. If you enjoy sampling local cuisine, consider following a themed trail dedicated to food or drink.

ShermansTravel suggests food treks in every state. For example, Alabama’s Comfort Food Trail links eight eateries known for their mouthwatering dishes, such as fried chicken at Martin’s Restaurant in Montgomery and ribs at Dreamland Bar-B-Que in Tuscaloosa. In Louisiana, the Cajun Bayou Food Trail spotlights the intriguing mix of French, Creole, Spanish, and Native influences. In Montana, a walkable 1.5-mile loop through downtown Billings points out craft breweries, distilleries, a cider mill, and a winery. See other suggestions here.

Food & Wine provides its own list of “incredibly cool food trails” across the United States. For example, bakeries in West Virginia proudly serve the pepperoni roll — the official state food. They include the Country Club Bakery in Fairmont, in business since 1927. Not far from Cincinnati, home of FMCA headquarters, Butler County features the Ohio Donut Trail; pick up a “passport” online or at any of the featured shops and earn a free T-shirt if you visit all 13.

Northern travelers, fear not! Tripadvisor has prepared an irresistible list of food and drink tours in Canada. These organized excursions are great for folks who prefer to let knowledgeable locals lead the way. The Old Quebec City Food & Drink Tour is a three-hour immersion into this historic neighborhood and includes a three-course tasting and a visit to a French-style bakery for the “best croissant in town,” among other stops. In Montreal, the Beyond the Market Food Tour delves into the local food scene at the city’s largest market, with samples of fresh produce, Salvadorian cuisine, pasta, and Latin American foods.

Looking for more ideas? Search online for food trails; get even more specific with queries for “bourbon trails,” “cheese trails,” and others that may strike your fancy.

Calling All Foodies and Wine Aficionados!

Relax on your beachfront campsite and savor award-winning wine in the Guadalupe Valley Wine Region – a premier food and wine destination referred to as the Napa Valley of the Baja. Just 75 miles south of San Diego, this hidden gem is home to over 120 unique wineries and is known for farm-to-table gourmet dining, Latino fusion cuisine, fresh seafood, and celebrity chefs. To learn more, call 855-385-3622 or click here for details about this FMCA Member-Only Rally presented by Fantasy RV Tours.

Enjoy Harvest Hosts Hospitality

Harvest Hosts membership offers an array of stays at intriguing sites all over the U.S and Canada. Each location offers a one-night stay and has a special experience attached to it: wineries, breweries, farms, and much more. Purchase an annual Harvest Hosts membership, available at a discount with your FMCA membership to those new to the network, and receive unlimited stays, meaning planning a trip has never been easier.

Remote Monitoring With RV Whisper

Have full knowledge of everything that’s going on with your RV when you are away or it is in storage. The customizable system monitors temperature and motion, along with park power, batteries, propane level, and more. It sends text and email alerts if the interior temperature starts to rise or power is lost — especially helpful if pets are inside — giving you peace of mind while enjoying your adventures. Learn more here.

Passport America Discount Camping Network

Save 50 percent off regular rates at 1,200+ campgrounds and RV parks spanning the continent with a Passport America membership. FMCA members can take advantage of a reduced annual rate; visit here for details.

Boone KOA Holiday, C10622

Boone, North Carolina

Nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains at an altitude of nearly 4,000 feet, this campground offers an array of attractions that cater to a diverse range of interests, promising an unforgettable getaway. For adventure seekers, there's the thrill of horseback riding and white-water rafting amidst the stunning natural backdrop. Motorcycle and bicycle enthusiasts will find winding mountain roads to explore, while hikers and backpackers have numerous trails to venture along, each revealing captivating vistas and the serenity of the great outdoors. Open May 1-October 31, this KOA offers 50-amp hookups. A pool and pavilion are on-site. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping activities or seek a peaceful retreat in nature, Boone KOA delivers both.

FMCA members receive a discounted rate at many FMCA commercial member campgrounds. To find more locations along your route, check out our RV Marketplace!

U-Pick Locator

One of the best things about fall is being able to pick your own produce. With the U-Pick Farm Locator, you can find u-pick farms across the U.S. Search by state, your location, or type of produce. It doesn’t get any fresher than picking your own fruits and vegetables at local farms!

Haunted Campgrounds

Want to take your RVing to the next level? Believers and risk-takers beware: These 10 haunted camping areas and parks are sure to give you an otherworldly experience. You may get the perfect ghost story to share at your next campfire!

Read A Book Or Four

Did you know October is National Book Month? This annual month-long event is celebrated by authors, booksellers, publishers, and readers! October is the perfect time to curl up with a good book and support local independent booksellers. Check out 11 ways to celebrate National Book Month here.

Cozy Up With A Cup Of Soup

With the arrival of fall and a chill in the air, many RV cooks start to think about whipping up a batch of warm, appetite-satisfying soup. You may already have your favorites, but if you’re looking to expand your soup repertoire, look no further than these suggestions compiled by the FMCA team.

Who doesn’t love a hearty helping of lasagna? But have you tried this taste sensation in soup form? Lauren Allen from Tastes Better From Scratch notes that her Lasagna Soup recipe has been a huge hit with her family. And one nice thing is that it lends itself to being prepped ahead of time and frozen for later, so you can stock your freezer and pull this out for a fall RV outing.

For many RV chefs, the Instant Pot is a favorite appliance. This Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup recipe from Ali at  Gimme Some Oven has instructions for preparing it using the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. And if your travel crew includes vegans, look for tips for creating a version they’ll appreciate.

We’ll place this next recipe in the “don’t knock it until you’ve tried it” category. Pumpkin might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think about chili, but ‘tis the season, and the Healthy Pumpkin Chili recipe from Amy at Chew Out Loud may change that.

Soup’s on! Enjoy, but for the sake of your companions, no slurping!

FMCA Area Rally Schedule

January 2024

Western Area Rally – January 10-14 – Indio, California

February 2024

Southeast Area Rally – February 7-10 – Lakeland, Florida

May 2024

INTO (International) Area Rally – May 17-21 – Muskogee, Oklahoma

June 2024

Great Lakes Area Rally – June 5-9 – Greenville, Ohio

July 2024

Northeast Area Rally – July 11-14 – Frankfort, New York

Midwest Area Rally — July 24-27 — Amana, Iowa

September 2024

South Central Area Rally — September 18-21 — Shawnee, Oklahoma

October 2024

Eastern Area Rally — October 23-27 — Fletcher, North Carolina

Click here for more information about FMCA’s upcoming 2023-2024 event schedule, including chapter rallies and international conventions.

Are you looking to meet other RVers? Look no further. FMCA has nearly 300 chapters across the United States and Canada. FMCA chapters are made up of RV enthusiasts who have a zest for travel, as well as hobbies and interests off the highway. Find a chapter that best suits your interests here.

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Family Motor Coach Association 8291 Clough Pike | Cincinnati, OH 45244 US

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