Northwest Michigan RV Show starts Friday

The Michigan Association of Recreation Vehicles and Campgrounds (MARVAC) is sponsoring the 19th Annual Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show, March 25-27 at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in downtown Traverse City. Over 50 new recreation vehicles will be on display including folding campers, motor homes, travel trailers and fifth wheel travel trailers. There’s something for everyone – prices from $5,000 to more than $75,000. Booths featuring parts and accessories, campground information, on site RV financing and RV rentals make this the complete RV show experience. The new, 2011 RV & Campsite, a guide to camping in Michigan, will be available free to consumers. Coupons for $1 off any adult or senior admission are available by visiting marvac.org. Coupons are also available in area Big Boy restaurants and three TBA Credit Union locations. Consumers can register to win free tickets to the show on www.marvac.org, compliments of Big Boy. The 19th Annual Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show will be held at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center and is open Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The cost for adult admission (ages 13 and up) is $5; senior admission (ages 55 and older) is $4; children ages 12 and under are admitted free! Parking is also free.

Make plans now for summer camping When it comes to camping, the earlier you make your reservations at your favorite campground, the better. As many campers discover, campgrounds often fill up quickly during the summer season. The best time to make camping reservations is just before spring, especially if you plan to camp on a major holiday weekend. If the campground of your choice is open seasonally, you’ll want to pay attention to when it reopens. Advanced reservations also allow you to get a prime camping site, depending on what amenities you like to take advantage of. Water lovers may want to camp near lakes, hikers may choose to be close to trails—if you book early enough, you may be able to select your ideal location. If you’re still looking for the perfect campground to say at this year, start exploring options at the 19th Annual Northwest Michigan Camper & RV Show! Or, search for your perfect campground online by visiting www.marvac.org. Use the site’s searchable database of quality campgrounds. Simply select “Campgrounds” under “Member Listings” and you can browse campgrounds by region, amenities offered and more.

Dress up your dog Many campers enjoy a hot dog grilled to perfection over a campfire and topped with tangy ketchup and mustard. Dress up your dog a new way on your next camping trip! Some creativity and variation in your hot dog toppings will allow you to create more meals out of this camping favorite. Try one of these recipes. The BBQ dog Barbecue sauce Bacon slices Cheddar cheese slices Loaded potato dog Potato chip crumbles Sour cream Shredded cheddar cheese Bacon bits Chives