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Find yourself in the land of the Newfie for a life changing vacation!
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GOOD NEWS... FANTASY RV TOURS
What an incredible year this is turning out to be! As you may (or may not) know, 2016 is 'the Year of Travel' and by no means are we shying away from this terrific challenge. In this edition you'll learn about our RoadTrip Review of our annual kick-off celebration - the Rose Parade RV Rally and we will also give you a taste of what to expect in our Tour Spotlight for this summer of travel as we explore the great Northeast in Newfoundland.
With exciting travel opportunities around every corner we are proud to inform you that in just a few short weeks we will be introducing some new tours in our 2016 RV Vacation Travel Guide (Fantasy RV Tours catalog) which will include new RV Rallies and Caravans for 2017 and beyond.
Enjoy this issue and let us know about your travel dreams and stories of recent RVing experiences so we can share with all of our RVing friends.
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TOUR SPOTLIGHT:
MADE-IN-AMERICA
MUSIC TOUR
From a sleepy Tennessee hollow came a note that woke the whole world, and American country music was born. Fantasy's Made-in-America music tour rocks the sound of this unique American music form in three mighty music cradles: Nashville, Memphis, and Branson.
Country music is alive and thriving in Nashville, and that's where this celebration begins with a party. Hosted by Fantasy's professional and friendly WagonMasters, the gathering is just one of the many signature elements that sets Fantasy apart from others. The celebration continues,
fast and furious: dinner at Opry Backstage Grill, and the Ryman Auditorium for live Opry Country Classics.
Nashville is "Nowville" and you'll do it all in just 48 hours: our city tour includes the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Parthenon -- a full-scale replica of the original, and Vanderbilt University's Music Row - where you'll encounter the soul of Nashville's entertainment industry. You'll love the home-style cooking and live performances at Nashville Nightlife Dinner Theater, rated number one city wide. You'll cruise the mighty Cumberland aboard
General Jackson Showboat, savoring the sounds of the south with lunch and live music, and spend a grand ole evening at the magnificent Grand Ole Opry!
Next stop ...Memphis! Home to Neely's famous Memphis BBQ - we'll bring it on for another great meal in the park. Two days fly by - from city tour; to a stroll along historic Beale Street as the strains of blues, jazz, and rock spill into the air. No visit is complete without lunch at blues legend B.B. King's Blues Club, or a visit to pay homage to the King at the spectacular Graceland.
While in the area, you'll be guided by your trusty Trip Log to stop at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum in Little Rock to explore the history of the 42
nd presidency. It won't be long before the rolling hills and blue lakes of the mighty Ozarks beckon you on to Branson, "the Live Entertainment Capital of the World," for five nonstop days and seven major shows. Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Show gets this party started with a live action musical and culinary adventure into America's Wild West. The beat goes on to the blazing violins of iconic Branson showman, Shoji Tabuchi; the
Showboat Branson
Belle dinner cruise on the gentle waters of Table Rock Lake; and a glorious day at Silver Dollar City, the beloved 1880s theme park, bursting with rides, craft demonstrations, and shopping galore. Tour Missouri's oldest and finest, Stone Hill Winery, before kicking up your heals at the Mickey Gilley Show. The high-energy Dutton Family Show is a fitting finale to this magical musical tour.
The people you'll meet, the music you'll hear, and the cultures to explore, promise an unforgettable springtime in the heart of America!
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FEATURE STORY: Screeching-In to the Viking Fest
...there's NOWHERE like NEWFOUNDLAND
By Roland A. Long
Newfoundland is more than a place to visit in your RV, it's one unforgettable experience after anothe
r that you won't find anywhere else in North America. Let's start out with some facts:
- Newfoundland (NL) is not part of the Canadian Maritimes but rather one of the four Atlantic Provinces.
- The other three - New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (PEI) - are in the Atlantic Time Zone, an hour later than Eastern Time. Add another half-hour when you cross into Newfoundland.
- It's a big island with customs that date back over 500 years.
- Your Fantasy RV Tour will expose you to new experiences daily.
For many new arrivals, the highlight of the visit is the Screech-In, a ceremony that it's best not to learn about before you are inducted. Whatever outrageous rumors you hear ahead of "becoming a Newfie,"
they are true. We're still laughing at all of these special memories.
From our barrel of Newfoundland experiences, the first that comes to mind is a visit to the Prime Berth, a fishing "stage," as Newfies call the sheds on piers where boats arrive with the daily catch of cod. At Prime Berth, our favorite stage, we listened to an old-timer playing an ugly stick (a crazy musical instrument), toured the stage, and delved into history in the owner's rustic museum.
The Prime Berth was symbolic of a culture we loved. It had been handed down in the family for multiple generations, and that's the best indication of the way of life for the people who inhabit the area today. In addition to being embraced by native Newfies, we bought our own ugly sticks. When we returned to our campground, we put on a concert, where even the curmudgeons joined in.
But wait, we can't forget those perky little puffins that nest and waddle along the cliffs of Ellison. It's bird-watching at its most entertaining moment. Visiting NL is your chance to taste Moose Stew and other delicacies - probably a once-in-your-lifetime experience. You might also venture a bowl of a local favorite, 'poutine' in one of many concoctions.
We also stayed in St. John's - a town that is possibly the most interesting we've visited in all our years. We wouldn't have wanted to miss anything that was on our caravan route, but this stop was worth the trip by itself. Rainbow Houses, Cabot Tower, the Geo Center which takes you underground to see Signal Hill Rock from 350 million years before the Atlantic Ocean was formed, a whale-watching cruise and much more can all be found in this quaint town. (This is when the photographers among our group were truly thankful for digital cameras - I took 380 shots on this one caravan stay.)
Another stop on our itinerary was a visit to The Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the largest church in North America when consecrated in 1855. But there's more. We returned a day later to the convent next door to cast eyes on "The Veiled Virgin," an exquisite carving by Giovanni Strazza. Unforgettable!
A lighthouse stands on Cape Spear, the most eastern point in North America. If you're into lighthouses, you'll get your fill on excursions across Atlantic Provinces. They are everywhere, some distinctive, all historic.
Among the thrills of this Maritimes Caravan was loading our rigs on massive ferries that dwarfed the semi trucks and diesel pushers that were swallowed aboard.
Above all else, for us it was the people who made our visit memorable. They are gentle souls who cherish their heritage and convey that sense of contentment to visitors who will take the time to explore.
SIDEBAR: You can enjoy Newfoundland yourselves on either of these joy filled caravans.
Fantasy's 32-day
Atlantic Provinces Selectis so popular is offered twice in 2016: July 12 through August 12, and August 7 to September 7, 2016, and includes New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Roland's favorite, Newfoundland.
But if you really want to take the time to really explore the area, spend 49 days on the
Atlantic Provinces Deluxe tour, visiting New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland (east and west)! This tour departs in early summer so you can experience the optimal weather and activities like the
Halifax International Tattoo Festival. Both tours are selling out fast, so don't delay!
Roland and wife Kitty are long time RVers who love to caravan.
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"HOW TO" VIDEO FEATURE - our friends at the RV Repair Club show us how it's done!
...Your RV Propane Tank and System
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Liquid Propane is a safe and efficient fuel to use in your RV rig when dealt with carefully, and it's held in a system that begins with an ASME RV propane tank. This tank holds the propane fuel you'll be using on trips and in camp sites, but it's connected to an elaborate system much like the gas lines run through a home.
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RoadTrip REVIEW: ROSE PARADE!
Ringing in the New Year with Roses
For 127 years, New Year's mornings in the city of Pasadena, California have brought sunshine, beauty and pageantry to the world through this yearly parade. Most watch on television, but for more than 100 Fantasy RV guests the Rose Parade came to life. Ringing in the New Year with Fantasy is six-days of spectacular weather, the fresh smell of flowers, delightful meals and parties and exciting activities.
Our group met at East Shore RV Park - just outside of Pasadena, with campsites overlooking Puddingston Lake. After an incredible welcome dinner the group was off for a special evening of Rose Float decorating. This was so much more than viewing structures, engineering and construction of flower laden floats. Our group was all-hands-in as we sorted flowers, glued on petals, bark and seeds -- all in preparation for America's New Year's Day parade. It was a great time helping with floats depicting: a flower covered Downton Abbey, a fire spitting dragon, and the Los Angeles Lakers' float. We hear that some lucky guests even met Kobe Bryant when he appeared to check things out!
Then it was on to Equestfest at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, where horses and riders scheduled to appear in the parade demonstrated their pageantry and skills. This is where they compete for titles and ribbons to wear come New Year's Day. After another festive dinner, the group returned to camp to rest-up for the next day's activities.
And what a day it was! After touring the grounds of the Rose Bowl, the group returned to the float barns to see the progress of decorating, cruised the parade route and headed to Bandfest. Welcome to 'marching madness' with shining musical instruments, swirling flags, flying batons and high stepping majorettes from the parade put on an incredible display of both music and field performance.
Not everything is about the Rose Parade. Fantasy makes it possible for our guests to enjoy area activities. New Year's Eve was a perfect day for us to tour the spectacular Huntington Library, filled with private archives of historical documents and world renowned art ...all of which is surrounded by the gorgeous Huntington gardens. An enjoyable day made it easy to save our energy for our private New Year's Eve extravaganza! Dinner, dancing, an open bar and fun filled the evening. We celebrate on east coast time to be ready for an early morning ride to the Rose Parade.
If you didn't know, Pasadena streets fill up fast the afternoon of December 31
st setting up sidewalk-camp on an often chilly night to reserve space for the morning parade. Our guests indulge in the comfort of their RV and are transported to their reserved seats for what we would like to call "optimal parade viewing". Honestly, everything did come up roses as these gorgeous floats, spiffy marching bands and stunning equestrian units made their way along Colorado Boulevard for our pleasure. The thrill of seeing a float we helped build is beyond words. Following the parade, most took the afternoon to view the floats up close, while others stayed at camp to watch the Rose Bowl and enjoy snacks.
Every New Year, the world focuses its attention on Pasadena for a celebration of flowers, music and sports. It's billed as America's New Year Celebration, and it's a salute to community spirit and our love of pageantry that began in Pasadena, California more than 100 years ago. It's not unusual for Fantasy groups to find a special bond and make new friends, but when our guests share something as special as the Rose Parade, it all adds up to an experience of a lifetime.
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AMBASSADOR PROFILE:
Meet Bill and Nancy Maack
"When we became Fantasy Ambassadors in 2012, we agreed we'd keep doing this as long as we were having fun," say Bill and Nancy Maack. "We were also told we wouldn't get rich working this job. But we are getting rich from the people we meet on our tours."
Nancy and Bill started camping 46 years ago, a seven week trip from Missouri to southern California via the Badlands, Glacier National Park and Mt. Rainier. In those days a 9' x 9' Coleman tent, stove, and lantern packed into the trunk of their Toyota sufficed. It wasn't until the early 70's when they had their first motorhome experience - camped on the beach in Mulege, Baja, Mexico with their two baby girls. Much later, they bought their first RV - a Road Trek Class B van, and traveled in it for four years, deciding that they wanted to see more of the United States, and spend winters in Florida.
After a second rainy winter in the 22 foot Road Trek, they determined they needed a bigger rig, or a divorce. "... a new rig was much cheaper," says Bill. They bought a 30' Class A, and decided it was time for a Fantasy tour. "We had attended Fantasy's seminars at various shows and rallies and I really wanted to go on a tour, but Bill thought he could plan a trip that would be less expensive and where we could do the things we wanted to do," says Nancy. "We learned about Fantasy's Atlantic Provinces tour, and he finally agreed to sign up." That tour proved Bill to be wrong. The Maacks enjoyed the comradery so much that they approached then WagonMasters Jim and Kate and expressed interest in going to work for Fantasy, and have never looked back.
After a thorough Ambassador training they jumped right in to the program with both feet, heading straight for the Rose Parade Rally, and then on to Baja. In 2014, they lead the 61 day Alaska tour, eight of the couples in the group decided they wanted to reunite on the Atlantic Provinces tour in 2016 ...but with one caveat - they wanted the Maacks to lead it. This last year, Bill and Nancy TailGunned the tour to become familiar with the territory, and they will be leading their group of friends this summer.
Before she retired, Nancy taught kindergarten, first and second grades in a variety of locations around the country. Bill had been a Russian linguist in the Air Force and was getting his Master's degree in math at UCLA when he took a summer job as a management trainee for a tire company. He rose to Regional Manager, then Vice President, opening new franchise stores. When his company was sold to Firestone, he went to work for Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY, selling franchises. Waiting for Nancy to retire, he decided to try substitute teaching, (Bill claims his worst assignment was teaching junior high school girls' physical education).
Still longing for adventure, the Maacks' RV travels have taken them to every state except Hawaii and most every Canadian province. They have a hard time picking their favorite Fantasy tour, but consider the 61 day Alaska caravan the one with the most "wow" factor, as it actually starts with three days at the Calgary Stampede before heading north to Alaska. Another favorite has to be touring the Maritime Provinces. They also enjoyed an East Coast tour, "it's like a mobile history lesson", filled with sights, sounds and interesting characters all along the Atlantic coast.
"We have friends who choose not to take tours because they think they are expensive and they can do it all on their own," says Bill. "However, when we ask them where they went and what they did while traveling on their own, we find that they always miss many of the attractions Fantasy builds into our tours simply because they don't have the knowledge. Had we traveled on our own through the Maritimes, we never would have known about the International Tattoo, and had known about it we likely wouldn't have been able to get tickets. On tour, those activities, costs and reservations are all built-in, and our guests end up doing things they never even considered. Every year, the Ambassadors come up with suggestions to add to almost every tour."
The Maacks ...well they fully intend to keep traveling. "Both of our daughters say they miss us when we're gone but also tell us we should go for it," says Nancy. "We love sharing this lifestyle, and we love having fun."
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COMPANY NEWS:
Coming Soon...
Fantasy RV Tours has started production on a new catalog for 2016 thru 2018 tours. We are very excited to introduce new dates, new activities and brand new tours to our already awesome caravans and rallies. One thing we like to remind people is that there will also be new pricing. Once the new catalog is out, last year's prices will literally be history. If there is a dream vacation you have been saving for, register now to lock in today's rates for future tours.
RV Shows and Industry Rallies - March is right around the corner and we have a super great Spring to look forward to:
March 18, 2016 -
Don't miss this FMCA National Rally!!!
FMCA 93rd Family Reunion & Motorhome Show Case
Perry, GA
...learn more
Mach 29, 2016
Fantasy RV Tours Family Reunion Rally
Charleston, SC
...learn more
PLUS ..for those last minute plans you may want to check out these Rallies and Caravans that have just a spot or two left:
Taste of Mexico - March 6, 2016
Gilla Bend, AZ
8 Fun filled days on the shores of Puerto Penasco
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