We decide to make a run to Hershey, PA today - about an hour an a half's drive - for the Hershey RV Show. Touted as one of the largest shows in the country, we thought it would be interesting to have a look at what is new.
A little light rain and mist as we locate the show site, but at least things have cooled off a bit. Most of the show is outside, so we head first to check out the class B vehicles in case the rain gets heavier. Class B's are the smallest, van-sized rv's. Class C's are larger and then there are the huge, bus-sized and larger Motorhomes which include the vehicle engine and towables that can be disconnected from the towing vehicle (Class A). There are a huge variety, from pop-ups to huge homes with multiple slide-outs. Some of the larger ones are easily larger than our first apartment!
They have a selection of B's including Pleasure Way, Hymer, Roadtrek, the Winnebago Travaro and Airstream. Some Leisure vans too, which are a bit larger - maybe a B+ size. Many of these are on the Mercedes Sprinter chassis, which neither of us are fans of. We have heard too many negative reports on them and think that working on them can be very expensive too. Others are on Chevy or Dodge chassis.
The Winnebago Travato has a nice layout. Storage seems scarce in some models - most don't have the outside storage bins that we have. Newer features include Lithium Ion batteries, solar panels, roomier bathroom facilities, larger fridges, etc. One Hymer Activ model even comes with a pop-up sleeping area (with ladder). Roadtrek is still making Chevy (like ours) conversions, but they are by order only and they are obviously pushing the newer Mercedes and Dodge models here.
A little drippy rain and we head inside to see the displays and vendors. Camping World has a huge area and there are several "Club" organizations like Good Sam, Passport America and others that you pay a membership for in return for discounts at selected campgrounds, roadside service, and other features. We did Good Sam for the roadside service on our trip to Alaska, but haven't bothered with it since and haven't missed it. Pennsylvania and a few other states have travel literature and the National Park Service has a display as well. Nothing exceptional, no fancy new gadgets caught our eye - many things were geared towards large motorhomes, trailers and fifth wheels.
We peek into a few of the large vehicles - with things like additional bunk beds, large screen TV's (inside and out), plush recliners, walk in showers, and more. For a different kind of lifestyle, they would be great!
Since we are in Hershey and Beth is a bit of a chocoholic, we decide to visit Hershey Chocolate World. Love the streetlights throughout town shaped like Hershey Kisses!
Greg is hungry for barbecue, so we find the "Smoked Bar & Grill" and enjoy some tasty brisket and pulled pork before heading back towards New Holland. It's not Texan, but it will do. We take a leisurely route on back roads and enjoy the countryside. We've seen many duplex houses in towns - sometimes decorated in two totally different ways.
This afternoon we head to Tel Hai, another community retirement center where Gwynne works in the activities/wellness area, organizing and teaching classes.
We meet Gwynne at Stonecroft, one of the residences, which is 3 years old. A beautiful large brick 4 story building that doubled their residential capacity to about 1,000. Lovely dining area and various meeting rooms for quilters, woodworkers, model train builders and many other organizations. The pool area where Gwynne's office is located is very nice and we meet a few of her smiling co-workers.
Back to Garden Spot for some more visiting with Mom. Mom has graciously lent us the use of her car for our exploring, and we will use it once again tomorrow as we head to New Jersey and New York City. Greg has never seen the Statue of Liberty and we both want to visit Ellis Island and the 9/11 Memorial Site.
No comments:
Post a Comment