Spring break ahead!

Spring forward in your Fleetwood.

It might sound like we’re jumping the gun a little, but we’re so gosh darn excited to get the travel season underway, we can hardly stand it! So, we’ll be starting this installment with three family-friendly destinations sure to put some sizzle in your spring break and not break the bank! From there, we’ll touch on some tips that will help you take care of your coach’s awning and make it operate hassle-free. And we’ll wash it all down with a refreshing spring break fruit punch that’s sure to put smiles on faces! Get in, buckle up and let’s go!

Have a favorite spring break photo from the past you’d like to share? Tag us on our socials with #FleetwoodSpring!

Planning your Spring Break: Three engaging destinations
Before you know it, Spring Break 2021 will be upon us, so now’s the time to put together a fun trip the whole family will love and enjoy! We’ve chosen these three locations for their warm climate, number of attractions, family friendliness and all-out fun for everybody.

Orlando and Cocoa Beach, FL
For those looking for sun and family-friendly fun, there’s little that hasn’t already been said about Orlando, Florida. Kids will love visiting attractions like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND and Universal Studios Orlando, but the theme park capital of the world has more to offer than amusement parks.

A short drive east or west will take you to plenty of beaches. But specifically, we’re directing you to Cocoa Beach, a town with a quaint touristy feel of decades past that offers adventures. Enjoy wildlife and birding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, nature trails and parks, airboat tours, and the Canaveral National Seashore. For a more educational endeavor that no one will forget, visit the Kennedy Space Center to see and experience the massive rockets and space exhibits. Blastoff!

Amarillo, TX
This spring break destination is off the beaten path of ordinary, and we kinda like it for that reason. Amarillo, Texas is a fun spring getaway for its adventure, warm weather, and genuine Texas culture. The area beams with history with real-life cowboys, longhorns grazing, and delicious Texas BBQ at nearly every corner.

Visit the Route 66 historic district for fun landmarks, galleries, antique shops and more. Take your picture at the Cadillac Ranch with the surrounding ten Cadillacs covered in spray paint, nose-down in the ground. The art installation was created in 1974 and has become a popular roadside attraction. Next, head to the Big Texan Steak Ranch for the 72oz steak challenge that requires devouring a full 72-ounce steak as well as a shrimp cocktail, baked potato, and roll, all in one hour to join the 72 oz. Hall of Fame.

Nearby Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States, home to more than 30 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. At the canyon floor is The Trading Post where visitors can rest, get a bite to eat and shop to bring home some souvenirs.

Make sure to visit the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum to learn more about the history of RVing. The museum is free to the public and is open Monday-Saturday. You can make camp with your RV at Palo Duro Canyon, which has 114 sites with electricity, restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Yee haw!

Hilton Head, SC
Back on the east side of the lower 48 are gorgeous South Carolina beaches, including Hilton Head. While it is a popular area for spring breakers there’s plenty to do for the whole family away from the typical college shenanigans. For the family-friendly spring break experience, head to the island of Hilton Head, an exquisite area home to 14 miles of sandy beaches, 20 world-class golf courses and more than 100 miles of bike paths.
While there is an airport for flying to Hilton Head, driving is possible and the area has some great resorts, so no need to abandon the RV. Hilton Head will make you want to stay for as long as you can!

Care and cleaning of your awning
Just like everything else on your RV, your awning needs a little bit of care and attention to keep it operating at its best. That goes the same for your slide-out covers as well—the retractable awnings that keep rain, ice, snow and debris from accumulating on your slide outs. Here’s some basic tips that when followed, will help keep your coach’s patio awning and slide-out covers working (and looking) great.

Extend it. Retract it.
Make sure your awning is fully extended when using. A fully deployed awning will provide maximum strength. When facing the prospect of gusting winds or rainfall, retract the awning ahead of time to avoid damage. Rainwater can quickly pool in the canvas and overload the awning. When in doubt, retract it so you’ll never have to start a story with: “This one time, I didn’t retract my awning and…”

Clean it.
There’s really no magic to cleaning the awnings and slide-out covers on your Fleetwood. In most cases, just hosing it off with water will do a good job. However, there are products, specifically formulated for cleaning that you can use, along with a soft brush. Remember though, the more you scrub, the more you will wear down the waterproof coating that keeps you dry underneath. In other words, clean it when you have to, and do it gently.

Clear it.
We love scenic campsites as much as anyone—after all, trees, birds and the great outdoors are part of the reason we love camping in our RV. But along with the scenery comes falling debris: twigs, acorns, and any number of possible items that must be cleared before retracting your awnings and slide outs. Foreign objects on your awnings can, over time leave stains, and if retracted can damage the awning or the retracting system—think pine cones in a slide-out cover—not a good time.

Pay attention to the kinds of trees you’re parked near and double check your awnings if you’ve been camped in one location for a longer duration. Rain can collect, especially on slideout covers, so if there’s been recent rain, retract the slide outs in increments to allow them to shed water. Clearing an awning that has pine needles or the like is easy too: just use a broom handle from below to gently bump the fabric and usher the debris off the awning. A small leaf blower could also quickly clear any debris. Don’t forget to make sure to check all areas of the awning and slide-out cover are clear of debris and not just the top.

Following these care tips and referring to your owner’s manual will go a long way in keeping your awnings and slide out covers clean, clear and operating at their best! You’ll have it made in the shade.

Break out the refreshment: Spring break lemonade
Alright, let’s set the boozy drinks aside for now and get into a refreshing sip that hits the spot after a long hike or being out by the seashore! Here, we take old school lemonade and add in the extras to bring this beverage into 2021 with style! Serves four.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1.5 cup sugar
• 1.5 cup honey
• 1.25 cups fresh lemon juice
• 6 cups cold water
• Ice cubes
• Additional lemon slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions:
In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil; add rosemary sprigs. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 10 minutes.
Remove and discard rosemary sprigs. Stir in sugar and honey until dissolved. Transfer to a pitcher; refrigerate 15 minutes.
Add lemon juice; stir in cold water. Serve over ice. If desired, top with additional lemon slices and rosemary sprigs. Enjoy the sweet, satisfying taste!