September 1, 2023 ~ Because the journey should be just as much fun as the destination, am I right?

This week, I set out on our next RV adventures with a 1200-mile cross-country trek from Minnesota to New Mexico. Let's be honest, after numerous previous experiences, I can confidently say that these long drives through America's Heartland can occasionally get pretty monotonous. Additionally, I've noticed that as time goes on, the idea of spending a small fortune on overnight RV pit-stops becomes less and less appealing. That's where Harvest Hosts comes in—a membership-based alternative to expensive RV parks. It not only provides us with a safe place to park for one night but also offers the opportunity to explore unique wineries, farms, orchards, breweries, and museums along the way.

I purchased a Harvest Host membership right after we started traveling in the RV in 2019, but it's not until recently that I've started to understand the true value that it has in turning long, dull drives across the country into something much, much better.

For my trip this week, I mapped out three Harvest Host stops on my drive spaced about 200 - 300 miles apart. The new app makes this pretty easy with a mapping tool that will show you all the possible locations along a planned route. They have also introduced online reservations recently, which is great and seems to be working well since all three of my hosts knew I was coming and asked me to sign in with my membership number on arrival.

Round Lake Vineyards & Winery

The first night's stopover was at Round Lake Vineyards & Winery in southwestern Minnesota.

Picture this: after five hours of driving on a hot, hazy day, surrounded by endless flat landscapes and cornfields, I suddenly pull into the long driveway, flanked by towering trees, lush green grass, and cool breezes coming off the lake. It feels like discovering an oasis in the middle of nowhere.

After a quick check-in and some friendly directions to my parking spot next to the lake, I settle in for a warm evening on the winery's patio enjoying some very good wines and listening to a local band play.

So much better than parking at a roadside RV park or a Walmart lot!

Pioneer Auto Museum

My next stop along the route was probably one of those roadside attractions in America that I would never have thought of stopping at before joining Harvest Hosts: The Pioneer Auto Museum in Murdo, South Dakota. This place is a treasure trove for history buffs and automobile aficionados. Classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and a slice of history were on display at this larger-than-expected little museum. Not to mention, some of the nicest museum docents I have ever met.

It took me a while to wander through the museum's expansive collection before settling in for the night, parked alongside the museum in a large gravel parking lot with four other Harvest Host members. As an added bonus, there is a small café attached to the museum that served breakfast and coffee in the morning.

Pine Bluffs Distilling

The last stop on this cross-country trip was at Pine Bluffs Distilling in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.

I've never been much of a bourbon and whiskey drinker myself, usually opting for an occasional fruity vodka concoction, but the bartender at Pine Bluffs mixed up what can only be described as the best bourbon drink I've ever had. It was so good that, at 51 years old, I purchased my very first bottle of bourbon.

If you're planning a long road trip, I highly recommend checking out a Harvest Hosts membership. As of today, a membership to the basic program costs $99 per year, and would more than cover the cost of two nights at most RV parks.

Here is my personal referral link with 15% off if you are interested in trying it out for yourself.