In this weekly roundup, Togo RV shares the top stories and features that are impacting and shaping the RV community. We cover everything from news and travel updates to gear and gadgets, and all the good stuff in between.
3 Unusual Scenic Byways to Explore
The U.S. has more than 180 scenic byways and All-American Roads, showcasing some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes. These roads also feature historic sites, as well as some scenery best experienced after dark. New Mexico’s 84-mile Billy the Kid Scenic Byway is a tour through time, with several stops telling tales of the Wild West. Kentucky’s 144-mile Country Music Highway highlights a region where many musicians have roots. And the nation’s first—and only—scenic nighttime byway belongs to the Las Vegas Strip, which is a mere 5-miles long.
Read more from Scenic AmericaYou’ll Never Shop at REI on Black Friday
Since 2015, popular outdoor retailer REI has closed its doors on Black Friday and instead promotes the Opt Outside initiative, which encourages consumers to hit the trails instead of the stores. This year, the annual tradition becomes permanent, with REI pledging never to open on the day after Thanksgiving again. The retailer’s 16,000 employees have the day off—with pay. They, too, are encouraged to spend time outside. REI is also giving employees time off for civic engagement on Election Day by delaying store openings by 2 hours on November 8.
Read more from Footwear NewsNew Truck Camper Manufacturer Makes Its Debut
In September, Soaring Eagle Campers debuted, showcasing two lightweight, entry-level aluminum truck campers. With the truck camper market saturated by decked-out models, the brand’s founders saw an opportunity for a more pared-down approach. The Nest is similar to a truck topper and is designed to be an upgrade for tent campers. The Aldar comes in two floor plans and weighs between 1,000 and 1,500 pounds, with the XL model featuring a cab-over bunk, portable toilet, and basic kitchen setup.
Read more from RV News
How to Find When Fall Foliage Will Peak This Year
While experts have long predicted fall foliage timelines using historical data and meteorological conditionals, the Gaia GPS app is taking a new approach, thanks to its catalog of updated satellite images. With a premier membership, you can add current satellite image overlays to Gaia’s topographic maps. Colorful patches of changing leaves will contrast the traditional green hues, taking the guesswork out of finding fall foliage. Gaia can even guide you to the most scenic spots, and you can pre-download the map if you anticipate limited reception.
Read more from Outside OnlineWould You Camp at a Zoo?
You’ll soon be able to camp near the exotic wildlife of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s special animal conservation center known as The Wilds. Developed under famed zoo director Jack Hanna, The Wilds offers safari-style animal tours and expansive habitats on revitalized mining lands, which were transformed into a rolling savannah. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is redeveloping an adjacent plot to create a 59-acre campground for The Wilds, featuring 46 RV sites and 27 primitive campsites. The campsites will join an existing lodge, cabins, and glamping experience already available.
Read more from Woodall’s Campground MagazineThis Gearbox Cleverly Conceals a Functional Kitchen
Imagine sliding an entire kitchen setup out of your pickup truck bed, SUV, or van. That’s exactly what you can do with the PullKitchen Longitude. This slide-out gearbox comes equipped with a built-in sink, dual-burner propane stove, removable cutting board, countertop workspace, and water tank. Battery-powered LED lights illuminate the space for nighttime cooking, and a deep pantry adds storage for cookware, ingredients, and supplies.
Read more from PullKitchen
More Than $1 Million Heading to National Park Service for Roadways
While recent federal funds for national park development have focused on infrastructure and maintenance, one source of funding will focus specifically on National Park Service (NPS) roadways and transportation, thanks to a $1.1 million allocation from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The NPS wants to make travel safer around parks and develop a more accurate notification system for visitors about parking and road conditions. Future NPS projects include electrifying park vehicles and transit systems, as well as adding electric charging stations.
Read more from Roads & Bridges
