Meet Paige the explorer behind Project Rustic

Christina

General RV is sponsoring Project Rustic, a five-month long effort by the MI Dept. of Natural Resources to gather information about rustic state forest campgrounds and update their Recreation Search directory of campsites and outdoor recreation opportunities. Paige, an AmeriCorps member serving with the DNR, will be traveling by RV to visit sites and gather data and photos. Christina, a communications specialist at General RV, interviewed Paige to find out more about her and this exciting project. The transcript below has been edited for length and clarity.   

A young blond woman and a black and white dog pose in front of a black mountain bike on a forest trail covered with dry, fallen leaves.
Paige and her dog Willow. Photo courtesy of Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources.

Meet Paige and learn about Project Rustic

Christina: Welcome, Paige! Tell us a little about yourself!

Paige: I am a second term Huron Pines AmeriCorps member serving with the DNR up here in Traverse City but I’m from the Grand Rapids area originally. I have a background in natural resources which led me to me serving with the DNR and my interest in this project.

Christina: And how did you get this ‘dream job’ to travel around Michigan in an RV?

Paige (laughing): Last year, in a meeting with the Parks and Rec division, they were discussing efforts to update the Recreation Search database with more information for users to prepare for their trips or learn about a certain campground or area. I thought the best way to do that would be to take a boots on the ground approach and visit each campground myself. So, I called my supervisor and proposed this crazy idea. She was all for it and was like, “Ok, let’s see what we can do.” With a lot of help and support from a lot of DNR folks and partners we were able to make Project Rustic happen.

Read more →
Michigan DNR partners with General RV Center for Project Rustic

Michigan DNR partners with General RV Center for Project Rustic

Christina

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is partnering with General RV Center for Project Rustic. Project Rustic is a five-month long, statewide RV tour of Michigan’s rustic campgrounds that will help improve the DNR’s Recreation Search directory. This directory is an important resource for campers and outdoor explorers who can find campsites and recreation opportunities, like parks and trails, around the state.

The Project Rustic logo is an olive green badge with a red band across the middle that reads Project Rustic. At the bottom of the badge is an illustrated forest scene with trees silhouetted against a starry sky with a moon.

The tour is the brainchild of Paige L., a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member serving with the DNR, who felt one of the best ways to capture the details of each destination was to experience it herself. She pitched her idea of a boots on the ground approach to her boss who loved it. After some internal planning and conversations with sponsor partners, Project Rustic received the green light.

“Today’s traveler turns to the internet first for information, which is why the DNR has prioritized improving the depth and accuracy of data available,” said Ami Van Antwerp, a DNR communications specialist. “Having Paige take the lead made total sense because she represents the next generation of travelers and is taking that unique perspective with her.”

Read more →
Winnebago Journey diesel motorhome stands out for comfort and luxury

Winnebago Journey diesel motorhome stands out for comfort and luxury

Christina

The 2022 Journey is Winnebago’s newest Class A diesel motorhome. This diesel pusher was designed for luxury travel and entertaining. Each floorplan includes residential features for your comfort and high-end, modern finishes to compliment your style.

A Winnebago Journey Class A motorhome travels along a suspension bridge.
The exterior of the 2022 Winnebago Journey features a revolutionary new design with a tapered front end that maximizes sightlines and reduces noise.

The comfortable Winnebago Journey starts with a smooth & quiet ride

Built on a Freightliner Maxum II XCM chassis with a 380-HP Cummins engine, the Winnebago Journey offers a smooth, quiet riding experience with all the power needed for cross-country touring. Additionally, the Journey has a 10,000-lb. trailer hitch so you can tow your vehicle, golf cart, or motorcycle.

The automotive cockpit provides the driver a commanding view for better visibility and safety. All dashboard instrumentation is easy to read and reach. The infotainment and navigation system includes a 12.3-inch LCD color touch screen, rearview monitor, handheld remote, rear color camera, USB input, and more. Both driver and passenger seats have six-way power adjustments, adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and reclining options so you can travel mile after mile without getting weary.

Read more →

Alliance Paradigm 310RL is a roomy option for full-time RVers

Christina

If you’re looking for a spacious fifth wheel with plenty of room to stretch out and all the amenities of home, then put the 2021 Alliance Paradigm 310RL on your short list to check out at General RV.

The open layout of the Alliance Paradigm 310RL includes a beautiful kitchen, living and dining area with a beautiful kitchen island in the center.

Before we dive into this RV floorplan, let’s talk about the manufacturer. Alliance is one of the newest RV manufacturers, but they already have quite a devoted fan base and active Facebook community. Founded by RV industry veterans in 2019, the company’s mission is simple: Do the right thing! They aim to provide customers with the best RV ownership experience by fostering long-term alliances with their owners and dealer partners, exceeding expectations every step of the way.

One way Alliance does this is by creating RVs that are designed around the needs of real RV owners. For example, while working on the Paradigm 310RL, the company reached out to campers via social media and asked them which features could improve their RVing experience. Then, engineers incorporated many of those suggestions in the final design.

Read more →