“Retirement Living at its Best!”
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Features Cover Story
Shopping Smart
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So you want a Park Model - now what?
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Behind the Scenes Get to know Park Model manufacturing from the inside out
A Vine Romance
PHOTO - www.SheltonVineyards.com
PHOTO - C. Hering
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Shelton Vineyards is a great place to stop on the way to your Park Model
Departments Notes from the Boss
2
Featured Resources
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Letters to the Editor
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Dealer Review 9 - Travel Town Trailers
Healthy Living
18
The Ad Spot
4 The Model Life
Classifieds
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Meet the Staff
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13
Manufacturer Review 5 - Pinnacle Park Homes
Cover photo courtesy of Park Models Plus of New Hampshire - www.ParkModelsPlus.com
Park Review 17 - Mountain Creek RV Resort
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Most of us consider summer to be vacation time. The rhythm gets established with school schedules that release us from the structured learning environment in June and re-capture us in late August. We consume more ice cream in summer. Somehow, that cool, icy rush is a necessity when it swelters outside. Never mind that I’m in air conditioned spaces most of the time – I still want ice cream. Frank and I just spent a week at a popular vacation area (Atlantic coast) with my brother, Dan, and sister in law, Martha. We rented a lovely, welcoming home an easy walk to the ocean. It took me several days to reset my internal computer to relax mode. I read several books, caught up on some work tasks, walked on the beach and rode my bike This was my first time at this location and I found it to be busy and crowded with lots of tourists, like myself, who don’t know the roads or the restaurants. We were overcharged for good (and mediocre) food, in crowded spaces, with an hour wait for dinner being typical. When I’m in home territory I can get restaurant recommendations from friends or the local food writer and make informed decisions about how I dine out. On vacation, one of our best meals we found because Martha had a recommendation from a friend who had been there a few weeks earlier. An advantage to a Park Model is the familiar space with my own bed, furniture and kitchen equipment. Most Park Model owners stay for longer periods of time and become a part-time local. This lets you establish local connections and find the restaurant that the tourists may miss. Given my crowded, overpriced week, it was particularly delightful to discover a travel gem. We had fabulous service and food at the Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards, Dobson NC (www.sheltonvineyards.com). You can read my review in this issue. When you find gems, write us a paragraph or two and we’ll share.
Kaeth S. Gauthier Editor in Chief www.ParkModelLiving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 2
Letters to the Editor I am a 40 year old female and looking into the Park Model Lifestyle. I am actually so excited thinking about it! I need help finding a place to put my Park Model that allows me to work and be outdoors enjoying what life has to offer. I would like to stay in the Northwest or Southwest. I was born and raised in the desert and want to be around water. It’s just me and the love of my life, my dog Taz. I need help to find a place to put a Park Model to live in year round, not too isolated, and with outdoor fun activities. Michelle V. AZ Response: Readers and park owners - help Michelle with her quest!
In our last issue Wauchula FL (863-7733852) and have 355 RV Julie F. from Florida asked about taller lofts. spaces with more than half for Park Models. Response: Barry at While they are ageNorth Park Manufactur- restricted, they allow ing tells us that the height younger folks in their 35 restriction is mostly due to rental units. They allow issues of transportation. full time residents. The Park Models are typically put on a flatbed trailer to deliver. Parks, Dealers and Highway bridges and Manufacturers ask us: power lines limit the How do we get reheight. Several manufac- viewed in PMLM? turers, including North Park, build a Park Model Response: Our selection is with a dropped bedroom based on several criteria. floor which gives more The most important is a height to the loft. Also, personal recommendation Barry tells us they have from your customers. Anbuilt some taller custom other is geography, as we models when they know a try to select from different delivery route that allows parts of the country. more height. The third is to have information available to us. We do not require Stan H. asked about that you advertise in order age restrictions and to be reviewed. year-round living options. The Q&A section of our web site includes more Response: Sandra from details about reviews. Crystal Lake Village tells us they are located in
Mission Statement Park Model Living is a website and monthly magazine designed to provide information and resources for people who enjoy the Park Model Lifestyle. Park Models are recreational homes for seasonal living. They are factory built on a single chassis and are no more than 400 square feet for the essential building (approximately 34’ x 12’). Park Models are licensed and taxed as recreational vehicles, although they are not designed to be towed. Park Models are placed on private property, in recreational parks and campgrounds.
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Have a suggestion? We need to hear from you! So… E-mail us your letters to the editor at: suggestions@parkmodelliving.com Or Send us a letter by mail at: Park Model Living Letters Dept. P.O. Box 13571 Fairlawn, OH 44334
If you have a question or are interested in a subscription, please visit our website at
PUBLISHER
Peter F. Gauthier EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Kaeth S. Gauthier PRODUCTION MANAGER
T. M. Brown ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Carol Hering DISTRIBUTION CO-ORDINATOR
Martha Shaughnessy STAFF WRITERS
Pete Franks K. Shaughnessy Lillian Mason Golda Wellbaum Alice Onnalee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bill Garpow, RPTIA ED
www.parkmodelliving.com FRENCH LANGUAGE EDITOR
E-mail us at info@parkmodelliving.com
Marie Rotondo
Or you can write or call at
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Park Model Living Magazine P.O. Box 13571 Fairlawn, OH 44334 1-866-766-0564
Sarah Shaughnessy INTERNS
Carlie Shaughnessy Emily Shaughnessy
Park Model Living Magazine is an independently owned and produced magazine. Magazine and all original design copyrighted 2007, PML Publishing, LLC.
www.ParkModelLiving.com
299 N. Smith Ave. Corona, CA 92880 1-800-382-0709 info@silvercrest.com www.silvercrest-rv.com Silvercrest is proud of the quality built into every Luxury Park Model, and we back it up in writing with our EXCLUSIVE, “SILVERSHIELD� 7 YEAR WARANTY. Covering all originally installed, or Dealer included systems, and appliances.
SERVICES & PROMOTIONS Available Services for our RV Park Customers Wireless Network Installation & Maintenance Network Monitoring, Management, & Response Network Authorization Internet Access Provisioning Subscriber Support Promotion Friendly & Professional Technical Support Roaming Programs
The Wireless Web offers your business 100% installation, operation, and maintenance of your new high-speed internet system. Your satisfaction is our goal in providing you with excellent, prompt, service for all of your wireless internet needs.
Your Ad Here Interested? Contact Carol Hering
1-877-813-8775 www.TheWirelessWeb.com www.ParkModelLiving.com
Advertising Director Park Model Living 1-866-307-2556
Is your computer getting ugly?
Let our expert technicians connect to your computer online & fix your problems! www.DrHelpOnline.com Park Model Living Magazine 4
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homes are all custom built. The people who build Pinnacle Park Homes take great pride in what they do. Their time and energy is spent building a solid home that will In January of 2007 Pinnacle Park Homes of Ochlock- last for many, many years. Another happy customer, nee, Georgia, attended the Tampa Super Show for the Wayne, owns a campground and has purchased many very first time and was awarded First Place in the Park Pinnacle Park Homes. He says, “I’ve worked with PinModel Division. Terri Stewart, business development nacle since 2003. We have worked with them to get the member tells us, “We were there among all the larger designs we want. They’re good people who take care of manufacturers of Park Models and we are very proud to their cabins. Pinnacle Park Homes make sure they leave say that our Park Model home won First Place. The the factory ready to go.” quality of construction of a Pinnacle homes stand up to Pinnacle Park Home is secthe most brutal weather. One cliond to none in the indusent in South Florida weathered try.” many storms with no damage to Located less than an his homes, when other structures hour north of Tallahassee, within a few feet of the Park ModFlorida, the company els, were completely destroyed. opened in 2003 under the Another client said he actually name South Georgia Cab“fished” a unit out of the bayou ins. They employed five in the Louisiana after a storm and people who built rustic cewas able to renovate and reuse it. dar cabins. As the comThe Pinnacle website includes pany grew to 40 employees, floor plans as well as interior and and their market expanded, exterior options with detailed the name was changed to photos to help you shop. There Pinnacle Park Homes. The The kitchen/dining area in one of Pinnacle Park Homes’ elegant Park Models are specification pages for detailowner of the company, Randy Stewart, Jr., has more oriented shoppers. Pinnacle provides information about than 20 years of experience in building Park Model financing and answers frequently asked questions. homes. This is his hobby and he oversees the production Terri says, “The main asset that makes Pinnacle Park of each and every home. Stewart is very hands-on and is Homes different than any other manufacturer is that the involved in all aspects of the process from drawing the owner is there every step of the way and we deliver every print in the beginning, to inspecting the unit before it home free from defects.” While the company’s major ships. focus is on campgrounds, they also cater to individuals. A key to their success is happy customers. Mike from Terri tells us, “We are very excited about a new line of Georgia recently worked with Pinnacle to develop a rehomes that is being designed. We hope to have this optreat center for employees. He tells us, “Pinnacle Park tion available by the end of 2007. This new line will exhelped us immensely. We created an environment pand our availability to serve more customers in different where employees can get away from the mad rush of the markets. city. We designed a custom center with a main cabin Pinnacle Park Homes is large enough to serve the and several additional cabins. The Pinnacle Park Homes United States and small enough to give personalized serwere exactly what we were looking for.” vice to every client we are fortunate to meet. We invite The sales team at Pinnacle Park Homes is very you to become a part of our family.” knowledgeable about the product and has the support of ownership to be sure the customer is always happy. The Golda Wellbaum can be reached at: info@parkmodelliving.com By Golda Wellbaum
PHOTO - Courtesy of Pinnacle Park Homes
PML Staff Writer
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www.ParkModelLiving.com
Featured Resources If you would like to know more about the parks, dealers, & manufacturers featured in this month’s magazine, you’ve found the right place. Featured Resources is a brand new addition to our magazine and we hope it helps you to connect with the Park Model resources that you need.
This Month’s Resources:
Cabela’s 1-800-237-4444 www.Cabelas.com
Dealer Review(p.9) Travel Town Trailers 109 Congamond Rd Southwick MA 01077 1-800-356-6721 www.traveltowntrailers.com
Manufacturer Review(p.5)
A Vine Romance (p.15)
Pinnacle Park Homes 26488 GA Hwy 3 Ochlocknee GA 31773 866-574-5159 www.PinnacleParkHomes.co m
Shelton Vineyards 286 Cabernet Lane Dobson NC 27017 336-366-4742 www.sheltonvineyards.com
Behind the Scenes (p.7) Athens Park Homes 3401 W. Corsicana St Athens, TX 75751 1-800-738-0392 www.AthensParkHomes.com
Park Review(p.17) Mountain Creek RV Resort 136 Mountain Creek Road Blairsville GA 30512 706-745-5600 www.mountaincreekrvresort.c om
www. www.G GOBSOFKNOBS.net
By Carol Hering PML Staff Writer
Carol Hering, who lives in Texas, is our Advertising Director. Carol is a bright, enthusiastic person who has spent years working with the public. She has a great talent for listening and connecting with people. Because Carol has not owned or stayed in a Park Model, we sent her traveling through Texas to learn about these wonderful houses.
Athens Park Model Homes In July, I saw a Park Model manufacturing plant in production. Dick Grymonprez, Vice President of Athens Park Model Homes, arranged a tour and I traveled to Athens, Texas. Athens is located about 100 miles SE of Dallas in east Texas with hilly landscape and beautiful trees. Traveling from Dallas, the rolling countryside was beautiful. The generous rains that Texas enjoyed for the first two months of summer made the stock ponds look like small lakes everywhere. The landscape was glowing green. After meeting Dick, we went on a tour through the manufacturing plant and he explained each step of the procedure. The space was buzzing with workmen dedicated to their particular part of the construction process. There were special areas where custom cabinets were built, windows were waiting to be placed, and roofs were built before being placed on a specific home. Walls for the homes were assembled in another area and brought to the base at the correct time. More than a half dozen homes were in various stages of completion. The first area was where the un7 Park Model Living Magazine
Inside the factory at Athens Park Homes
derbelly of what would become the floor was being built. The vents for heating and air conditioning were placed in the floor, along with insulation and some wiring. Dick explained that after the wiring and venting were in place, the floor section would be flipped and additional work would begin on the top of that floor section. Flooring would be installed, then the walls, cabinets and roof. In another area of production, walls were fabricated according to plan and moved to the floor section to be put into place. Workmen were putting insulation in the walls. Wires were hanging from the ceiling, so that outside walls were not breached after being placed on the floor section. These wires could then be secured for the correct placement on the inside walls where needed. In another home, there was a crew taping and texturing the
PHOTO - C. Hering
walls before painting. The outside of each home has log, cedar, or fiber-cement siding. No detail was too insignificant for these craftsmen who were working to complete their project. The special talents of these workers represent years of experience in the building business. Each one seemed to be taking pride in the job he was doing in turning out a beautiful Athens Park Model that would become someone’s pride and joy for a second home. The roofs were covered with either metal or regular shingles. After work was finished, a shiny 397 sq ft. Park Model emerged. From the construction area, we moved outside to tour finished models that were ready for customers. The variations are amazing - from a pale yellow house with white trim to a true log cabin type home. On one, it appeared that the outside was log, but Dick pointed out that this was a www.ParkModelLiving.com
stain they developed for cempanel siding to look like wood. What a nice innovation this is for the vacation homeowner – the look of wooden logs, but with the long-term freedom from maintenance that cempanel siding gives the homeowner. All these Park Models have porches on them; a nice touch that gives the home a finished appearance with additional useable floor space. Another nice feature of the Athens Park Model is the addition of extra windows up high that give extra light to the interior of the home. You can have a convection oven, granite counter tops, marble windowsills and many more conveniences. Furniture packages are also available to customize your Park Model. If you are thinking about purchasing a Park Model home, I urge you to call and tour a manufacturing facility for a fascinating experience. It was obvious that everyone in Athens cared about their product and worked to make it one they are proud to put their names on. You can go to www.AthensParkmodels.com to learn more about the diversity of their product. Dick told me that people can order their Park Model on line for delivery to their location of choice.
on a hunting lease. Since the interiors are furnished, this hunting cabin really looks the part. The table and chairs (available at Cabela’s) have a rustic and sturdy appearance of peeled pine logs. The rocking chair is also made of peeled pine. The The Cabela’s Master Sportsman Park Model Cabin on the lot at the Ft. Worth StorePHOTO - C. Hering bedroom was configured as a “bunk room” with my communication with the manutwo sets of bunk beds to sleep four. facturers and people in this industry There is plenty of storage and closet is their enthusiasm – which is very space. The full bathroom, complete contagious. They all have huge pride with shower, sure beats the outhouse- in building a quality product for the type facilities at some hunting leases. consumer. Carol Hering can be reached at: This Park Model had a loft that carol@parkmodelliving.com would accommodate more storage or sleeping space. (Good thing the roof is securely attached – I wouldn’t want it to raise up with the snores of four tired hunters!) As I learn Cabela’s more about the construction, I had heard recently that Cabela’s, the sportsman’s outfitter store, variety of styles and types of was promoting a Park Model home specifically designed for the sportsPark Models, it’s like a new chapman as a hunting or fishing cabin. ter in my life. I Cabela’s Master Sportsman Park am having fun Model Cabin is on display outside talking with peothe Cabela’s store in Ft. Worth, ple from coast to Texas and I traveled to see it. The exterior is authentic cedar log siding coast about their manufacturing and the green roof is ribbed metal. This Park Model is manufactured by process and their particular niche Forest River in Indiana. of this industry. The interior doesn’t disappoint The thing I’ve the true hunter, although it’s much nicer - even luxurious - compared to found to be consome of the hunting cabins I’ve seen sistent through www.ParkModelLiving.com
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ested in higher lofts and several of the manufacturers offer a sunken rear bedroom, which adds height to the loft. While some of the camps won’t take 12’ models because Established in 1962 in Southwick, Massachusetts, of space limitations, most of their customers want the Bob and Barbara Spillane first started in the RV industry larger Park Models. by renting pop-up trailers out of a local gas station. There is no charge for Travel Town Trailers to deliver Travel Town Trailers grew quickly during the next few in New England, New York and Pennsylvania. The cost years until it was one of the largest dealerships in the of delivery and set-up within 250 miles is included in the area – offering a full line price for each Park of tent trailers, travel Model. David tells trailers and motor us, “As long as my homes. Their son, guys don’t have to David, joined the busistay overnight to ness in 1973 after gradumake a delivery, we ating from college. don’t charge. Our Travel Town Trailers reprofessional set-up mains a family owned is what makes us so and operated RV dealerspecial and different ship. They sold their from other dealerfirst Park Model in 1976. ship. In 1986, due to its Our satisfied expanding inventory of customers are our Park Models and larger best advertiseseasonal travel trailers, ments!” The set-up Travel Town Trailers crew supplies the added a second sales lot necessary materials and grew the inventory at no charge. This PHOTO - Courtesy of Travel Town Trailers of Park Models. They includes cement The Park Model section of the lot at Travel Town Trailers have grown to become a blocks, patio leader in Park Model sales and service in New England. blocks, sewer connectors, LP gas and electrical connecThey are a member of RPTIA, the association of Park tions. Model dealers and manufacturers who govern the Park Because the demand from customers has increased, Model industry. David reports “We need more parks to open up where David tells us that most of their Park Models are de- we can put in the Park Models. Word of mouth is our livered to Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine. “Only best advertising. When people visit a campground and a handful of these parks are open year-round. Most of see the Park Models, they want one.” Most of the parks this area is open April 15 to October 31 and the parks have only seasonal leases and don’t offer short term rentdon’t allow year-round residents.” als. Travel Town Trailers sells Park Models from Travel Town Trailers has sold and delivered most Breckenridge, Trophy, Kropf and Woodland Park. types of Park Models manufactured since 1976 and have These manufacturers provide a wide selection, great been called “Park Model Experts.” David is very knowlvalue and flexibility to find what the customer needs. edgeable about the Park Models and available locations Each model they sell can be custom ordered. in New England and is happy to be a resource for our Most of their sales are models with lofts and the dou- readers. ble loft is the most popular. David’s customers are inter- Lillian Mason can be reached at: info@parkmodelliving.com By Lillian Mason PML Staff Writer
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www.ParkModelLiving.com
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By K.aeth Gauthier PML Editor-in-Chief
What is a Park Model and what do you do with it? The article in the New York Times opened the doors to these lovely homes to people who had never seen them. I get lots of phone calls from people who want more information and want to see a Park Model. Some of them want to move into one immediately. This concept is brand new and they’re excited and curious. www.ParkModelLiving.com
S t o r y -
Sally from New York said, “These are so beautiful. I like the idea of living in a very small space with fewer things around me.” She would like to live in one yearround. Brett from New Jersey told us, “I’m tired of renting hotel rooms for family vacations. We spend way too much money in restaurants and don’t have enough privacy. I also don’t want to lug a tent or drive a motor home. Park Models sound like a great choice.” We’re going to answer some very basic questions in this issue and will expand this to more details in future Park Model Living Magazine 10
PHOTO - www.ChestnutRidgeLogCabins.com
issues. flooring, counters, and cabinets. be another source for a visit. It’s somewhat difficult to explain While visual learners may get When you visit the Park Models the size of Park Models. Some peo- what they need from the web and try one on for size. If you spend your ple are enchanted with the idea of a brochures, it helps to stand in a Park relaxing time reading, take a book small space to heat/cool, clean and Model and experience the space. with you and sit in the Park Model maintain. Most of the manufacturers invite you for awhile. Imagine yourself fixing a To give you a reference point, my to tour their factory. Be sure you call meal. Imagine how easy it is to plug living room is 19x23 which equals first (and mention that we sent you). the vacuum into one outlet and clean 437 square feet. It’s a bit difficult to According to Duncan from Lou- your entire living space. However, if imagine an entire living space being isiana, “My wife showed me web you spend your relaxing time carving smaller than my living room. sites and floor plans. I thought they wooden carousel horses a Park Paul from Wisconsin told us, were too tiny and I wouldn’t like Model probably isn’t the right choice. “Several years ago I stayed six weeks them at all. We toured a manufacturThere are many questions that in a hotel suite with two rooms. This ing plant and as soon as I walked you must answer about Park Model was smaller than 400 sq feet and was through one, we wrote an order. I Living before you do serious shopvery comfortable. ping. How do I found it quite you plan to use freeing to worry the Park about fewer Model? Will “things” and didyou spend four n’t miss the clutor five continuter that surrounds ous months in me at home. I residence? think I could enPeggy and joy a Park Bill from MichiModel.” gan became Where do you snowbirds when look at a Park they retired. Model? “We sold our Search the large older web. Our magahome in Michizine web site gan and bought parkmodelliva small condo ing.com has links there as well as to all the manua Park Model facturers we have in Texas. We located. leave the cold Every one has weather the a web site. Here This “Vanderbilt” Signature Series from Chestnut Ridge Log Cabins is one of many options when shopping for a Park Model first week of you can see floor January and plans, look at exterior and interior plan to add a screened room and stay in Texas until early May. views, and see what Park Models spend every minute relaxing.” It’s such fun to look forward to look like situated in a park or on priThe PMLM web site also lists the pot-luck dinners and relaxed time vate property. Use their “contact us” dealers. Most of the dealers sell mod- with our friends. In Texas there are link to order brochures. els from more than one manufacso many activities we’re never View several sites so you underturer. Find one nearby, and plan a bored.” stand the range of choices. Some trip. Call them first to check hours Will you place it close to your pricompanies make rustic, log-cabin because many dealers have seasonal mary residence and spend relaxing looking versions while others make hours. weekends? residential-looking options. If you can only get there on a SatDale in Ohio said, “We live in Many of the web sites have close- urday at 3 PM, ask nicely (and men- Cleveland and come to Clare-Mar up photos of siding colors, roof tiles tion us, of course) and they might ac- most weekends. Friends invited us and shutter options. The manufaccommodate you. Some parks sell here for a picnic three years ago and turers provide a range of carpet, new and used Park Models and could we joke that we never went home. 11 Park Model Living Magazine
www.ParkModelLiving.com
There are lots of children here and ours stay busy all summer. We don’t let the kids bring TV or computer games and they rarely complain. I feel like I’m giving my family a great experience.” Will you have a Park Model close to your daughter’s home so you can visit and not crowd your son-in-law? More baby-boomers make this choice. Veronica from Pennsylvania said, “Our grandchildren live six hours from us. Five years ago we bought a Park Model in a beautiful RV park 30 minutes from them. We visit about once a month and sometimes keep the grandchildren for a weekend so their parents can relax. It’s a very affordable and fun way to stay close to our family.” While Park Models are not as expensive as other houses, this is probably not an impulse purchase. Do your best to decide how and when you will live in one. Put your questions in writing. Abigail from North Carolina got confused with all the options, “I saw
www.ParkModelLiving.com
one web site and thought I had it all figured out. Then I looked at five more and didn’t remember which site had the loft I liked best.” Before you purchase a Park Model, you need to know where it’s going. They aren’t portable like a tent or an RV. Will you put your Park Model on your own land or in a recreation park or campground? Dallas from Idaho e-mailed, “My brother and I have two very rustic Park Models we use for hunting. They worked so well we put a fancier one at a lake in Michigan and our whole family takes turns with it.” You may want to try different locations before you make a purchase decision. My grandparents had a goal to visit every state in the continental U.S. They purchased a Volkswagon campmobile with it’s pop-up top and became occasional vagabonds. If your goal is to see lots of places, renting Park Models could be a better choice. Our Answer Guy, Bill Garpow has some rental information in his column in this issue.
Some parts of the country have an abundance of locations for your Park Model. Many of these are in warmer climates, of course. How do you plan to spend your time? Read the park websites to research amenities and activities. Roger is a snowbird from Iowa, “I picked my park in Florida because they have a potluck three nights a week and activities every day. I hate to eat alone and I get to enjoy warm winters, good food and lots of company.” At PMLM we do research every week to find parks that will rent or sell you space for your Park Model, as well as parks that rent their units. We update our data base to keep you informed. When you find one we’ve missed, please let us know. Remember to look at lots of options, list your questions and answers; and locate your Park Model in the place that works best for you and your lifestyle. Kaeth Gauthier can be reached at: kaeth@parkmodelliving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 12
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News & Notes on the Park Model Lifestyle from RPTIA Executive Director W.R. “Bill” Garpow
In the past 10 years private campgrounds and RV resorts have purchased more than 18,000 Park Models, which they’ve either placed on poor performing RV sites or simply added to unused areas of their property. It’s a concept that is spreading like wildfire in the campground business. Indeed, from California to Maine, campgrounds and RV resorts are increasingly investing in Park Models as a way to accommodate travel enthusiasts who increasingly seek luxury accommodations even in the most rustic of surroundings. For three decades, El Capitan Canyon, just west of Santa Barbara California, catered exclusively to RV and tent camping enthusiasts seeking a quiet getaway in a rugged oak- and sycamore-lined canyon on the California coast. Six years ago, El Capitan’s management invested in nearly 100 Park Model cabins and instantly transformed this primitive campground into a luxury resort. “It’s a totally different experience now,” said Terri Bowman, general manager of El Capitan Canyon resort. Of course, El Capitan still offers 80 RV sites and 20 tent sites, but with its luxurious Park Model cabins, the resort has strengthened its business base and now caters to a much broader clientele that includes everyone from honeymooners to business execu13 Park Model Living Magazine
tives seeking a quiet location for their corporate retreats. “We offer a camping experience for people who either don’t want to camp or have been camping all their lives and don’t want to sleep on the ground any more,” Bowman said. Unlike manufactured homes, recreational park trailers or “Park Models” are 400square foot movable resort cottages that are designed for part-time recreational use. Typically upscale in appearance, they often include hardwood floors, bay windows and lofts as well as walnut, oak or maple cabinetry. Campgrounds like them because they accommodate people who don’t have a tent or RV, but still want to enjoy an outdoor camping experience. Park Models have literally enabled campgrounds to move into the accommodations business. While many campgrounds have offered a small number of site-built cabins for years, the numbers of Park Model cabin and cottage units are growing because they can often be installed without building permits. It’s possible for campgrounds to order these units and have them delivered to the park within a month or two. When they arrive, they’re turnkey, ready to rent. All the park has to do is hook these units up to the utilities and they’re ready to go. Roughly half of the nation’s campwww.ParkModelLiving.com
grounds and RV resorts now offer Park Models for rent, including parks affiliated with Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park CampResorts, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) and Equity LifeStyle Properties. The numbers are increasing as growing numbers of campgrounds see the benefits of diversifying their business base with park models. “We’ve had Park Models for about eight years and have found that they stay pretty booked throughout the summer,” said Maddy Simmons, a manager for California’s Trinity Lake Resort at Pinewood Cove. “They’re almost like timeshares,” she said. “We’ve had people who rent them and like them so much that they book them again for the same time next year.” Some campgrounds and RV resorts, in fact, have found that demand is so strong for Park Models that they can lease or sell campsites to people who want to buy their own Park Model and use it at the campground as a vacation cottage. Snug Harbor, a campground on Ryer Is-
land in the California Delta, north of San Francisco, is one such park that is pursuing this business model. The park has 18 park models for rent, while it also leases an additional 15 campsites for people who own their own units, said Nicky Suard, the park’s owner. Meanwhile, other campgrounds and RV resort offer rental units and serve as dealers for Park Model manufacturers. For more information about campgrounds’ use of park model rentals or their sales of these units as weekend retreats and vacation cottages, please call me at RPTIA (770) 251-2672 or visit the website of the Recreational Park Trailer Industry Association at www.rptia.com.
Bill “The Answer Guy” Garpow can be reached at: AnswerGuy@parkmodelliving.com To be considered as a Question to the Answer Guy, your request must be accompanied by an e-mail and telephone number as well as the full name and City/State. Requests for confidentiality will be honored with the disclosure only of the correspondents first name and state.
crab soup which was just a touch spicy with a generous amount of PML Editor-in-Chief real crab meat. He also had lightly grilled tuna over salad “One of the best meals I have greens. ever eaten.” That was my comMy choice was buttermilk ment to Hostess Tammy Wilmoth dipped Carolina-fried catfish, with at the Harvest Grill, part of Shel- roasted pepper, white cheddar ton Vineyards in Dobson, NC. grits, and The meal and environment were roasted tomato so wonderful I decided to share and summer the experience with you. We squash sauté. were on 77 North, headed home The vegetables to Ohio from Hilton Head. Frank were so fresh I prefers to eat at familiar places wonder if they and I like to experience the odd were grown at and unusual. Of course, somethe vineyard. times what I find is unpleasantly They offer odd but I’m willing to take the “wine flights” risk. which allows We agreed to drive the 2 1/2 you to choose miles off the road and, if the resfour wines to taurant didn’t look acceptable, we taste. At the would pass it by and return to the very conservaThe patio at Shelton Vineyards highway. The Shelton Vineyard tive price of entry gates opened to a long, cool $10 I expected about an ounce of green vista of vineyards with a each wine. Instead, Megan delivvery special touch. At the end of ered four large wine glasses, with each row of grapes was a rose a generous serving in each. My bush. This was a sweet visual in- non-expert assessment is that I vitation that we accepted. enjoyed three, and found one to Hostess Tammy Wilmoth wel- be too dry. comed us to the grill and seated Ordinarily I don’t like to have us immediately in a welcoming, crumbly green things sprinkled on tranquil, beautiful room with my plate because it often means I muted colors on the walls and de- get a meal that is visually pretenlightful paintings as accents. The tious and not very tasty. dining room was three quarters The light dusting of herbs on full and yet pleasantly quiet. my plate at the Harvest Grill, Our server, Megan, was genu- however, was an artistic addition ine, pleasant and knowledgeable. to a meal that tasted fresh, interFrank ordered chilled gazpacho esting and wonderful. by Kaeth Gauthier
15 Park Model Living Magazine
The lunch entrees were $9.50 to $11 and dinner entrees were $14 to $27. After lunch we walked to the vineyard and enjoyed the beautiful, nicely landscaped grounds. The property is a treat with gardens, a gazebo, picnic tables and a
tour of the wine making operation. There is parking for RV’s and lots of space to sit and enjoy the view. The gift shop was also fun – very large, filled with light and well organized. There were lots of shoppers and I didn’t feel crowded or rushed. We bought several bottles of wine and resumed our journey home. This detour was an enchanting treat and we plan to return. Kaeth Gauthier can be reached at: kaeth@parkmodelliving.com www.ParkModelLiving.com
*Free shipping offer only applies to orders of 50 copies or more.
Tiger Run Resort
Mountain Chalet & RV Site Sales Breckenridge, CO Ten Peaks Sotheby’s International Realty (888) 596-5559 www.TigerRunSales.com
Pheasant Ridge Resort L a r g e, P r i v a t e Si t e s Black River Falls, WI (715) 662-4040 www.PheasantRidgeResort.com
Recreational Resort Cottages 100 Industrial Ave. Hwy 377 & Industrial Granbury, TX 76049 (877)219-4059 - RDM@geusnet.com www.RecreationalResortCottages.com
Pinnacle Park Homes 26488 GA Hwy 3 P.O. Box 722 Ochlocknee, GA 31773 (866)574-5159 www.PinnacleParkHomes.com
- P a r k
PML Staff Writer
It’s very satisfying to watch your dream come true. Brian and Donna Wight own luxurious Mountain Creek Resort, in Blairsville, Georgia. Mountain Creek is designed for Class A, 5th wheels and Park Models and is located in the scenic mountains of North Georgia. The 65 acre resort is surrounded by Coosa and Anderson Creek in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Blairsville is a “little piece of heaven.” The Wights let us share in their dream-building through delightful slide presentations on their web site. Watch bulldozers create streets and a lovely, cascading waterfall. You can see the vision become reality. Mountain Creek is designed for big rigs and has lots only for Class-A motor coaches and approved 5th wheels. The cabin and land concept is very popular although Donna says, “At first people aren’t interested. By the time we finish the tour, they buy a Park Model.” Residents have an option to rent their Park Model through the resort. The recreational community is being built in three phases with 44 lots completed of the 125 in phase 1. When finished, there will be 320 lots. Phase 1 has 26 Coosa Creek lots, 16 Anderson Creek lots and 83 inbound lots. Each RV lot has a concrete pad with double hookups to allow for your RV and your Park Model. There is 200 amp electrical service, 17 Park Model Living Magazine
phone, water, sewer, cable TV and wireless internet. The roads are paved, open and level with a lovely molded brick design in the concrete. The coach sites are typically 40’ wide and 80’ long with toy A brand-new Park Model at Mountain Creek RV Resort box parking area. Mountain Creek Village is the from the resort. Mountain Creek is center point of the resort. The logclose to a variety of entertainments. sided buildings in the village include The Georgia Mountain fair is held the clubhouse, sales office, general nearby in mid-July and draws over store, laundry / bathhouse and res300,000 people. The John Campbell taurant with sports bar. A putting Folk School has a variety of arts and green and tennis court fit into the se- crafts classes. Lake Nottely offers rene landscape. The swimming pool boating, fishing and other water and Jacuzzi look quite inviting. A sports. Six area golf courses are covered gazebo anchors a green area available and downtown Blairsville is and provides a shady lounging space. 2.5 miles away. The tiered waterfall looks like a great We look for folks who have a pasplace to splash - or perhaps listen to sion about what they offer to the Park water sounds if splashing is not alModel Lifestyle and Brian and lowed. Donna fit. To maintain the mountain ambiTheir newsletters on the web ance, the Park Models are designed show you their enthusiasm with phowith rustic exteriors and a green tos of people getting the keys to their metal roof. Donna and Brian are new Park Models. Donna tells us, dealers and work with a few manu“It’s great to meet RV people. They facturers to provide the Park Models have been all over the world and are suited to the environment. The out having fun and enjoying life.” Wights hook up all the units and landscape around them. Atlanta, Asheville, Chattanooga Alice Onnalee can be reached at: and Greenville are all a short drive info@parkmodelliving.com
PHOTO - Joy Sommer for Mountain Creek RV Resort
by Alice Onnalee
R e v i e w -
www.ParkModelLiving.com
- H e a l t h y
L i v i n g -
By Marie Rotondo
When we get to the destination where we escape “Why 5-A-Day The Color Way” from stress and worries, we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Whether we choose fine dining in restaurants, Blue/Purple plan a gourmet meal for our invited guests or dinner for Lower risk of some cancers two in the comfort of our Park Model, it is important to Memory function focus on a healthy lifestyle. Urinary tract health Eating five or more servings of colorful fruits and Healthy aging vegetables a day is part of an important plan for healthier living. Deeply hued Green Rainbow fruits and vegetables Lower risk of some Shish Kabob provide a wide range of cancers vitamins, minerals, fiVision health This month’s recipe includes the ber, and phytochemi5 color group! Strong bones & teeth cals your body needs to maintain good health. 1 Small bell green pepper They boost energy lev- 1 Small orange or yellow pepper Yellow/Orange els, protect against the 1 Small eggplant Heart health 1 Small red onion or cherry tomaeffects of aging, and toes Vision health reduce the risk of can- White cap mushrooms Healthy immune syscer and heart disease. ½ lb Chicken breasts (marinated) tem PHOTO - Marie Rotondo Enthusiastic cooks or raw shrimps Lower risk of some 1 Tbsp olive oil are always looking for cancers tasty, healthy and ad- Spices as desired Your favorite marinade venturous dishes. We are pleased to provide Directions: White Cut the peppers about 1 inch wide. Cut red onion in single layer wedges you a monthly recipe Cholesterol levels with the 5 color group. and eggplant ½ in thick. Cut marinated chicken into cubes. that are already healthy Thread vegetables and chicken or shrimps on the skewers. Brush with olive oil/ marinate. Grill for approximately 15 minutes, baste while turning Lower risk of some Healthful Hints & frequently. Serve over your favorite rice & enjoy! cancers Tips for Good Health Have cut up fruit & vegetables at your fingertips for healthy snacks Red Drink plenty of water Heart health Exercise daily Memory function Laugh Lower risk of some cancers Urinary tract health Marie Rotondo can be reached at Marie@parkmodelliving.com www.ParkModelLiving.com
Park Model Living Magazine 18
www.PML Key:
1 - Models for Rent 2 - Models for Sale 3 - Pads/Space for Rent 4 - Pads/Space for Sale
Classifieds.com
5 - Furniture/Housewares 6 - Vehicles 7 - Park Model Time Shares 8 - Dealers
2|Models for Sale ARIZONA - Located in Mesa, AZ $46,700 2006 Laurel Creek #209, all electric, close to courtyard, cherrywood cabinets. Available through www.towerpointresort.com 800-444-4996 AD#2001
ARIZONA - Located in Mesa, AZ $11,900 1988 Casa Real, #214, original owner, all electric, nice corner lot, $11,900. Available through www.towerpointresort.com 800-444-4996 AD#2002 CALIFORNIA - Located at Sands RV and Golf Resort , Desert Hot Springs, CA. 1989 Seaview, large deck, fully furnished, hot tub. Great Views! Space #480, $32,900, Call 760-251-3400 www.sandsrvresort.com AD#2003
9 - Parks 10 - Services 11 - Insurance 12 - Mortgages
CALIFORNIA - Located at Sands RV and Golf Resort , Desert Hot Springs, CA. 1995 Fleetwood, fully furnished, central air, many upgrades. Great View! Must see. Space #486, $52,000. Call 760-251-3400 www.sandsrvresort.com AD#2004 CALIFORNIA - Located at Sands RV and Golf Resort , Desert Hot Springs, CA. 1986 Casa Real. Great Location, fully furnished. Space #382 Great value at $22,500. Call 760-251-3400 www.sandsrvresort.com AD#2005 CALIFORNIA - Located at Sands RV and Golf Resort , Desert Hot Springs, CA. 1987 Elite Park Model. Fully furnished, central air, covered patio along the side and rear of the home. Space #243, $31,000. Call 760251-3400 www.sandsrvresort.com AD#2006
13 - Movers 14 - Awnings & Attached Rooms 15 - Miscellaneous 16 - Help Wanted
FLORIDA - Located at Three Lakes RV Resort in Hudson, FL $99,000 2003 Skyline Park Model, Site #186. Loaded with upgrades. Two LR, two BR, DR, kitchen w granite tops, ceramic tile floor. 1 ½ lot space, deck, sunroom, furnished. Available through www.parkmodelsplus.com 800-603-7889 AD#2007 MASSACHUSETTS 1987 Mallard Park Model Front bunk house, rear bedroom, $2,995. www.traveltowntrailers.com 800-356-6721 AD#2008
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Located at Sandy Beach RV Resort, Contoocook, NH $64,900 2004 Woodland Park, Suite #A8 – Waterfront. Front and rear bedroom. Beautifully furnished and clean. Central AC, 10’ x 33’ deck and three season room.
MobileAdSpace.com The advertising that pays you! 19 Park Model Living Magazine
www.ParkModelLiving.com
www.PML Key:
1 - Models for Rent 2 - Models for Sale 3 - Pads/Space for Rent 4 - Pads/Space for Sale
5 - Furniture/Housewares 6 - Vehicles 7 - Park Model Time Shares 8 - Dealers
2|Models for Sale Available through www.parkmodelsplus.com 800-603-7889 AD#2009 NEW YORK - 2004 Woodland Park 5085-14P, Park Model, Nice! Vinyl siding, 8 ½ wide, $24,995. (U-15) Skyline Camping Resort 800-724-3619 www.skylineresort.com AD#2010 OHIO - 2005 Quailridge Custom Park Model 12 x 33. Top of the line. One bedroom, sleeping couch, oak furniture. Not lived in. Gazebo, metal shed, attached porch, landscaped lot. Free swimming privileges. Asking $22,500. Uniontown 330-644-5678 AD#2011 OREGON - Gold Beach at Turtle Rock Resort. 2002 Cavco Park Model. Tastefully furnished. $110,000. Gold Beach is named a market favorite place for a second home in Parade Magazine July 15, 2007. Gloria Eide Century 21 Agate Realty 800-421-8553 AD#2012
www.ParkModelLiving.com
Classifieds.com 9 - Parks 10 - Services 11 - Insurance 12 - Mortgages
13 - Movers 14 - Awnings & Attached Rooms 15 - Miscellaneous 16 - Help Wanted
3|Pads/Space For Rent OREGON - Space for 3 Park Models in small, picturesque park. Set amid the Oregon Pines, 20 miles inland from the Oregon Coast/Dune Country, close to great fishing on the Umpqua River. 541-587-4406 AD#3001
15|Miscellaneous ParkModelTimeShare.com Do you want to visit a different part of the country? Post you Park Model here and trade spaces. AD#1501
16|Help Wanted Work for Park Model Living Magazine Commission sales representatives to sell regional advertising and distribute magazines. Earnings are based on a simple commission structure and require no financial outlay from you. We provide all printed material, training information and protected territory. Contact info@parkmodelliving.com or 866-766-0564 AD#1600
Bear Park Models, a custom park model manufacturer, is hiring Independent Sales Reps. If you like working with people, helping them to design their dream Park Model Home WE WANT YOU! Visit: www.BearParkModels.com and e-mail resume. AD#1601
Park Model Living Magazine LOOKING FOR FRIENDLY PHOTOGRAPHER Be a roving photographer for Park Model Living Magazine. We need photos of people enjoying the Park Model Lifestyle for our feature section “Show us Your Park Model.” We need the names of anyone in the picture (including pets), the location of their Park Model, and their home town. Contact us at info@parkmodelliving.com or 866-766-0564 when you have photos to share. AD#1602
Park Model Living Magazine 20
Meet the Staff Sarah Shaughnessy
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Administrative Assistant When you call our office, the voice at the other end of the phone belongs to our newest staff member, Sarah Shaughnessy. Sarah does just about everything around our office. From answering phones to maintaining our database of manufacturers, dealers, and parks, Sarah does it all. Sarah has come to us with a dynamic and diverse work history that includes everything from office work to food service. Sarah is a lifelong resident of Northeast Ohio and currently lives here in Akron with her adorable 1-year old daughter Emma. We love it when Sarah brings Emma along with her to visit us at the office and we’ve even unofficially dubbed Emma the Park Model Living Morale Officer. We are delighted to have Sarah as part of our team and we are glad to welcome her into the Park Model Living family.
CLARE-MAR LAKES CAMPGROUND & PARK MODEL SALES 47571 New London Eastern Road • Wellington, OH 44090 • 1-800-589-5789 • 440-6473318 • E-mail: bj1claremr@aol.com
w w w . C l a r e M a r. c o m 21 Park Model Living Magazine
www.ParkModelLiving.com