32nd Annual TJC Customer Appreciation BBQ

Another TJC Customer Appreciation BBQ has come and gone and it was great fun!  This year was the 32^nd year and it was certainly an exceptional one for a number of reasons.  First and most important, we were joined by so many of our TJC friends.  This year was one of the best attended events and the campground and rally park over-flowed with campers who were connected to power and water at the service buildings. 

This year also saw the first time we have tried some new events including an Outdoor Cinema in which we aired the movie RV on a huge screen in the pavilion.  RV is certainly a funny movie but there are also some deep elements to the movie.  Initially the character is trying to find a work life balance and also realizes that he needs to reconnect with his children and his wife.  Kids grow up fast and his were certainly moving along quickly.  And with the demands of the world, time to stop and connect with his wife, while managing a career and kids made this difficult.  Initially too he worked to do everything on his own, isolated from others around him.

Through the trials and tribulations they experienced on the road the main character, and those of his family as well, learned a lot about life and each other.  Everyone in the family learned a little more about themselves and each other and came to understand the importance of each one of them.  They learned that shared experiences are what create the cement that holds families together.  They learned that working together and with those around makes life easier and more enjoyable.  RV travel can have challenges at times, like any form of traveling.  But it also brings people together.

This past week when we held the TJC Customer Appreciation BBQ that spirit was out in full force.  Our customers are our friends.  They are people we have connected and bonded with and some of the folks there had been coming for all 32 years.  What makes the BBQ and TJC special is this bond that we have all cemented over the years.  Like the characters in the movies we have these shared experiences and that is what makes TJC so different.  We are not just a company but a collection of individuals working together towards a common goal.  And it’s that sharing of the experiences that has made the BBQ what it is today.  So as I watched the movie on the first ever Outdoor Cinema night what really struck me as the lesson to learn was not on screen  It was the hundreds of friends and TJC employees all hanging out together in the evening kicking off a weekend of fun.

Thanks to everyone for coming out to enjoy another year of the TJC Customer Appreciation BBQ.  I can’t wait to see you all next year and hear more stories about your travels all year! 

Pot of Gold Lands At Tom Johnson Camping Center

Tom Johnson Camping Center recently decided to expand our Class C motorhome line-up adding Coachmen brand motorhomes to our already great line-up which includes Fleetwood, Four Winds and Winnebago brands.  Our Concord store received their first model to sell the other day, a Leprechaun 320BH and it showed up just in time to take to an outdoor event at a Kannapolis Intimidators baseball game.  A Class C was the very first RV my wife and I ever owned so I was interested to see how this would be and boy was I amazed!

The first thing you notice is the striking full body paint on this version but when you get closer to it, you start to see the beauty is more than skin deep.  Starting from the front you notice the fiberglass front cap then your eyes are immediately drown to the front sides where you see side cameras.  Yes, side cameras on a Class C and they are integrated with the back-up monitor so you can see your sides and out back on the in-dash screen.   The next exciting feature is the outdoor entertainment and it is no ordinary am/fm player, there is also a TV and some serious outside speakers, all of which you can enjoy under the power awning.  Moving out to the back you also discover large storage areas and LED taillights. 

Now when you first walk in the Leprechaun you are immediately stuck by how luxurious it looks with sleek countertops, well laid out kitchen, slide-out drawers,  two toned driver and passenger seats and a wood grain look dash.  Functionally you have a large bed in the cab area, easy slide down conversion dinette and a large couch across the way which slides out with the kitchen.  Moving back there are twin bunks on the slideout that also houses an immense cabinet layout for the master bedroom.  Across from the twin bunks is a spacious bathroom with cabinets.  Out back in the master area is a large walk around queen bed, the aforementioned amazing cabinet storage, a flat panel tv and large window.

The real test was how would it drive and once again I was amazed.  After 8 miles driving on road construction in which 1/3 of my lane was a different height I could not believe how well this motorhome handle the inconsistencies.  Road manners were fantastic and when the road opened up again, 65 to 70mph was extremely easy to maintain.  The cameras worked well in passing situations, the ride was quiet for a Class C and everything about it was enjoyable.

I was excited when I learned we would be carrying Coachmen Class C models as they are currently the best selling Class C in the country.  Now all I can say is, Tom can I keep this one on a permanent loaner for the Marketing Department??

Spring Season!

Its spring break season across the country, which usually also means it’s right around
Easter. The two events go hand in hand and usually mean traveling. Getting together with family members and taking a break to make some memories together is what this spring season is for.

I listened today to my wife and neighbors talking about what to do with Spring Break this year and the trouble with traveling these days. Most folks are concerned with the cost of fuel and it is impacting travel to far away distances.

What I think is that there is no better time than now to own an RV. RVs can take you across the country or across town and either way you will feel a million miles away. In the Carolina’s there are hundreds of campgrounds. My introduction to RVs occurred when I was 6 or 7 years old and my family rented a folding trailer. The day we picked it up it was late and did not leave us enough time to hit the road. So we parked it in the driveway of our home and my brothers and I camped out in it, feeling like we were already on the road having a big adventure.

RV travel is still less expensive than other forms of traveling. And there are an amazing variety of RVs available. There are travel trailers that can be towed with vehicles as small as a minivan. There are fifth wheels that can be towed with a half-ton pickup. And there are
motorhomes that can get 20 miles per gallon which is better than most minivans. And there are RVs out there that you can own for less than the average family cell phone plan. Now that’s a real unlimited family share plan if you ask me. And they are all available right now on the lot at Tom Johnson Camping Center.

This spring season; don’t give in to all the doom and gloom of fuel prices. Get out and get educated about the options available to you. Come see us at Tom Johnson Camping Center and see how affordable this RV lifestyle really is. Start making memories today!

Handicap Access RVs

We recently received in our first handicap accessible V-Cross travel trailer and it has been a big event here at the dealership. It has also been an eye opening event for some of us. One of the best parts to being a TJC employee is meeting so many of our customers at the annual customer appreciation BBQ. It allows us to spend more time getting to know our customers and learn about their lives.

None of us are getting any younger as each day passes. And as we age sometimes we need a little help with mobility. What is unfortunate is when these mobility issues begin to effect the enjoyment we can derive from the world around us. People who are handicapped and need
assistance in mobility, be it a wheel chair or even a scooter, face obstacles every day. RV owners love the outdoors and being out and about – it’s just part of RVing. In the past that has of ten meant expensive modifications or the use of more expensive motorhomes to travel in an RV.

This V-Cross now allows us to provide to our customers a much more affordable means to
continuing to enjoy the lifestyle they love. It is always gratifying to send a new owner off on their way to making memories with their loved ones. But when you can give back to someone a lifestyle they loved and thought they lost, it’s really special. We have already had customers in tears as they have found a way to enjoy the RV experience with loved ones restricted to wheelchairs or have found a way back to the life they love. There really is nothing more
rewarding than that.

If you know of someone who could benefit from this type of RV, please let them know it’s now available to them and just wait to see how good that feels!! Thanks Forest River for making this amazing new handicap accessible RV.

The Best RV Deal

As we approach a new season of RV shows a lot of talk is about show deals. Consumers looking for the best opportunity come to shows to see new models but also to get the best deal they can on a new RV. And during other times of the year they often wondering, am I getting a good deal. So what makes up a good deal? There are many elements to a good deal and it can be as individual to every customer. However, there are some things only a dealer like Tom Johnson Camping Center can provide.

In my opinion a good deal begins with ensuring you are shopping for the right product for your needs. If the product is not right for you, no matter how little you pay for it, it’s not a good deal. As of this morning’s review, Tom Johnson Camping Center has over 800 RVs to choose from which means we will have the product for your needs. Building a relationship with a customer and asking you about your lifestyles and desires are the way our sales staff narrows down the RVs available for you to browse. Understanding your needs aids in picking the RV that will give you the most enjoyment delivering on the best experience and making the memories of a lifetime.

Of course all parts of getting a good deal include price to value equations. Everyone wants to get the most for the least amount of money. Tom Johnson Camping Center is a volume dealer and that allows us to pass on savings of volume buying to you. Another aspect of this is the breadth of the models available on our lots. With more brands and styles to shop from, we have multiple price points in similar models. This ensures that not only are we placing you in the right RV, but we are also placing you in the right RV for your budget.

Then there are the less commonly thought of parts of a good deal. Not all dealerships are equal. Tom Johnson Camping Center offers many benefits you will not find in other dealerships that can add up to a better deal. You will not pay Doc Fees or Prep Fees when you buy an RV from Tom Johnson Camping Center. This can be a potential savings of hundreds of dollars over other dealers.

When you take delivery of your RV, first you receive a walk-thru from our technicians who show you how all the systems work. You will receive a gift certificate to apply to purchases in our parts and accessories stores where everything is 10% off on your purchase day. If your schedule permits we like to have you stay overnight with us in the campground for free on your first night to familiarize yourself with your new addition. This allows you to be close to us in case you need assistance getting accustomed to your new RV. We also provide you with up to 5 nights of free camping (# of nights depends on RV purchased) at the Tom Johnson Campground in Marion, NC. So now you have up to 6 nights of free camping as well as having used a gift certificate and savings in our parts/accessories stores.

We invite all of our customers to our complimentary Annual Customer Appreciation BBQ which includes 3 free nights of camping, live bands, seminars, entertainment for all ages and free breakfast and dinner on Saturday. That’s more free stuff from TJC!!

Lastly, a good deal has to remain a good deal. You need to be taken care of after you purchase your RV and the Tom Johnson Camping Center philosophy is to always work hard to take care of you. Tom Johnson Camping Center has invested millions of dollars to construct the largest RV service center in the region and one of the largest in the nation. In addition, we are continuously training our staff to service your RV properly. And with two locations, we can get you scheduled for service quickly and keep you on the road enjoying your RV. We also stock our Parts and Accessories stores with thousands of parts at each location to ensure you can find the products you need to enhance your RV experience.

When you head out to the RV show this season, ensure the dealership you are looking at can compete in all these areas. At Tom Johnson Camping Center we are working hard to earn your business and ensure our customers remain our customers. As you shop for your best deal, work with Tom Johnson Camping Center and see for yourself; there is a difference when working with the Nation’s Number 1 RV dealer.

RV Traveling Brings Growth

The majority of RV owners responded to a survey indicating that families bonds were increased and children who travel in an RV showed higher levels of confidence and responsibility. I can tell you first hand that all of that is true. But what is interesting is how convoluted a process that can actually be as I learned recently from my son Nic.

This summer we took a trip in a motorhome to the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western NC. While there we decided to visit Sliding Rock, a large natural rock formation in a river where people can walk up a rock slope in the river, walk out to the middle and slide down into a deep basin at the bottom. Very cool idea but with a 7 and a 4 year old I was not too sure how well they would handle this as the rock looks a little intimidating from the bottom, more so from the top looking down before you slide.

Upon arrival we learned that the water was extremely cold that day as it was early in the season but that did not deter the kids from wanting to check it out anyway. Walking down the stone path to the bottom you get glimpses of the climb and the descent and the views were enough to put off my 4 year old. Upon reaching the bottom my 7 yr old Nic was a little unsure at first then something clicked and off he went, faster than we could even say, wait, be careful!

He climbed out to the middle of the river and looked a little unsure of himself. Then with a big push, off he went breaking into a huge grin halfway down and plunging into the pool at the bottom with a big shout of joy and probably triumph too. That was enough to convince my youngest son he wanted to go too. It was a great day of triumphs and confidence building, but it didn’t stop there…

Nic is fortunate to have landed in a 2^nd grade class with a teacher who challenges her students to expand their horizons and one opportunity came in the form of a story contest. Nic recently has become a voracious reader often needing us to turn off his lights at night because it’s too late to be up reading still, is not necessarily so energetic when it comes to writing or story-telling. But he decided to have a go at the contest which had to be based on a NC Treasure. He picked the RV trip to base his story on and in particular his jaunt to Sliding Rock.

He worked hard on the story and submitted it and then it kind of left our minds. A month later we were overjoyed to learn that his story had been among the finalists from his school to move on in the competition. This week we were ecstatic to learn that his story won countywide and is being submitted against other stories in the state level competition. Nic has grown more confident in his writing abilities and perhaps more importantly learned that it pays to put in some effort on a project and that sometimes you need to refine things a few times to achieve the results you hope for. And topping it all off, our 4 year old Alex also learned to tackle challenges like Sliding Rock. On that trip he also learned to fish and cast with a “big boy” fishing rod, that he can hike for miles and that he can help build and cook out over a campfire.

One RV trip with so many memories shared, lessons learned and little lives being launched the right way. Imagine what lives can be like with regular RV travel added to the mix…. Write to us and tell us your stories, maybe we can all learn a little and grow a little closer.

Holiday Memories with the RV

The holiday travel season can always be a challenge faced with crowded flights, bed bug infested hotels that are over-priced and even the need to travel to remote locations. The RV lifestyle offers a unique brand of freedom from those worries as we discovered one Thanksgiving.

We were traveling to visit relatives in a rural setting in Virginia. The closest hotel was 20 miles away from our relatives’ home and their home was already full with family members. Sleeping on the floor or a couch was an option, just not a very attractive option.

This was our first year owning an RV which was a gas Class A motorhome. Our relatives suggested we just drive it on down and park in the front of their home where there was a lot of space in their drive. It turned out to be the perfect solution.

We plugged into their home with a regular extension cord and adapter and had all the power we needed. It was like traveling with our own home as we had all our regular stuff with us and it turned into a great experience. We ended up hanging out in the RV with the family playing video games with the kids on the entertainment system and chatting with family members. When it started to rain we moved the deep fryer for the turkey under the awning where we cooked enjoyed a cocktail and listed to music. That evening when the older members were falling asleep the younger crowd moved out to the RV to watch movies and continue the party.

Traveling in an RV allowed us to all be more comfortable, share time together and provide for a more enjoyable time for everyone. This was the first great use of an RV during the holidays but it was just the tip of the iceberg in sharing family time in an RV, holidays or not. We all had such a great time that weekend that shortly after our visit the relatives we joined purchased an RV and started making memories of their own.

Fort Wilderness - Disney's Friendly RV Resort!

Fort Wilderness – Disney World’s friendly RV Resort!

We are off to “Disney World” for Vacation! Hooray! I hope we won’t have any mistakes in all the pre-planning that we named “Enjoying the Anticipation”! After arriving at Disney’s Fort Wilderness, We pulled into the “Toll Booth” style Entrance and were pleasantly surprised when they had all our reservations, RV site number, and Special requests waiting for us in a Disney Packet. The check in process took less the 5 minutes while they gave us our personalized ID cards, Disney Park Tickets, maps, and Dinner reservation confirmations. Our site was amazingly roomy and had easy access. Each site gives you a feeling of privacy with all the moss draped trees and we even had the native wildlife (Deer and Owls) visit us regularly.

Fort Wilderness has a 3 route internal bus system which picks you up near your campsite and takes you to any of the Fort Wilderness Outposts where there are restaurants, supply stores, pools, and connections to the Boats or Buses to all of the Disney Parks and Downtown Disney. We never had to move our RV during the whole weeks stay!



We travel with our 10 year old Maltese and pre-planned a daily stay for her at “Best Friends” Doggie Daycare. We were able to make these arrangements on their website and with the Fort Wilderness Concierge’s desk to have us picked up each morning, transported to Best Friends (about 2 miles away) and returned to Fort Wilderness to board the Transportation System Buses. Each night, we would return to Fort Wilderness and the Concierge service would take us back to pick up our pet and return us to our campsite! What a great service they provide and a wonderful way for our pet to enjoy her vacation and not be left inside our RV for the Day.

Camping in Fort Wilderness during the Holiday Season is also a special Treat. Many of the RVers decorate their sites for everyone’s enjoyment. Our vacation time came during Halloween week and we were amazed at the creative ideas and lighted inflatables that many campsites displayed.
If you are planning your vacation to Disney World, make sure Fort Wilderness is your RV Resort of Choice!

Franklin - Cherokee Loop into History

There is an adventure back into history as you travel deep into Western North Carolina. We started with a campsite on the Callasaja River with a view of the mountain trout just lazily swimming in the cool water. I sure wish I had packed my Fly Rod! Franklin is the home of the "Gem and Mineral Museum" which houses specimens from all over the world as well as a 2 1/4 pound Ruby found in "these her' mountains". We also found our families' historical Tartan pattern at the "Scottish Tartans Museum" and brought home our Family patterned scarf.

One of best journeys back in time was at the "Whistle Stop Antique Mall" where collectors and kids can find "Gems" and "Toys" from decades ago. We finished off our day in Franklin at the "Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts" with a concert from Lee Greenwood and Louise Mandrel. Just when you think you are out in the back country of western North Carolina, you are amazed at the variety of entertainment available!

Heading North takes you to the little town of Dillsboro. You might think that all the craft shops and restaurants are all there is to see, or the riverfront Dillsboro Inn might just be a great place for an Invigorating swim in the Tuckasegee River, but the Highlight for me was a ride back into history on the "Great Smoky Mountain Railroad" with daily excursion rides along the Tuckasegee River, Nantahala Gorge, and by Fontana Lake.

Arriving in Cherokee, history became alive as we walked through the "Oconaluftee Indian Village" as our guides demonstrated the culture and crafts of their ancestors. Their beautiful handmade crafts are for sale at the "Qualla Arts and Crafts Exchange" allowed you to bring home a peice of American History.

Jumping back into the 21st Century, our next stop was the Huge "Harrahs" Casino and Hotel! I strongly suggest having a meal at the "Paula Dean's Kitchen", or enjoy a Concert at their "Cherokee Events Center", or take a chance in the Casino. You will now find that your trip through history has come full circle. Welcome back to 2011

Efficiency

The new buzzword seems to be efficiency and it covers all things like cost cutting, trimming the fat, austerity etc etc. Its no secret that the world has been challenged the past couple years and the good news is that challenge breeds advancements.

This is very true in the RV industry where challenges have led to advancements in production methods, materials and quality.

We see evidence of this on a daily basis on our lots. This year we introduced to our customers many new brands which were chosen based on the materials and efficiency of the RVs.

Koala is a great example. Lightweight by design, this brand of RV is noted for extremely stylish interiors, advanced lightweight woods and high quality construction. They purposely studied different types of woods to go into the models so they could achieve superior levels of building results while also reducing weights. The benefit is obvious for consumers. High quality travels with lightweight models that save on fuel while delivering the living experience they want. They even offer a 27’ double slide fifth wheel that weighs in less than 5,000lbs!!

Nomad is another brand we brought in to respond to the current economy. With many floorplans these trailers come in extremely lightweight plans, towable by even mini-vans. Bunkhouse models under 3,000lbs and retailing for around $10,000 provide our customers with a full trailer experience for the price point and weight of a folding trailer.

Wildcat has implemented tankless water heaters on their travel trailers and fifth wheels. By having a tankless water heater you are not constantly burning propane to keep water hot even when you are not using it. A great savings for consumers and a system that also delivers longer hot showers!!

New emissions engines in motorhomes. The new engines that we are seeing from Cummins benefit consumers in a number of areas. They are delivering greater fuel economy than previous engines which adds up over the long haul. They are lighter weight which means you are making more effective use of your horsepower and torque. And they are delivering exhaust that is actually cleaner than the air going into the system which is good for the environment and future generations of RVers.

The RV lifestyle is a lifestyle that no one wants to give up. Thankfully the manufacturers continue to deliver with new efficient means for us to travel economically. We at Tom Johnson Camping Center will continue to do all we can to provide our customers with the latest products in the plans and weights they are looking for at the best value we can. That’s a pretty efficient way for us to sell to you the best possible camping experience.

Head for the Hills!!

Temps in the Charlotte region today should feel like 107 degrees by around 4pm. What is a person to do for relief if you don't want to hide out inside in AC??

Head to the Hills!!

Grab your RV and head up to the Tom Johnson Campground in Marion, NC where the temps are at least 10 degrees cooler than around the city and there are lots of cool water streams to play in and cool off. The campground at Tom Johnson Camping Center offers paved full hook-ups and a stream running along the backside of the campground. Play in the campground at the playground, shoot some hoops on the basketball court, skip rocks in the stream. Close by are hikes up in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or pick a favorite watering hole for some swimming in the cool waters running down from the tops of the mountains.

Evenings in the mountains are also expected to be 68-72 degrees which is great sleeping weather. Beat the heat today - hook up the RV and head to the hills!!

Call the campground at 800-225-7802!

Final Details on Extreme Makeover

Late yesterday TJC placed it's final RV for the Extreme Makeover:Home Edition Fayetteville. This motorhome was last in as it will be used by the special guest star arriving today to assist with the final build details. Activity was fast and furious yesterday evening working on the final details of the build in preparation for today's unveiling.

Watching the volunteers and workers this past week has been enlightening. It is very impressive to see what can be accomplished when everyone sets aside their differences and agendas and works together towards a common goal. People of very different stations in life worked and sweated in extreme weather conditions, side by side, doing whatever needed to be done to reach the goal of building this new home.

The Jubilee House is a great and deserving resource but it is just a start. There are thousands of homeless veterans in this country. The last best estimate numbered somewhere above 106,000. These were all people who set aside their everyday lives to join the military and serve our country.

As has been widely reported, First Lady Michelle Obama will be making an appearance to lend support to the efforts and also highlighting the Joining Forces initiative. Local VA offices are also a great resource for homeless vets. Many RV owners are former military members and are always ready to lend a hand to fellow vets. Lets all look around us and see if there is anything we can do to help. Its been an honor for Tom Johnson Camping Center to be involved in this effort and see so many individuals give so much of their time to this project.

Swiss Army RV

Tom Johnson Camping Center is back in Fayetteville, NC at the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build and progress on the new home is astounding. The site is like watching an anthill of activity with siding going up in one area, decking going down in another, interior painting and finishing and all around the block area areas of volunteers assembling cabinetry and furniture. The designers hustle back and forth from the houses to the design/build areas and then into the TJC RVs to meet with media, sign promotional handouts and take a break now and then to work on other demands.

RVs are like the Swiss Army Knife, it’s a tool that does many jobs. Many people look to RVs as a way to go on family vacations and really that is just scratching the surface. With the abundance of campgrounds most people could break away for weekends all year long in addition to a larger vacation trip. Small breaks like these are great breaks from the stress of everyday life.

Many business owners who travel often will purchase an RV as an alternative to continued motel stays. With the advances in communications you can connect your computer to a wifi card and work from the road. You stay in your own home on the road, eat the foods you like and can even bring family and friends on trips to make it a multipurpose event. Many people also use their RVs to tailgate at sporting events, house guests who come to visit, for use at hospitals during extended medical treatments and more. Personally, we have used our motorhome as a rehab guest house for a relative who had a knee replacement and have piled in a group of friends for a day of winery tours.

RVs offer owners a world of uses when you start thinking about it. Visiting relatives and having your own sanctuary, taking kids to travel sporting events, running to the beach or mountains for a weekend getaway, even camping out in the front yard are just a few ideas.

Write to us from this link and tell us how you use your RV...

Thank You to the Army

TJC is still down here in Fayetteville which is home to Fort Bragg, “Home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces.”  Another celebrity associated with the Army is of course Ryan Newman.  The designers took a break not too long ago to sign the hood of the Ryan Newman race car, in thanks for all that the members of the Army have done for our country. 

And can you believe in just a few short hours we now have an almost empty lot??  After a few more scoops we will be ready for final cleaning and then preparing for the new home.  It is amazing how much can be completed when everyone works together as a team. 

TJC On-site at Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Fayetteville

Today Tom Johnson Camping Center is in Fayetteville, NC at the site of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition rebuild of the Jubilee House.  Led by Barbara Summey Marshall, a 15-year Navy veteran, Jubilee House is a home for military women in transition and currently is home to Marshall, five women and two children. At 1500 sqft and 40 years of age the home, with only one bath and no dining room, is too small and old to handle the demand.

During the day yesterday TJC brought in a number of RVs to the build allowing the designers to have immediate access to the site during the long days and nights ahead as they tear down and rebuild this home in 7 days. Last night while we arranged the RVs, volunteers descended on the home to empty it out while crews prepared the site. 

Today began with volunteers and members of the military gathering to help tear down the old house. It takes an awful lot of people to pull a house down but with all the military muscle this house was pulled apart in no time. 

 

Watch the House Tearing Down!!

Stay tuned for more news from TJC and the construction of the new home being provided by Blue Ridge Log Cabins.

Extreme RVing!!

What do you get when you combine thousands of volunteers, a dozen or so RVs and one of the highest rated television shows?  A charitable effort between Tom Johnson Camping Center and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition!!

Beginning today, the Tom Johnson Campfire Club will head out on a different kind of RV trip here in North Carolina.  Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (EM:HE) today will announce and undertake a new build for a deserving family in Fayetteville, NC.  This build is being billed as one of the biggest undertakings to date requiring additional staff and designers which is where TJC and some RVs come into play.

There are probably millions of families across the country today who need a helping hand.  EM:HE has been providing a helping hand to families since 2003 and has been an inspiration to millions of people.  As the team at both TJC locations has worked hard to prepare RVs and make arrangements to help EM:HE I thought about why the show is so popular and why do I myself like it so much.  There have in the past been criticisms of the show but its core theme is what makes this country so great.  Even now, as the country and individuals struggle on a daily basis, where else can you find thousands of volunteers combining efforts with various business entities to volunteer time and resources to help a group of people they do not even know?

I realized that the coming together of complete strangers to help each other or one family is the same spirit you see in RV campgrounds across the country on a daily basis.  There has never been a time when I have been in an RV campground and needed help, that there was not someone there to lend a hand.  On our first ever trip with a fifth wheel at the end of 7 hours of driving we were trying to back this 38 foot Forest River model into an impossibly angled campsite in Disney’s Fort Wilderness with two dogs panting in my ear, my 2 ½ year old wanting out of his car seat and my poor Wife listening to me tell her she was crazy if she thought I could make an RV bend in half.  Out jumped our soon to be neighbor who was an owner of an RV dealership in Canada who provided me with the directional assistance to magically slide the fifth wheel into its site.  When problems developed with various motorhomes over the years there was always a collective pool of RV knowledge shared by owners camping around us to help troubleshoot and fix the problem.  And we too have provided the same kind of assistance.  Sometimes it’s as simple sharing marshmallows with a family who forgot to pack them, that keeps their kids happy and their vacation on track.  RV travel is an adventure combined with something lost in today’s world: community.

So today we head out to Fayetteville, and we send three RVs to GA for another EM:HE shoot because in the tradition of all RV’ers, we lend a hand when we can and we participate in our communities when we can.  And just like when camping at an RV park, it’s this shared, even if temporary, community in which we come together with complete strangers and share each other’s lives for a brief period of time.  Maybe this shared experience combined with a spirit of adventure is one of the reasons people love to travel with an RV.  I know it has enriched my life and taught my children valuable lessons they would not have gotten at home playing videos games.  Tell us your thoughts on this shared community of RVers and stay tuned for TJC posts from the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition build.

Camping Made Easy in Pigeon Forge

We recently took a journey to Pigeon Forge which is a short trip making for easy weekend getaways.  Traveling West on I-40 from North Carolina, you enter the State of Tennessee traveling through one of the most scenic gorges on the East Coast.  Exit# 435 eases you onto the Foothills Parkway and a short decent into Cosby, TN.   You will find numerous overlooks with stunning views on both sides of this mountain ridge.

From Cosby, it’s a quick 20 minute ride on Highway 321 to downtown Gatlinburg. At the Intersection of 321 and 441, enjoy Ripley’s Aquarium, shopping in the craft stores, or the Gatlinburg aerial tramway.

Turning North on 441 takes you through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on the Parkway and into Pigeon Forge.  After crossing the Pigeon River, it is a short distance to Twin Mountain RV Park where you can relax and enjoy sites right on the riverside. We always get our campsite first so we can take advantage of the wonderful “Pigeon Forge Fun Time Trolley” system. You can ride for $.50 and go anywhere from Gatlinburg to Pigeon Forge, to Dollywood. Stops along the routes allow for shopping and dining out without ever having to move your RV or bring a tow vehicle.   

It’s camping made easy!!

Camping along the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge is perfect for fishing, wading or just relaxing. The beautiful shade trees, grassy surroundings and well-kept grounds at Twin Mountain RV Park add to your enjoyment. You may want to take a stroll up stream and find the perfect fishing hole or just find a spot to sit and watch the water go by. Twin Mountains RV Park has 117 sites with 30 and 50 amp service hookups, cable TV, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, fire pits, swimming pool, laundry facilities, playground for the kids and lots of wildlife too!                   

One of our favorite excursions is to take the Fun Time Trolley to Dollywood and stop off at Patriot’s Park for a family style Dinner at the “Old Mill”.  There you will find classic Southern foods like Fried Chicken, Meat Loaf, Pot Roast, Country Ham and all the Fixin’s Plus homemade Pecan Pie that is out of this world delicious!

It doesn’t get any easier or more relaxed than “Camping by the River” at Twin Mountain RV Park where you can relax and avoid the crowds.  This is a great destination to spend your weekend or a weeks’ vacation and I’ll bet you will never run out of things to do for the whole family in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Look, its a Motorhome Dad!!

As I was driving to the store the other day with Alex his voice suddenly rang out from the back seat, “motorhome, daddy, look a motorhome…”  Two weeks ago in Alex’s world the word motorhome meant a recreational vehicle as in a jungle gym that you could climb around in when you visited Dad at work.  Or in an abstract form as in Dad’s job is to sell motorhomes. That is all completely different and now motorhome means recreational opportunities.

When I asked him if he wanted to go in an RV again he said, “Yeah, let’s go, I love motorhomes. You get to swim and hike and fish and picnic and play and have fires and marshmallows.”  Really, is there anything in the world more important than sharing that feeling with your kids or loved ones?  At 4 Alex is pretty adventurous but you also never know what he will or won’t enjoy.  The beauty about traveling that way is learning all the things that are out there and discovering them together as a family.  I have more memories than I can count of camping with my family growing up.   

Write to us and tell us where you love to go camping and the things you love to do with loved ones while you are camping.  tomjohnsoncampfireclub@tomjohnsoncamping.com 

Campfire Club Day 4 - Waterfalls and Highways

On the last day of our trip we began the morning with a fishing expedition of course, followed by a paddle boat run around the lake.  Rutledge Lake RV Resort is a nice place to stay close to many area attractions.  If you want to be close to downtown Asheville attractions but also into the forests quickly its a well situated campground.  Shopping for necessities is close by and the campground offers lots of activities.

We reluctantly packed the RV and ran the slides in but still had some time for adventure.  We drove down to the Pisgah National Forest again and parked the RV at the Visitor Information Center. We enjoyed a quick lunch in the RV before heading up past Looking Glass Falls to go hike to Moore Cove.  The hike was a little steep at first but certainly not too strenuous.  You are quickly lost in the forest and feel as if you are the only people in the world.  Coming up on the falls you begin to hear the water rushing before you see it and suddenly you come around a bend and its right in front of you.  Its a unique experience being able to walk behind a waterfall and you may even get to fulfill a dream when you stand underneath the water.  It was even more exciting when a thunder storm popped up while we were there and we had to take shelter under the overhang. The rain was coming down so hard that the waterfall tripled its flow and we got to hang out and enjoy it all.

We had to hit the road after this to head back to Charlotte and the ride gave us time to think about the trip and talk about our favorite parts of the weekend.  For Nic it was sliding rock and for Alex it was fishing and eating marshmallows.  For Tina and myself it was having the time to reconnect with each other and the kids as well as sharing our love of camping and the outdoors with the kids.  Had we traveled in the traditional manner staying in hotels it would have included lots of restaurants, expensive hotel rooms and increased stress.  Traveling in an RV allowed us to eat the things we enjoyed without spending lots of money, our entire trips lodging was under $120, and we enjoyed each others time at our pace.  We went to sleep and woke to the sounds of nature instead of ice machines, elevators and other hotel guests.  Traveling in an RV allows you to travel and experience the world in your own world.  I have seen many reports that talk about RV travel strengthening the bonds between family members and it is the shared experiences that happen while traveling this way that grow that bond.  As we arrived back home we all looked at each other and said, "When can we go back out in another RV?"

If you would like to see Tom Johnson Camping Center continue to grow the campfire club including reviewing campgrounds, RVs and maybe even hosting a marshmallow roast at a nearby campground please let us know by emailing us at CampfireClub@TomJohnsonCamping.com.

Campfire Club Day 3

Camping in an RV allows for an easier pace to your vacation.  This morning was a nice easy pace baking cinnamon rolls and brewing coffee which we enjoyed by the lake while doing some early morning fishing. After that the boys played on the playground while we were able to prepare the clothes and picnic stuff for the day ahead.

Morning fishing expedition keeps the kids occupied while the parents can take turns getting ready for the day. 

We left out to enjoy the Pisgah National Forest region and after a pass by Looking Glass Falls we pulled in to Sliding Rock to take our first ever trips down the rock face.  The water was a refreshing 49 degrees which did not slow Nic down but Alex was not too sure about the temps.  However, watching his big brother awoke the competitive spirit and off Alex and I went climbing the rock.  He loved the trip down and was immediately freaked out upon landing in the pool having his breath taken away by the cold water. But we can all now say we have been down Sliding Rock and will be back again later in the summer.

An advantage to RV travel is being able to keep your foods with you and being able to pack and bring picnic lunches is a great savings when feeding a family and also when dealing with some picky eaters. After lunch we decided to explore downtown Hendersonville and found ourselves at Kilwins for some post lunch treats.  Tina has declared the chocolate peanut butter fudge the best and both Nic and Alex think the Superman ice cream was pretty darn good.

 

Wandering back to the campground we happily bypassed restaurant row and the crowds lining up to wait for the opportunity to pay a lot for a mediocre dinner.  We all gathered some sticks and while the boys played on the playground Tina and I built a nice fire and cooked dinner over the open flame while enjoying a cold drink in some camp chairs.  After a brief walk to settle a big dinner it was time to break out the marshmallows. 

All vacations offer the chance to spend time together.  But when you are camping in an RV there is a higher level of interaction and time shared with your family.  You have an easier pace during the days with a lifestyle that lends itself to interaction and exploration and you learn more about your kids.  Their imagination is triggered and they open up to talk about whats on their minds and going on in their worlds.  Interactions like these tend not to happen when you are staying in a hotel and running from restaurant to restaurant.  I know that this trip has been one of the best things my family has done together in years.  We will be sad to return to the world tomorrow but the memories gathered in just three days will be with us forever and make us all closer together. 

RV travel is a lifestyle we hope to share with everyone.  With a little luck and lots of effort the Tom Johnson Campfire Club will grow over the years and friendships and memories will be made together.  Hopefully soon we will be hosting marshmallow roasts for lots of our customers at campgrounds all around the Carolina's!