Table of contents for Thirty-Five: February/March 2023 in ROVA

The freedom of the open road is what drew most of us to RV or van life. With memories to be made and future stories to be told, we eagerly hopped into the driver's seat, setting out on an adventure of possibilities. Quickly, though, we realized that if we didn't want to spend all our time plugged into an outlet at an RV park, producing enough electricity to power the lifestyle was going to be a challenge. If you're a good planner, this realization likely occurred to you before you drove your first mile. But for some of the more rogue adventurers, the struggle to keep up with power generation may not have become apparent until a few miles had passed. Regardless of the type of traveler you are, a…

Washington State is a treasure trove of fungi, with wet and temperate forests that create the perfect conditions for mushrooms to thrive. To the hungry forager, every season in the northwest brings unique edibles; searching around Douglas fir trees in the fall might reward you with a glimpse of Pacific golden chanterelle mushrooms (Cantharellus formosus), or clusters of tiny winter chanterelles (Craterellus tubaeformis). Ostrich ferns and stinging nettle leaves can be harvested and boiled early in the spring for a tasty green dish. But I look forward most to April: the month of the morel. This bell-shaped sac fungus, often sought after for its woody and earthen taste, can be found in western conifer forests. So, every spring, my family sets out on our annual road trip west, deep into…

Each spring, nearly one million sandhill cranes alight on the Great Plains of middle Nebraska, roosting and resting in the vast swaths of the Platte River en route to their summer playground. This section of the Cornhusker state is part of the Central Flyway—a vital migratory route stretching from Canada, following the Great Plains, and continuing into Central and South America. First things first: the numbers don't lie. These cranes form the most significant wildlife migration in North America and the largest crane assembly on the planet. The Audubon Society explains that the early spring gathering of sandhills on the Platte River in Nebraska is among the greatest wildlife spectacles on the continent. So, even for those who aren't nature enthusiasts or bird nerds, it's an unusual and impressive happening.…

Jumping headfirst into van life was not a surprising move for me, given my tendency to make incredibly significant decisions spontaneously. At this point, my family and friends have just started to accept it. I moved across the country from Ohio to Arizona on a whim, and then back across the country to Chicago randomly seven years later. I took a job in New York City, having never set foot there. I bought myself a ticket to Italy for my 35th birthday so I could have a nice Italian dinner overlooking Lake Como. I randomly flew to Buenos Aires for 10 days, just because. I like that about myself. I do a lot of things on my own and without much consideration. I had so many reasons to move into…

Known for its russet potatoes, the state of Idaho is mostly made up of agricultural fields, sagebrush-filled desert, and rugged mountains. It isn't particularly famous for stunning waterways, but that doesn't mean you can't get crystal clear goodness here. In fact, the landlocked state is riddled with winding freshwater streams, rolling rivers, and high mountain lakes. Still, you probably wouldn't expect to find turquoise water that makes you feel like you're in the Caribbean. Blue Heart Springs is a something of an anomaly. True to its name, the natural spring features bright blue water that's perfectly clear. In fact, it's so vibrant that many people think that photos of this secret cove are edited—until they see it for themselves. The seemingly tropical paradise is a small lagoon located off of…

“Don't worry; an alligator has never attacked a human on Bulls Island,” the ranger said matter-of-factly as the ferry pushed on toward the island. My family and I, on a trip from the UK, looked at each other with wide-eyed glances. “But how could they attack anyone from behind barriers?” I puzzled. Little did we know. We were visiting Bulls Island, South Carolina, for a fun day out after perusing a brochure that promised the chance to see alligators, snakes, some of the island's 293 recorded bird species, dolphins, and more. The brochure failed to mention that these encounters would happen without safety barriers! As it became apparent that we would not be separated from the wildlife, I smiled wryly at my city-loving mom, trying to hold back laughter; she…

Botanical gardens are not necessarily places to put on your boater hats and have high tea. While there's a certain level of refinement to these gardens, they also offer a unique look into ecology and outdoor travel that many would otherwise miss out on. These 10 botanical gardens are great spots to find solace, but they're also exciting destinations with acres of exploration potential. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Richmond, Virginia What Makes it Unique: The dome-style conservatory here is the only one in the mid-Atlantic region. The eastern seaboard is filled with great botanical gardens, but the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has some of the best architecture of them all. The conservatory here is a marvel in and of itself, and it fits in perfectly with the surrounding 50 acres. Besides…

When it comes to hitting the road in an RV, you've got options. If you want to keep your vehicle and living space separate, check out trailers, truck campers, fifth wheels and toy haulers. If it's a priority that you be able to get to the driver's seat without going outside—an important consideration for solo female travelers, especially— you have three choices. The self-contained RVs are the bus-sized Class As, the van-sized Class Bs, and the Class Cs, which are in between. If you have a large family, want every amenity, don't mind abysmal gas mileage, and never plan to leave paved roads, a Class A is for you. Class Cs are good for groups of up to six people, and they get better gas mileage than a Class A.…

“She believed she could, so she did.” I smiled reading this sentence in my room the day before returning to France, because it was a perfect conclusion to my trip. At the age of 34, I had decided to make one of my dreams come true: going to the United States, for the great outdoors and for music. It was either solo now, or someday down the track with a companion. I decided it had to be now, and I wanted to go for 50 days. I had to plan my trip around some concerts that I was determined to attend, hence my somewhat unusual itinerary. For the first loop across California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, I was the girl with the Panda Van—a Ford E-150. I will always remember…

The sweet southern state of Texas gets a lot of hype for its rapidly growing metropolises, booming oil industry and iconic cowboy culture. And with neighboring Mexico as competition, its beaches are often overlooked or underestimated, and few know about the beautiful biodiversity of the state's barrier islands. Less than six hours from Houston or just four and a half hours south of San Antonio you will find South Padre Island. Here, you can discover 34 miles of whitesand beaches, giving travelers access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre. Because of its almost tropical climate, South Padre gets favorable weather yearround, making it an ideal place for a stop on your next road trip across the US. But the excellent camping conditions on the world's largest barrier…

When many travelers hear “New York,” their thoughts quickly bring them to the bright city lights of The Big Apple. New York is much more than just the city, though, and one of the best times to explore its neverending beauty is during the coldest season of the year: winter. Sure, there's the risk of lake effect snow, icy roads, and the need to wear a minimum of three layers at all times, but the scenery of snowcapped trees against the beautiful backdrop of New York's mountain ranges makes those frigid temperatures well worth the pain. Here's a guide to some of the best cities and towns in the enticing Empire State. Stop #1: Hunter Start in one of the most popular getaway destinations for city folk, and head to…