ROVA Fifty: August/September 2025

I watched my nephew eating ice cream the other day, and you wouldn’t believe how difficult it was to tear his attention away from what he was doing. That kid was so deep in ice-cream appreciation that he didn’t even glance at the dinosaur-versus-monster-truck showdown that I’d set up in his living room. That’s what you call savoring the moment, right? Something that we should all do a little more of… even if it just means smashing ice cream into your face with strident focus, but also (and maybe more so) if it means paying a little more attention to the good things. In this issue of ROVA, many of our articles cover actual flavors to savor. Melissa Jack shares how her young RV family forages for wild local ingredients…

From Florida’s Finest R&B singer-songwriter SAILORR has been making waves with her debut album, From Florida’s Finest. Originally from Jacksonville and now based in Los Angeles, SAILORR’s quick-witted and emotional lyrics will have you laughing and crying all at once over that one summer situationship, and her groovy beats will get anyone dancing in their seat during those long drives. For chilling out by the campfire, listen to “CUT UP,” while those gearing up for a fun hike can get pumped up with “BITCHES BREW” (alternatively, those still crying over their ex can get in their feels with “POOKIE’S REQUIEM”). Fans of Doja Cat, SZA, and Summer Walker will love SAILORR! sailorr.com Shake, Pop, Repeat Campfire nights just got a whole lot crunchier. The Traditional Shake & Pop™ Outdoor Popcorn…

Step in Style Salomon has made a name for being both a reliable choice of footwear by outdoorsy folk, and for being worn by cool kids (true!). Regardless of the rhyme and reason behind your new kicks (practicality or fash-un), Salomon’s XT-6 ADV is the perfect shoe. Traditionally a rugged trail shoe built for serious outdoor adventures, it features a durable, breathable mesh and TPU upper, and offers protection without weighing you down. The Quicklace™ system ensures a secure, easy fit, while the Contagrip® outersole delivers reliable traction on rocky and muddy terrain. A dual-density midsole provides cushioning and responsiveness, helping reduce fatigue on long hikes or runs. Whether you’re trail running, hiking, or strutting in your own street-style fashion parade, these shoes are ready to tackle tough terrain (and…

Contrary to what the internet would have us believe, overland travel does not require a million-dollar castle on wheels. My first overlanding rig was a 2001 Toyota Tacoma. It was brand new and bone stock; no modifications, no camper in the bed, and it certainly didn’t have an espresso machine and a custom set of expensive Japanese knives as standard equipment. I threw my camping gear in the bed, bungeed a cheap tarp over it all, and drove off into the wilderness for days at a time. I slept in a tent—on the ground, not the roof—or in the open truck bed. It was simple. It was effective. Eventually, I covered the bed with a shell and built a plywood platform with two egg-crate mattress toppers and room for gear…

Tailgating is a uniquely American tradition held in the giant parking lots of sports arenas around the country. If you’ve never been to a tailgate before, it’s absolutely an experience you should seek out. Even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea, I promise you can find your crowd at a tailgate with an open mind (and a case of beer). What is Tailgating? In short, tailgating is a pregame social in the parking lot where fans get together to grill, drink, and generally have a raucously good time. While it’s synonymous with football, you can tailgate other sports as well, both professional and college—I had a great time tailgating a Colorado Rapids MLS game a few years back. With the right mindset, you can tailgate anything. There…

There’s something magical about stumbling upon nature’s edible treasures while exploring the wild. Whether it’s the sweet burst of a wild berry or the aroma of freshpicked mushrooms, foraging transforms an ordinary hike into an adventure. As a full-time RVing family, we’ve discovered that the best flavors often aren’t found in a grocery store—they’re hidden along trails, tucked beneath tree canopies, and lining riverbanks. Our most memorable foraging adventures have unfolded across California’s diverse landscapes. In the lush forests of Northern California, my two toddlers, Theodore and Emerson, spotted bright orange and pink-red salmonberries peeking through the dense greenery. Their excitement was contagious as they plucked the delicate berries with sticky little fingers, their giggles echoing through the trees as they tasted the sweet, tart fruit. As we ventured further…