Posts Tagged ‘California’

All 397 national parks across the country will offer free admission from Jan. 14 through 16 to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

There’s something for everyone at a national park, even in the middle of winter. Choices include snow shoe hikes, canoe trips, campfire programs, film festivals, battle reenactments, and music jams. It is also a great time of year to view wildlife such as bison in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming or grey whales at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. A list of activities can be found at www.nps.gov.

The National Park Service will also waive admission fees on 14 other days in 2012 – National Park Week (April 21 to 29), Get Outdoors Day (June 9), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 29), and the weekend of Veterans Day (Nov. 10 to 12).

America’s State Parks announced that all 50 state park systems will sponsor free, guided First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2012. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offer individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2012 at a state park. First Day Hikes offer a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

“What better way to kick off the New Year than with a hike at a state park?” said Ruth Coleman, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD). “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”

“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit.” stated Phil McNelly, NASPD’s Executive Director. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”

America’s State Parks boast a variety of beautiful settings for year-round outdoor recreation, and each First Day Hike will offer an opportunity to explore the unique natural and cultural treasures close to home. From California to Maine, hikers can climb hills and mountain tops, walk along ponds and beaches, and traverse trails through forests, fields and prairies. Visitors can listen to birds, breathe in the fresh air, discover wildlife tracks, feel the wind and the warmth of the sun or the coldness of the snow. Visitors can expect to be surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature in winter, experience spectacular views and vistas and benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide.

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts. The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks. Many other states have offered outdoor recreation programs on New Year’s Day, however, this is the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

State park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park. Details about hike locations, difficulty and length, terrain and tips regarding proper clothing are listed on the America’s State Parks website. Visit http://www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes and click on your state of interest to find a First Day Hike nearest you.

Camping World is celebrating the grand opening of its new Jacksonville location, officially named Camping World of Jacksonville.

Formerly Suncoast RV, Camping World of Jacksonville encompasses both a Camping World retail store and Camping World RV Sales dealership. It is located at 9012 Beach Blvd.

The grand-opening celebration, which began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 4, runs through next Sunday. Customers will find a good selection of hundreds of new and pre-owned RVs. In addition, there are daily camping accessory and parts specials, plus free door prizes to the first 50 customers each day and free coloring books for children. There will also be free lunch on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the grand-opening event.

“With its abundance of outdoor recreational activities and natural attractions, Jacksonville is an ideal location for Camping World,” said Camping World of Jacksonville General Manager of RV Sales Matt Bateh. “We look forward to continue serving the Florida, Southern Georgia and Jacksonville areas.

“This store – along with our new Birmingham store – is the first step to reaching 100 stores by 2014. We believe that the Greater Jacksonville market needed a full-service solution for RVers,” said Marcus Lemonis, Camping World’s chairman and CEO.

Camping World is the world’s largest retailer of recreational vehicles and provides outdoor enthusiasts more than 8,000 RV parts and accessories, service and collision centers along with other products and services to enhance the RV and outdoor lifestyle.

Today, the Lincolnshire, Ill.-based company serves more than 4 million RV enthusiasts with more than 81 RV lifestyle retail locations.

Camping World provides retail sale, finance, service and rental of recreational vehicles, with more than $300 million of new and used recreational vehicle inventory representing more than 13 RV manufacturers and 150 brand names.

In addition, Camping World currently operates in 33 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

For more information on Camping World of Jacksonville, call 1-877-508-5417 or go to campingworldofjacksonville.com.