Prime Destination

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

Encompassing some 1.9 million acres of public lands, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument offers the quintessential "out west" experience to visitors.  The Grand Staircase, located south of Salt Lake City and northeast of Las Vegas, is so named because of the massive "steps" or terraces that rise up over hundreds of miles, exposing 200 million years of geological history in the process.

Bureau of Land Management

Stunning scenery -- from panoramic views to mesmerizing slot canyons to the seemingly endless variety of rock formations -- is the rule here, one reason so many western movies have been shot in the area over the years.

In addition to being a spectacular destination in its own right, the monument is surrounded by numerous national parks -- including Zion, Canyonlands, Capital Reef, the Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon -- as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

For more information, please visit any of these great websites: 

Utah.com

Go-Utah.com

Go Camping America

Bureau of Land Management

Fall Recipe - Easy Butternut Squash Soup

Here's a perfect fall recipe, courtesy of reader Michaela Strom.

1 medium butternut squash

�  c maple syrup

�  stick butter

�  c milk

1 c chicken or vegetable broth

pinch cinnamon

pinch nutmeg

salt & pepper to taste

Cut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Microwave squash cut-side down for 4 to 5 minutes. Turn over, divide butter and maple syrup between halves and microwave until squash is tender. Let squash cool, then scoop into blender with milk. Blend on high until smooth. Pour into saucepan, stir in broth and seasonings, simmer for a few minutes, and enjoy!

For a bit more spice, try adding curry powder and/or cayenne pepper to taste while simmering.

Meet the strikingly stylish, amazingly comfortable Winnebago Minnie!

One of three models in the Winnebago Towables lineup, the Minnie is available in five floorplans (four with slideouts) in lengths ranging from 19'-2" to 26'-9".

A long list of standard features -- including a large patio awning, exterior speakers, memory foam mattress, large two-door refrigerator, three-burner range and large pantry -- will have you feeling right at home just about anywhere you take the Minnie.

To make your Minnie your own, optional features like aluminum wheels, night shades, outside shower and outdoor kitchen let you configure your Minnie just the way you want it.

Learn more about the Minnie here, or see it at your nearest Winnebago Towables dealer.

SPECIAL FEATURE

Need a second bedroom?

The StudioLoft bed, available on select Winnebago Via and Itasca Reyo floorplans, is a new take on an idea that's been around awhile: the "cab-over" sleeping area.  But "the StudioLoft gives you the best of both worlds," according to spokesperson Kelli Harms. "In its raised position, it provides excellent headroom while you're driving or using the swivel cab seats as part of the living area.  And it lowers to provide a comfortable sleeping nook, complete with privacy curtain, when bedtime comes around."

The StudioLoft is an example of how our engineers work to maximize the space, usability and flexibility of a given floorplan while minimizing the impact on the coach's weight and square footage.  We call it SmartSpace design, and it's one reason our motor homes seem to live so much bigger than comparably sized competitive coaches.

To learn more about StudioLoft and the other key features in our lineups, click here.

Horse of a different color?

Here's an interesting way to add new life to an old favorite, courtesy of longtime owner Don Griffin.

"I enjoyed the story on the 40-year ownership and two Winnebagos. My wife and I can't top that story, but I do have a story to share.

"We bought our first Winnebago in 1974. It was an 18' Brave. Great little coach that slept six easily. We have three daughters and they were young at the time. The St. Bernard took the sixth bunk!

"We then purchased a 1996 Adventurer 34' and used it until we traded up for a 2003 Chieftain. In 2010 we drove to Forest City, took a tour of the factory, looked at new RV's and decided that ours was still in great shape and we would keep it. We also visited CDI, the Winnebago paint facility, and priced getting our Chieftain painted.

"Last year we returned to Forest City after scheduling with CDI to upgrade our coach to full body paint. The process took six days so we again toured the factory and did a little local sightseeing while the coach was being repainted.

"Now here's the good part. Every where we go people think this is a new Winnebago. We upgraded the entire exterior including all new awnings. 

"Now I know Winnebago wants to sell new RV's [Editor's note: You bet we do. So please don't do this!] but we are diehard Winnebago customers and are proud of our 10-year-old coach. The most fun about this whole process is watching other Winnebago owners figure out what model and year coach we own. Sometimes we tell them it's a prototype. It's a 2003 Chieftain with a 2009 Destination paint pattern upgraded in 2011. It's really fun owning a Winnebago!"

Don Griffin

Crossville, TN

Great story- and a great-looking Chieftain, Don.  We hope you enjoy many more miles and smiles in it. A small token of our esteem is on its way.

And readers, if you have a favorite story, destination or recipe to share, feel free to send it in!