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Hartberger RV 2024-2025
  • Michael Hartberger
  • Michael Hartberger

Hartberger RV 2024-2025

2yr RV trip across the US and Canada Read more
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  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 3/29 - RV Museum and Hall of F

    March 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 18 °C

    The name says it all! It is a 100,000 sq. ft. museum that features a variety of historical recreational vehicles from Airstream, Winnebago, and other American makers.

    This is really a hidden gem. Even if you don't get into RVs and mobile homes, this is such an iconic piece of America and such a well-done museum that nearly anyone would enjoy it. The displays have a series of mobile homes and RVs/campers that are well-restored or very original, including some singular historic pieces. Of course, since this is currently our life we were engaged and enjoyed more than most would 😜

    The reason it is in Elkhart is that 80% of RVs are manufactured in and around this area.    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 3/30 - Holland, MI

    March 30, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    What a gem of a city! If you are into Tulips 🌷 ( who isn’t?) it is a must visit but not until May.

    If you visit Holland and looking for signs of their Dutch heritage you will find many find examples all throughout town (beyond the tulips). And you must of course visit the Windmill Island Gardens!

    Holland was able to procure the last working windmill allowed to leave the Netherlands in 1964. The historic windmill 'de Zwaan' is the highlight in the park and stands amongst 36 acres of the exhibits, gardens and natural areas.
    Holland, MI made our must-see list. The downtown area is clean, modern with great restaurants and shops 😊    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 3/31-Studebaker National Museu

    March 31, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C

    The Studebaker National Museum is devoted to sharing the story of the automotive and industrial history of South Bend and the greater region through the display and interpretation of Studebaker vehicles along with related industrial artifacts. The Collection also includes seven objects designated as “National Treasures” including the carriage Abraham Lincoln rode to Ford’s Theatre the night of his assassination, and a carriage used by the Marquis de Lafayette during his farewell tour of United States in 1824.Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/3/25 - Logan, OH

    April 3, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 20 °C

    We stayed in Logan, OH which is about 50 minutes south of Columbus. This area is home to Hocking Hills State Park. What a treasure🥰 The park has quite a few hikes which we did and the scenery was spectacular. Waterfalls, streams, magnificent rocks, caves and trees. I had a hard time wrapping my head around the fact we were in Ohio. A must visit if in the area.Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/4/25 - Ash Cave, South Bloom

    April 4, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    In the southernmost reaches of Hocking Hills is Ash Cave - beyond doubt the most spectacular feature of the entire park. Ash Cave is the largest, most impressive recess cave in the state. The approach to Ash Cave is through a narrow gorge lined with stately hemlocks, massive beech trees and various other hardwoods. The valley floor offers brilliant displays of wildflowersRead more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/6/25 - Rock House Cave, Laur

    April 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Rock House is unique in the Hocking Hills' region, as it is the only true cave in the park. It is a tunnel-like corridor situated midway up a 150-foot cliff of Blackhand sandstone. This House of Rock has a ceiling 25 feet high while the main corridor is 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide. The cavern was eroded out of the middle zone of the Blackhand sandstone.Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/7/25 - Columbus and Dublin,

    April 7, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 12 °C

    We drove to Columbus and spent time in the “German town” area called Germantown. We walked around for about an hour admiring the cuteness of the town. It has Cobblestone streets and beautiful Tulips 🌷 ready to blossom around every corner. Worked up an appetite so Michael could enjoy bratwurst 😁 at a local German joint.

    Then we meandered over to a town called Dublin. Again, a very cool area along the river. They are known for the Art installation all over the city. We visited a few of the whimsical pieces. A unique collection With names like “LeatherLips” 😁

    Two areas we recommend experiencing if ever in the area.    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/8/25 - Old Man's Cave + Lowe

    April 8, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    The most popular of all the Hocking areas is Old Man's Cave, located on State Route 664. Here at the Upper Falls, the Grandma Gatewood Trail begins its six-mile course connecting three of the park's areas: Old Man's Cave to Cedar Falls to Ash Cave. This same trail has been designated as part of Ohio's Buckeye Trail as well as part of two national systems - the North Country Scenic Trail and America's Discovery Trail.

    Devil's Bathtub is a smooth, swirling basin carved out of the Blackhand sandstone by the constant flow of water over thousands of years. The bathtub is fed by a small waterfall, and the water spirals down through the narrow, cylindrical formation before continuing its journey downstream. The name "Devil's Bathtub" comes from the eerie, otherworldly appearance of the swirling water and the deep, mysterious pool it creates. Hike down the Grandma Gatewood Trail to view it.    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/9/25 - Cedar Falls, Logan, O

    April 9, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    FP update 4/9/25 - Cedar Falls, Logan, OH

    Cedar Falls is a popular destination known for its large, beautiful waterfall that plunges 50 feet into a ravine, making it the largest by volume in the region. The area features a chasm with hemlock trees, steep rock walls, and grottos, offering a unique and scenic hiking experience.Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/13/25 Charleston, WV

    April 13, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    We visited the capital of WV today. Initially, Wheeling was the capital but due to so much growth in the City of Charleston, it became the state capital.

    We took a self guided tour of the state capital which from the outside was amazing but once inside it is even better. All the grand pillars are made of granite and have high beautiful ceilings 🤩. Also, fun fact, Lincoln had a big hand in West Virginia actually becoming a state during the civil war. To pay tribute to him there is a statue of Abe in front of the building.

    Since we have been in WV, I keep hearing John Denver’s 🎵 verse, “Almost heaven, West Virginia….”    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/15/25 Blenko Glass in Milton

    April 15, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    What a little gem we found today in Milton, WV - Blenko Glass! This is where for 100 years, they have been making glass (start to finish), and in a world of increasing automation, at Blenko they pride themselves in paying particular attention to the beauty and designs of their handmade products. When you take the tour, it is amazing to watch how a team of 3/4 people, working together to create a piece of glass or work of art 😊 Watching them work together is like a choreographed dance. Our tour guide was awesome and the people working on the floor were generous with answering questions. A definite must visit if in the area 😊

    Fun facts:

    In 1893 William J. Blenko moved to the US from London to produce mouth blown glass for stained glass windows. At the time this was only produced in Europe. First shop was in Indiana, and then he moved the manufacturing to Milton in 1921

    The have 1,500 different colors they can work with

    They use cherry wood molds and keep them in water in between glasses and when not one. They will last forever!

    There use to be 450 glass manufacturers in West Virginia, today only 4 exist    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/17/25 – New River Gorge NP,

    April 17, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We continue to explore the State of West Virginia which continues to amaze us with its beauty 🤩. Today we discovered The New River Gorge State Park. The description “New” is misleading since the river itself is ancient. Over the week we were in the area, locals had different explanations for the “New” reference 🤷‍♀️. The New River is 320 miles covering 3 states (North Carolina, Virginia & WV). Only small portion is blanketed in the National Park and Preserve.

    The surroundings of the River/Gorge are something to see full of waterfalls, rivers and beautiful vegetation. Then there is the New River Bridge - Wow! It is magnificent, and fun fact, 2 Statue of Liberties and 1 Washington Monument stacked could fit under the bridge!    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/18/25 – Abandoned Trail Stop

    April 18, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We visited this ghost town that at one time was a vital railroad center for transporting coal. It’s a ghost town due to the decline of the coal industry.
    So important that it is historic and rich in history with a few buildings still standing. Trains still pass through Thurmond, offering a glimpse into its past connection to the railroads. There is even an Amtrak station 😁. And it is a stop on a major trail!Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/19/25 - Babcock State Park,

    April 19, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Babcock State Park is a state park located along the New River Gorge on 4,127 acres wooded landscape. We hiked the area, and after 4 hours, felt like we covered all 4,100 acres 😂😂. Our hike covered multiple terrains from smooth to rough. Westen was a trooper and lead the pack 🐾

    The Glade Creek Grist Mill is located near the headquarters. Even though the hike lasted longer than we expected, the scenery kept us engaged and motivated 👍🏻    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler
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    FP update 4/20/25 – Beckley Exhibition C

    April 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We will start off by stating this is a must do if in the area!!!

    The importance of coal mining to the existence and “livelihood” of West Virginians cannot be overstated. I put livelihood in quotes because after this tour we better know the financial hold the mining companies had on the miners.

    You take a train cart underground into a retired mine and learn about what mining was like in the early to mid to late 1900s.

    The Exhibition Coal Mine is a “drift mine” and the track goes 1,500 feet up and around various mined out areas. Stops are made at these areas, and your guide will be someone who was an actual miner back in the day. Don Barret was our guide, and he gave us firsthand insight in the most entertaining way about what it was like to actually work in the mine and fun factoids-PRICELESS!    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/21/25 - The Greenbrier/Bunke

    April 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Our visit to The Greenbrier Resort and Bunker was very interesting. The hotel has been around since 1787, attracting visitors who wanted to bathe in the curative waters of its sulfur springs. Early presidents (26 in total) and royalty were among the guests. Unfortunately, we don’t think the decor has changed much since the 1800s. It’s a huge and beautiful building but could use an overhaul inside.

    Now to the real reason we came to visit…..The Bunker which is under the hotel. The bunker was part of a secret operation of the US Government for many-many years yet hidden in plain sight!

    We took a 2-hour journey through its corridors and chambers. You are not allowed to bring phones (locked them up in a locker) because photos are prohibited 🚫. The company that owns it now has confidential information stored there.

    It was originally built as a secret, underground relocation site for the U.S. Congress in case of a nuclear attack. It was kept under wraps for over 30 years, but its existence was eventually exposed. The Washington Post article revealed the bunker's existence and its purpose. The true purpose was to maintain our democracy if a Cold War nuclear attack happened by keeping most of the Congress safe for a short period of time.

    The total square footage is 112,554 on 3 levels and was always prepared to house 1,100 occupants for up to 60 days. White Sulphur Springs is in the middle of nowhere but strategically positioned to accommodate a timeline needed from DC. At most, back in the day, it would take 5 hours to get to from DC. An interesting part of our history and a must visit!!!!    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/22/25 – UTV Mtn Tour, Fayett

    April 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Oh, what FUN we had today. For 2 hours we took an adventure through the back mountain trails of West Virginia! We UTV’d (not ATV😜) through some crazy, steep and wet trails. Thank goodness Michael is comfortable driving in uneven and unpredictable terrain👍🏻. I got to just enjoy the ride and scenery - which I did 🤩.

    We road along the New River Gorge and it just solidified what beauty exists in West Virginia. John Denver said it best …🎶 Almost Heaven, West Virginia….    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 04/28/25 Kentucky River Ramble

    April 28, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 27 °C

    A unique experience you don’t want to miss! We literally…Rode The Rails on an electric trolley. Technically a pedal-powered 'Rail Explorers'. The entire ride was 10 miles (5 miles out and back).

    It was a different experience to ride on the tracks through the Kentucky countryside. We really enjoyed it and if you have a chance, we recommend it. There are a few of these companies in the US that offer this type of ride.

    In short, we went over small bridges, abandoned trail cars, and seen horses. We got to experience of being on the railroad front and center as though you were driving our own locomotive 😁Beautiful views and we had the perfect temp day.    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 04/29/25 Lexington, KY

    April 29, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    We took a gander around Lexington today. Clean downtown and it features the other thing Kentucky is known for (besides Bourbon) horse farms and thoroughbred racetracks like Keeneland. If you’re not into horses, you should visit!!!!!

    The town is also home of the Henry Clay estate. He was a very influential politician who in the 1800s ran for president a few times but didn’t get elected. He was Abe Lincoln’s favorite politician – quoted him 40 times in the Gettysburg Address.

    The estate has a beautiful garden that is well maintained. Beautiful part of the country.    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 4/30/25 - SUP KY, Rogers, KY

    April 30, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 26 °C

    Today we experienced a unique tour! We explored beneath the Earth's surface in truly a One-of-a-Kind adventure. Kayaked through the darkness 😎

    We descended into the darkness in a custom-built cave kayak. With a guide we made our way through the 100-year-old flooded limestone mine and discovered the rich history and secrets of The Gorge Underground. In general, I would say the atmosphere is serine and peaceful. You are guided into the darkness of the caves, and it is very quiet. It is a slow crawl along the water which allows you to take in the surroundings which includes the trout the company places there and since we were in a “glass bottom” kayak we could see clearly below us. It definitely is not your typical kayaking trip so we add this to our “cool” experiences on our adventure 👍🏻Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 5/1-2/2025 – Frankfort, KY

    May 1, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 21 °C

    Today we visited the downtown of Frankfort, KY, the Capital, and yes, it is the capital 😁

    Michael mentioned this the night before, and I had to Siri check him.

    Some fun facts about this small capital city:

    · Home of Rebecca-Ruth’s candy, known for its bourbon ball candy. We took a tour of their very tiny production plant. It is manually operated and spits about 5 million pieces of candy annually.
    · Daniel Boone’s grave site is here.
    · The only Governor ever to be assassinated, and it happened in Frankfort- Governor William Goebel, 1900.    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 5/2/2025 – Kentucky Horse Park

    May 2, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 22 °C

    If horses are your thing, this is a must visit 🐎🐎🐎 Kentucky Horse Park is a perfect fit for the 'Horse Capital of the World'!

    The only park of its kind in the world is a working horse farm, educational theme park, and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. It spans than 1,200 acres and is THE place to get close to horses!

    The coolest part for us was The Hall of Champions 🐎. They have about 6 champions at the facility. We were introduced to 2: Accelerate and Mr. Muscleman. We learned there are 2 different ways a horse runs: Trotters & Pacers.

    Additionally, the park contains the International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate, which has a permanent collection of horse history and memorabilia. We could have spent hours in the museum and as I mentioned, if you 💜 horses, this should be on your bucket list!    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 5/5/25 Domes & Dripstones Tour

    May 5, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Today we visited Mammoth Cave, which is the world’s longest cave system, with currently more than 426 miles of surveyed passageways and they are continually finding more! This was an authentic, creepy-crawly—but magnificent experience!

    This tour begins in a sinkhole, passes through huge domes, amazing breakdowns, and ends in the dripstone section known as Frozen Niagara which is an amazing spectacle 🤩

    It is a Limestone cave which we have noticed there is a lot of limestone in Kentucky. And in total we descended about 130 feet. I would say the scale of the cave is impressive and unique. The tour took 2 hours, and a cave cricket decided unbeknownst to me decided to attach to me and make his escape out    Read more

  • Michael HartbergerHartberger RV 2024-2025Traveler

    FP update 5/6/25 Stonehenge Munfordville

    May 6, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Kentucky has its own Stonehenge! It is a bit of ancient society in the small town of Munfordville, KY. The creation of Munfordville native Chester Fryer.

    After scouring over 1000 acres, he relocated nearly every large rock he could find in order to create his masterpiece. All of Chester's rock creations are on display. If you blink on the way you could miss it but thank goodness we didn’t. It is very interesting and one of those things that make you go 🤔Read more