Lone Star Court Hotel Review | A Great Place to Stay in Austin, Texas

Lone Star Court Hotel Review | A Great Place to Stay in Austin, Texas

If you love staying at unique hotels and enjoy new experiences, then the Lone Star Court by Valencia Group is a great option.

My husband chose this hotel because the images were warm and inviting. After some research, we fell in love with the concept and thought we would enjoy staying in a place that looked fun and unique.

Lone Star Court is in a location called The Domain in Austin, Texas. It is surrounded by apartments, shopping, and delicious eateries. Perfect for the socialite and the introverted at heart.

Lone Star Court

Lone Star Court gives you the glamping hotel experience but in the big suburban city.

The hotel is a twist of modern retro with a touch of country chic. It brings in the past and merges it with the present today.

Fun Fact: Lone Star Court is rated #10 for Hotels in Austin by TripAdvisor and won travelers choice 2020.

Checking in Process

The check-in process was a breeze. The lobby is a nice and quaint space with a warm welcoming feel. You will also receive a free beverage of your choice, either bottled water or soda.

As you check-in, you will receive two keys, a map of the property with room location, and a brochure with all things you can do at the hotel and surrounding the hotel.

After checking in at the front office, we made our way to the closest parking space to our room location. This hotel has FREE parking and a lot of open availability around every building for easy access to all rooms.

Our room was located on the second floor with quick access either by elevator or by stairs.

All About the Property

Lone Star Court is located on 4 acres with three curved buildings. Each building is set up with the main walkway/balconies so everyone can enjoy interior courtyard views from their room.

The courtyard offers gorgeous landscaping and a pavilion that is perfect for their weekend entertainment, gatherings, or even weddings.

I remember saying to my husband while we were enjoying our drinks on the patio and listening to the music, that the hotel would be a great place to have an outdoor wedding. All the guests could book rooms and enjoy the entire place.

This hotel is also the perfect place for a date night couples that are looking to get away, enjoy some entertainment, drinks, yard games, S’ more’s, and more. They even have an option to add a S’ more package on to your room for the whole experience.

There are three different packages you could purchase: The Glamping Package, the Date Night Package, and the Pet Package.

YES, they are pet friendly, so you can bring your furry friends!

Here are some more facts and amenities you should expect while staying at Lone Star Court in Austin, Texas.

 
 
 
 
 
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Hotel Facts and Room Amenities

  • Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi)
  • Pool with Sun Loungers and Beach Towels
  • Free breakfast
  • Bicycles available for Guests
  • Business Center with Internet
  • Electric vehicle charging station
  • FREE Parking
  • Fenced in Outdoor pool
  • Bar / lounge
  • Complimentary welcome drink (Bottle Water or Soda)
  • Happy hour
  • Snack bar and Mini Fridge
  • Down Feather Bedding
  • Egyptian Cotton Linens
  • Luxury Robes
  • Plush Towels
  • Complimentary Toiletries
  • Desk with Phone
  • 42” Flat Screen T.V.
  • USB Charging Stations in the Rooms
  • Handicap/Hearing/Seeing Impaired Rooms Available
  • Elevators
  • Gated Interior with Key Access
  • Evening entertainment
  • Patio with Personal Rocking Chairs
  • Board games/puzzles
  • Taco Truck Outside
  • Banquet & Meeting rooms
  • Fitness Center
  • Non-smoking hotel
  • Outdoor fireplace
  • Outdoor furniture
  • ATM on-site
  • Umbrella
  • 24-hour check-in
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Express check-in / check-out
  • Dry cleaning & Laundry service

All about the Room and Accessibility

The room we received was a hearing-impaired room on the second floor in building E. After entering our room, about 5 minutes had passed, and we received a call from the front desk asking us how our room was and made sure everything was okay.

That was a first for me! I don’t know if it was because they gave us a hearing-impaired room or if that’s standard with all guests.

We enjoyed the location of our room because it wasn’t right above the music playing but we were still able to hear the band play at night.

Our room was spacious, clean, and inviting. The King Bed was comfortable and cozy. The colors were bright and the special unique touches of cool retro lighting and decor pulled the room together nicely.

I absolutely loved the bedding! The Egyptian cotton linens, the down feather mattress toppers, comforters, and pillows are so luxurious and comfortable.


We slept so well it’s inspired me to buy a feather down topper and pillows for our RV bed.

Here is a picture of our room!

Lone Star Court Room
Lone Star Court Fridge Desk

How did we get our Rate and was it worth the price?

We booked our stay at a rate through our insurance with USAA. The room price we paid was around $150 with taxes and fees. It was a simple booking process and only charged us after our stay.

Due to the pandemic, we had 24 hours up to check-in time to cancel for free.

I wish we would have checked the package options and prices on their website before booking with USAA. We will probably never use USAA “discounts” again because we could have received a better deal straight from their website.

What we learned: Always check the website prices before booking to make sure you’re getting the best deal with any Hotel.

For being a 3 out 5 Star on the Hotel Luxury rating, I believe the price for the unique hotel experience and the amenities that are available is on point.

When did we travel?

My husband booked our stay for Mid-August right before school was scheduled to begin. It was an end of summer small getaway that we wanted to take and enjoy.

Choosing to stay in the middle of a pandemic, the hotel adhered to all the safety precautions and guidelines.

All staff wore masks and they monitored the pool by allowing 18 guests at a time with 2-hour time slots for each family to enjoy swim time.

Did we enjoy our stay?

We absolutely did enjoy our stay and would book this hotel again for future trips to Austin.

We love Austin because there are so many outdoor activities to do and explore.

The property alone is worth the stay with the courtyard, restaurant, and games. It’s perfect for families with kids of all ages!

There are plenty of activities and options to enjoy a full day and night within the hotel property alone.

One thing I loved about the hotel is the feeling you get while inside. You completely forget how busy the exterior is with all the shopping and eateries.  Plus, there are gates to keep non-hotel guests out to provide safety since the hotel is surrounded by apartments and shopping.

We would definitely stay at this hotel again and recommend this place to our friends and family!

Final Thoughts

After our enjoyable stay, I wished we would have booked an additional night. It’s worth the price for the amenities and location in Austin. I can see why this hotel is ranked #10 in Austin, Texas by TripAdvisor.

If you would like to book your stay check out their website first; www.lonestarcourt.com


Contact Information

Address: 10901 Domain Dr, Austin, TX 78758
Phone Number: (512) 814-2625

Please know that Hotel prices will fluctuate depending on the season, supply, and demand.

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Lone Star Court
Lone Star Court Austin Texas Hotel (1)
Tips for Making Your RV Bedroom Cozy & Comfy + Lucid Mattress Review

Tips for Making Your RV Bedroom Cozy & Comfy + Lucid Mattress Review

RV Bedroom | If you’re reading this, you’re wondering how you can make your RV Bed a place that you enjoy laying down and falling asleep in.

After all, camping doesn’t always have to be roughing it. RV camping adds a special touch of luxury while enjoying the great outdoors.

So, let’s imagine for a moment that you’ve been hiking all day and all you want to do is lay down in a nice comfortable, and cozy bed. However, you lay down in your RV bed and it’s like you’re lying on a flat rock?

That doesn’t sound enjoyable to me and that’s what RV mattresses are like.

RV mattress review

We know firsthand that the mattresses that come standard in RV’s (unless you have it custom ordered) are far from being comfortable.

For us, the Mattress that came in our RV was the most uncomfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on. So, since we were going to be living full-time in our RV, getting a new mattress and making our bed comfy was a necessity.

Whether you plan on living full-time or enjoying your RV during the RV season, being able to relax comfortable is a necessity.

So here are some tips to get your RV bedroom ready for a comfortable night’s sleep.

1. Buy a Comfortable RV Mattress (LUCID RV Mattress Review)

The first thing you want to do in making your RV’s bed comfy and cozy is to check the quality of your mattress.

As I mention, RV mattresses are usually horrible to sleep on and made with cheap material. We slept on our mattress the first night we got our RV. It was the worst sleep I have ever had. Therefore, purchasing a new mattress was at the top of our list.

Side Note: At the beginning, we tried memory foam mattress toppers, but with the quality of the mattress, it began to sink in the middle and made it so uncomfortable.

So, we searched throughout the internet because we had to one that was an RV Short Queen to fit. These are hard to find at a good price and there are not many options to choose from.

We also didn’t want a spring mattress and always enjoyed memory foam.

After some research and finding different options, we decided to purchase the Lucid Mattress from Amazon.

We chose the Lucid Memory Foam Mattress in a box because of its reviews and availability in the size we needed. Plus, it was Free Shipping with Amazon Prime. This helped make our decision easier.

Another positive about purchasing this bed is how easy it was to set up. It’s just like any other bed in a box.

This mattress came with an envelope cutter/opener to cut the plastic wrap around the bed and protect the mattress from getting cut. That was a nice surprise when opening the box.

Once the mattress was removed from the plastic, we unrolled it and laid it flat on the bed platform. We allowed about an hour for it to inflate before placing our sheets and blankets on top.

The Lucid Mattress has been one of our favorite and best purchases we have made for our RV Bedroom. Getting a good night’s sleep is so important to us and the Lucid Mattress is so comforting.

The memory foam works perfectly in adhering to our bodies for a comfortable night’s sleep. It’s like sleeping a cloud that forms for your body!

I honestly have yet to have any negatives with our purchase. So far, the bed has held up and is still as comfortable as the day we got it.

Also, the price is unbeatable. Other RV beds cost hundreds of dollars more than the Lucid Mattress.

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2. Buy Quality Soft Sheets

In all honesty, I have wasted so much money trying to cut corners when it came to buying sheets.

There are so many options out there! It can become a bit overwhelming to purchase the perfect sheets when you don’t know any of the sheet lingo.

You have terms like; thread count, material, and woven pattern.

But what are the best and most comfortable sheets?

Well, just like mattresses have different comfort levels, so do sheets.

Now, when you search for sheets, the thread count is usually what many get hung upon. If you stay above 500 to 600 thread count, you’ll be good with softness, durability, and affordability.

In my opinion, however, it’s more about the quality of the material and woven pattern.

Also, you don’t have to spend a fortune on Egyptian cotton sheets, unless you want too, to get a good quality comfortable sheet set.

After many purchases, I know I will NEVER buy microfiber sheets again. The synthetic material is not comfortable or soft.

I found that 100% cotton sheets are the best. Also, a sateen woven pattern with more threads going vertical than horizontal is what we enjoy.

We recently purchased the Hotel Style, 600 Thread Count, in Grey from Walmart for like $50. It’s a set of one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases. These sheets have been great for our RV Bedroom and didn’t break the bank!

Here is a set on Amazon that is like our purchase – > 600 Thread Count 100% Cotton Sheets – Soft and Silky Sateen Weave https://amzn.to/2PDGUzR

3. Down Comforter or Duvet

Grab a comfortable comforter set with matching decorative pillow-cases.

If you enjoy a lightweight quilt or duvet cover then go with what you enjoy sleeping with. The point is that you’re comfy!

We purchased this pretty and neutral crisp white comforter set for our RV Bedroom. It’s the perfect amount of warmth and comfort for a good night’s sleep.

When it comes to the perfect comforter set, search for your style! Whether it’s cabin plaid, black and white boho, or full of colors and patterns.

RV Bedroom Made up

4. Extra throw blanket

I love the look of an extra throw blanket on the bed.

They keep you warm and gives you something to take a quick nap with, without messing up the perfectly made RV bed. And, we all know how difficult those RV beds are to make up.

For us, we have a weighted blanket that we place at the end of our bed as our extra throw blanket. I love it because it stays in place and is super comfy to cover up with for nap time.

5. Comfy Pillows & A Throw Pillow 

You can decide if you want to add a nice throw pillow for character or not.

I would advise that if you do like decorative throw pillows, to keep them at a minimum in an RV bedroom.

There is not much room, to begin with, and trying to find a place to put decorative pillows when you sleep isn’t easy.

Plus, less is more!

We have 4 pillows, and 1 throw pillow to add extra coziness.

Also, make sure the standard pillows you choose are what you enjoy sleeping with. Whether that’s a flat pillow, a fluffy pillow, or a memory foam pillow.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to make your RV’s bed comfy and cozy to have a good night’s rest while you’re camping, get out there and camp!

Enjoy your RVing journey with restful nights. We absolutely love our Lucid Mattress, our budget-friendly soft sheets, and cozy pillows.

They make all the difference and I’m sure they will make the difference in your RV bedroom as well. If you found this article helpful, please feel free to share!

Also, if there is something you have found that makes your RV bedroom Comfy and Cozy, let us know in the comments below!

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RV mattress review
16 Tips and Tricks for a New RV Owner | What You Need to Know

16 Tips and Tricks for a New RV Owner | What You Need to Know

2020 has been an interesting year for everyone with all the issues causing travel to be halted.
 
Cruise lines have shut down and they keep pushing back their sail dates.
 
Hotels have limited their occupancy.
 
Flights have presumed to full capacity but under strict restrictions of sanitation and mask coverings.
 
Countries have put 14-day quarantines on travelers or shut down to any outside visitors entirely.
 
All this combined has brought many people to buy RV’s so they can further their summer travels and avoid staying in Hotels. These unfortunate events have also allured people in lowering their living costs.
 
All these reasons could be why RV sales have skyrocketed. New RV owners are growing faster than ever before. 
 
The inspiration for this post came after a conversation I had with my sister-in-law. She and my brother recently decided to purchase an RV themselves.
 
After shopping at many RV dealerships they found that the industry is in high demand. One dealership, in particular, had 60 KZ Travel Trailers on order and 51 of them were already sold. The used lots couldn’t even keep an RV on it for a day before it was sold.
 
This makes me wonder how many New RV owners are starting their RVing journeys for the first time. Maybe they need little tips and tricks to make it easier.
 
If you’re visiting our blog for the first time, we have lived in our RV for over two years now. So, you could say we know a bit about RVing. We know how to make it a comfortable transition.
 
So, let’s get into the tips and tricks that you need to learn as a new RV owner.

Tip #1 – Learn to Hook up your RV

 
When we purchased our RV, we also purchased Husky Sway bars (we have a travel trailer, not a fifth wheel or motorhome). The guys at Route66 in Oklahoma hooked up our trailer for the first time for us and quickly ran through it with us.
 
However, when we got to our destination we ended up having to watch Youtube Videos on how to unhook and hook up our RV with the Sway Bars. It takes practice and time to get it down.
 
At the beginning it took us 30 minutes or more to hook up our RV, but now that we know how it’s much easier and quicker.
 
Also, don’t forget your plug, locks, pins, and chains when hooking up your RV. Make sure the ball is locked, the pins are in place, and the chains are crossed (it is illegal in some states to not have your chains crossed if you have a travel trailer/bumper pull).
 

Tip #2 – Drive Cautiously

 
Towing an RV of any size requires additional safety precautions on the road. As a new RV owner make sure you know your blind spots, give yourself space to brake, make wide turns, and take routes that allow you to clear any bridges.
 
I’ve seen some horrific pictures of brand-new RV’s in a ditch because the driver didn’t make a wide enough turn. There’s also some bad stories of RV roofs being ripped off due to not clearing a bridge.

Tip #2.5 – Learn to Reverse

 
In addition to driving cautiously, you will want to learn how to reverse your new RV. You can take the RV in an empty parking lot and practice there before you hit the RV park or national park.
 
Also, your reversing methods and maneuvering abilities will be different if you have a fifth wheel versus a travel trailer. So, having patience and learning is key.
 
Our Travel trailer is 32 ft long and it is a pain to reverse. Therefore, I let my husband do it every time as I’m better as the lookout to keep him from hitting trees or poles.

Tip #3 – Learn your weight capacity

 
Before you even pick up your RV, you’ll want to learn the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), dry weight of the RV, and your tow vehicle towing capacity. Learn how much you can tow and carry inside your vehicle before you reach your max.
 
We have a Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel that has a towing capacity of 14,000lbs. Our RV is about 10,000 lbs, so we have room to add items in the truck like dogs, and other camping gear before we reach our capacity.

Tip #4 – Read your Manual

 
I’m notorious for trying to figure things out before I open the manuals but reading your manual is important.
 
After all, it’s a home on wheels, and learning how things work as a new RV owner is essential. Many manuals are online so knowing where yours is and how to access it is important.

Tip #5 – Purchase the Needed Equipment

 
While many RV dealerships will give you a new RV owner starter pack, those items are only the minimal essentials. There are many more items you will need to purchase in order to stay safe and enjoy your RV trips.
 
I have provided an entire list of items on a related post here. 

Tip #6 – Learn to level Your RV
 
There are little sticky green levelers you can purchase to stick on your RV. This will make it easier to level your RV if you don’t have automatic levelers.
You will also want to get some leveler blocks just in case you have an RV spot that’s really unlevel. You’ll want to be able to put them under the tires or stabilizers. 
 
Important: Always level by the tire’s first, before you level the length of the RV. Also, if you have slides level the RV with the slides in, not out.

Tip #7 – Learn your Black and Grey Tanks

 
As a new RV owner, it’s understandable that you may be unaware on how the black and grey tanks work. But learning how they work should be a top priority. I can’t tell you how many stories I have read on Facebook RV groups of people flooding their bathrooms because they didn’t release their tanks. This can cause significant damage if not properly cared for.
 
If you have a washer or an outdoor kitchen learn which tank the water goes to. Depending on the RV, some might release in the Grey tank and some might release in the Blank tank.
 
Usually, though your Blank Tank is reserved for human waste and the grey is for everything else like the sink, washer, and shower water. Read your manual to locate the release valves and always hook up the sewer hose to the dump before releasing the valves. 
 
Also, use a tank deodorizer to prevent unwanted smells from the beginning. The best on the market is Happy Camper.

Tip #8 – Plan Ahead

 
Taking a Road Trip and planning on bringing your New RV, you will want to plan ahead. Figure out where you’re going to stay. Many RV parks require reservations and some parks fill up months to even a year in advance.
 
Another thing to plan for is your route. When you’re pulling an RV you’ll need to make sure you avoid roads or bridges that you can’t easily drive through. There are apps that will help you plan like Roadtrippers. Use this code BTR5QTP for a special $5 off!
 

Tip #9 – a dehumidifier and moisture absorbents

RVs tend to accumulate moisture so having a dehumidifier and moisture absorbents is going to help prevent mold growth

Mold is a huge problem that happens in RVs often, so this is a preventative measure that every RVer does.

Tip #10 – Clean you’re A/C Filter once a month

If you want to keep you A/C running, especially during the heat of the summer months, then cleaning your filters monthly is essential.

Ours are pretty easy to clean, we remove them and shake them out outside. Sometimes we clean then with water and let them dry as well.

Tip #11 – Learn Where your GFI and Fuse Box is located

 
Usually, the GFI reset plug is in your bathroom, at least that is where ours is located. You’ll only need to know where this is if you notice other plugs are not working. This usually means it’s been overpowered and the GFI prevents damage with the electrical system and will just need to be reset.
 
You’ll also want to know where your fuse box is. If you blow a fuse to your A/C or your lights aren’t working, chances are you’ll just need to change a fuse out. These are pretty cheap and can come in a pack to keep in your RV.

Tip #12 – Learn to hook up your propane properly

 
Hooking up your propane properly is essential and can mean safety for all parties. The last thing you want to do is fail and have a propane leak. Propane leaks can be harmful to your health and potentially disastrous is there is fire around.
 
Our Propane tanks run one at a time, once one is empty, we close the valve and open the other tank. It’s easy, but everything must be learned.

Tip #13 – Learn to lubricate your slides (if you have them)

 
If you have slides, it’s important to learn how to lubricate the rubber and metal portions.
 
Lubricating the rubber seals on the slides will keep them from drying out and cracking. This further prevents unwanted leaks when it rains.
 
Of course, lubricating the metal rods and chains under the slide will keep them from rusting and sticking.

Tip #14 – Learn to clean your hot water heater

 
This is important and super easy to do. The reason you want to learn how to clean your hot water heater is that sediment can accumulate at the bottom and you’ll need to remove it.
Another reason is if you have an anode rod, you will need to know how to replace them at least once a year.

Tip #15 – HAVE FUN and Stay Safe!!!

 
I know this seems like a lot of tips and things to learn and remember. However, don’t let them keep you from enjoying your new RV.
Traveling and Camping in your RV is a great experience for the whole family. They allow you to visit and explore places you may not have considered before RVing.

Tip #16 – BE PATIENT

 
Owning an RV and taking your RV out for the first couple of times is going to be a learning experience. So, the most important thing you must do is BE PATIENT.
 
Be patient with yourself, your significant other, and your family as a new RV owner. RVing will become easier the more experienced you get. So, don’t expect the first time you go out to be smooth.

Final Thoughts

 

These 16.5 tips are for the first time new RV owner that is just getting started. The longer you own your RV there are going to more things you will need to maintain like your roof, seals, etc.
 
However, if you just purchased your RV then I hope you’ve enjoyed these tips and HAVE FUN!
 
Happy RVing! 

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RV Smells | How to Keep Your RV Smelling Fresh and Clean

RV Smells | How to Keep Your RV Smelling Fresh and Clean

RV Smells can be unpleasant at times with all the outdoor camping odors and holding tanks.

Whether you’re on a camping vacation or starting to live full-time, RV smells are going to happen.

If you’ve come across some stinky situations, please know that you’re not alone!

There are 4 typical odors you may encounter in your RV that are common and can be remedied. We’ve lived in our RV for two years and over those years we have found some great options to keep your RV smelling fresh and clean.

But first, here are the 4 smells that can happen in your RV.

Smells you may encounter in your RV

  • Tank Smells – These can be the worst smells you will probably smell in your RV. The smell can smell like rotten broccoli to burning sulfur. Both are extremely unpleasant and disgusting.
  • Musky or Mildew Smells – These smells are not pleasant and at times can mean trouble. If you’re smelling a musky or mildew smell, I suggest searching for water leaks. Also, check corners in dark closet spaces and under mattresses. You may not find anything, which is a good thing. Sometimes the musky smell can come after it rains. I’ll discuss items you’ll need to use at all times to prevent musky smells and mildew from growing in your RV.
  • Rotten Egg or Sulfur smell – This smell is usually coming from the water system. Most of the time it’s the hot water. This just simply means you need to clean your hot water heater and possibly your entire water system
  • Propane – This is a serious smell. If you smell this while not using the heater or stove then you will want to open all windows and doors. Also, many RV’s have a CO2 Sensor. If your RV does not have one, I highly suggest getting one. If you smell Propane, shut off your propane tanks immediately until you can figure out if there is a leak. Propane can be deadly.
These are 4 RV smells you could experience. Now, there are many more smells if you have children or pets but all are easy to remedy.

So, here are different remedies we have used to combat and eliminate these horrible RV smells.

9 Ways to Keep your RV Camper Smelling Fresh

1. Use an Essential Oil Diffuser

Using essentials oils is a great way to keep your RV space smelling fresh and clean. I recommend using oils that are pure! What I mean by that is don’t use the watered-down versions.

For example; don’t buy a pack of oils from Amazon for $24.95. Those oils are not pure oils and you will end up using a lot of drops in order for you to smell what you are diffusing.

Now, you can buy a diffuser anywhere, including Amazon, but the oils I recommend using are Young Living, Doterra, or Edens Garden.

2. Use A Room Spray

If you’re looking for a spray at your local grocery store, then Febreze is the way to go. Don’t buy into the Air Wick or Glade sprays. For me, they smell way to chemically and aerosol-based, and they don’t help with the smells.

Febreze is the one brand that helps eliminate the smells and they have pure options like the new Febreze ONE line. My favorite smell from Febreze lately is the forest smell.

3. Burn Candles Safely

I know, some people say “don’t burn candles in an RV” but it’s really not a big deal.

I’m sure you’re wondering why people say that. Well, it’s because if the RV was to catch fire the propane tanks could explode if the fire got out of hand. RV’s are also quick to burn because of the materials they are made from.

However, if you put the candle in a proper place and never leave it burning unattended, then it is okay.

I love candles and we burn candles all the time. My favorite is from Mrs. Meyers because they burn for up to 35 hours and smell so fresh.

IMPORTANT** – IF YOU SMELL PROPANE DO NOT LIGHT CANDLES!!!

4. Use Plug In’s

Febreze: Their plugins are the best ones you can get from a local grocery store. I’ve literally tried them all, and I always go back to the Febreze. I can always smell them when they’re plugged in.

They keep the air fresh and it’s doesn’t smell like a bunch of overpowering chemicals smell like Air Wick and Glade.

Bath and Body Works: Another Fantastic plugin is from Bath and Body Works. They are great to use in any home or RV to keep your living RV’s living space smelling fresh.

The scents are pleasant and not overpowering. My favorite from Bath and Bodyworks is Eucalyptus and Mint. Smells like a spa to me.


5. Use the Right Tank Treatment

This is a huge deal because the tanks are usually what cause the worst smells in an RV.

When you use the wrong kind of tank deodorizer you tend to get a perfume smell mixed in with the disgusting smell of the grey or black water. To me, that is a waste of money when the product you buy to eliminate the smell doesn’t work.

Side Note: You should only smell these when the tank is released/open. If you smell your tanks while they are closed, I recommend looking more into the water trap and clean out your water system.

Since we switched to Happy Camper tank deodorizer it eliminates the smells. I hate when the smells are just covered up with other smells. This is the worst!

If you want to eliminate the odors then give Happy Camper a try! You can also read our comparison review on the GEO Method and Happy Camper here.

6. Use RV Moisture Absorbents

When living in an RV, you want to make sure you do whatever you can to keep the moist humid air out. The humidity can cause musky smells and even mold in corners and walls.

When an RV gets mold, just like in a home, it can be a costly repair. That is why you want to always use moisture absorbents. There are two kinds that we recommend and have used ourselves.

I don’t think one is better than the other. They both do a great job of pulling out the moisture in the air and also keeping the air fresh.


7. Clean your RV Tanks / Water system Regularly

There are many tutorials on the web as well as directions in your RV’s Manual on how to clean out your tanks and water system. This is important to do whether you’re living fulltime or storing your RV until camping season.

Our manual describes using a cup of bleach and a gallon of water to clean and sanitize the tanks. I would use your manuals directions to do this properly.

Also, when you store your RV it is best to make sure all the water in your lines and tanks are clear and empty. You never want to leave water in your tanks because this will cause mold and bacteria to grow.

8. Clean out your hot water heater

Another thing you want to do is to clean out your water heater. We have a suburban water heater that uses an Anode rod to help keep bacteria from deteriorating the metal tank.

It’s important to clean your hot water tank and replace the anode rod (if you have one) regularly. You will want to clear the system from any deposits that can accrue at the bottom of the tank. This happens from the reaction of minerals in water and the heat. At times, this mineral build-up can cause your hot water to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. The smell is caused by the anode rod material reacting to the minerals in the water.

Tip: Replace your Magnesium Anode rod with an Aluminum Anode rod to get rid of the sulfur rotten egg smell in your RV hot water tank. 

For us, we clean our water heater out once a month and replace our Anode rod at least once a year, depending on the deterioration.


9. Generally, Clean your RV

Keeping your RV fresh and clean by just cleaning your space. If you’re storing your RV, this is a great step to make sure your RV doesn’t accrue any bad odors while in storage.

General sweeping, vacuuming, doing dishes, taking out the trash, dusting, and mopping can go a long way in keeping your RV smelling fresh.

I love using Swiffer on our floors and Mrs. Meyers Lavender cleaning spray to clean the counters and table. This alone will help a lot!

Final Thoughts

There are many smells that can happen inside your RV. Please know, RV smells are normal and can always be remedied depending on where the smell is coming from.

As mentioned, one of the biggest smells is tanks. If you haven’t checked out our post on the Geo Method and Happy Camper Comparison, I recommend giving it a read.

Besides the tanks, if you have dogs or children like we do there are bound to be other smells. Bad smells like dirty diapers or wet dog can become overwhelming in a small RV space. Therefore, using essential oils, candles, or plugins are great remedies.

If you have found a great way to keep your RV space smelling fresh and clean, I would love to know. Please leave a comment below and as always, thank you for reading and stopping by.

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The Best Place to Get Coffee in Destin, FL | East Pass Coffee Co. Review

The Best Place to Get Coffee in Destin, FL | East Pass Coffee Co. Review

East Pass Coffee Co. Review | My family and I recently visited the Destin Beach Area for our very first vacation together. We chose this area because it’s been on our bucket list for quite some time. The beaches are also ideal for families to enjoy.

You can read about the whole visit plus a 3-day beach hopping itinerary here “Destin, Florida | How to have an Amazing Beach Vacation”.

On our way to the beach, we decided to check out East Pass Coffee. But this got me thinking, “why is it called East Pass”? We have never been to this area before, so I did a little research and found out what East Pass means.

East Pass in Destin Florida is an opening into the Gulf of Mexico from the Panama City Beach and Pensacola bay. It’s been a fishing capital since the 1850s and Destin is famous for being “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village”.

So, now we know what “East Pass” is, it’s understandable why this cute little coffee shop is called “East Pass Coffee Co.”

Let’s get into why we stopped, what we ordered, and more.

(Below is an image of the East Pass as described. Destin is on the right) 

Why I love checking out local shops

Checking out new and local shops is what my husband and I love to do when we are on vacation. Supporting the locals anywhere we go is important to us and our economy.

Plus, sometimes you find hidden gems that need to be supported and their product turns out to be amazing.

This is the case for East Pass Coffee Shop in Destin, Florida. It’s a little hidden gem right off Harbor Blvd as you drive through.

Why we chose East Pass Coffee

Driving to our beach destination at Crystal Sands, we wanted to stop and grab some iced coffee. I always like to use my google maps app to search for any places nearby. This is exactly what I did when I found East Pass Coffee.

I clicked on the location on the google maps app and pulled up the star reviews. We are all about the reviews and like to only choose places that are at least 4 stars or more. This tells us the place is worth checking out.

East Pass Coffee has 5 stars on Yelp, therefore, we had to stop and check it out.

Side note; they are previously known as the “JumpinGoat Coffee Trailer”.

East Pass Coffee Information

Hours of Operation: 7:30 am – 2:00 pm Daily

Address: 529 Harbor BLVD Unit 104, Destin, FL 32541

Phone Number: 850-353-2906

Website: https://www.eastpasscoffeeco.com/

How to get there…

Locating East Pass Coffee is a little tricky because it’s hidden behind a couple of other shops off Harbor Blvd. But don’t let that stop you from checking this place out.

It’s located right behind Red Onion Organic and Burrito Del Sol. Once you turn in, there’s plenty of parking and you’ll quickly see the location entrance to your right.

What We Ordered

While everything on the menu was super tempting, I love a good classic iced latte. I’m not into all the extra flavors and sugar in my coffee.

My husband however ordered the White chocolate mocha, which I did taste, and it was really good as well.

What they offer (Menu)

They have multiple combinations that you can choose from. Including different flavors and you can choose to have you drink either hot or iced.

East Pass Coffee also has 4 signature menu items. They are the Vietnamese Cold brew, Coco for Mocha, Sweet Cream Vanilla Cold brew, and German Chocolate Cake.

If you’re looking for a quick breakfast, lunch, or snack to go along with your coffee they have Acai Bowls that start at $10, sandwiches, delicious toast options.

Wanting something smaller, try their bites that include Fresh Fried Donuts or Energy balls.

They also offer some great smoothies starting at $7.95. There is the Green Drink, Peachy Pineapple, and Chocolatey Peanut Butter smoothie.

Their menu has something for everyone and it’s the perfect place to come and enjoy a cup of joe and yummy brunch.

Why everyone needs to go when they’re in Destin

If you’re the type of individual that enjoys supporting local business, I highly recommend East Pass Coffee in Destin, Florida. The menu is fantastic, the coffee is delicious, and the people are cheerful and always happy to help every customer.

The service we received was quick. We waited only 5 minutes from ordering our drinks until we received them.

Also, if you’re looking for a place to hang out and get some work done then bring your laptop or tablet. It’s a cute and cozy Coffee Shop that has indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate everyone.

Final Thoughts

We hope to make Destin, Florida an annual family vacation spot, I am confident in saying East Pass Coffee will always be a stop while we are in town.

It’s the ideal place to grab a cup of joe with a cute beachy vibe.

Also, supporting local shops means a lot and it keeps the economy going and dreams alive.


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