That’s the best way I can describe our experience at the FRVA Convention in Perry, Georgia.

We went expecting to learn a few things, meet some people, and explore what this community might look like.

We left realizing this is something we want to be part of.

A Community That’s Already Built

What stood out immediately wasn’t just the size of the event—it was how well everything worked.

This isn’t something thrown together.

You can tell this convention has been refined over years:

• Transportation teams running golf carts to help people get around

• Clear organization between buildings, vendors, and events

• Hundreds of RVers navigating the space with bikes, e-bikes, and golf carts

And then there’s the part most people never think about…

The Parking Team

By the time we arrived Sunday evening, over a thousand RVs were already being managed.

We spent the night just outside the gate, and by the next morning—through steady rain—the parking team was already in motion.

What stood out wasn’t just that they were out there working in the weather.

It was how smoothly everything moved.

There was no confusion, no chaos—just a team that clearly knew exactly what they were doing, guiding RV after RV into place with efficiency and a steady rhythm.

It gave you a real appreciation for the level of coordination behind something this size.

The Lifestyle Side You Don’t Always See

One of the most interesting things wasn’t inside the buildings—it was outside.

Rows of golf carts, bicycles, tricycles, and alternative transportation lined up everywhere.

It gives you a real picture of how people actually live in these environments:

• Mobility matters

• Flexibility matters

• Simplicity matters

We even came across a golf cart alternative that really caught our attention—something we’re still thinking about.

The People (This Is What Makes It Work)

We met so many people over just a few days—and that’s really the heart of it.

This isn’t just about RVs.

It’s about:

• Shared experiences

• Conversations that start easily

• People who are genuinely open to connecting

That’s what led to one of the biggest takeaways from this trip…

We’re Starting a Raleigh/Durham FRVA Chapter

Because we met other RVers from our area, we’re now in the early stages of helping form a local Raleigh/Durham chapter.

That wasn’t something we planned walking in—but it made complete sense once we were there.

If you’re in the RDU area and RV (or are considering it), we’d love to connect.

👉 Comment or message me if you’d like more information.

Workshops That Actually Help

The workshops were another standout.

They weren’t surface-level—they were practical and useful, covering things you actually need to know as an RV owner. Many of the workshops focused on practical upgrades and real-world use…

It’s one thing to own an RV.

It’s another to feel confident using it.

This kind of environment helps bridge that gap.

Vendor Conversations That Led to Real Decisions

Some of the most valuable moments came from conversations with vendors—not in a salesy way, but in a “this actually helps us move forward” way.

A few highlights:

• We’re having a complete brake job done on our RV, with a vendor who will come directly to our home

• We’re seriously exploring solar panels for more flexibility when camping

• We met John from Campers Inn in Georgia, who focused on helping us find the right floor plan—and even offered to coordinate options locally in North Carolina

Those kinds of conversations matter.

One of the many vendors offering practical travel options

Entertainment & Atmosphere

Even the entertainment added to the experience.

The Eagles tribute band, Hotel California, was a huge hit—so much so that we heard multiple people say they hope they’re invited back again.

It’s another example of how this event isn’t just informational—it’s enjoyable.

The Value of FRVA Membership

One thing that became very clear:

For $99/year, FRVA offers a lot of value.

Between:

• Education

• Community

• Events like this

• Opportunities to connect locally

…it’s easy to see why so many people are involved.

Final Thoughts

We went to Perry to learn more about RVing.

We left with:

• New relationships

• Clear next steps

• A deeper understanding of the lifestyle

• And a role in building something locally

That’s more than we expected—and exactly why experiences like this matter.

If you’re curious about RV life, or already part of it, this is the kind of community that makes the journey better.

And if you’re in the Raleigh/Durham area…

We may be meeting you sooner than you think.

If you’re thinking about your next cruise, I’d love to help you plan something that truly fits your style.

And if RV travel is part of your journey, I’ll keep sharing what I’m learning along the way.

You can explore both here:
HighwayHarborAdventures

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If you’re anything like me, you love travel but also want it to feel doable, affordable, and meaningful. My husband and I have discovered that two things bring us the most joy: setting sail on cruises and heading out in our little travel trailer for long weekends. We’ve enjoyed a 7-night cruise in Alaska and multiple cruises in the Caribbean, and closer to home we camp almost monthly here in North Carolina with our two dogs in tow.

This newsletter is where I’ll be sharing:

• Cruise planning tips (from choosing itineraries to packing smart)

• RV campground reviews (especially state parks where sites can vary a lot!)

• Travel hacks to make your adventures simpler and less stressful

• Lifestyle stories about balancing travel with family and everyday life

My hope is that this space feels like sitting down with a friend who’s already “been there, done that” and is happy to share what worked (and what didn’t).

So whether you’re an empty nester ready to explore, a health-conscious grandma dreaming of family adventures, or just someone who loves the idea of fun, flexible travel — you’re in the right place.

I’d love to have you join me on this journey. Hit subscribe so you don’t miss a post, and feel free to share this with a friend who’s ready for their own Highway & Harbor adventure.

Here’s to the road ahead — and the open seas 🌊🚐⚓

~ Debbie