Connie Ulman

Connie Ulman is a freelance writer/photographer specializing in the outdoors. She travels part-time across the U.S. Connie is the author of "One Child's Struggle with Cancer: A Mother's Pathway to God." Wife to Wild Woody, mother of a Marine and friend to all, Connie loves to write about family, pets and life on the road.

Articles by Connie Ulman

• A look at 4 of the most interesting state parks in Ohio

  Monday, May 04, 2020

  Did you know Ohio has 75 state parks? Join me as I touch on a few of my favorites. I would love to visit every one of the 75 parks, but for now, I will share some interesting things about four specific parks.

• Getting locked out of your RV: Prevention and action

  Monday, March 02, 2020

  Getting locked out of the RV has happened to the best of us. In this article, I will let you know the ways to prevent it from happening and the actions to take if it does happen. Some RV models are known for automatically locking when the door is closed. It is a good idea to ask the dealership or previous owner if your model is one of them and what can be done to avoid being locked out.

• Reasons to have a Valentine’s weekend ‘RVmance’

  Monday, February 03, 2020

  February is the month of romance; it is not a typical month to RV. However, you can still have a great time on the road for Valentine's Day weekend. Whether you are taking the RV out for one last adventure before putting it in hibernation, bringing it out for a pre-spring fling, or want something fun to do on your full-time travels, there are many reasons to have a Valentine’s weekend "RVmance."

• Tips for staying safe and secure when RVing

  Monday, January 13, 2020

  Staying safe when traveling is something that crosses everyone’s mind. Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe when on the road is a high priority. There are many products, techniques and tools available to us, but the best defense against something bad happening is education. With the recent passing of two fellow RVers, it is now more important than ever to protect ourselves. Therefore, I would like to offer some suggestions on how to stay safe while traveling.

• Volunteering on the road

  Monday, December 02, 2019

  Volunteering can mean different things to different people. When I think of volunteering, I think of two things. One is giving time to a project or organization that is near and dear to your heart. The second is volunteering in exchange for full hookup (FHU). This means volunteering one's time in exchange for an RV site. Many people participate in work camping, which is completely different from volunteering. With work camping, you get the FHU as well as an hourly income. In this article, we will discuss non-monetary rewards of volunteering while on the road.

• Top winter destinations for snowbirds

  Monday, November 04, 2019

  It is that time of year again when snowbirds take to the road in search of the perfect winter destination. In this article, we will look at a few of the possible options, where I have been, and where my friends have been. I remember our first year of snow birding. We did some research and made some plans, only to learn that plans change quickly. For instance, we thought that by going to Texas it would be all fun and games — no snow, no cold days, swimming every day. We learned rather quickly that what we thought would happen did not.

• Have a spooktacular RV Halloween by decorating your campsite

  Monday, October 07, 2019

  The month of ghosts, goblins, chilly nights and warm campfires is now upon us. Whether you are a full-timer, seasonal camper or one who camps only for the holidays, you have tons of options when it comes to decorating your campsite for a spooktacular RV Halloween! There are numerous ideas for turning your RV site into a Halloween party. The first that comes to mind is one I saw in Ohio. It used a hearse and coffins. As you walked by the coffins, you got the scare of your life.

• Sightseeing around Michigan’s Blue Water Area

  Monday, September 09, 2019

  Michigan is known for many things, including the Blue Water Bridge that leads to Canada. I recently visited Michigan and got to see the beautiful Blue Water Area along Michigan's eastern shores. While in Michigan we stayed at St. Clair's Encore Resort, an affiliate of Passport America. It is located near Interstate 94, which means it has easy access for RVs. In St. Clair, we visited Palmer Park. Walking the boardwalk there was one of my favorite things to do in Michigan. This was one of the places you find the majestic blue waters of Michigan.

• Internet options for full-time RVers

  Monday, August 05, 2019

  In today’s world, having internet access is an absolute must for most people. This is even the case for many of us on the road. A couple of the biggest fears in today’s world of technology are having the internet go out or it not being available. There isn’t a perfect solution for everyone who’s on the road full-time and needs internet access, but there are multiple options for everyone. In this article, we will look at what those options are.

• Where to go in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, no matter the season

  Monday, July 15, 2019

  The best things about being an RVer are touring, exploring, and staying in campgrounds. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is a great place to tour, explore and stay on an RV trip regardless of the season. In this article, we will talk about places to visit during various times of the year.

• How to earn money while living a nomadic life

  Monday, June 10, 2019

  How do I make living on the road? This question is a perennial hot topic in the RV community. There are numerous options, but there are also numerous scams. My hope is to help you weed through some of those scams and find realistic ways to earn a living while traveling. I have scoured the web and networked with fellow RVers and business owners to create the following list of legitimate virtual jobs and work-from-home jobs.

• Where to camp, eat and play in Sandusky Bay

  Monday, May 06, 2019

  Every year, we take a trip to Sandusky Bay on Lake Erie in Ohio. We started this tradition about 10 years ago to celebrate my daughter’s birthday and my anniversary. Through the years, we have really gotten to know the area: the best places to camp, eat and play. Our favorite campground when we visit the Sandusky Bay area is East Harbor State Park. East Harbor has so much to offer: fishing, swimming, hiking, mushroom hunting, butterfly and bird observation, a game room, a camp store, an amphitheater, a playground, and an ice cream shop.

• America’s best beaches for couples and families in the spring

  Monday, April 15, 2019

  Winter has ended and, despite the occasional cold snap, spring is here. Many couples and families will be hitting the beaches this spring, and I hope to do the same. While most of my children are grown, we still have one adult child in the home who loves to travel and go to the beach. I’d like to share with you the best options for beaches in the spring whether you’re a couple or a family.

• Things to look for when purchasing a pop-up camper

  Monday, March 11, 2019

  Are you in the market for a camper? Like many people, my family has decided to buy a new camper this spring, and we have chosen to purchase a pop-up. I have put together a list of things to look for when purchasing a pop-up camper. For example, the canvas is a very important part of a pop-up to consider. Things to look for are tears, mold, and leaks. Many times, campers sit in storage or old barns and mice use the canvas as a chew toy.

• Eating healthy for National Nutrition Month

  Thursday, March 07, 2019

  Obviously, every single person is aware of nutrition because food is a staple for survival. However, it can be hard to know what is healthy and what isn't. March is National Nutrition Month, a tradition started by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with National Nutrition Week in 1973. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that interest peaked, and it went from one week a year to one month a year. Eating healthy is hard and eating poorly is easy. It starts innocently enough — a co-worker brings donuts to work, you work through lunch, so you grab something from the vending machine. It's all downhill from there.

• Lesser-known chocolate destinations to visit in February

  Monday, February 04, 2019

  I really enjoy the month of February because it speaks both to the heart and the taste buds. February is the month of chocolate, and while the experts say that dark chocolate has health benefits, it is the taste I am after. Everywhere you look this month, you will find seemingly unlimited choices, ranging from chocolate covered pretzels to chocolate Amish fry pies and many, many more. I’d like to share with you some outside-the-box chocolate destinations that I have been to or are on my bucket list.

• Preparing for medical emergencies while RVing

  Monday, January 21, 2019

  Sadly, many of us have experienced a medical emergency on the road. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for the unexpected when on the road. First and foremost, you should always carry a first aid kit with you in your RV. Also, know the location and do your research. Where is the closest hospital? Most of us have GPS nowadays, so locating the closest hospital is easy. If not, then be sure to ask the staff when you check in at the campground. Many times, the campground has maps of the area.

• Bringing healthy behavior to the workplace in the new year

  Tuesday, January 08, 2019

  It’s the new year and many are thinking about being healthier. You can start your journey at home and continue it in the workplace. To help you bring healthy behavior into the workplace, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have created a Healthy Workplace Food and Beverage Toolkit. I find that when I am working on a healthier me, it is easier to accomplish my goals if I work with a team. It is important to have a support team in place. Your team can be made up of friends, family and co-workers.

• Rights, safety and why you should carry on the road

  Thursday, December 20, 2018

  Preparing for and getting my concealed carry weapon (CCW) license has been an exciting and empowering experience. I encourage all my fellow travelers to take a pistol safety course, or at least some kind of self-defense class. Hopefully, as you follow my journey, you will understand the importance of why you should conceal carry.

• The best wines to serve at an office Christmas party

  Tuesday, December 11, 2018

  A great party needs great wine. What wines are best served at an office Christmas party? That depends on what food you are serving and if the party is low-key or a lavish gala. I personally like to offer my guests a variety of wines to choose from. Something to remember is that the type of wine glass you choose for your party is as important as the wine you choose. I suggest Spanish wine glasses; they are low to the table yet the sturdy design is perfect for any office party.

• Top Christmas gifts for the RVer

  Friday, November 30, 2018

  Everyone loves getting and giving gifts, especially if you’re on the road most or part of the year. Here are the must-have Christmas gifts for your wish list or the RVer in your life. This list includes a propane fire pit, RV club memberships, a zero-gravity chair, kitchen gadgets, outdoor games, and more.

• Suburban farming: It’s not just for homes

  Thursday, November 08, 2018

  Suburban farming is achievable, beneficial and fun. Many churches and businesses in various municipalities have donated city lots to be used for gardening. Also, a significant number of organizations get together with community members and grow food. This is an excellent option for those who do not have a yard to plant a garden or are new to gardening.

• Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville, Ohio, has the scoops

  Tuesday, October 23, 2018

  Joe Baker, ice cream maker at Tom’s Ice Cream Bowl in Zanesville, Ohio, and an employee since 1977, gets up early every morning to bring guests the scoop; the many scoops of ice cream, that is. Baker is sole creator of the seasonal flavors and introduced many of the regular ice cream flavors you’ll find at Tom’s. He alone makes about 600 gallons of ice cream a week. Baker started with the company in 1977, as clerk, while still in high school. He then became assistant manager to Bill Sullivan, who also began his career at the store while in high school.

• The dual-sport motorcycle: A great second ride

  Monday, October 15, 2018

  Many full-time RVers have more than one mode of transportation. Some have a rig or a truck and a pull-behind. Some have a motorhome and pull their car behind them. Many choose motorcycles, scooters or even golf carts as their second ride. There are many options available to choose from. However, it seems the optimal choice right now is a dual-sport motorcycle. What is a dual-sport motorcycle? It is a street-legal motorcycle with a dual purpose.

• Transitioning from full-time to part-time RVing

  Monday, October 01, 2018

  Transitioning from full-time to part-time mimics going from part-time to full-time in reverse. You have just as many questions, and the same feelings of fear and excitement take over. I’d like to address some of those fears with you and share in the excitement. Whether you are just thinking about coming off the road, in the middle of the transition or have already returned home, it’s a journey we can share together.

• The future of grocery shopping

  Thursday, September 27, 2018

  The future of grocery shopping has arrived. Technology has come a long way, and now many grocery chains and some e-retailers are blazing the path to a futuristic way of grocery shopping. In this article, we take a look at the grocery pickup and delivery services offered by Kroger, Amazon, H-E-B, Walmart, Hello Fresh and Schwan's.

• Traveling with your pets in an RV: Tips to consider

  Tuesday, May 19, 2015

  Pets make great companions and provide security. A pet of any kind — cat, dog, rabbit or even a pig — will change your life. Owning pets is like raising children — we care for them and even give them names. In fact, while visiting Florida recently, I passed a lady pushing a stroller. When I stopped and looked inside, I saw puppy instead of a child.

• Keeping a fresh fish diet in your travels

  Tuesday, April 21, 2015

  I have been camping my whole life, and I have been full-time RVing for a while now. No matter where my travels take me, fresh fish is something I strive to keep in my diet. Now how do you go about making sure you get fresh fish in your diet while traveling? I'd like to say that it's an easy thing to do, but it's not — especially if you are not a fisherman. One option is to visit as many places as close to a water source as you can. A lot of the fishing piers offer restaurants right on location. You can either catch your own fish, or have a seat and order yourself up some fresh-caught fish right there.