This Thanksgiving, Curtis Stone and his family took a socially distanced RV road trip. Though a holiday on the road may not have been the usual holiday, what remained the same was the family time and the home-cooked meals. And with a celebrity chef in the family, you know the campfire meals are going to have you drooling. But not just yet; let’s talk trip destinations first!
Where to Go
The family RV road trip took Curtis and the gang through FOUR different states — Utah, Idaho, Montana, and California. Making their way to Zion and ending in Yosemite, their trip was filled with snowy days, campfire-cooked meals, and, best of all, quality family time. Though we’d say, those campfire meals were definitely a close second.
Curtis’ Road Trip Itinerary:
- Zion
- Moose Creek
- Lone Mountain
- Twin Falls
- Lake Tahoe
- Yosemite
First up, Zion.
Zion National Park
The last stop on Zoey Deutch’s RV road trip was Curtis’ first stop — Zion National Park. The first national park in Utah is a must-see in the state. With plenty to hike and explore, you can spend multiple days there and still not see it all! Don’t let that keep you from sitting to take some moments of stillness to just appreciate the beauty around you. One way to do this? A picnic!
Roadside Park Picnic
If you’re heading off on a road trip, Curtis has some advice: “Always have that basket ready guys. Never know when you are going to pull over.” While they let kids run around and stretch their legs, the couple stretched theirs across a picnic blanket, indulging in assorted fruits and cheeses, and a glass of wine.
Of all the places to picnic, Zion is definitely towards the top of the list!
Exploring Zion Park
The family parked their rig at the Zion Canyon Campground, which is close to the park, and optimized the time to be spent there. After all, there are seemingly endless hikes to take and they one had about a day to spend.
If you want to start your day early, wake up for sunrise! The Zion Canyon Overlook Trail is only 1 mile, out and back, making the perfect spot to slowly wake up with the sun, and watch the canyon change come to life.
For those looking for a good workout and even better views, Observation Point and Angel’s Landing are two of Zion’s most challenging hikes. Both offer stunning views of the canyon and surrounding scenery as you climb your way to the top.
End your day at Canyon Junction Bridge for sunset, where you’ll be met by the Virgin River below you and the Watchman in the distance.
Moose Creek Ranch
The next stop was Moose Creek Ranch in South Victor, Idaho. Here you can book an RV campsite, ranch house, cabin, or even a glamping tent. And the best part is, Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park are only 20 minutes away in Wyoming!
Grand Teton National Park
To get a view of the park from your RV, you can take a scenic drive around the Grand Tetons. If you want to take your adventure on foot, Jenny Lake Trail offers stunning mountain and lake views, taking you through Cascade Canyon, the Cathedral Group, and Jenny Lake. For a shorter trek, try the Taggart Lake Loop Trail where you’ll also find a great view of the alpine lake and the accompanying mountain range.
Jackson Hole
Ready to hit the slopes? Jackson Hole Mountain Resort was named the top ski resort in the country by Forbes. With 2500 acres of terrain, there’s something for all ages and experience levels. Apart from the slopes, there are other family-friendly activities from ice skating on the Teton Village Commons to tubing at Snow King Resort.
If you find yourself in Jackson during the summer months, head down to Snake River Ranch for some whitewater rafting or a scenic float.
Lone Mountain Ranch
Tucked away in the Montana Rockies is where Curtis Stone and his family spent their Thanksgiving Holiday. With multiple days to spend, they rode in a horse carriage, fly fished, skied, and spent some family time in front of the fireplace and in the hot tub. Lone Mountain Ranch was called one of the unique lodges of the world by National Geographic and is only 18 miles from the northwest border of Yellowstone National Park.
You can book multiple activities and experiences through the ranch including:
- Fly Fishing
- Skiing
- Yellowstone Park Tours
- Horseback Riding
- AND more!
Lindsay Price, actress and beautiful wife of Curtis, had nothing but good words about their experience at Lone Mountain Ranch. She shared, “From their unbelievable kindness and genuine hospitality, the endless firewood and forever lit fireplaces, their walks and talks with us about nature and this beautiful heaven called Montana, their storybook fairytale winter wonderland that restored hope and inspired the best cuddles and talks, to the best banana pancakes in the world. We will never forget. And we will be back.”
Twin Falls
In Southern Idaho, Twin Falls has many sites to behold and things to do. From the waterfalls to the canyon, you won’t be disappointed.
Shoshone Falls
The 212-foot “Niagara of the West” is a must-see! In Shoshone Falls Park, there are playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, a swimming area, and an overlook. All of this for only $5 admission! You can paddleboard, hike, or if you like picnicking as much as Curtis, park yourself and your basket in one of the grassy areas with a view of the Falls!
Canyon Rim Trail
Canyon Rim Trail takes you along Snake River. You’ll pass iconic sites like I.B. Perrine Bridge (a popular site for BASE jumpers), Evil Knievel Jump Site, and Pillar Falls.
Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park
Take a boat out to Fannette or take in the sunset at Emerald Bay Lookout. Emerald Bay State Park is overflowing with beauty from the alpine peaks to the crystal waters and glaciers. There’s plenty to do and admire, and you guessed it, it is also a great place for a picnic!
Squaw Valley
The host of the 1960 Winter Olympics, Squaw Valley is one of the top places for skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and more! There’s something for everyone to enjoy, even if it’s just sitting back to enjoy the scenery.
Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Falls is a 2,425-foot goddess of a waterfall that flows from November to July. For an easy hike with a good view, walk the Lower Yosemite Falls Loop. For a more challenging trek, head off on the Yosemite Falls Trail. You can make the 2-mile roundtrip stroll to Columbia Rock or the 7.2-mile hike to the top of the falls.
And if waterfalls are your thing, you’re in luck! There are 10 waterfalls throughout Yosemite.
Half Dome
One of the most famous Yosemite hikes, the Half Dome Day Hike is a tough one. It’s 14 to 16 miles roundtrip with the last 400 feet being a climb to the summit holding onto two metal cables. The 10 to 12-hour hike and outstanding views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, Half Dome, Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra are sure to take your breath away.
What to Eat
When you put Curtis Stone and a campfire together, there’s no five-star meal that can’t be cooked. Step up your road trip with chef-inspired campfire meals.
Campfire Breakfast: Bacon, Eggs, and Toast
For breakfast, the chef of the family served up a simple meal — bacon, eggs, and Texas toast. Bacon and eggs are easy to make; you just drop them in the pans and cook each to your liking. But Curtis offers a hot tip when it comes to your bread — drop it in a pan to toast with your bacon fat! This fried bread method gives you perfectly golden bread without a toaster oven. And Curtis says, “Thank you, Texas!”
Campfire Dinner: Ribeye Steak & Brussel Sprouts
For dinner, Curtis served up a bone-in ribeye steak and a side of Brussel sprouts. He shared his campfire steak techniques with his family, and Instagram followers, showing us how to cook the perfect steak in just 5 easy steps!
1. Set Up Your Grill
Let the fire burn down until you see nearly no flame, set your grill on top of the pit, and let it heat up while you season your steak.
2. Season Your Steak
Salt your steak evenly, holding your hand away from the meat and tossing the salt on it.
3. Grill the Meat
Toss your meat on the grill, keeping an eye out for flare-ups. Keep your steak on parts of the grill where flames are low. Sear both sides until golden brown.
4. Let It Rest
Take your steak off the grill for a few minutes before tossing it back on. Do this two times before putting it back on the grill for the last time. Once both sides have cooked for about five or six minutes, take the meat off the grill again and let it rest.
5. Carve and Serve
Cut out the bone and slice the meat into pieces. Serve with campfire Brussel sprouts and a glass of wine, and voila!
What to Drive
Curtis Stone, Lindsay Price, and family hit the road in a Winnebago View! Built on the chassis of a Mercedes Sprinter, this Class C motorhome combines the comforts of home with the freedom to go off-the-grid. Not to mention it’s fuel-efficient and easy to drive!
The Class C Sprinter is the perfect size for a family — roomy enough to comfortably sleep four or six without being too big easily drive or park! And you expect all the amenities you heart desires
What to Pack
If you’re going around the wintertime, you’re going to want to pack lots of layers!
Layers to pack include:
- A Vest
- A Jacket (3-in-1 jackets are a layering game changer)
- Water-resistant Hiking Boots
- Long-sleeve T-shirts
- Flannels
- Warm Socks
- A Beanie
- Gloves
If you plan on hiking, layers and a good backpack to carry them in once you work up a sweat are essential. Check out our hiking checklist for other necessary items! And when it comes to packing your RV, Lindsay advises packing your belongings in soft cases, like duffel bags, that are easier to stow away and squeeze into places.
Most importantly, don’t forget to pack a picnic!
Hit the Road for the Holidays
You too can spend a socially distanced holiday on the road! Rent your perfect RV, pack your picnic, and hit the road. You can Curtis and Lindsay’s itinerary as a road map and let your heart lead the rest of the way!
