One of the greatest blessings of life on the road is the opportunity to reconnect with RV friends in different corners of the country. Our recent trip to the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa highlighted just how special these connections can be.
RV Supershow Adventures
The Supershow was a whirlwind of excitement. We camped next to our friends Tasha and Matt, though sadly Tasha wasn’t feeling her best, so our time together was shorter than we’d hoped. Still, it was comforting to know we had a familiar space to return to after each busy day.
Walking through the show was a feast for the senses—rows of gleaming RVs, the latest gadgets, and new designs that sparked endless inspiration. We marveled at innovative floorplans, sank into massage chairs, sampled overpriced snacks, and entered every raffle we could find, dreaming of driving away with a brand-new rig. We even rubbed elbows with YouTube celebs like Big Truck Big Travels, a channel dedicated to exploring the RV lifestyle, featuring travel adventures, in-depth rig reviews, and practical tips for RV enthusiasts.
A Day (or Night) at Camp Wilson
A true highlight of our trip was a visit to Camp Wilson. Darren and Cheryl Wilson, generous hosts and fellow RV enthusiasts, opened their property to many of our friends who had gathered for the Supershow. We affectionately call ourselves “Hanksters”—a nod to Happily Ever Hanks, the YouTube channel where we all initially connected. Happily Ever Hanks, is hosted by an energetic and hilarious couple, (Kyle {or Karl?} and Renee or NeNe Hanks) who share the ups and downs of full-time RV living with humor, heartfelt stories, and practical advice.
Darren greeted us with his characteristic enthusiasm, ensuring we didn’t miss our turn, while Cheryl directed parking with precision to avoid any mishaps. Once settled, we stepped into their massive garage, the air rich with the scent of tacos—it was taco night, after all. Inside, familiar faces, laughter, and the warmth of community greeted us.
The evening unfolded beautifully. Games were played, football was watched, and heartfelt conversations flowed. Cheryl even “quality-tested” the dessert I’d brought—a gesture that eased my nerves about its success. As the night drew on, we gathered outside for a drone photo—a Hankster tradition—before saying our goodbyes. Darren’s morning weather updates and his witty reminders that he's "not our mother" and to “do whatever you want, but make it count” were the perfect way to start the day~and his farewell stirring questions about who wasn't the perfect guest (we're left to wonder) was the perfect sendoff as we prepared to hit the road again.
Campfires and Friends
From Tampa, we made our way to Palmetto to visit more dear friends at The Surf RV Resort. Maryann, Mike, Sarah, and Chris welcomed us with open arms, and our evenings were filled with the warmth of a campfire, charcuterie, drinks, and maybe even a few shots! One night, we dined at a charming Italian restaurant, savoring authentic dishes, while another evening brought us to Stein and Vine, where we enjoyed an incredible meal with a group of friends. Every moment felt like a celebration of the bonds we’ve built on this journey.
Looking Ahead
The hardest part of visiting friends on the road is saying goodbye, but in this lifestyle, it’s never truly farewell. Each hug and “see you soon” is a promise to reconnect, whether at the next rally, resort, or spontaneous roadside meetup. As we parted ways with Tasha and Matt, we found comfort in knowing our paths would cross again in just a few weeks for paddling adventures.
This journey isn’t just about exploring new destinations—it’s about the people who make the road feel like home. Every shared meal, heartfelt conversation, and memory created deepens the connection to this incredible RV community. Until our wheels meet again, we’ll keep the spirit of the road alive in our hearts.
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