Tuesday, June 4
The Journey to Higginsville, MO
The Trip Begins
We left home around 10 a.m., bringing a few last-minute items to load into the trailer. It didn’t take us long to get everything hooked up and hit the road. Since Lisa hadn’t driven the truck or towed the trailer in a while, we opted to avoid highways for as long as possible. This gave her a chance to get reacquainted with towing and allowed us to steer clear of some construction traffic we knew about. Once past the construction zone, Lisa handled the truck and trailer like a pro, and we merged onto the highway for the rest of the trip to the campground.
Great Escape RV and Camp Resort
Upon arrival, we checked in and met the WagonMaster for the rally in the office. She lamented that the rally wouldn’t be as grand as she’d hoped, as Grand Design had pulled much of its funding and support. We assured her we were still excited and looking forward to the event.
Higginsville, MO
Getting into our campsite took only a few tries, and the setup went smoothly. With no cold beers to toast our triumphant arrival, we decided to head into Higginsville to check out Zybisco’s Bar and Grill, a popular local spot. It was happy hour, so we enjoyed a couple of cold beers and a hearty taco salad. Afterward, we strolled through downtown, taking in the small-town charm.
Before heading back to the trailer, we made a quick stop at Walmart to pick up some mouthwash for Lisa. On the way back, we stumbled across a farmer’s market that was just closing up. Luckily, we managed to snag some fresh peaches, tomatoes, and a blueberry coffee cake.
Evening
Back at the trailer, we spent some time settling in. We put things away and made the bed, and Lisa tackled the challenge of organizing her closet—a task she found a bit tricky. Meanwhile, I got the Roku connected and running through the mobile hotspot on my phone, ensuring we’d have entertainment for the evening. I also mounted a new shampoo dispenser on the shower wall, which meant we couldn’t use the shower for 24 hours while the adhesive was set. Unfortunately, I discovered I’d left a piece of my CPAP headgear at home, but I decided to make do for now.
We wrapped up the day around 10 p.m., exhausted from the travel and unpacking. After watching a little TV, we were ready to call it a night.
Wednesday, June 5
Today started with a mission: retrieving the missing piece of my CPAP headgear from home. After a hearty breakfast and a quick shower at the camp’s shower house, we set off. Thankfully, our first stop wasn’t far from home, so the detour didn’t feel too disruptive.
Since we had decided I would use the overhead shelving above the bed for my clothes and Lisa would take the closets on either side, we also planned to pick up some shelving to make organizing Lisa’s folded clothes easier. While at the house, we took advantage of the trip to pull in our trash can from the street and return a few Amazon and Walmart items I had ready to go.
We also made a stop at Hobby Lobby to pick up an outdoor mat for the camper stairs—something we’d been wanting to grab for added convenience and cleanliness.
Acadia Moon Winery
On the way back to the campground, we stopped at Acadia Moon Winery for lunch. Sitting on the shaded patio overlooking their quaint pond, we sampled their offerings while escaping the heat.
We tried two wines—Luna and Erato—both of which were very sweet but had an unpleasant smell that we didn’t enjoy. Lisa liked the Erato enough to finish her tasting but not enough to order a glass.
We also tried two beers: the Irish beer had a subtle Irish whiskey aftertaste that I found interesting, though not something I’d crave. The India Pale Ale tasted as expected for me, but Lisa was surprisingly fond of it. Despite our tastings, we ultimately opted for ice water—it was a sweltering 93 degrees.
For lunch, we shared a wood-fired pepperoni pizza, which was absolutely fantastic. The combination of the shaded patio, delicious pizza, and serene pond made for a lovely, relaxing stop.
Kleinschmidt’s
Just across the highway was Kleinschmidt’s, a massive boot and cowboy store. Lisa hoped to find a cowboy hat, but none fit well or were reasonably priced. While we didn’t buy anything, it was fun browsing through the rows of intricately designed boots and classic Western wear.
Great Escape RV Park
Once back at the campground, we changed into our swimsuits and headed to the pool. There, we talked with several other couples who were also in town for the rally. It was a refreshing way to cool off and connect with fellow travelers.
Evening
Later in the evening, Lisa fired up our new Cuisinart grill to make burgers. However, the grill proved a little finicky, with the flame frequently blowing out—a challenge we’ll need to sort out. We enjoyed the meal inside the trailer to avoid dealing with pesky flies and unwound with some TV.
As the day drew to a close, we were treated to an incredible lightning display, lighting up the night sky in a spectacular show. It was a peaceful and awe-inspiring way to end the day.
Thursday, June 6
A Leisurely Morning
We started the day at a relaxed pace, enjoying coffee cake, TV, and showers before setting out to explore Lexington, MO. Before leaving, I attempted to fill a shampoo/conditioner/soap dispenser for the camper bathroom. Unfortunately, the pumps wouldn’t prime properly, so I decided to let them sit for the day and hope the liquids would work their way into the mechanism.
Battle of Lexington State Historic Site
Our first stop was the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. Upon arriving, we found a painted rock on one of the historical markers with instructions to post it on Facebook—a fun surprise that reminded us of similar finds during our Route 66 travels in Illinois.
At the visitor center, we watched a short film portraying perspectives from both sides of the Civil War. A plantation owner’s wife expressed confusion about the uproar over slavery, while a German immigrant and abolitionist voiced his opposing stance. The film highlighted Missouri’s unique position as a border state during the war, emphasizing its proximity to Kansas, which was embroiled in its own slavery debates.
We then explored the museum’s impressive collection of period artifacts and displays about the largest battle of the Civil War’s western campaign. Behind the visitor center, we toured the historic Anderson House, a pre-Civil War home once owned by a slaveholder who farmed hemp for rope production. During the Union occupation of the town in 1861, the house became a hospital and later played a key role in the Battle of Lexington, as its elevated position made it strategically significant. The house still bore bullet holes from the conflict, a sobering reminder of the past.
A short drive took us to the battlefield’s high ground, where we found Civil War graves and remnants of fortifications. The steep slopes were striking, making it hard to imagine the brutal reality of war in such terrain.
Exploring Downtown Lexington
After leaving the battlefield, we wandered through Lexington’s historic downtown. The town, once Missouri’s fifth-largest and a hub for agriculture and trade, boasted beautifully restored mid-1800s homes. Many others, though untouched, still hinted at their former grandeur. With four registered historic districts, the city’s rich history was evident everywhere we looked.
Linwood Lawn
Next, we visited Linwood Lawn, an antebellum plantation mansion just outside the city. Surrounded by lush farmland, the mansion evoked stereotypical images of enslaved laborers working the fields while the white family enjoyed their privileged life.
Lunch at The Spotted Pig
We stopped at The Spotted Pig, a cozy bar and grill in the heart of town, for lunch. The interior featured classic bar decor, pool tables, and a small dance floor. It was mostly empty during our visit, but we could imagine it coming alive in the evenings. Since it was taco night, we had tacos and shared a delicious pile of cheesy bacon potato wedges.
Wentworth Military Academy and Lafayette War Memorial
After lunch, we drove by the now-closed Wentworth Military Academy, which had operated for 137 years before shuttering its doors in 2017 due to financial difficulties. Established in 1880, it was a significant institution in Lexington’s history and was known for producing notable alumni, including military leaders, business executives, and public servants. Although the grounds were no longer maintained, the stately buildings still hinted at the academy’s former grandeur.
We then made our way toward Riverfront Park, hoping to explore its scenic views along the Missouri River. Unfortunately, the river had overflowed its banks, flooding the roads and making the park inaccessible. Not wanting to leave empty-handed, I climbed the steps of the Lafayette War Memorial, a towering monument dedicated to the soldiers from the area who served in World War I. From the top, I was rewarded with a breathtaking view of the river, which had turned the surrounding fields into a shimmering, watery expanse. The flooded landscape was both beautiful and sobering, a reminder of the river’s power and its impact on the local community.
Madonna of the Trail
Our final stop in Lexington was the Madonna of the Trail statue, a tribute to pioneer women. One of 12 statues commissioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, it commemorated the National Old Trails Road, which followed the Santa Fe Trail. We had previously seen another Madonna statue in Council Grove, Kansas.
Grand Design Rally Opening Reception
Back at the campground, we joined the opening reception for the Missouri Regional Grand Design Rally. Over drinks and appetizers, we met the Wagon Master and a few Grand Design representatives.
We spent the rest of the evening chatting with fellow 2250RK owners, picking up tips and tricks for RV life. By 9:30, we were back at our trailer, ready to unwind.
Friday, June 7
Breakfast
The day started early as I woke up at 6:30 and made my way to the clubhouse, where a vendor had provided donuts and coffee. However, with only about a dozen chairs available and all of them occupied, I decided to head back to the trailer for a healthier breakfast and a cup of coffee brewed with our new Keurig. While the convenience of coffee on demand is great, I do miss the comforting aroma of a pot of coffee brewing.
We had planned to grab breakfast at the clubhouse, but we misread the schedule and arrived too late. Luckily, Lisa managed to snag a donut before it was all cleared away.
Proteng Fire Suppression Systems Presentation
We settled in for the first presentation of the day by JC Mooney, who introduced us to Proteng fire suppression systems. The presentation began with a slideshow of burning RVs and sobering statistics about the 20,000 RV fires reported annually. JC demonstrated how the Proteng system works: a tube filled with fire suppression material that activates when exposed to high heat, bursting to release its contents and extinguish flames. Later, we witnessed the system in action during a live demonstration outside. The exploding tubes were loud but effective—a definite eye-opener.
Missouri State Police Presentation
The next presentation, hosted by the Missouri State Police, was an interactive Q&A session. Most of the questions focused on towing limits and licensing requirements, providing practical insights for RVers.
Camper Demonstration Area
Afterward, we explored the trailer demonstration area, where Lifestyles RV showcased about a dozen new Grand Design models. As Lisa and I toured the trailers, it reaffirmed our choice that the 2250RK was perfect for us. We also browsed the small vendor area, which featured businesses like Scentsy, 31 Purses, a sign maker, RV health insurance, SkyMed, and MorRyde.
Camper Repairs
During the rally, I had a tech from Grand Design take a look at the kitchen steps, which had been damaged during our trip back from Arkansas. They made adjustments to make the steps easier to pull out, but I still need to address the bent fender. I’m considering trying a wooden roller to straighten it out, either while attached or after removing it when we’re back home.
Lunch
Lunch was a simple but tasty meal of burgers and chips, accompanied by a presentation on the advantages of disk brakes over drum brakes. The speakers claimed disk brakes could significantly reduce stopping distances and require less maintenance, making them a worthy consideration for RV owners.
Scavenger Hunt
After lunch, Lisa and I joined a scavenger hunt aboard a tractor-pulled wagon. The trail took us through a grassy path in the woods, where we had to identify 45 out-of-place items. The whimsical assortment included ponchos, children’s dolls, and cutting boards hanging from trees or lying on the ground. On our first pass, we managed to spot about 30 items. Determined to improve, we rode through again and found 10 more. It was a lighthearted and enjoyable activity.
Pool
Back at the campground, we cleaned up our scavenger hunt lists and then changed into swimsuits to cool off in the park’s pool. The refreshing water and casual conversations with fellow attendees made for a relaxing afternoon. Afterward, we used the park’s showers and returned to our site to dry off while enjoying a cold beer at our picnic table.
Group Photo and Dinner
In the evening, we donned our rally shirts for a group photo at the clubhouse. A drone captured the shot, which was fun to watch in action. Dinner followed—a generous feast of brisket, baked potatoes, corn, beans, rolls, and lemonade, topped off with sheet cake for dessert. Grand Design sponsored the meal, and it was a great opportunity to mingle with other attendees.
Evening Entertainment
The evening entertainment featured PickPocket Gene, who combined comedy and sleight-of-hand tricks to deliver a lesson on personal security. His demonstration of pickpocketing was both humorous and enlightening, showing how easily items could be taken from unsuspecting individuals. It was an engaging and educational performance.
To wrap up the day, we joined a campfire for some conversation and a beer before heading to bed. It was a full and rewarding day at the rally.
June 8, 2019 – Grand Design Rally
Morning Free Time
The morning was mostly free time, which was a bit disappointing. I had hoped for a packed schedule of activities throughout the weekend, but it seems that many vendors didn’t show up. There’s a big rally happening in Oregon with over 250 rigs, and it seems many prioritized their efforts there instead.
After breakfast, Lisa decided to tackle the laundry while I drained the gray tank, which was nearly full. Although I managed to empty all the tanks, I got sidetracked in a conversation with our neighbors and didn’t accomplish much else until Lisa finished the laundry. We hopped in the truck to fill up the gas tank and grab some iced sodas.
When we returned, we drove around the park in the truck and stopped to visit another camper who invited us inside to see their trailer. It was impressively large but well-laid-out—a different style from ours but nice nonetheless.
Lunch
Back at the trailer, we headed to the clubhouse for a sack lunch.
GD Technician and Beeping Fireplace
The scheduled presentation by Folds of Honor had been canceled, which was unfortunate. However, I was able to meet with a Grand Design technician from Indiana to discuss a strange beeping noise that occurred about 40 seconds after the air conditioner turned off. The noise was particularly annoying at night when the A/C cycled on and off to maintain the thermostat’s set temperature. After some troubleshooting, we traced the noise to the fireplace, which inexplicably beeped when the A/C shut off. The technician was stumped and suggested I contact Grand Design Customer Support for a solution.
Sanitizing Fresh Water Tank
In the afternoon, Lisa and I decided to sanitize the fresh water tank—a chore we’d been meaning to get done. We poured ¾ cup of chlorine into the tank, filled it with fresh water, and ran the water pump to flush the system through the kitchen and bathroom faucets. After draining the gray water tanks again, we refilled the fresh water tank and repeated the process. We don’t know when we’ll use the tank, but it’s good to know it’s clean and ready.
Dinner
Dinner at the clubhouse featured a hearty Italian meal of pasta, salad, and bread, followed by Italian ice for dessert. Afterward, the Wagonmaster held a raffle to distribute the remaining donations and purchased items. Lisa won a sturdy pair of Tupperware tongs, but my ticket wasn’t called. As a consolation, I received a Grand Design wind chime, which was a nice gesture.