Why Pickleball is Becoming America’s New Favorite Sport

Why Pickleball is Becoming America’s New Favorite Sport

by | Jul 13, 2017 | 55+ RV Camping, Go RVing, Pickleball, pickleball sport, RV Camping

Watch out, tennis because there’s a new sport in town. A combination  of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. It’s a great way to get active for young and old alike.

The sport is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net. Players use a plastic ball with holes in it and they serve across the net, much like in tennis. The rules are simple and easy to learn, but it can develop into a fast-paced game for more experienced players.

In fact, it’s becoming so popular one business was able to go from an online store to a retail store in just three years. Pickle Pro started off selling pickleball paddles online, and was able to open up a store four years ago in Naples Florida. The owner says the company grows about 150% per year.

For two years, more than 1,300 athletes compete in the U.S. Open, a seven-day national pickleball tournament held at East Naples Commuity Park. That’s a 40% increase in participants from the first tournament held in 2016.

Although the sport is growing in popularity across the nation, Florida is becoming a hub for pickle-ball lovers everywhere. The U.S. Open is helping Naples become the ‘Pickleball Capital of the World’. While in town, local stores sell everything from paddles and balls to special shoes designed with pickleball in mind.

Players say the sport is addicting, and it’s being touted as the number one way for active adults to stay in shape. It’s great cardio, while being easy on joints. This combination is causing 55+ communities to start adding pickleball courts to their list of amenities.

At Newby Management, we are no exception. In fact, many of our RV communities now have dedicated pickleball courts, along with hosted games and even tournaments. With Florida’s year-round beautiful weather, there’s never a bad time to get outside and see why pickleball is America’s new favorite sport.

See Pickleball in action at one of our premier 55+ communities in Ocala, FL: Rolling Greens Pickleball 
Sources:
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2017/02/20/pickleball-grows-in-popularity-as-a-way-to-get-moving/
https://www.usapa.org/what-is-pickleball/
http://www.naplesnews.com/story/sports/2017/04/27/us-open-pickleball-popularity-means-big-business-sport-grows/100925432/
How Summer BBQ’s Help Serve RV Residents

How Summer BBQ’s Help Serve RV Residents

by | Jul 7, 2017 | Florida RV camping, Florida RV Communities, Go RVing, RV Camping, RV Communities Fl, Summer BBQ

The smell of barbecue chicken wafts through the summer air. It’s a smell that creates memories and brings them back for residents at Newby Management’s RV communities. For the residents, it’s about more than a BBQ, it’s a time to connect with friends, to relax and to enjoy their community.

For the Newby Management corporate team, the Summer BBQ’s are about living out one of the company’s core values: Servanthood. It states: “With Jesus as our example, we will strive to graciously serve our customers, investors, and fellow team members to the highest level possible. Each of us agrees to be accountable to a higher authority.”

Each summer, team members from the corporate office travel across the state with a grill in tow to

serve up grilled chicken, potato salad, beans, dinner roll and a large cake at our RV Resorts. Themes create a fun and exciting atmosphere, different years have featured fiestas, the 70’s and more!

As you can imagine, a lot of logistics go into a BBQ for an entire RV community! In some larger communities, our team may cook over 400 pieces of chicken.  This means we start at dawn and turn the grill four times!

You definitely won’t go away hungry from one of our shindigs either. We give very specific instructions to local butchers on how to quarter the chicken so each serving is huge. That’s right! We not only serve big pieces of chicken, but we also use local butchers near the community we’re serving.

When a resident comes through our line, they can be assured that we temp tested the chicken before it leaves the grill, so we can be sure it’s cooked thoroughly. Then comes the fun part: deciding whether you want light or dark meat. Delicious! You can get a piece plain or drenched in Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce.

We love summertime because it means an opportunity to serve our residents and give back to our communities with a good old-fashioned southern BBQ. To our team, these are times of great fellowship and fun. They are a time to create new memories and reflect on past memories. They are a time to remind our residents that we are on their side. And of course, we can’t forget the delicious food!

Do you want to learn more about Newby Management? Visit us online at www.NewbyManagement.com.

Join the Tiny House Movement with this Hack

Join the Tiny House Movement with this Hack

by | Jun 29, 2017 | Park Model Home, Tiny Home, Tiny House, Tiny House Movement, Winterset RV Resort

The average American home is 2,600 square feet. For many retirees, that is way too much space. This is exactly why the Tiny House Movement is appealing for those looking to retire or downsize.

First, let’s talk about what the Tiny House Movement is. This movement encourages people to move into homes that are less than 1,000 square feet. At Winterset RV Resort, some of their park model homes definitely fit the mold for being a Tiny House.

Today, we’re going to introduce a 2017 Skyline 14′ wide Park Model Home.  Coming in at 490 square feet, this home is the perfect Tiny House. It utilizes every inch of living space expertly to give you the right amount of storage and room.When you’re downsizing from a large home to a smaller one it can be intimidating, but we think a tour of this home will ease your fears.


As you walk up the steps of the home you’re met by an outdoor patio and sliding glass doors that lead into your living room. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy countless nights on your patio in the beautiful Florida weather.

You won’t believe how much cabinet and counter space you have in this Tiny Home. The large cabinets are perfectly accented by your brand new black appliances. You’ll love the large smooth top range. Plus, there’s plenty of room to fit a dining table. 


As you look out from the u-shaped counter in the kitchen you’ll see a great living room. Lots of natural light and a built-in entertainment center make this a homey and comfortable space. The beach-themed furniture brings Florida to life, right in your own home. 


This one bedroom home features a comfortable queen-sized bed and great built-in shelves and nightstands, complete with lights near the bed so you can enjoy a good book before you sleep. The natural light throughout the home make it bright and airy.

One of our favorite things about this home is all the built-in storage. This is an expert use of a smaller space and allows you to leave bulky furniture behind. You can see here plenty of drawer and closet space for you to store clothes. You’ll love getting rid of clutter! 

The 3 piece bathroom is nicely sized and has lots of great storage options. The shower includes two seats for your comfort. One of the best things about this home is that it comes with a full size stackable washer and dryer. This saves you space and allows you to do laundry with ease. 

This amazing Tiny House also includes an outdoor storage shed. We love this park model home and everything it offers. Join the Tiny House movement and find out how this home could be yours today.  Lot rent in this amazing community is just $360!

See this home and more for yourself online at http://bit.ly/2tjncwz 

Hacks to Convert a Bus to an RV

Hacks to Convert a Bus to an RV

by | Jun 22, 2017 | convert bus to RV, convert van to rv, DIY camping, DIY RV, Go RVing, RV Camping

RV camping is all the rage today, whether you’re looking to ride out your retirement or you’re a millennial on the road. There are all kinds of ways to start RVing, you can rent, buy or build your own. That’s right, today we’re looking at the DIY RV.

Building Your Own RV vs. Buying A New One

New RVs can cost a pretty penny. However, the upside to buying a new RV is that it’s ready for the road and all costs are included. The downside is that you won’t get much customization if any at all.  If you’re looking to put in a little extra work, you could build your own RV camper. This could definitely be the cheaper route, although you always have to be prepared for unexpected costs to arise. Many people have gotten creative and re-purposed old vans or buses. The possibilities are endless! So buy or build? It’s really up to you and your needs! Take a look at our list to see if building an RV is right for you. If you’d rather buy, check out Tips for Finding the Best RV for Sale. 

The Value Of Having Space

Let’s talk space. Think about how much room you’ll need. If you need lots of space, consider purchasing an old school bus. If you need less space, a van should really do the trick. Make sure to
get any kind of van for as long as it is designed to be used commercially. Get some great ideas by checking out our DIY RV Camper board on Pinterest. 

Creating List Of Items Needed

Make a list of things you need in your RV. For example, do you need a kitchen? How many beds? A fridge? If you’re building the RV with someone else, these are things you’ll have to discuss together.
You have to decide how you’ll be using the RV. If you’re going to be on long trips, you’ll likely want a small kitchen and bathroom, as well as a sleeping area. If you’re using the RV for shorter trips, or will usually have an outdoor living space, you might not need as much in your camper.

Choosing The Water System

Choose your water system very carefully as your drinking water will rely on this water system. Also, consider how many people will regularly take a bath so you will know which model of water system you should install. This is because if you are going to use the water exclusively for cooking and cleaning, you will need about 5 gallons.

Checking The Electrical Wiring

Check your electrical wiring for safety. Your appliances will need about 12 voltage of electricity so you might just have to go looking for extra batteries as well as a proven durable alternator.

Comfort And Mobility

Make sure that when you are ready to buy your appliances, you also look for comfortable beds, kitchen counters and cabinets that are especially designed for mobility. You will find these inclusive of adapters as well as mounting services included.

Hiring An Expert

And most important of all, make sure that you will assemble your converted RV with extra care on the design and further consideration on convenience and comfort. If you will need to make some necessary adjustments to mount everything properly, then by all means, do so. It would be best to employ the services of an expert if you are not so comfortable with your own designing. That way, you will be worry-free when you travel in your newly-built converted RV!

5 Summer Camping Items You Can’t Live Without

by | Jun 15, 2017 | Go RVing, RV Camping, Rv camping fl, Summer in Florida, Summer RV Camping FL

Sandy beaches, rays of sunshine, floppy hats and fun times. It’s summer in Florida, ya’ll! While summer in Florida looks great on a postcard, it comes with some serious side effects. As natives, we’re going to let you in on the 5 things you’ll need to survive summer here like a local. Ready?

 

NUMBER ONE: SUNSCREEN

No one wants to leave Florida without a tan, but here’s the thing, Florida is really close to the equator, so the sun here is extra powerful. If you’re going to be outside for longer than 15-20 minutes, be sure to apply some sunscreen. You don’t have to go for SPF 100, but at least apply a little. Trust us, spending the rest of your vacation looking like a lobster isn’t just uncomfortable, it isn’t cute!

NUMBER TWO: H2O

Okay peeps, let’s talk water. Listen, we get it, you don’t want to drink water on the beach when there are fruity drinks with umbrellas. But here’s the deal: it’s super hot out and that means you’ll be miserable without water. You definitely don’t want to spend your day at the hospital because of dehydration or heat stroke (it’s a real thing). So, be sure to use the 1 for 1 rule at least, 1 water for every 1 drink you consume (whatever it is, beer, juice, soda).

NUMBER THREE: BUG SPRAY

If you’re going anywhere near standing water or the woods, be sure to bring some bug spray. There are so many options for bug spray, whether you choose to go completely natural or completely comercial. Whatever you choose, just make sure to bring it and use it! Those bites are annoying and itchy. If you’re hanging around your campsite consider burning sage or grabbing some citronella candles.

NUMBER FOUR: UMBRELLA

Ya’ll, we don’t want to rain on your parade, but Florida is really moody in the summer. See picture above for details. Here’s the thing: you cannot avoid getting wet. Make sure to bring an umbrella and some rain coats with you. Also, a change of clothes if you’re going out and don’t want to stay wet all day. Be a local and embrace the rain. EMBRACE THE RAIN!

NUMBER FIVE: YOUR CHILL
It’s so hot here so you can be chill. We have lots of fun things to do, and locals know how to survive the heat to take advantage of summer in Florida. There are less people, the sun is shining and the beaches are just waiting for you. Plus we have theme parks, water parks, tons of nature and lots of great places to visit. We can’t wait to see you bring your chill to Florida. Come soon ya’ll!!!


If This Doesn’t Make You Want to Camp Nothing Will

by | Jun 8, 2017 | Camping, Florida RV camping, RV Camping, RV wanderlust, Wanderlust

You don’t need 18 reasons to go RV Camping, but we have them. If you aren’t packed and in your RV after this list, you’re nuts!

1. To Have an Adventure

2. To Meet New People 

3. To See New Places

4. To Join a Culture of RV Campers

5. To Feel Free

6. To Go Back to an RV Resort You Love

7. To Have a Campfire

8. To Find a Quiet Place to Relax

9. To Open the Windows and Enjoy the Weather

10. To Reconnect With Loved Ones

11. To Go Off the Grid

12. To Get Sun kissed

13. To Wake Up Without an Alarm 

14. To Find Out That You Can Live With Less

15. To Become a Pro at Driving Your Big Rig

16. To See How Far You Can Drive on E

17. To Challenge Yourself to Do Something New

18. To Do Something That Makes You Happy

5 Game Changing On-the-go Foods for RV Camping

by | Jun 3, 2017 | meals for rv campers, on-the-go food, RV Camping, rv camping food

Whether you’re driving down the road, going on a hike or just grabbing a quick snack, on-the-good foods are perfect for RV Campers. We found 5 of our favorite on-the-good RV camping foods to share with you. Caution: Don’t read this on an empty stomach.

1. Veggie Dip

This one is great because it’s easy and delicious. Want to make it? Grab a container, place your favorite veggie dip in the bottom, cut up some veggies and arrange in the container. Stick that in your fridge or cooler, then pull it out and you’ve got veggies and dip ready to go. Genius, right?

2. The Walking Taco
Have you ever been walking along when you suddenly got the craving for a nice taco? Anyone who is a connoisseur of the taco knows that they aren’t really good for travel. Well, a bag of Doritos can fix that. Just whip up all the delicious ingredients you’d normally put in a taco: meat, cheese, veggies, etc. Then open a small (or large) bag of Doritos and dump in the toppings. Mix it up and head out. Most people use the little bags, but a family size bag sounds pretty tempting right about now.

3. Sausage Pepperoni Puffs

It’s official, writing this blog before lunch was a very bad idea. Less than 10 ingredients go into this meal, making it easy and fast! The best part is that you can make these ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Pop them on a plate, warm a few up and you’ve got a delicious hand-held meal. Just make sure they cool down a little first. We’re just sayin’.

4. Frozen Banana on a Stick 

Okay, this one is seriously easy. Peel a banana, dip it in peanut butter or chocolate, roll it around in nuts, dried fruits or chocolate and stick it in the freezer. Now don’t get crazy and eat it before it’s frozen. (Or do..) Anyways, this is a great grab and go treat that the whole family will love. If it’s on a stick you can bring it anywhere your heart desires.

5. Trail Mix
We love trail mix because it’s one of the most versatile of camping foods. You can make it extra healthy or extra delicious or a good mix of both. All you need is some nuts, dried fruits and maybe a little bit of chocolate. Whatever mix you decide, this is the perfect way to fill up when you’re on the move. Note to self: muddy buddies don’t count as trail mix.

RV Camping Near America’s Best Beach, Siesta Key

RV Camping Near America’s Best Beach, Siesta Key

by | May 26, 2017 | beach camping Florida, best beaches florida, camping near beaches florida, RV resorts sarasota, sarasota RV camping, siesta key beach florida

Ready to experience the best beach America has to offer? Well, we have your front row RV camping spots! Our RV resorts are located less than 30 minutes away from beautiful Siesta Key Beach, ranked the country’s #1 beach by Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor. 
8 miles of the worlds finest, whitest sand stretch out in front of the sparkling gulf.  You’ll hear the sand described as sugar sand, soft and plushy, never getting hot, even on Florida’s steamiest days. That’s because this gorgeous sand is made up of 99% pure crushed quartz.
Beyond the sand, the beach is 200-300 feet wide in some places, which means that even though it’s popular, there’s lots of room to spread out. And that’s just what beachgoers do, whether they are swimming in the torquiose water, playing frisbee or catching rays, it’s always a good time at Siesta Key.
This beautiful beach is on a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico, located just south of Downtown Sarasota. Most days, the water is calm and shallow, which is perfect for swimming. You won’t have sharp drop-offs so kids and adults alike can swim happily. Plus. The beach has natural dunes too!
Kids will love building sand castles in the sugar fine sand. But it’s not just kids who love creating masterpieces at Siesta Key. Each year, the beach holds the Siesta Key Crystal Classic, an international sand sculpting competition. People come from all over the compete, and to admire the beautiful pieces of work.
Unlike most beaches, Siesta Key features a lot of (free) parking, along with a free trolley service to and from the island’s downtown. The adorable downtown features a plethora of dinging and shopping options, plus frequently hosts festivals, including dining and art shows.
Come vacation at the nations best beach! Enjoy amenities at our RV resorts like large concrete pads, full hook-ups, friendly residents, events, great amenities and more! This summer, stop by for our communities annual Summer BBQ, hosted by Newby Management. Grab a heaping plate of BBQ chicken, potato salad, a roll and some delicious cake. We hope to see you there. 
Learn more about our Sarasota RV resorts: 

Read This Before You Go Camping in Florida

by | May 19, 2017 | camping in florida, camping tips and tricks, Florida Camping, florida camping hacks, RV Camping Florida, tent camping florida

The Sunshine State. You know us for our beaches, great theme parks and amazing food. Now let’s talk about what you don’t know. Here are some tips and you need to read before you come camping in the wild lands of Florida.

1. RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY
Let’s talk tip numero uno. Okay, so you know we’re the Sunshine State, we covered that. But did you also know Florida has a wet season and a dry season? It’s true! You might think summer is a great time to visit (and it totally can be), but it’s also the wet season. Most days are above 80 degrees, and with the heat index it can feel like a whooping 100 or more. It rains most afternoons, sometimes raining all day. Plus, the hot and wet weather is bad for you, good for mosquitoes (so again bad for you). Basically what we’re trying to say is, there’s a reason people LOVE winter in Florida. It hardly ever rains between December and May, but the weather is usually mild and sunny. Now that is paradise!

2. LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS
Florida has some pretty exciting wildlife, in fact, we are known for two out of the three animals listed above. True, you won’t see any tigers (unless you visit the Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa), but there are plenty of other native animals you might encounter when camping. If you encounter a bear,

remember to use slow movements and never make eye contact. Most importantly, secure your food and never feed the animals. Sometimes animals can get very comfortable around people, especially if they are used to being served dinner. Don’t let them decide you’d make a good dinner.

3. ALL THINGS BUG
Let’s say you do try to brave Florida’s summer. You’re still in for a treat because we have lots of neat stuff to do, BUT you will have to contend with the bugs. Remember to bring lots of bug spray and citronella candles. A good tip to remember is to use the spray on your clothing and not your skin. Also wrap up some dried sage to toss on your campfire. It helps act as a natural bug repellant that will help keep your skin bite free! Don’t forget the cortisone incase any bugs get past your barriers.

4. YOU’RE FIRED
This probably goes for most states, but Florida has some strict laws about open fires, especially in the dry season. You’ll get good weather, but double check with your campground before lighting those s’mores! Many campgrounds require special permits or containers for fires. This is because the dry season sees a lot of brush fire, so it’s one way to keep our forests, animals and campers safe. You can totally tell ghost stories around the fire, just make sure to do it legally.

5. WATER BOY
Florida is hot. You know this, but unless you’re from Florida you might not understand how hot it truly gets. Even in the winter the temperature can climb into the high 80’s. Whether you are tent camping or RV camping, make sure you have enough water. You definitely don’t want to find yourself dehydrated in the woods. Don’t underestimate how much water you’ll need, especially when it’s hot out. Stay hydrated and cool throughout the day. Remember, Florida is fun, but we do have some ground rules. Now go enjoy the great outdoors!

10 Pinterest-Worthy Summer RV Camping Hacks

by | May 11, 2017 | Camping Games, RV Games, Summer RV Camping

The days are getting longer, the sun is coming out and summer is on its way! It’s the perfect time to go RV camping and make some amazing memories. Before you take off on your next adventure, here are some ideas to get the good times rolling.

1. ROLL UP SOME HAPPINESS 

Seriously? Are we the only ones drooling over this idea? It’s simple, but perfect. Simply grab a stick, a package of cinnamon rolls and a fire. Roll the uncooked cinnamon roll around the stick and place it over the flames. In minutes you have a hot and delicious camping treat without all the cleanup. Okay, now you’re drooling!

2. GLOW AND THROW 

There are so many reasons this is the perfect summer RV game. You can easily transport it, it’s disposable, and all you need are a couple glow sticks and a stick. If you have kids (or kids at heart) with you, this is a must-try summer night activity. 
3. GLOW BOWL

Clearly the lesson here is stock up on glow sticks! Simply place a glow stick into a water bottle, grab a ball and go bowling! It’s fun, fast and easy. Ask everyone to save up their water bottles throughout the day so you have enough to set up the course. Make it a competition. The loser gets to hunt firewood!

4. TWISTED UP

Love Twister as a kid? Don’t bother bringing along the big Twister mat! All you need is 4 cans of colored spray paint and you can have a DIY Twister mat anywhere you go. either create a spin board or have a crazy family member yell out colors. 
5. POPPED
With a few balloons, trees, and a stick you can have a fun game in moments. Make sure the balloons are full to the brim with water so they break easily. Use some string to tie the balloons to tree branches. Make the higher balloons worth more points (unless you are playing with lots of short people!). 
6. TREASURE HUNT
Sometimes we forget to explore the places we are camping. These fun scavenger hunts will get your blood pumping, give you something to do, and let you explore the area. Split your group up into teams and go find some cool stuff. If you research the RV park or campground before you go you can use specific clues from the park to create your hunt. 
7. TIC, TAC, TOE

Everyone has played tic, tac, toe, but this is a new twist on the game that will make outdoorsy people fall in love with it all over again. Gather up four sticks, some stones, and some pine cones and have a good old fashioned time.

8. THIS IS WAR

This game is fun, competitive and will get your family moving. The best part? You just need a rope. Tug of war is an age-old game that is sure to deliver plenty of laughs. Plus it can be played anywhere, so it’s both portable and tons of fun.

9. BOCCE AT NIGHT

Bocce ball is a fun game that’s storming the nation. This light up set is perfect for those summer nights in the RV. You can see these balls from up to 100 feet away, too! Play in the sun, play in the moonlight, play to your heart’s content.

10. TOSS UP

With some glow in the dark paint and an old sheet, you can have lots of fun for the kids. Cut holes into different shapes into a large sheet. Outline the holes with glow in the dark paint. At night, hang the sheet and grab a few balls. Each hole is worth a different amount of points. The person with the most points at the end wins! This is a portable, easy and fun game that they whole family can play.

What summer camping game ideas do you have?