Harvest Hosts Adventures Across America
by Rolando Chang Barrero for Travel With Rolando
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from life on the road, it’s that the best destinations aren’t always on the map — they’re hidden behind a barn door, tucked beside a vineyard, or found in the laughter of strangers who quickly become friends.
So far, I’ve parked at nearly seventy Harvest Hosts across America — wineries, distilleries, farms, ranches, orchards, and cideries that have opened their gates (and their hearts) to travelers like me. Every stop has offered a taste, a story, and a memory that lingers long after I’ve driven away.
I’ve woken to the smell of fermenting grapes in California, watched the sun set over Utah’s red rocks with a glass of cider in hand, and even learned — the muddy way — that not every scenic backroad is meant for an RV. That lesson came at Inman Vineyards in Childress, Texas, where my rig got stuck in the mud before my kind hosts rescued me with tractors, a hot meal, and a beautiful bottle of wine.
These aren’t just overnights. They’re experiences — reminders that travel is about connection, gratitude, and saying “yes” to wherever the road leads.
So here it is: my Harvest Hosts Review Series — each stop a chapter in this ever-evolving journey across America.
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You can become part of my Harvest Host Family by becoming a
member and a traveling friend!
Contact me if you are interested in becoming a host site.
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Panama City, Florida
CampOut Alabama
Nov 7-9, 2025
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Nov 5-6, 2025
Vinton, Lousiana
Nov 3-5, 2025
🍇 Inman Vineyards, Childress, Texas — Mud, Mercy, and Magnificent Wine
Some memories stick for their beauty; others, for their lessons. My stay at Inman Vineyards in Childress, Texas had both.
On my way to this stunning winery, I took a wrong turn onto a muddy backroad — and before I knew it, my RV was stuck. Completely. But what could have been a disaster turned into one of the most heartwarming moments of my journey.
The hosts not only pulled me out of the mud but invited me inside, served a hot plate of food, and shared their story and their wine. The vineyard itself is spectacular — rows of grapes stretching toward the horizon, kissed by the Texas sun.
Their generosity and the quality of their wine made this stop one of my most memorable Harvest Hosts experiences yet.
#HarvestHosts #InmanVineyards #TexasWine #RVLife #TravelWithRolando
You can become part of my Harvest Host Family by becoming a
member and a traveling friend!
Contact me if you are interested in becoming a host site.
🏜️ Dune Valley Distillery, Great Sand Dunes, Colorado — A High-Desert Feast
My stay at Dune Valley Distillery near Great Sand Dunes National Park was one of those unforgettable experiences where everything just clicks — location, food, and people.
After a day exploring the dunes, I was treated to a bison tenderloin dinner that was out of this world — perfectly cooked and paired with locally made spirits. The owners’ warmth and pride in their craft made it feel more like dinner with friends than a simple stopover.
The landscape here is breathtaking — open skies, distant peaks, and a sense of calm that’s hard to describe.
#HarvestHosts #DuneValleyDistillery #ColoradoSpirits #GreatSandDunes #RVLife
You can become part of my Harvest Host Family by becoming a
member and a traveling friend!
Contact me if you are interested in becoming a host site.
🥃 Storm King Distilling Co., Montrose, Colorado — Small-Town Spirits, Big-Hearted Hosts
In the heart of Montrose, Storm King Distilling Co. delivers both high-quality spirits and genuine connection. From the moment I arrived, the owners made me feel welcome and at home.
The craftsmanship behind their whiskey, gin, and vodka is impressive — and the atmosphere was just as inviting. Sitting with locals and swapping travel stories as the sun dipped behind the mountains felt like pure Americana.
It’s not every day you find hospitality and artistry distilled into a single glass — but Storm King manages to do exactly that.
#HarvestHosts #StormKingDistilling #MontroseColorado #CraftSpirits #SoloGayTravels
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🏕️ Buzzard’s Belly General Store, Ghost Town, Utah — Quirky Charm in the Desert
Every traveler dreams of stumbling into a place that feels completely out of time — and that’s Buzzard’s Belly General Store. Located in a near-ghost town, this quirky spot serves up equal parts history and humor.
The hosts are as colorful as the desert landscape, and their store is packed with oddities, antiques, and stories waiting to be told. It’s one of those places that makes you smile the moment you arrive.
If you love roadside Americana and a dose of nostalgia, Buzzard’s Belly is pure gold.
#HarvestHosts #GhostTownUtah #BuzzardsBelly #OffbeatTravel #RVLife
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Oct 20-21, 2025
🌲 Etta Place Cider, Capitol Reef, Utah — Service Beyond Compare
Nestled near the entrance to Capitol Reef National Park, Etta Place Cider is one of those stays that stays with you. After a long day exploring Utah’s canyons and cliffs, this Harvest Host location was a refreshing oasis.
The hosts went above and beyond — offering generous hospitality and crisp, delicious cider made right on site. The golden light over the red rocks made for a spectacular evening, and the experience felt like the perfect reward for a day of hiking and discovery.
Exceptional service, incredible surroundings, and genuine people — that’s the Etta Place experience.
#HarvestHosts #EttaPlaceCider #CapitolReef #UtahTravel #SoloGayTravels
🍷 M2 Wines in Acampo, California — A Taste of True Hospitality
Google Review
If ever there were a definition of “California charm,” M2 Wines would be it. Just off the road in Acampo, this Harvest Host stop felt like an oasis. The hosts were warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about their craft.
I parked among the vines, where the evening breeze carried hints of fruit and oak. The wine tasting was delightful — rich, smooth, and reflective of the care poured into every bottle. But what really stood out was the human connection — conversation that flowed as easily as the wine.
A must-visit stop for anyone exploring the Central Valley’s hidden gems.
#HarvestHosts #M2Wines #AcampoCA #WineLovers #TravelWithRolando
🍇 Sweetshoots in Manton, California — Peaceful Mountain Hideaway
Tucked away in the quiet mountain town of Manton, California, Sweetshoots offered exactly what I needed before heading toward Lassen Volcanic National Park — peace, fresh air, and a sense of home. The property is surrounded by towering pines and gentle hills, creating the perfect place to unwind after a long drive.
The hosts were welcoming and attentive, providing a calm atmosphere with just enough rustic charm. Morning coffee tasted better here — maybe it was the mountain air, or maybe it was the simple joy of knowing I was exactly where I needed to be.
#HarvestHosts #MantonCalifornia #RVLife #SoloGayTravels #TravelWithRolando
Umpqua Paradise
Oct 2-3, 2025
Oct 1-2, 2025
Sep 30- Oct 1, 2025
Sep 29-30, 2025
Medical Lake, Washington
Sep 24-25, 2025
Sep 18-19, 2025
Sep 17-18, 2025
Higginsville, Missouri
Sep 13-14, 2025
Alachua, Florida
Sep 11th - Sep 12, 2025
Jackman, Maine
Sue's Way Acres
🌄 More Adventures to Come…
These are just a few highlights from the nearly seventy Harvest Hosts that have colored my travels across America. Each stop adds another story — another reason to keep rolling.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts from more wineries, farms, ranches, and creative havens — as Bella and I continue to explore one sip, one sunset, and one generous host at a time.
#HarvestHosts #RVTravel #TravelWithRolando #SoloGayTravels #BellaTheTravelingPup #RoadTripUSA
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