Best of 2024: Looking back at a Super Cool year
In 2024, we went looking for magic. And, we found it in oh so many places.
Butterflies were here, there, everywhre at Fredrock Glampground in Fredericktown, Missouri. More than I have ever seen in the wild before. These two cuties are pipevine swallowtail butterflies.
Sand dunes and crashing waves in Florida. A bridge troll in Nebraska.
Butterflies and cicadas in Missouri.
And, the nicest campground bathrooms ever in Michigan.
All in all, we enjoyed 12 camper van trips in 2024.
We counted sheep in 10 states, spending the night at Cracker Barrels, state parks, a Hipcamp, a Harvest Host and other campgrounds.
We started the year at Fort Pickens Campground in Florida’s Gulf Islands National Seashore. And, we ended it there, too.
We saw beaches, lakes, forests and mountains. Giants and a giant egg. Even our very first total solar eclipse.
It was a super fun year for the Super Cool fam, and we thought we’d share the best of it with you.
In this blog, we highlight our favorite things and places from 2024. All so you can go enjoy them in 2025 — and beyond.
Best breakfast
King’s Chef Diner
131 E Bijou Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903
A half-order of the Grump at King’s Chef Diner. Hashbrowns, eggs, bacon and cheese all smothered in green chili sauce.
This isn’t the place for trendy avocado toast. Nor a hoity-toity crab cake eggs benedict. This, my friends, is where you go for slop, and I mean that in the best way possible.
You see, just about every dish — at least the best ones — is smothered in their signature green chili sauce. It’s made with legit Colorado-grown green chiles, and it makes everything amazing. Period.
The meals are so hearty, some are available in quarter- and half-sizes.
If you like, you can swap the green chili sauce for breakfast gravy, but why would you do that? Seriously, try the green chili sauce. Eggs, hashbrowns and bacon have never met a better complement.
You can even buy a jar to take home. It’s vegan, gluten-free and non-GMO.
Runners-up
Cozy Coffee Café at Wilson RV Park
821 27th Street
Wilson, Kansas 67490
Enjoying breakfast from the onsite café at Wilson RV Park in Kansas, just minutes off I-70.
You can’t argue with a $3.50 breakfast burrito to start your day. I’m sorry, you just can’t. It’s filled with sausage, egg and cheese, toasted on a panini press and comes with a side of salsa. Plus, it’s mere steps away from where you just woke up in your camper van.
The cute little café serves as the java stop for the entire town of Wilson, Kansas — population 837. Probably the surrounding area, too.
The Buttered Biscuit
1001 SW Regional Airport Boulevard
Bentonville, Arkansas 72713
Another breakfast you can’t argue with: a fried chicken biscuit sandwich. With bacon, pimento cheese and pickles, thank you very much.
But, hey, if that’s not your thing (whaaaa?), they have a delightfully huge menu. And, their homey atmosphere invites you to settle in while you dig in. They have 6 locations, all in Arkansas.
Best brewery
Mile Wide Beer Company
636 Barret Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
A flight of IPAs at Mile Wide Beer Company in Louisville, Kentucky.
If we lived in Louisville, this would 100% be our haunt, our hang, our Winchester (aka our holdout during the zombie apocalypse). But, we’ll settle for visiting anytime we’re in town or just passing through. The beer that flows from the 18 taps at Mile Wide is just that good.
When we visited, they had six IPAs on tap, a couple of pale ales, a sour and more. I enjoyed a flight before purchasing some cans. You know, for quality assurance. And, I shared a highly craveable pretzel and pizza from Mac’s, which operates within the brewery, with J-Wo.
I’m getting hungry and thirsty just thinking about Mac’s and Mile Wide.
Imbibe on the patio, in the beer garden, at the bar or while playing pinball.
Runners-up
Ozark Beer Company
109 N Arkansas Street
Rogers, Arkansas 72756
Ozark Beer Company is located in vibrant downtown Rogers, Arkansas.
What first struck me about this great little find is the simplicity of their vintage 1880s building — originally a flour mill. It’s boxy and white with big black lettering and a big front patio lined with barrels.
How lovely that the building survives to this day, serving as a gathering spot for the community and passers-by.
The beer is solid, the service is friendly and their visual identity is on point. Not to mention, I love a brewery name with a strong sense of place.
WestFax Springs
3043 W Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904
This offshoot of Westfax Brewing Company in Lakewood, Colorado, is tucked into a cute little building on the edge of what’s known as Old Colorado City. But, there’s nothing old about the beer they pour.
Superb IPAs, including hazy IPAs, plus pilsners, porters and more. Grab a spot on the rooftop patio to take in the stunning mountain views, including Pikes Peak, which stands more than 14,000 feet tall.
Best camper van equipment purchase
Etenwolf Vortex S6 air compressor
(We don’t receive any commissions from this Amazon link.)
The struggle to air up our camper van tires at gas stations has been real. Pumps out of order. Someone ever so thoughtfully parked right in front of it. Or, the nozzle seems to let more air out than in. Seriously.
Then, I read that most gas station air pumps don’t have a high enough PSI (pounds per square inch) to inflate large vehicle tires.
That’s what finally moved me to buy a portable air compressor.
Now we can air up the van tires with ease, in our own driveway or on the go. We can also use it on our car tires and paddle boards.
This little thing is rad. It charges quickly and inflates quickly. Just attach the nozzle, enter your desired PSI and stand back. It will kick off on its own when done.
After J-Wo used it for the first time, he was ready to walk around the neighborhood airing up everyone’s tires.
But, we believe in consent, so he didn’t.
Best campground bathrooms
The bathrooms and showers at Lake Macatawa Campground in Holland State Park are modern and well-kept.
If you’ve ever gone camping, you’ve probably seen some not-great bathrooms.
Actually, you don’t even need to camp. Plenty of restaurants, gas stations and rest areas have them, too.
But, not Michigan State Parks.
Compared with most campgrounds, these bathrooms and showers are practically spa-like. We’re talking the Four Seasons of campground bathrooms.
In a single trip, we stayed at both Holland State Park in Holland and Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta. The bathrooms impressed us enough to add this category to our best-of list for 2024.
Now, you might be thinking, wait, Camper Van Beethoven has a wet bath. Why do you care about the campground bathrooms?
Well, friends, we don’t shower in the van. There’s just not much space. And, we don’t number 2 in the van, either. (TMI?) You can probably guess why, so I’ll spare you the details.
Bottom line is, if you’re camping at a Michigan State Park or even a State Recreation Area, you don’t have to worry about the ick factor when nature calls.
Still, I wore sandals in the showers. It’s just good hygiene when using pubic facilities.
Best campground meal
Beef burritos
Beef burritos with green chili sauce and grilled parnsips were a favorite meal during our end-of-year camping trip to Gulf Islands National Seashore.
I’ll admit, we’re not the most adept campground cooks. Breakfast is typically cold or microwaved.
Dinner is often brats or hot dogs. And, that’s just fine because I’m obsessed with these Wagyu beef hot dogs from Snake River Farms in Idaho. I order them by the case.
But, we wanted to step it up for our 2025 New Year’s Eve trip to Fort Pickens in Florida. We’d be cooking at the campsite five nights in a row, after all.
By stepping it up, I mean rolling it up: burritos. We had both shrimp and beef burritos on the trip, and, surprisingly, beef was my fav.
The ingredients are fairly simple: Ground beef, black beans and kale based on this recipe from Simple Bites. (J-Wo made this before we left, freezing some to take and some to leave at home.) Plus, a shredded Mexican cheese blend.
That’s it!
But, what really made them pop was warming them up on our smoker grill.
To serve, top with yogurt (or sour cream) and the green chili sauce we shared in the best breakfast category. I order that by the case, too.
Best concert venue
Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Morrison, Colorado
The stands at Red Rocks Ampitheatre rise above the stage, where Fruit Bats play in front of Stage Rock, one of the natural sandstone formations that frame the venue.
Red Rocks is perhaps the top bucket-list concert experience in the entire U.S. It’s an incredible open-air, mountain venue about 20 minutes east of Denver.
Its 9,525 bench-style seats are nestled between a pair of 300-foot sandstone monoliths. Known as Ship Rock and Creation Rock, the sandstone formations act as natural amplifiers. They carry sound from the stage up to the happy ears of the grooving crowd.
If you love live music, this is a must-visit. Bonus if you love the mountains, too.
Trust me, your music-loving friends will be hot with jealousy. This historic venue, dating back to 1906, has hosted the likes of The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and U2.
We were lucky to see Modest Mouse, my fav, here in 2016. In 2024, we saw Fruit Bats open for Dr. Dog — two more of my favs.
Arrive early to enjoy the hiking paths and scenery outside the venue. It’s an easy drive from Denver, and parking is free. Or, book one of the shuttles that leave from the city.
Then, head in for a night you’ll never forget.
Runners-up
Steelhouse Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
This sleek indoor venue opened in 2023 with a name that nods to the town’s history of steel manufacturing. It holds 3,000 people, with standing room on the first floor and reserved seating in the balcony.
I enjoyed a comfy seat, a local hazy IPA — Fairy Nectar by Kros Strain Brewing — and Modest Mouse tunes all in one go. And that, friends, is how you rock ‘n’ roll in your 40s.
Old Rock House
Saint Louis, Missouri
Split Lip Rayfield packed the house at their October show in Saint Louis.
This cozy indoor venue holds about 500 people in a historic stone building near Busch Stadium. The seating is first-come, first-served. There’s an open-air patio and, during most shows, food. We headed here for a special treat: Split Lip Rayfield.
The punk bluegrass band from Kansas makes a delightfully raucous noise with a mandolin or guitar, a banjo and the Stitchgiver.
The Stitchgiver is a homemade stand-up bass. Its body is a gas tank from a Mercury Grand Marquis. Its single string is from a Weedwhacker.
Best destination
Barrels of bourbon age in one of the rickhouses at Lux Row Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
I can sum up what makes this destination special in a single word that you can probably guess: bourbon.
There are 56 distilleries in the area, which covers a lot of ground in the north-central part of the state. Think Louisville, Frankfort, Lexington, Bardstown and Danville.
You’ll find historic distilleries. Buffalo Trace in Frankfort dates back to 1787. Conglomerates like Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown — Blood Oath, Ezra Brooks, David Nicholson and other brands. Buffalo Trace is now a conglomerate, too.
Little Elina is one of three forest giants who reside at Berheim Forest in Clermont, Kentucky. They’re made of repurposed wood and bourbon barrels.
Plus, relative new kids on the block. Fresh Bourbon, one of the first Black-owned distilleries in the state, opened in 2017 in Lexington.
Most offer tours that include tastings.
In 2024, we toured Lux Row, where we got to stick our fingers in the mash, and Wilderness Trail in Danville, where we met distillery cat Cooper.
But, there’s more to this area than bourbon. Kentucky also has loads of history, horses and beautiful scenery. We walked among the giants at Bernheim Forest and Arboretum during our trip.
Runners-up
Bentonville / Rogers, Arkansas
This destination really took us by surprise. That’s probably why it also made our 2024 best-of list as a runner-up for best breakfast and best brewery.
There’s loads of outdoor recreation here. In fact, it’s a hotbed for mountain biking, which we don’t do because we like our bones intact.
But, we did enjoy the walking trails at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve and an outdoor concert at Walmart Arkansas Music Pavillion, where we saw Modest Mouse and The Pixies.
When we go back, we plan to visit Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and hike to Airship Coffee at Coler. The café is only accessible on foot or on bike. We tried to go when we visited in June 2024, but the near 100-degree temps thwarted us.
Omaha, Nebraska
Clyde and Bonnie join Omar the troll under the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge along the Missouri River in Omaha.
Omaha was another surprise, especially its Super Cool riverfront.
We walked the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, aka Bob, which crosses the Missouri River into Iowa. It’s almost 0.6 mile long.
At one point on the bridge, you can stand with one foot in Nebraska and one in Iowa.
Underneath the bridge you’ll find Omar, a happy little blue troll.
Also on the riverfront are the Kiewit Luminarium, a science museum, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center.
When we go back, we want to visit Kros Strain Brewing and see some more nature. And, we’d definitely see another concert at Steelhouse Omaha, which is a runner-up this year for best concert venue.
Best drive
Pensacola to Fort Pickens / Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida
About 17 miles
Crossing Pensacola Bay Bridge in Florida as the sun begins to set on a winter’s day.
You’ll cross two bridges and go through the towns of Gulf Breeze and Pensacola Beach when you drive from the Pensacola mainland to Fort Pickens. With stunning views of Pensacola Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf Islands National Seashore along the way.
There’s an automated tollbooth in Gulf Breeze. But, don’t worry, currently, it’s only $1. However, there’s a $2.50 surcharge if you don’t have any sort of toll payment account, such as Sun Pass.
When you arrive at the Fort Pickens entrance gate, it’s another $25 for entry to Gulf Islands National Seashore. That pass is good for seven days, or an annual pass is $45. Cyclists pay $15 and motorcyclists $20. Or, use your America the Beautiful pass to get in for no charge.
Pensacola Bay in Florida sparkles beyond the sand dunes along Fort Pickens Road in Florida’s Gulf Islands National Seashore.
The views from the Pensacola Bay Bridge and Pensacola Beach Toll Bridge are stunning. But, the drive gets even better inside Gulf Islands National Seashore.
The road twists and turns through the white sand dunes, with views of water on either side. Look left to the Gulf of Mexico, or right to Pensacola Bay.
You’ll see old military bunkers and maritime forests before arriving at the campground and, past that, the fort. It’s a wonder that condo developers never got ahold of this land, and I’m oh so glad they didn’t.
Truly, driving through this stretch of Gulf Islands National Seashore is magical.
Santa Rosa Island is only about 1 mile wide here, from the Gulf to the Bay.
Perhaps even more of a marvel, this land mass — a barrier island — is natural, not manmade. Geologists estimate it’s at least 4,000 years old.
Best roadside attraction
World’s largest Czech egg
2520 Avenue D
Wilson, Kansas 67490
The world’s largest Czech egg in Wilson, Kansas, is twice as tall as Camper Van Beethoven, seen in the background.
In our camper van travels, we haven’t yet made it a habit to stop at roadside attractions. Because, well, they’re a bit cheesy.
Roadside attractions, typically an oddity of some sort, are meant to compel you to stop and take pictures — perhaps even spend some money.
Often, as is the case here, they’re an oversized version of an everyday object.
When I set our GPS to Wilson RV Park for an overnight stay on the way to Colorado, I wasn’t expecting to encounter a roadside attraction. But, there it was, just a couple miles off I-70 and about a half-mile from our destination: the world’s largest Czech egg.
The next morning, we played tourist and stopped for photos before jumping on the freeway again.
Standing 20 feet tall in Ed & LaVange Shiroky Park, the egg honors the Czech heritage of the area. A sign in the park explains the egg is decorated to celebrate new beginnings, strength and good fortune.
A Czech egg, or a kraslice, is like an Easter egg. A real egg decorated as a symbol of rebirth for Pagan and, later, Christian ceremonies and celebrations.
Best tootsie dip
Coler Mountain Bike Preserve
Bentonville, Arkansas
Bonnie stands in the cool creek at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville, Arkansas. The park has 17+ miles of mountain biking trails.
At last, Arkansas moves from a runner-up to #1 in a category: best tootsie dip.
You may be asking, what’s a tootsie dip? Although, perhaps the photo of Bonnie already gave it away. It’s simply wading into a body of water. Dipping in your toes or paws.
It’s one of Bonnie’s favorite activities, especially when it’s hot like it was when we visited the Natural State in June.
We set off from the Coler-Grove Lane parking lot to walk to Airship Coffee at Coler, but we never made it.
We did, however, walk down the hill to find a nice shaded area with a shallow creek. Here, Bonnie enjoyed a tootsie dip, and we all enjoyed the shade and a drink of water. From our water bottles, of course — not the creek. Well, I can’t speak for Bonnie on that one.
It was simply too hot — nearly 100 degrees — to continue onto the coffee shop. But, who needs a dirty chai when you have a tootsie dip?
Runners-up
Pensacola Dog Beach West
Pensacola Beach, Florida
Clyde, with Bonnie in the background, enjoys a morning at Pensacola Dog Beach West in Florida.
We don’t mind getting a little sand and saltwater in our paws here at Super Cool Van Trips. In fact, we love it.
Bonnie enjoyed a tootsie dip here on January 1, 2024, while walking this dog beach on the Gulf of Mexico.
What better way to start the new year than watching the sunrise over the surf and letting the waves carry away the cares and burdens of the prior year?
A tootsie dip is that powerful, friends. Truly, it is.
Bear Creek
Morrison, Colorado
Bear Creek in Colorado moves at a pretty good clip, so we let Bonnie wade in but kept her close to the shore.
There’s a lovely walkway that runs between the creek and Morrison’s cute little historic downtown district. We took it all in the morning after the Dr. Dog concert at Red Rocks.
Best new family member
Kizu
Baby Kizu naps in her fluffy bed.
We only added one new member to the Super Cool fam in 2024, so this wasn’t much of a competition. Still, Kizu gets the nod for best new family member.
In early 2024, we connected with a family over Craigslist with some abandoned kittens on their hands. A few weeks later, we left a Panda Express parking lot with a tiny black furry thing.
We named her Kizu, which means “scratch” in Japanese. A little nod to our 2017 trip to Tokyo.
Kizu joined us on a few camper van trips, going to Kansas, Colorado, Indiana and Michigan. But, she didn’t seem to enjoy the space constraints of the van.
So, at least for now, she’s staying home. Van life isn’t for everyone, after all.
Here’s to new adventures
In 2024, cicada broods XIII and XIX were out at the same time, which hadn’t occured since 1803. A historic insect event that didn’t dissapoint. Though, truly, I would’ve enjoyed seeing even more of the cuties. By the way, we sell super cute cicada hats and cicada t-shirts on Etsy.
And that, my friends, is some of what we enjoyed during our camper van trips in 2024. It was also our first full year of SuperCoolVanTrips.com. We’ll turn 2 in 2025.
Super Cool, right?
We hope you had a great year, too. And, we wish you an even better year ahead.
Go forth and explore — and report back.
We’d love to hear about your adventures. You can reach us by email or on Instagram. Or, stay connected by signing up for our monthly email newsletter. We’ll send you travel tips, new blogs and more.
Come hang with the Super Cool crew on Instagram in 2025
@supercooltrips
