Rolling with the Unexpected

Sometimes the unexpected happens, and you just have to roll with it. Our recent

trip to Red Bluff, California, was one of those times. We booked a short stay at the Red Bluff KOA Journey with plans to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park. On our drive there, we were treated to stunning views of Mount Shasta, which made the journey even more scenic. Unfortunately, a fire occurred shutting down the Lassen Volcanic National Park and many of the roads around it. So, checking this National Park off our list will have to wait for another trip. But as they say, when one door closes, another opens—or in our case, when one park closes, another adventure begins!

Red Bluff KOA Journey

For our evening stay, we were at the Red Bluff KOA Journey, and we were pleasantly surprised. This KOA is close to downtown and easily accessible, but what really stood out was their proactive communication. From the moment we booked, they were in touch, letting us know about the general store hours, asking if we needed anything, and making sure we were settled in comfortably.

This was probably one of the nicer KOAs we've stayed at from a facilities standpoint. The large, spacious concrete padded sites and wide aisles made maneuvering easy. There were large trees providing shade, a hot tub, a fitness center, and a well-stocked general store. The only downside? The hot tub was closed for repairs, but honestly, with the temperature at 103°F, we weren’t too upset about missing out on that one.

One unexpected bonus was getting Beauty (our RV) washed while we were there. We noticed another fifth wheel getting detailed and met Antonio Godinez of Pro Detailing 530.567.8244, professional.detailing01@gmail.com). We struck a deal, and he did an amazing job detailing both Beauty and my sister’s rig. Roofs, sides, awnings, tires—everything got the royal treatment. If you’re in the area, this KOA is worth checking out, and I highly recommend getting your rig detailed by Antonio.

Rolling Hills Casino and Resort

With our plans changed, we decided to check out Rolling Hills Casino and Resort. Their players club was one of the best we’ve seen in a while. Signing up was a breeze at the kiosk, and the new player promotion was a nice touch—$5 minimum free play, but we got lucky! My sister and I received $10 of free play, while Shelly hit the jackpot at the kiosk and scored $50. Since it was a Wednesday, they had a Hump Day bonus, which kept the winnings rolling in. I ended the night with an extra $85, and Shelly added another $35 to her winnings. Not bad for a spontaneous casino visit!

Rock & Brews Restaurant

Dinner at Rock & Brews, right inside the casino, was a real treat. The only regret? Not getting our players card before eating—turns out you get 10% off with it. Lesson learned! The food was fantastic. We started with side salads topped with avocado, which was a nice touch. I had the tri-tip platter with a side of broccoli and garlic Parmesan fries. The tri-tip was flavorful, and those garlic fries? Let’s just say no vampires were coming near me that night. Shelly went for the Chicken on Fire sandwich—a spicy, grilled chicken on a brioche bun with green chilies. It packed just the right amount of heat.

The restaurant also had a great soundtrack from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Maybe it’s showing my age, but as the song goes, "I love rock 'n' roll!" Plus, they brew their own beers and spirits, which was a nice bonus.

Conclusion

Our stay at Red Bluff didn’t go as planned, but it turned out to be a great little adventure anyway. From the top-notch KOA facilities to the unexpected casino winnings and delicious food at Rock & Brews, we made the most of our time. Sometimes, rolling with the punches leads to the best stories—and this trip was no exception!

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!

Happy RVing!

2KidsatHeart 🚐💨