What do a 20-foot troll, a surprise truck stop sleepover, and baked apples have in common?
They’re all part of our wild weekend through Connecticut and Rhode Island to check states 43 and 44 off our Lower 48 list! This leg took us from towering trolls to city charm and peaceful camping spots. From the convenience of Mohegan Sun Casino to the charm of Rhode Island, it was a mix of wander and wild.
Meet the forest’s friendliest giant, Greta Granite, always ready for a big hug and a bigger story!
Photo of the Week
Meet Greta Granite! She’s part of Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s worldwide troll installations and now lives along the whimsical 'Troll Trail' in Ninigret Park, RI. Greta and her rock-loving counterpart, Erik Rock, joined the map in 2024.
Greta's hair is so cool!
Erik Rock
Fascinating to young & old!
Isn't Erik's birdhouse necklace cool? I love all the detail Thomas puts into his art!
According to my troll map I am now up to 11 trolls!
We stumbled upon these friendly giants near our boondocking spot and I was able to add to my troll collection. I am up to that may or may not have me planning a secret quest to Denmark...
Travel Log: Casino Camping & City Wonders
We’ve had great luck with casino overnights, and Mohegan Sun in CT was a highlight. July temps were kind, and we had time to bike the area before a restful night. The next morning, we enjoyed breakfast at the casino, then headed to RI for trolls and a bit of Providence.
Providence surprised us with its bold architecture and small-city vibe. After exploring, we grabbed quirky Kong Dogs at the mall (unexpected but fun!).
Later, we aimed for the Richmond Welcome Center, but our instincts said “nope” — so we moved on to a nearby truck stop. Thanks to kind folks there, we found a quiet dirt lot for a restful night under the stars. Bonus: baked apples for breakfast in the middle of nowhere the next morning. Heaven!
Road Tip Roundup: Free Overnight Spots
Long travel days can be exhausting, but splitting them up with a safe, free overnight stop makes a big difference. Whether you're a full-timer or weekend warrior, here are our go-to strategies for finding great spots to rest your wheels:
· Use trusted apps like RV Parky, FreeCampsites.net, and Campendium to scout locations ahead of time.
· Try Harvest Hosts for unique overnights at wineries, breweries, alpaca farms, and more (membership required).
· Top priorities: free, safe, and convenient locations.
· Preferred stops: Casinos, Cracker Barrels, and Walmart that allow overnight RV parking.
· Always ask permission before staying in a business parking lot, don't assume.
· Stay flexible: sometimes plans shift, and that’s okay.
· If a spot feels unsafe, move on. Trust your gut, it’s not worth the risk.
Thanks for coming along! From trolls to truck stops, it’s these stories that make every state special. Know someone dreaming of RV life or just in need of a smile? Share this with them.