Our Black Book

Trusted contacts and hidden gems discovered along our journey. Real recommendations from real experiences.

These aren't affiliate partnerships or sponsored recommendations. This is our actual black book - the people, places, and services we trust and return to. We've added contact info where we have permission to share it publicly.

Foodies on Tour

🧠 ND-Friendly Note

All contacts listed here have been vetted for clear communication, reliability, and understanding. Many are ND-friendly or nomad-owned businesses who "get it" when plans need to change or you need extra processing time.

🍽️ Foodies on Tour

Our favorite local spots, food trucks, and hidden culinary gems that make each stop memorable.

Costco

Multiple Locations

Grocery values with ethics. A reliable option for nomads seeking quality products.

Contact: https://www.costco.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Get a membership for access to bulk goods and competitive pricing.

Street Food Finder

Online Platform

Platform to discover nearby food trucks and carts wherever you are.

Contact: https://www.streetfoodfinder.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Use this app to find hidden food truck gems in any city you visit.

Momofuku Noodle Bar

New York, NY

Iconic noodle bar serving expertly crafted dishes.

Contact: https://www.momofuku.com/pages/noodle-bar
💡 Pro Tip: Seating is communal tables, so come prepared to share a table with a stranger.

Warthog Cidery

Watkins Glen, NY

Local cidery with great selection and atmosphere.

Contact: https://www.meadery.com/worthog-cidery.php
💡 Pro Tip: Stop by for tastings and pick up bottles to take with you.

Six Sprouts Market

Avon, NY

Farm market offering fresh, local produce and goods.

Contact: https://sixsproutsfarmmarketllc.square.site/
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during peak season for the best selection of fresh items.

Bostrom Farms

Stanley, NY

Great butcher shop dedicated to supporting local farmers and providing customers with fresh, high-quality, locally-raised meat.

Contact: https://bostromfarms.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Do not forget to checkout their 'Discount Freezer' right inside the front door!

Glenwood Foods

Phelps, NY

Local food establishment with a strong community presence.

Contact: https://justplainbusiness.com/glenwood-foods-of-ny/
💡 Pro Tip: Check their hours before visiting - they maintain a tight schedule.

Mochinut

Rochester, NY

Unique dessert spot serving mochi donuts and specialty drinks.

Contact: https://www.mochinutrochester.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Try their seasonal flavors - they rotate offerings regularly.

Neno's Mexican Restaurant

Rochester, NY

Authentic Mexican cuisine with generous portions.

Contact: https://nenosmexican.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for their daily specials - excellent value for money.

Syracuse Food Truck Battle

Syracuse, NY

Annual food truck competition featuring diverse cuisines.

Contact: https://nysfairgrounds.ny.gov/events/food-truckbattle
💡 Pro Tip: Plan your visit around this event for a variety of food trucks in one place.

Queen's Head Wine Pub

Cheboygan, MI

Cozy wine pub with curated selections and great ambiance.

Contact: https://www.thequeensheadwinepub.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Perfect for an evening out. Great wine list and knowledgeable staff.

The Noodle Pig

Grand Rapids, MI

Asian noodle restaurant with creative, flavorful dishes.

Contact: https://noodlepig.com
💡 Pro Tip: The ramen and pho are consistently excellent - arrive hungry.

The Country Side Bulk Foods

Zanesville, OH

Bulk foods store offering great prices on staples.

Contact: https://justplainbusiness.com/countryside-bulk-foods/
💡 Pro Tip: Bring containers - they encourage refills to reduce packaging waste.

Sushi Samurai

West Chester, OH

Fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine in suburban Ohio.

Contact: https://sushisamurais.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Order the chef's special rolls for creative, unique flavors.

Dope Asian Restaurant

Cincinnati, OH

Asian fusion restaurant with innovative dishes and bomb ramen.

Contact: https://www.thisstuffisdope.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Dining in is loud and can be a bit overwhelming. Try to go on a nice day so you can sit outside. If not, take ear buds, the food is worth a little discomfort.

Churchill's Fine Teas

Cincinnati, OH

Specialty tea shop with curated blends and accessories.

Contact: https://churchillsteas.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqjvftH9nD2f63Lp57upt-LymIFADHWuM7x8VzT2iDQPCW13auR
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for suggestions, the staff is very knowledgeable

Strong's Brick Oven Pizzeria

Lawrenceburg, IN

Traditional brick oven pizza with quality ingredients.

Contact: https://www.strongsbrickovenpizza.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Expect a wait, especially on a weekend.

Taqueria Ramirez

Florence, KY

Authentic Mexican taqueria with fresh ingredients.

Contact: (859) 371-1190
💡 Pro Tip: Much of the staff doesn't speak clear English, go with your listening ears on.

Madame Butterfly

Savannah, GA

Upscale Asian cuisine in historic Savannah.

Contact: https://www.madamebutterflysavannah.com/
💡 Pro Tip: If you can, sit at the bar. Watching the bartenders work is like dinner and a show.

Roux and Brew

Ponchatoula, LA

Seafood and Steak House

Contact: https://www.rouxandbrew.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Check their Facebook to see when they're having live music. Sit on the patio and enjoy.

Readfield Meats & Deli

Bryan, TX

Quality butcher shop and deli that will cut to order

Contact: https://readfieldmeats.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Place your deli order first, then check out the meat counter. The deli counter will take your order to the register for whenever you're done in the rest of the shop.

Loro

Austin, TX

Asian smokehouse and bar - it's like the best Asian restaurant and the best BBQ joint had a baby

Contact: https://www.loroeats.com/
💡 Pro Tip: If you can, go with a crowd. You'll want to try it all and most plates are shareable

Poco Loco Supermercado

Bryan, TX

Latin grocery with fresh ingredients and prepared foods.

Contact: https://www.pocolocosupermercado.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Don't let the "restaurant supply" sign out front scare you off. You don't have to buy in bulk and the prices are great.

Bryan Farmers Market

Bryan, TX

Year round farmers market with fresh produce, crafts, and local goods.

Contact: https://tfmibc.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Visit early for the best selection. Don't sleep on the carrots.

The Farm Patch

Bryan, TX

Farm fresh produce, local agricultural products and interesting ingredients we can't find anywhere else.

Contact: https://thefarmpatch.net/
💡 Pro Tip: Produce prices are fantastic, but our favorite find was the goat yogurt for lactose-intolerant Casey.

Torchy's Tacos

Bryan, TX

Okay, it's a chain, but it's still small and it's damn good food (pardon our French, that's actually their tag line!)

Contact: https://torchystacos.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Go with a sense of humor, their dish names are just a bit sassy. And we hate to admit it, but we love the Trailer Park.

Los Dos Compadres

Bryan, TX

A taste of Tex-Mex in Bryan, TX. Located at 9485 N. State Hwy 6, Bryan, TX.

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572800221735
💡 Pro Tip: The Al Pastor tacos are the bomb! 💣

🏕️ Places to Stay

From campgrounds to private properties, these are the spots we love and trust. Includes Harvest Hosts, moochdocking opportunities, and BLM favorites.

Snooks Dream Cars

Harvest Hosts
Bowling Green, Ohio

A welcoming Harvest Hosts location in Ohio.

Contact: https://www.snooksdreamcars.com/
Cost: Donation to museum with Harvest Hosts membership
💡 Pro Tip: Contact through Harvest Hosts for booking and specific amenities available at this location.

Benton Farms

Harvest Hosts
Walton, Kentucky

Family-friendly farm that accommodates longer stays, extra trailers, and gray water. A wonderful spot with their own designated site.

Contact: https://www.bentonfarm.com/
Cost: Participation or visit onsite store with Harvest Hosts membership
💡 Pro Tip: They are very accommodating for extended stays and can work with larger setups including extra trailers.

Sumner Crest Winery

Harvest Hosts
Portland, Tennessee

Scenic winery setting for a memorable stay with vineyard views.

Contact: http://www.sumnercrestwinery.com/
Cost: Hook-ups for an additional cost (Harvest Hosts membership)
💡 Pro Tip: Check their website for seasonal wine events and special experiences during your stay.

Big Guys Campground

Campground
Brockport, New York

A reliable campground option in upstate New York.

Contact: https://bigguyscampground.com/
Cost: Varies by season
💡 Pro Tip: Call ahead to confirm availability and amenities during your planned visit.

Waterways

Campground
Cheboygan, Michigan

Scenic waterside campground with full amenities.

Contact: https://www.waterwayscampground.com/
Cost: Varies by season
💡 Pro Tip: Great location for boating and water activities. Check for seasonal rates.

Streetsboro KOA

Campground
Streetsboro, Ohio

Part of the KOA chain, offering consistent amenities and services.

Contact: https://koa.com/campgrounds/streetsboro/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp
Cost: Varies by season
💡 Pro Tip: KOA locations often have good amenities. Ask about the KOA Rewards program for discounts.

Tucker's Landing

Campground
Cincinnati, Ohio

RV park with convenient access to Cincinnati attractions.

Contact: https://tuckerslandingrvpark.com/
Cost: Varies by season
💡 Pro Tip: Check their website for available sites and current rates before booking.

Gulpha Gorge

Campground
Hot Springs, Arkansas

National Park Service campground in Hot Springs National Park with scenic hiking trails.

Contact: https://www.nps.gov/hosp/planyourvisit/campground.htm
Cost: Varies by season
💡 Pro Tip: Book well in advance for summer visits. The natural hot springs nearby are a highlight.

Fireside RV Resort

Campground
Ponchatula, Louisiana

Comfortable RV resort in Louisiana with full amenities.

Contact: https://www.firesidervresort.com/
Cost: Varies by season
💡 Pro Tip: Great location for exploring the Gulf Coast region. Check for seasonal packages.

Morrison Creek Cabins and RV Park

Campground
Bryan, Texas

A gated, well-maintained, small RV campground in Kurten, TX, with a great onsite owner/manager.

Contact: https://morrisoncreekcabins.com/
Cost: Varies by season
💡 Pro Tip: Central Texas location provides good access. Near Bryan/College Station and short drive to Austin, Dallas and Houston areas.

About Moochdocking

Moochdocking is staying on private property with permission - friends, family, or through networks like Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts. It's not just free parking; it's building genuine connections with people along the way.

Key Tips: Always ask permission, leave the spot cleaner than you found it, bring a small host gift, and be respectful of quiet hours and property boundaries. These relationships often turn into lasting friendships.

🗃️ The Junk Drawer

Random finds that don't fit neatly into other categories but are still worth sharing.

Ninja Monkey Tattoo

Cheboygan, MI

Tattoo shop in Cheboygan, MI.

Contact: https://www.facebook.com/ninjamonkeytattoo/
💡 Pro Tip: Worth the visit if you're in the Cheboygan area

Snook's Dream Cars

Bowling Green, OH

Classic car museum and restoration shop in Bowling Green, OH.

Contact: https://www.snooksdreamcars.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Great Harvest Hosts stop for car enthusiasts

The Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary

Jacksonville, FL

Big cat rescue and wildlife sanctuary.

Contact: https://cattyshack.org/
💡 Pro Tip: Meaningful experience supporting rescued animals

Escapees RV Club

Online

RV community and support organization for full-time RVers.

Contact: https://www.escapees.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Helpful community reduces isolation on the road

Sheetz

Multiple Locations

Gas station and convenience store chain with made-to-order food.

Contact: https://www.sheetz.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Reliable pit stop with consistent quality

Mudflap

Online

App for lower diesel prices at participating locations with RV-friendly GPS routing.

Contact: https://dashboard.mudflapinc.com/invite/ca6832
💡 Pro Tip: Reduces route planning stress with rig-specific navigation

Roc Pole & Fitness

Rochester, NY

Alternative fitness studio with focus on pole fitness and inclusivity.

Contact: https://www.rocpolefitness.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Inclusive atmosphere reduces gym anxiety

Planet Fitness

Multiple Locations

Budget gym chain with Black Card membership for nationwide access.

Contact: https://www.planetfitness.com/
💡 Pro Tip: Consistent facilities across locations, shower access is invaluable for travelers

Have a Recommendation?

Know a great spot, service, or hidden gem we should check out? We're always looking to expand our black book with trusted recommendations from fellow nomads.

Share Your Recommendation