Living In My Van | Overnight Camping At Cracker Barrel | Mistakes Were Made | Ep.3
Vložit
- čas přidán 4. 07. 2022
- If you're considering moving into a van or car just know that one thing you'll have to worry about daily is where to sleep. I've learned over the last few months of living in my car then moving into the van that I have now is that you never want to stay in the same place for too long. So, I typically try to move locations every couple of days. This brings me to todays video of me sleeping at Cracker Barrel for the first time.
This was my first time camping overnight at Cracker Barrel. For those of you who don't know what Cracker Barrel Is, it's a restaurant that serves breakfast(all day), lunch and dinner. This restaurant is top tier! Through research, I found out that they allow people to camp overnight in their parking lots. During my overnight stay I made a big mistake one I learned from and will never do again. My mistake may seem small to you when you find out what I did, but it can be a costly mistake given the right place at the wrong time. Stay tuned to find out what I did!
Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe!
I pray the good Lord watches over you and protects you and your van at all times 🙏🏽
Amen 🙏 sweet Angel stay safe and warm 😇
Amen!
Amen❤
Amen 🙏🏾 ❤️
Amen 🙏🏼✨💛
I think the biggest thing that would be tough for me is the never knowing where I was going to park for the night and feeling safe. I would feel constant anxiety. Also, I would die if I were sleeping and someone knocked on the van. It would be nice if you had a few people who also lived in vans that you knew and trusted and you parked as a group.
I think if I try the pt or ft Vanlife this is what I would do. I would go to a meet up/or join a caravan and go to the destination with other fellow Vanlifers. I'm 66 and I've been through a lot and still going through some stuff physically. I don't feel as healthy, strong and secure as I did when I was in my 30s through 50s. I don't even go out a lot like I used to. I haven't been out to shop, go to sports bars to karaoke & dance for quite a few years now, due to fall-cracked ribs, fall- torn meniscus, covid, the more recent van accident and shingles. And then there was one Where they were having people I think in our area being stopped or being followed or approached by traffickers. Drug and other. It's a sad world out there sometimes. 😔
@@cherannretiredgran68 I’m with you. I want to do this too, I have some health issues. I want to find other women so we can be a caravan team.
Hotels, hospitals and some repair shops are good ideas
In N.Y. there's a place in bkyn where all the Van LIfers congregated. Everyone knows everyone. Safe. Sorta like family oriented
@@bellapetalart as soon as my van is in good running order again. Aka- just got the front sets of brakes, rotors, calipers + brakelines replaced. Now waiting on tires.
But the plan is to start with driving to where some of my family live and using the minivan as a mini camper-van/apartment-on-wheels so to speak. I 1st need to test out my bed system to make sure I'm able to sleep on it. Or if I'm going to have to just use the 3rd row seats as a bed. And then just get used to the whole idea of being in the van vs in the house with the family, due to lack of room for extra people there. Bed, bathroom, living room and kitchen systems first. Oh and garage w tools 🔧. And first aid and security items in easy to reach locations throughout.
Back in May/June I was kind of psyched about all this. But then I haven't been able to drive " The new to me minivan" since about the end of June/4th of July. When the caliper froze up. 🙄😒
So visiting family are friends and testing it out to see if I would be comfortable with the whole idea of it didn't even get off the ground. Now if things go well, I'll get tires and be able to do something between now and say 🤔 the end of September. So I'll be short tripping it in Southwest Ohio mostly.
Binge watching while I deep clean. Thanks for inspiration. Im a introvert mom of 3 battling depression. Your very soothing to my soul
I agree& hope you're doing well
Agree! Even when she eats! lol. Just something about her ❤
I'm glad you had breakfast there. It's kinda an unwritten thing that you pay them back by dining there for the stay.
As a solo female traveler (and fellow introvert), I think finding a safe place to park overnight has been one of the biggest reasons I have hesitated doing van life. I’m happy I found your channel. Looking forward to your adventures ☺️
I'm loving these videos!!!!!!!
Likewise
Does it have a bathroom where does water come from?
@@terrijarvis2910 you fill your water tanks (at different locations, campsites, etc) then use that.
@@terrijarvis2910 A lot of people get a Gym Membership that has a shower and bathroom so they shower at a Gym
I know this is an older video, but I’m a maintenance person at our local Cracker Barrel. I was sooooo happy to see u at one!!!!!
I’m happy you were safe! As a female getting ready to proceed into vanlife as well as YT, I’m offering you my very private drive at my home. I’m in MI and this location looks like my exit. If I can help in way be please know I’m here. Be safe ! Peace and light!
I love staying at Cracker Barrel’s . I usually leave the large spots open for the larger vehicles and I find a back in near a garbage can and light so I can just pull out if I want. Try their meatloaf and loaded hash brown casserole it is amazing. I get to the place around 7 before they close to so I can grab dinner and use their bathroom and shop a bit!,
I am glad you moved AWAY from that other sprinter. You learn quick. Moving that many times certainly draws attention to yourself and as a solo black traveler also, I try to do make myself invisible (which is not easy to do being 6ft tall LOL). OK SEASONING! You better go TOP CHEF! Love your videos and jounrey. God bless you!
How many synonyms for cute are there? You’re adorable…I love listening to your voice and how you share your entire thought process on every tiny detail…I don’t think I’ve noticed that before in a van lifer story…everyone has their own unique way of sharing their story but I think because you’re so fresh on the journey you’re still tinkering everything out and we get to watch you learn and settle into the life, that’s pretty cool…also first time I’ve caught someone so early in the journey that I can legit catch up on all your videos and get to where there are just new vids. Keep going! 😁
Her voice is so soothing ❤❤❤❤
@@sponzie1 agreed ❤️
I have stayed overnight at many Cracker Barrel’s. I have always felt safe. There are usually hotels and over restaurants around a Cracker Barrel. I always eat a meal while there and ask the manager if it is ok to stay the night.
I just happened to find your videos and I'm starting from the beginning of your journey and definitely will be following you 😃 your living my dream life 🙌 someday I'm going to do that but right now I can't due to being diagnosed with Cancer 2 weeks ago and starting chemo and radiation treatments on January 9,2023 a fight that I will win 🏆 ❤️
If your ever in Northern Michigan (Traverse City area) I'd love to meet you
Stay Safe in your travels 🙏 and I'll live this wonderful experience thru you 🫶
Love the sound of the rain against your van windows
That was so satisfying watching you eat the biscuits. You couldn't even put them down after you put them down, lol.
👀
Girrrlllll yessss! You got this chick! I love to see females dong their thing, while being ultra careful and safe. Enjoy your blessed life. You only get one life, and you should live it with NO regrets. Stay focused, beautiful and positive. I am a retired patrol deputy but when I worked night watch, I used to do extra patrols by the Rv community or if I spotted a camper in one of the various parks in my beat, I would chill near them (not too close so the peeps won't think, why the po po right by me) in between calls or while I finished up my police reports so they can feel safe. I plan on owning a RV soon. My husband and I might consider the van now.
Hey. I'm binge watching with my 10 year old son. He is autistic. We have decided we are going to join the van life when he is older. He's loving your channel. So am I tbh. Lots of love from South wales. Xxx
This is the best van life channel. And you’re always cooking!!! 👩🍳
Your van appears to be a Thor Rise class B RV so technically your van is an rv so it's allowed in those rv spots at Cracker Barrel. Love your videos.
As a newbie here I am binge watching so I can catch up with your adventures. Stay safe!
Same. This is my second video 😊
I'm a 60 year old disabled woman who lives in rv with son. You should be so proud of yourself.
Hey Girl. Just found your channel and love it. FYI, almost all of the Cracker Barrel restaurants allow overnight parking for RV, vans, etc. There are a few thay say no but the majority of them have no problems with it. I have been to many of their restaurants and other then those smack dab in the middle of town, I have always felt safe just going to and from the building to my car. Have fun and you go girl.
The way you eat your food….you make anything look freaking delicious. 😂😋😋😋
I like how you is not afraid to try different things
I love chilling in the van when it's raining 😁✌️
You listened to your Gut & intuition. That's paramount.
It wouldn't matter if you moved 50 more times, at the end of the day, when it feels right, that's what it is.
You love your food as much as I do. You go girl!
You have guts....I would be so nervy there alone.....good looking meals....I have heard people traveling say that hospitals are a safe....great spot to park overnight....take care .....
I admire how you take care of your space
I’ve noticed after watching several of her videos that she eats too fast, just like me. I am an RN and work in ICU and although I’m supposed to get 30 minutes for lunch for my 12hr shifts, I rarely do because of how busy we stay. If my patient is crashing, I’ll get no breaks or lunch. So I’ve developed a habit of eating fast so I can get back to my patients, even when I don’t have to rush. And I know it’s not good for me.
Heard her say in another video, she is former military. She is working on slowing down.
@@melliem7481 Yes, I heard her say that as well.
Eats very fast!
Me too, and I used to be a slow eater but then one year in college I scheduled myself with only 15 minutes between all my classes, which included going to the cafeteria, picking some food, eating food, and going to whatever hall. Thankfully it was a small campus but this was over a decade ago and I still think sometimes I eat too fast to properly taste my food, which can make one overeat.
That morning sunrise 😌. Looks so peaceful. An introverts dream
Girl, you wolf your food just like me. Love your videos.
Biscuits and gravy, my favorite, never had theirs though, will have to try it. Your van is so neat and organized.
Hey those biscuits and gravy look delicious! I would probably have done that moving around a bit too! I think that is normal for first timers. So I'm watching this after discovering your channel earlier today. I've went back and started from the first one. You are a wise lady. Hope everything financially works out for you.
I f I were in your shoes, I'd always ask permission first, showing your face, & description of van/skoolie or RV, so staff is informed too if something goes wrong.. RV/bus parking bays are parking bays for shopping/eating there, cos of their length they need those designated bays. Even other Sprinter vans with covers on shouldn't determine your decision to stay overnight in my view.
Also I have lot of difficulty with people eating and talking at the same time. So i won't be back. Yoka.
@@yokedaams5148 you’re going to miss out on some beautiful friendships. It’s a cultural norm. Not inherently wrong. I think she’s adorable and I hope she keeps being herself despite criticism like this.
Love all your videos, all the ups and downs and in betweens, especially the cooking episodes, Nomi. Keep doing you. ^5
I enjoy watching your videos because you actually show us living in your van cooking just like it is your home not a lot of just traveling around .
Grateful for people like you, who are different and willing to share their light & stories for people of the same intakes ❤ like me
I’m glad you found out Cracker Barrel’s let you park for free. That’s good. I would probably not sleep well in a new spot either.
We will ask the manager of businesses if we can spend the night in their parking lot. Sounds sketchy but 95% of the time they say ok. Their more concerned that we don't leave trash behind, which we don't.
PS love Cracker Barrel!
Well! Sometimes the CZcams algorithm gets it right! Loving your vlogs and admiring your thought processes on life and your journey. Had to start with the first video and binge to catch up with you. I have questions about why you started this in the first place and what you do to keep food on the table. Thanks for sharing and keeping it real. Be safe 💜
My same exact thoughts!😊
Your dinner looked marvelous! 😋 Quick, easy and tasty.
Glad you found a comfortable spot to sleep at. 👍🏽🙏🏽
Hi 👋 that was a pretty good place to stay the night to sleep. Glad you did fine. Their breakfast food is pretty tasty too. Be safe and God bless.
New to your channel. Do you find it stressful trying to find a place to sleep daily? Love the idea of this life style but the lack of location security would be hard for me personally.
I admire your spirit and courage. I would do it in an instant if my health, age and income weren’t against me. Stay safe, persevere in your plan and God Speed! ✌🏻
Me2. Health and age are my issues. Being retired, my income follows me. PTL.
You need to travel to Williams Arizona and stay at the Grand Canyon Hotel RV park. The Grand Canyon is 54 miles from that. Retired Trooper Jaynes Williams Arizona, have fun on your travels.
Your strategic planning is on point. Safety first and everything else comes after. I enjoy your channel because it's got a totally different perspective on "van life" which is not new. Looking forward to watching the rest of the episodes. Oh, and mistakes are learning opportunities. I am glad Cracker Barrel ended up being a welcoming and awesome spot. Peace.
Love your van it is a beauty!! I’d have to buy one that is ready to go I don’t think I’d want to do a van build myself. I find it impressive cause you get exactly what you want yourself. U sold your house probably feels good to not have a mortgage. Been thinking I want to rent my house out in case I don’t like the van lifestyle but I want to try it. Thanks for sharing your journey this far ✌️❤️ 😀rain sounds nice
I so enjoy your van adventures. Your excitement when you find cool new places, and might I add how responsible you are! I talk about you on my radio show sometimes. I am a MidDay host at a '70s, 80's, and 90's rock station in Nebraska. Looking at the world through your eyes is good for the soul. You inspire!
You are famous nomi
whatsv your station name? i ❤ that kind of music.
If I was 40 yrs younger, that would be my life...I guess I'll just have to live through you..😏🇳🇿🇳🇿 Hi from a fellow introvert in New Zealand.
Yum! Those biscuits and gravy made my mouth water. I enjoyed this video. So calm and relaxing. I love to sleep when it is raining. Be safe and follow your gut. ❤
I love watching your videos. They are very calming 🥰
Another introvert here! You're doing a really nice job so far. Thanks for sharing your experience. You purchased my absolute favorite model campervan 😃 btw, so I really look forward to seeing how it works out for you. Hope all is well... be safe.. Peace! ✌️
Nice van, looks like a cosy home.
We have stayed in Cracker Barrel many times. It has always been a pleasant stay.
I cringed when you moved your van..I was like nooo what are you doin?!!!😱😂
SUVlifer here been in it 2+yrs I love your van!! That'll be my next move in the near future. You cooking in the van is so relaxing I'm jelly🤣😂
I find it funny how we all do the "peek around" before completely opening our window shades/covers🤣😂
Why is it so hard to find a place? If CB is welcoming to van lifers, I'd stay there many nights. That would make me feel better. Just learning. 🙂
Oh I enjoy their food. I'm enjoying traveling with you. So wonderful to be able to get out. ❤
Where you park make sure no one can park in front of you creating a block so you can’t drive straight out. Enjoyed watching your video.
You are so courageous and brave! I will pray for your protection!
Thanks for sharing your journey. 🥰🇬🇧🥰
Keep talking it makes it even better. Your doing great being careful. Don’t be lonely your a nice person. 🥳🤗
I’m going back to the beginning of your videos because I was a late comer. I’ll definitely try this easy recipe. It looked really good.😋
Now I want Cracker Barrell... 😊
I enjoy your videos. Thanks for taking us along for the ride.
Informative video thanks for sharing . Love sleeping in the rain.
You are a brave lady!!! Good luck!!! 😁🙏👍
God bless you! Stay safe and thank you for your service.
I’m glad your felt safe and it’s ok your human we make mistakes great video !!!
So so glad you were safe.. Love Cracker Barrel..❤️
This is another great video. I’m happy that you felt safe there, also the rain I love that. I really never thought about having a hard time finding a safe place to sleep. You are totally right on that. I’m pretty sure you know the dangerous neighborhoods. But having multiple place to go is good. Anyway I really enjoy watching these every day. Like I said in one of your videos this has always been a dream of mine. So I will live it through you! Stay safe!! And keep making these amazing videos 😊
Her vlogs are very comforting.
I so enjoy all your videos. The regular and practical things you do just makes common sense. I wish I was as brave as you. I’m a widow and my son lives with me. I could go and do anything I want but again not as balsay as you. Thank you for being so open about your life. 😊
I love me some Cracker Barrel! And they have amazing vegan sausage now. It’s been on my list for over a year.
So, fun watching a newbie to van life. It's an idea I have for myself in 2-4 yrs. You might look for groups to connect with locally and girl groups who are van related.
I just discovered your channel and came to the beginning before watching so many. You have a soothing soul!!
Just found and subscribed to your channel and ❤️ it! You are giving me motivation to get out there and be different and not be afraid or live what is called ”normal life”! Thank You
Loving your nomadic experience. This restaurant has been a welcoming stop for many years.
Your van is so nice! I think you’re very brave to set out on such an adventure. Take care and be safe.
Out of all the CZcams channels I really enjoy yours! You feel like a friend. I too am an introvert.
I💜your channel I’m going back to watch from the beginning up to the current ones I’ve watched …..awesome
You should get some sheets so you don’t ruin your cushions
I worked at cracker barrel for years. They are very rv friendly. Stay at as many of them as you can. There is someone in the building all night cleaning.
Thank you for supporting a business that you stayed at. That cheesy beef rice looked good, I may have to make that for dinner. Great video.
I'll be doing this soon. Apartment living is too expensive! Watching you for the knowledge you give. Thank you. Safe traveling. 👍
Yes the van looks great and you as well safe travels 🙏🏾
Nomi, I am still catching up on your earlier videos and this one is so dear to me. I'm from Murfreesboro, TN home place of Cracker Barrel. I've been in UT for 8 years now but I miss home everyday. Thank you for my opportunity to reminisce.
Thanks for the info. I love Cracker Barrel ♥️
I love watching FullTimers VanLife Videos...But this is the First one I've seen in a THOR Rize/Scope !! This video is very well done and I'm gonna post it on the group Facebook Page. Youre an inspiration for those thinking about fulltiming on their THOR vans. Especially in winter. ThankYou
I am binge watching your earlier videos. I found you on episode 28 lol. I am getting up to date. I enjoy your videos so much!
I’ve already watched a TON of your videos! But, starting from the beginning! ❤ I think you’re amazing!
Really enjoy your videos. Congratulations on all your subscribers! Excellent 💥 Stay safe, dear. 💜💜💜
I dig You and Duel X for CZcams camping videos. Keep doing You cautious and safety minded.
We really must be kindred spirits, we even eat just alike. LOL! I am enjoying your channel-binge watching to catch up! Safe travels!
Yeah that looks delicious..Yummy!! Looks like you really enjoy yourself. Awesome!! God bless.🙏🙏👍👍
Found ur channel, just like many others , living the vanlife. So excited to watch ur journey. I think it’s so cool, how a lot of others r really documenting their lives on here. And sharing it with all of us. So safe travels, and I’ll def be keeping up. Thanks for sharing, and I hope tht u keep it real. There’s several tht I’ve watched, tht just doesn’t seem to be authentic. Thts what keeps me watching a channel. It’s not interesting to watch only rainbows & fairies. Because as we all know, Thts def NOT real life. 🙏👍😎
I enjoy your personal videos so much. It’s almost like being right there with you as you go through chores. You are *real*. I’m amazed how you ladies (you and Abiyah Bina) cook one pot meals that look delicious. I’m going to try your fried tofu, but need the list of seasoning. Thanks again for your show.
Just caught your channel. Nice van setup. Hope you're having fun out there. I don't know if you're doing this, and I saw this on a trucker channel, but they will take their seatbelts and loop them thru their door handles and across to the buckle and pull them tight to prevent anyone if able, from opening their doors. Something to try on your van if you don't already.
Thank u for sharing ?
Thanks for sharing. Love the rig
I'm new to your channel. This is my ultimate dream to live minimalistic and travel with my children. Thank you for sharing your journey ❣️
Absolutely love the table 😍
Luv watching you…..your lil meals r sooo cute!!!…. STAY SAFE….