In these days of high fuel prices, many RVers are cutting expenses by eliminating eating out. That might be a mistake, at least in the case of small-town restaurants.

The Dining Car in Willcox, Ariz., was converted from a railroad car.

Most RVers want to get to know the communities they spend time in. Casual, main street-type restaurants, as opposed to resort restaurants, are often a microcosm of the community itself. If you enter one at meal time, glance around at the decorations and clientele, and eavesdrop on a few conversations, you'll get some indication of the town's values and attitudes. Stuffed trophy heads and firearms mounted on the walls give one impression. Humorous posters, native-American art and framed photos of high school sports teams give another.

You might notice a preponderance of boisterous good old boys at the tables and counter. Or most of the customers might be quiet seniors, or families, or business-types. Different restaurants often cater to different crowds, but if you pick one that appears to be typical and generic, it will say as much about the community as the presence or absence of litter on the streets.

Local stores can also be expressions of a community, but like other places where people gather and linger, restaurants are generally more representative.

RVers can also benefit from a meal at a local restaurant by picking up tips about attractions and activities that tourist literature might not mention. Waitresses, cashiers and residents at adjacent tables can be great sources of informational tidbits for friendly, talkative visitors. Many restaurants also have local newspapers and pamphlets you might have missed elsewhere.

An occasional meal at a small-town restaurant typically costs no more than a night at an RV park--much less if you have just a slice of pie and coffee. The feedback is worth the price.