5 Things to Do in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Area

First of all, happy birthday to our Mt. Hood Tiny House Village which turned 10 this year! Book a tiny house stay and explore this amazing area of Oregon, considered one of America’s best outdoor playgrounds, and help celebrate our tinies as well as experience some of the best things to do in the area, which include:  

  1. Hood Country Fruit Loop: What a better time to explore this 35-mile agricultural loop that winds through farm stands, orchards, wineries and u-pick locations than summertime. Want some cherries – stop at Hood River Cherry Company. If you’re interested in a cider flight at an historic 1908 Dutch Colonial farmhouse, don’t miss The Gorge White House. Love lavender? There are several lavender farms on the route, including Hood River Lavender Farms. For a spectacular view, check out Panorama Point County Park with views of Mt. Hood. Visit hoodriverfruitloop.com for details.  
Winery Near Mt. Hood
  1. Trillium Lake: Speaking of Mt. Hood, a visit to Trillium Lake is the best place to get views, and spectacular pics, of Mt. Hood. Plus, you can kayak, paddleboard, fish for trout, bike ride the 2-mile Loop Trail and just marvel at the reflection of the mountain on the lake’s surface – now that’s a perfect picture! 
  1. The Flowers: Look up when you’re here and you’ll see an amazing view of Mt. Hood! Look around when you’re here and you will see flowers, flowers, and more flowers. Mid-July through August is wildflower season and some of the best can be seen in the Mirror Lake Loop hike in Mt. Hood National Forest while the Umbrella Falls Loop at Mt. Hood Meadows promises wildflowers and waterfalls! Visit the historic Timberline Lodge and make note of the beautiful meadows surrounding the area that contain a plethora of wildflowers including lupine, paintbrush, spreading phlox and monkeyflower. Come August, sunflowers abound and one of the best places take pics among them are Packer Orchards (packerorchards.com).  
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
  1. Shut Your Mouth!: We’re not being rude, we’re just telling you that when you visit Silent Rock, which is located on Highway 26, you have to be absolutely silent. Legend has it that to avoid misfortune in the mountains, you must maintain silence when near Silent Rock. That means turning off the radio, silencing your cell phones, and piping down. Whether you believe it or not, silence sometimes can be golden. Silent Rock is located between the villages of Rhododendron and Government Camp. 
  1. Something Different: Yes, you can hike, bike, swim, fish and canoe and more here, but have you considered these alternative activities to see the area: Hop aboard a two-person rail bike where you can pedal the rails while taking in the scenery (mthoodrr.com/railbikes) ;or the unique and thrilling ways to view from above at the Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl which includes the Tree Top Bridge Tour or an exhilarating zipline option. Check out skibowl.com for info. 
Rail bike near Mt. Hood

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Outdoor Trends Gen Z Loves—and Boomers Too

In recent years, birdwatching has become not just an outdoor activity that appeals to the Baby Boomers. Of course, once you get the “screen generation” involved, a whole host of apps become available like eBird and Birdata, which opens a whole new world for the sport. So, what else is trending with the younger generation that adults enjoy once they reach “a certain age?” Check these out: 

Tidepooling 

The actual activity, now popularly known as tidepooling, has been around for as long as water and humans have co-existed. Tidepooling involves exploring marine habitats on rocky shores that can be found only during low tide. It’s a great way to see starfish, mussels, crabs and sea anemones. The only equipment required is waterproof footwear and possibly a backpack. You can go tidepooling when glamping with us at a few different locations! 

California: In Monterey, check out Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (book a glamping stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort) and in San Diego, head to Cabrillo National Monument (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico). 

Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort

Maine: Two spots in this great New England glamping destination (choose your favorite glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows Campground, Narrows Too Campground, or Patten Pond Campground) for tidepooling include the Bar Island Land Bridge and several spots within Acadia National Park.

Narrows Too Campground

Oregon: Cannon Beach (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Seaside) or Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Whalers Rest).

Forest Bathing 

The term forest bathing or “shinrin-yoku” as the Japanese call it, was coined in 1982, but the act itself, which involves spending mindful time in nature connecting with the earth, has been around for ages. Another trending outdoor activity that requires no equipment except an open mind, forest bathing when glamping with us is a must-do for mind, body and soul!  

New Hampshire: A tiny house glamping accommodation at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village puts in prime forest bathing space with a trip to nearby Odiorne Point State Park where you can get in touch among the maple trees. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village 

Tennessee: You don’t have to find a full-fledged forest to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing – consider a tiny house stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and head to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens which has more than 2100 trees among this 55-acre estate. We’re sure you can find the perfect “bath time” along the 1.5-mile wooded trail.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Wisconsin: If you’re glamping at Tranquil Timbers Campground in Wisconsin’s Door County, forest bathing should probably be listed as an amenity as it’s a beautiful place to do so. If you want to venture further off-site to experience heavy duty forest bathing, head to Peninsula State Park and relax among the cedar forests here. 

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Follow Route 66 to the Iconic Santa Monica Pier

If you ever plan to motor west (we 100% stole that opener from the famous song “Route 66” made famous by crooner Nat King Cole), then you know we’re talking about heading west on the Mother Road Route 66 which celebrates 100 years this year. Officially opened on November 11, 1926, its initial popularity was due to it being the main route out of the Dust Bowl west toward the agricultural mecca of sunny California. As automobiles and the family road trip grew in popularity, many a summer trip was planned from Chicago, the easternmost portion of the road. Heading west along Route 66, stops might have included St. Louis, Missouri; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico: Winslow, Arizona and culminating in California. Santa Monica to be exact is where Route 66 terminates. So whether you plan to road trip all the way west or are just planning a California glamping trip to Thousand Trails Idyllwild, Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon or Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes, check out Santa Monica and the infamous “End of the Trail” sign located on the Santa Monica Pier, which designated the end of Route 66. 

Route 66 related fun when visiting Santa Monica can include a nostalgic meal at Mel’s Diner, which was originally the Penguin Coffee Shop, where end of the road travelers grabbed a bite to eat; some Route 66 history at the Santa Monica History Museum; and a visit to Chez Jay, an iconic nautical themed bar, also at the end of the road. 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon
Cabin at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

Other Santa Monica must-sees should be the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, which is a concrete bike path that stretches for 22 miles along the Pacific Coast; the Original Muscle Beach, built in 1932 the outdoor training gym made famous by body-builders; Heal The Bay Aquarium, which has more than species, several touch tanks and a focus on conserving local coastal waters and of course, the infamous Santa Monica Pier. With its classic boardwalk, carnival games and amusement rides including a ferris wheel, roller coaster and the terrifying Pacific Plunge, which drops riders 44 feet! You can also fish off the pier and no license is required. Bring your own gear or rent it on the pier and try your hand at fishing for Pacific mackerel, California halibut and Sand bass. Shopping and dining can be found at the Third Street Promenade, an open-air, pet-friendly area just a few blocks from the beach. Don’t miss the street art murals! 

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5 Things to Do in Lake George, NY

The Lake George area in the Adirondack region of upstate New York is a favorite vacation destination regardless of the season. Come summer, though, it’s easy to see why it has been a number one vacation destination since it first became a “hot-spot” in the mid-1800s. With the crystal blue waters of Lake George, known as the Queen of American Lakes, and surrounded by the majestic Adirondack mountains, the area has plenty to do and see. Plan a glamping trip to Alpine Lake RV Resort or Lake George Escape Campground and get ready to find out why this has been a number one vacation destination for over 150 years! 

1. Enjoy the View: There are many, many hiking trails here but if you want to get some of the best views, consider these: Pilot Knob Ridge, with stone staircases, wildflowers and a gazebo all combining for one of the best views of Lake George; Spruce Mountain Trail (in Corinth), a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike, leads to a restored fire tower and expansive views of the mountains, or Sleeping Beauty Mountain with stunning summit views.  

Lake George

2. Day Trips: You won’t want to leave during your stay, but if you feel like exploring a bit further from this fantastic area consider a day trip to: Lake Placid with its Olympic Museum, waterfall hikes and beautiful Mirror Lake; or Saratoga Springs with its beautiful Victorian architecture; Yaddo – the National Historic Landmark with its beautiful gardens; and beautiful Congress Park with its charming carousel and mineral springs.  

3. Historic Sites: There are plenty in the area! Don’t miss the Ulysses S. Grant National Cottage Historic Landmark, which was the final home of President Grant; Fort Ticonderoga – the site of the US Revolutionary War victory over the British with US troops led by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys; Fort William Henry which was a major site during the French Indian Wars; and the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of the Battles of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War.  

4. Go for the Thrill: In addition to the thrill rides at Six Flags Great Escape in nearby Queensbury, which include Sasquatch, a 192-foot drop tower, the high-flying Adirondack Outlaw and the Bobcat Wooden Roller Coaster, other adrenaline pumpers can include parasailing over Lake George (parasailingadventrues.com), a helicopter ride (northcountryheliflite.com), ziplining through the trees (adirondackextreme.com) and whitewater rafting (adirondack-adventures.com). 

5. Plan Ahead: The 10th Annual Food & Wine Festival is scheduled for June 27-28 and promises offerings from area wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food vendors, crafters and everyone’s favorite – food trucks! Horse racing season begins at the historic Saratoga Race Course, the oldest thoroughbred racecourse in the US and runs July 3-September 7. The Adirondack Theater Festival opens its season June 17 and the Saratoga County Fair is scheduled for July 21-26.  

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Explore Endlessly on these 3 Short Road Trips

Boston to Tuxbury Pond: Hit the road and head north from Boston to South Hampton, New Hampshire where you can delight in staying in a tiny house at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village. Come summer, Hampton Beach State Park will be the spot to soak up the sun during the day and enjoy the variety of entertainment planned for summer events including Monday night movies, Wednesday fireworks and weekly concerts. Mark your calendar for the Sand Sculpture event set for June 18-20 or the end of summer Seafood Festival, set for September 11-23. Check out Odiorne State Park for miles of hiking trails, ocean views, remnants of historic military encampments and the Seacoast Science Center that offers plenty of exhibits and special events.  

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

Portland to Mt. Hood: Blink twice if you’re heading from Portland to the Mt. Hood area! At just under an hour, it feels like leaving the city behind occurs “in the blink of an eye.” Once you arrive and settle into your unit at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, get ready to go “off grid” like never before. A four-season destination, the Mt. Hood area has something to do no matter the time of year or the weather forecast. Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, wildflower viewing and birding are just a few options. Check out the historic Timberline Lodge, attend the annual Sasquatch Festival, visit the wineries, enjoy the wildflower blooms in Mt. Hood National Forest or drive the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop Tour.  

Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs

San Diego to Joshua Tree: The drive is a little over 2 ½ hours, but the change of pace from go-go to go-slow is worth every minute. Book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and plan to get in touch with nature at nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Go rock climbing, walk the trails, explore the cacti grove, stay for the sunset and enjoy stargazing since Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Joshua Tree also has 18 known vortices which are said to have healing powers and spiritual energy. And if this city vibe is still pulling you, keep in mind there is plenty to do in Palm Springs including shopping, dining, and the weekly VillageFest on Thursday evening that features live entertainment, food vendors and artisans in a street-fair style event.

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Top Sights to See in Washington State

From the tulip fields of the Skagit Valley to the sights and sounds of Seattle, if you’re planning to glamp in Washington State, we’ve got plenty of places to choose from. With tiny houses, yurts and cabins, the glamping accommodations are as varied as the to-do lists when visiting the Evergreen State in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  

If you’re into flowers, and we mean fields upon fields of blooms, you definitely want to make sure you experience the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival or the La Conner Daffodil Festival at least once in your lifetime. These festivals are held annually during the months of March (Daffodil Festival) and April (Tulip Festival) and to experience it, plan a glamping trip to Thousand Trails La Conner. During the remaining months of the year, La Conner is a charming waterfront town with a historic boardwalk, several museums, and shops and eateries surrounded by farms that offer u-pick opportunities. Hiking, birding and boating on the Skagit River are among the outdoor adventures found here. 

Aerial photo of Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

In Leavenworth it’s all about the villages – the Leavenworth Tiny House Village where you can glamp and the Bavarian-style Village that is the jewel of Leavenworth. Year-round outdoor activities can be found here with skiing, hiking and fishing numbering in the top 5. There are also the annual festivals held in the village which include Maifest (each May); Oktoberfest (each October) and the magical Village of Lights: Christmastown, which runs from December to February. Other highlights of this charming area include the Nutcracker Museum, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Waterfront Park and several breweries and wineries.  

A glamping trip to Thousand Trails Long Beach will have you camping about 1200 feet from the Pacific Ocean and just a few miles away from downtown Long Beach with its historic boardwalk, plentiful seafood restaurants, the World Kite Museum (and the Washington State International Kite Festival held each August) and the lighthouses of Cape Disappointment State Park.  

Thousand Trails Chehalis

Thousand Trails Chehalis offers a Puget Sound glamping getaway with spectacular views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Explore the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, a 56-mile rail trail, take a scenic train ride through the Chehalis Valley on the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, or learn the history of the area at the Lewis County Historical Museum.  

If you want to glamp while getting to know Seattle, consider a stay at Thousand Trails Thunderbird and then head into the “Emerald City” to experience the one-of-a-kind Pike Place Market, the Space Needle with its panoramic views, Chihuly Garden & Glass, and the Seattle Aquarium. Other Seattle must-dos can include the Museum of Pop Culture, the Fremont Troll, Gas Works Park and a tour of Seattle underground (undergroundtour.com).  

More Washington State glamping can be found at Thousand Trails Crescent Bar, Thousand Trails Little Diamond, Thousand Trails Grandy Creek, Thousand Trails Mount Vernon, and Thousand Trails Paradise.

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5 Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway from the city or a longer East Coast road trip, Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County can feel like a world away thanks to the slow pace of this bucolic location. Also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Garden Spot of America and Slow-Lanco, as the locals call it, this is an area where you are sure to feel rested and relaxed with a bunch fun of things to see and do. Book a glamping unit at Thousand Trails Circle M or Spring Gulch Resort Campground and get set to experience a definitely different kinda vibe. Here are five possible “don’t miss” things to see here: 

1. Longwood Gardens: From formal gardens to open meadows, a visit to Longwood Gardens should be a part of your visit to the area. Set on approximately 1000-plus acres that were once a Quaker farmstead, the gardens will delight all visitors. There is an Orchid House with over 5000 orchids, the Cascade Garden, which is modeled after a tropical rainforest, two conservatories, and a Fountain Garden. Plan to spend a least 2-3 hours walking about Longwood, which is considered one of the best horticultural gardens in the world.  

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA

2. Lancaster Central Market: Established in 1730, the Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operated public farmers market in the country. What you can find here goes way beyond produce! Specialty coffees, fresh baked breads, local cheese and dairy offerings, meat, flowers, fish and crafts and collectibles are available here. Explore some of the offerings unique to the Pennsylvania Dutch community like scrapple, a savory meat pudding and of course Lancaster-style pretzels. Even the market’s building is historic, built in 1889. 

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

3. Historic Venues: Get to know the history of the area with a walking tour. Check out The Historic Lancaster Walking Tour (historiclancasterwalkingtour.org), a 90-minute walking tour. Then there is Wheatland, home of President James Buchanan. Wheatland served as his primary residence during his presidency (1857-1861) and he continued to live at Wheatland until his death in 1868. Another historic home is Rock Ford, the home of Army General Edward Hand, who served under George Washington. Visitors can tour the Georgian-style home which provides a wonderful glimpse into post-Revolutionary War life as it remains very much intact with original furnishing and fixtures (historicrockford.org). A look into Mennonite life can be found at the 1719 Museum which was the home of Hans Herr and built in 1719.  

Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M, Pennsylvania
Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M

4. Strasburg Rail Road: An absolutely terrific way to see the beauty of the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside is a trip aboard the Strasburg Rail Road, the oldest continuously operating railroad in America. The steam train offers a variety of trips including wine and cheese trips, whiskey tasting trips and special events like the Murder Mystery ride. Check out all the offerings at strasburgrailroad.com.  

5. Amish Life: There are several ways to learn about the Amish and their way of life and those include The Amish Village (amishvillage.com), Amish Farm and House (amishfarmandhouse.com) or at the Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village (bird-in-hand.com). Settling here in the mid-1700s, the Amish were drawn to the area due to the fertile land, the religious freedom and the serene and welcoming environment. As of 2025, more than 40,000 Amish continue to live here making it the largest and oldest Amish Community in the United States.  

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5 Things to Do In and Around Clermont, Florida

Quick – name five fun facts about Clermont, Florida! OK, we’ll do it for you – it is nicknamed the “Choice of Champions” as many Olympic athletes train here; it is named after a French town which was the birthplace of the town’s founder; it is home to the Citrus Tower, an iconic Florida landmark; it’s located less than 20 miles from Orlando; and unlike the majority of Florida’s terrain, Clermont is hilly making it great for challenging bike rides! Here’s a bonus fun fact – it is home to three fabulous glamping locations – Thousand Trails Orlando, Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort and Encore Lake Magic! So, make a rezzie and come explore this interesting little city in Central Florida and check out these five things we found to do here. 

Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando
Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando

1. The Presidents Hall of Fame: Long before the Magic Kingdom was the big draw in the Orlando area, the Presidents Hall of Fame drew tourists in. This interesting attraction features life-sized wax figures of all the US Presidents in a setting designed to mimic the White House. In addition to the presidents, there is also campaign memorabilia, lots of history facts and even a mini replica of Mount Rushmore. For details, visit https://www.thehistorycenter.org/the-presidents-hall-of-fame/. 

2. The Citrus Tower: Another attraction that pre-dates the theme parks in Central Florida is the Citrus Tower, a 226-foot-tall tower with an observation deck with panoramic views that was built in 1956 to provide visitors a birds-eye view of the vast citrus fields below. Check out citrustower.com for more information.  

Villa at Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort
Villa at Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort

3. Lake Louisa State Park: If you’re here for the outdoor adventure, then you’ll love Lake Louisa State Park which offers three lakes for water fun including fishing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding; seven miles of paved bike trails; plus another 20 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, walking and wildlife viewing which can include deer, bobcats, and raccoons while birders can enjoy the chance to glimpse bald eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes and wild turkeys.  

Vacation Cottage at Encore Lake Magic
Vacation Cottage at Encore Lake Magic

4. Libation Look-sees: There are breweries to visit here as well as the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Billed as Florida’s largest winery, Lakeridge (lakeridgewinery.com) is open daily for guided tours and tastings and offers “Weekends at the Winery” with live music, food and wines by the glass at their outdoor bar. For a brewery vibe, check out Suncreek Brewery, located in the historic downtown area of Clermont, which in addition to their craft brews, has three restaurants and a merch store! 

Manatees in Crystal River, FL
Manatees in Crystal River, FL

5. Nearby of Note: Of course, Clermont is less than 30 miles from Orlando, so all the fun of the theme parks is a short distance away. Options for small town charm include Winter Garden, with its historic downtown and access to the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile, paved multi-use trail; or Mt. Dora, which is home to the Sydonie Mansion, a national historic landmark built in 1883. For a bit of a longer drive, consider heading west to Crystal River, known as Florida’s “Manatee Capital”, which is about 65 miles away.  

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Oh, the Places You’ll Go Glamping

Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, the author of beloved books like The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish was born on March 4, 1904. Before he passed away in 1991, he published his anthem to empowerment, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. The book details life’s journeys with all its ups and downs and how to navigate them. We like to think life’s journeys include some good glamping trips so check out these places to go when glamping with us: 

Leavenworth RV Campground • Leavenworth, WA
Thousand Trails Leavenworth • Leavenworth, WA

The Pacific Northwest: with snowcapped mountain backdrops, forestland galore, the Pacific Ocean, and generally a cool vibe, a glamping trip to the Pacific Northwest can provide fun for everyone. Consider checking out what all the fun is about in a tiny home glamping accommodation at either Washington’s Leavenworth Tiny House Village or Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village. Open year-round, outdoor fun from skiing to hiking to fishing and festivals can be found when glamping at these locations. Or go coastal and explore the Oregon Coast with a stay at several glamping locations along the coast. Check out petiteretreats.com to see what appeals to your PNW glamping mindset.  

Cabins at Alpine Lake RV Resort
Cabins at Alpine Lake RV Resort

The Adirondack Region: New York’s Adirondack Region is located in the northeast part of the state and is named for the mountain range that is found here. Key activities here include hiking, biking, and all kinds of water fun including fishing, white water rafting and paddleboarding. There are also historic sites including Fort William Henry Museum and Fort Ticonderoga. Check out the glamping accommodations at Alpine Lake Campground or Lake George Escape Campground to explore this region of New York. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village at Night
Tuxbury Tiny House Village at night

Big Cities: From Boston to San Diego or Nashville, big city glamping is a possibility. For a Boston exploration which should include the city’s Freedom Trail and North End, book a stay at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village. For Nashville’s attractions – don’t miss Broadway Street, the country Music Hall of Fame or the historic Ryman Auditorium – stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village. A Southern Cali trip in San Diego is a possibly with a glamping rez at either Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs or Thousand Trails Pio Pico. What not to miss in San Diego – the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and of course, Coronado Island. What big city are you looking to explore? Check out petiteretreats.com to see what is nearest your dream destination.

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