Tag: petite retreats

Reasons to be Thankful for Glamping

If you became a camper by way of the glamping trend, you know that there is plenty to be thankful for when it comes to glamping. There’s a bit more of a solid structure to keep you comfy and cozy at night, there are some pretty neat glamping accommodation options in some pretty fun locations, there’s no need to arrive before dark so you can set up camp, and the list goes on. Here are a few more things to be thankful for when it comes to glamping with Petite Retreats.

Yurts: What makes a yurt so great is its spaciousness. Most yurts can easily accommodate six people, so they are great for family trips as well as getting together with your best glamping group. Plus, they are totally cool – there’s no denying that. You’ve got a sturdy canvas roof overhead, plenty of room to socialize indoors and out, plus amenities you can’t find in a tent, like mini kitchens, ceiling fans and cable TVs! Petite Retreat yurt accommodations can be found in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Tiny Houses: The tiny house trend is only getting bigger as glampers find that these “home away from home” accommodations have everything you need for a perfect glamping adventure. First off, Petite Retreats’ tiny house locations are near some of the most popular travel destinations like Nashville, Tennessee, Oregon’s Mt. Hood area, Washington State’s Bavarian-styled charming town of Leavenworth, Boston’s quintessential New England towns, the vortexes of Sedona, Arizona, and the Florida Keys. Secondly, the Petite Retreat tiny homes are perfectly appointed from hip décor to the amenities like kitchens and full bathrooms! All you need to do is pick a location, settle in and check out these great areas, knowing that your comfortable tiny house awaits you at the end of a long day exploring.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Variety: If you’ve done the tiny house or the yurt glamp, there are still a lot more choices – including the unique tepee, glamping tent, and covered wagon options available at some of our California locations. Plus, there are cabins and cottages in great locations around the country. Want to experience a glamping trip in the mountains? Check out the two Lake George, New York, locations or Tuxbury Pond in New Hampshire. How about glamping near Maine’s charming Bar Harbor or the bucolic Pennsylvania Dutch Country? Our glamping accommodations are the spice of outdoor life! 

Rancho Oso RV Campground
Rancho Oso RV Campground

Location to Events and Attractions: Always wanted to experience Coachella? Book a stay at Palm Springs. Have you been wanting to see just how crazy Key West’s Hemingway Days can get? Book a stay at one of Petite Retreats’ Keys locations. How about touring Nashville’s historic Ryman Theater and taking in a show or indulging in a fried bologna sandwich at Robert’s Western World? Nashville glamping is possible with a reservation at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village. Are healing vibes and great hikes on the agenda? Verde Valley can accommodate a Sedona glamping adventure. Check out petiteretreats.com and find your perfect glamping location.

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5 Great July Getaways

According to globalgrasshopper.com (a blog team that consists of “self-confessed travel snobs), the locations listed below are some of the best places to travel to in July. Luckily, the fabulous Petite Retreats glamping accommodations in these locations provide the perfect complement to have one of the best July trips you’ve ever taken!

Citing the idyllic back drop of Frenchman’s Bay, the top-notch eateries and the charm of the downtown area, Bar Harbor, Maine made the list. Make a reservation at either Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too and get set for a New England destination full of food, fun, and outdoor activity. Highlights of a Bar Harbor getaway include Acadia National Park; whale-watching excursions; several history museums and lots of shopping. For something different, consider Diver Ed’s Dive-in Theater (diveintheater.com), which offers a great way to learn about the sea creatures that reside here.

On the other coast – Pacific, that is – the “travel snobs” believe Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a great July pick for a trip due to the stunning scenery and sea life that can be seen here at this time. Toss in the great pics you can take of Haystack Rock with a summer sky backdrop and that’s reason enough. If you need more, there’s the Cannon Beach Farmers Market, which runs every Tuesday; the “BUSKERS in the Park” Thursday night concerts in the City Park, craft brews from Cannon Beach brewpubs, Pelican Brewing Company and Public Coast Brewing, plus outdoor activities that include surfing, fishing, hiking, and plenty of nature walks. Reserve a cabin at Seaside and explore this Pacific Coast gem.

Cabin at Seaside RV Campround
Cabin at Seaside RV Campround

Is there a bad time to visit Monterey, California? We doubt it, but according to globalgrasshopper, Monterey is great in July thanks to the temperature and al fresco dining opportunities. Renting the glamping tent or cottage at Marina Dunes is also perfect in July, so stay with us while you explore July in Monterey. The Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is set for the weekend of July 16-17 and the 19th Monterey Beer Festival is set for Saturday, July 30. More fun in Monterey includes visits to the charming seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea; the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the stunningly scenic 17-Mile-Drive. Oh, and by the way, al fresco dining options can include Abalonetti Bar & Grill and Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle.

Looking to go lakeside? Book a cottage complete with a screened-in porch at Kenisee Lake and head to charming Geneva-on-the-Lake. The lake here is Lake Erie and the quaint town is billed as “Ohio’s First Summer Resort.” The blogging travel snobs like this location because of the numerous lakeside beaches, the zip lines and adventure courses, and the local breweries and wineries. The Vines and Wines Trail has over 30 wineries and vineyards and details can be found at ohiowines.org. The Strip, the town’s version of a boardwalk, is home to shops and restaurants, and other fun attractions like a mini-golf course. Breakwater Beach is great for beach lovers and Geneva State Park will provide a great fix for hiking enthusiasts. Lake Erie Canopy Tours (lakeeriecanopytours.com) receives high praise from users for its patient and professional guides as well as the variety of course options.

Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground
Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground

Historic Boston makes the list and that’s fitting since they really know how to celebrate Independence Day. Aside from the big party on the 4th, Boston is noted for the concerts at the Hatch Shell and Shakespeare on the Common, both free events in July, whale watching and the food and craft beer scene. There are also baseball games at Fenway Park, the historic and very walkable Freedom Trail, harbor cruises, and some of the best Italian dining to be found in the North End (don’t miss the cannoli from Mike’s Pastry)! The Rose Kennedy Greenway is another place where you can always find something going on, including Greenway Food Trucks where over 35 food trucks offer all kinds of specialties from seafood to Korean options daily; a farmer’s market each Tuesday and Thursday and a beer and wine garden. Book a stay at either Sturbridge or Gateway to Cape Cod and head into Boston to discover a great summertime city.

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Here’s the difference between glamping and camping

It’s only been a few short years since the word glamping was added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Back in March 2018, the dictionary listed the word with the accompanying definition “outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping.” And, according to other linguistic lore, the word itself was first used sometime around 2005. But, some people have been glamping for years while others are wondering what this “glamping” is all about. Consider the following your quick guide to all things glamping: 

Why should you glamp instead of camp? If you are a seasoned camper, giving glamping a go may be just the thing needed to change things up. Another reason to glamp is not everyone enjoys tent camping and rising to greet the day after a rough night on the hard ground. Some people are looking for the perfect mix of outdoor adventure with some of the comforts of home.

For the most part, glamping involves a bit more of sleeping structure than the average tent or even those super high-end tents that sleep the whole gang and are “guaranteed” to keep you warm and cozy despite the outdoor weather. To glamp, you might consider overnighting in a yurt, a tiny home, a cabin, or cottage. 

There’s also the luxury of the indoor facilities that often accompany a glamping trip. No flashlight-required treks to the facilities at 3 a.m. or cold food because the campfire won’t light or the camp stove is on the fritz. Glamping rentals typically have indoor bathroom accommodations as well as well-appointed kitchens. Another plus to a glamping accommodation is that many of them have private fire rings, decks, and outdoor areas designated specifically for enjoying the art of socializing. 

What are good glamping accessories? Most glampers feel the need to up the ante when it comes to accessorizing and some of the most popular glamp gear includes tablecloths, area rugs, comfy camp chairs, and outdoor string lights and solar lanterns to create the perfect glamping ambience. Food and drink options also take a step up and glamping accessories in this category might include a charcuterie board, an espresso maker or French coffee press, as well as Dutch ovens and other “cuisine” cookware for camp. As for outdoor fun, glamping could include an outdoor projector and screen!

When it comes to glamping activities versus camping activities, they are pretty much the same. Most glamping accommodations are in areas that give the glamper the full opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. Hike, bike, fish, swim, canoe, or kayak – here’s where glamping and camping meet. Take in beauty of nearby national parks, raft the rapids, paddle serene waters, horseback ride or zip through the trees. We have glamping locations near all these great outdoor adventures. 

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village
Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

Where to glamp? Try our tiny house options in Leavenworth, Washington, Oregon’s Mt. Hood area, near Nashville, Tennessee, or Sedona, Arizona, or the Florida Keys. A spring, summer or fall glamping trip to New Hampshire’s Tuxbury Tiny House Village is a plan-ahead trip. Glamping in a yurt can be an option any time of year at several locations in California, Oregon, and Washington State as well as spring through fall yurt accommodations in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. What about glamping in a teepee? Or a covered wagon? Both are unique accommodations that can be found when glamping with Petite Retreats. Check out our website to see where we have glamping opportunities – whether it’s your first glamping adventure or you’ve been a glamper long before it was an official dictionary entry!

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June is Great Outdoors Month

Cabins at Yosemite Lakes Campground in Groveland, CA

In 1998, President Bill Clinton declared that seven days in the month of June should be set aside to “celebrate our relationship with nature.” That concept resonated so soundly with Americans that successive administrations morphed those seven days into a whole month of celebrating and communing with nature.

June is upon us again and we probably all feel the need to get outside and commune! So, whether you hike, bike, fish, boat or just plain sit in it, get outside, breath the air, and become one with nature.

June in the great outdoors can include:

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches, OR

Hiking: Hiking doesn’t really require much equipment or any particular level of skill – just some strong legs and lungs, and you’ve got it. Trails abound around the country and we’ve found a few you places you might like to hike. Yosemite National Park has 800 miles of trails to choose from and the scenery is unparalleled! Enjoy the alpine hikes of Mt. Hood, Oregon’s 11,240-foot volcano – two popular hikes are the Tamanawas Falls Trail and the Old Salmon River Trail. Then, relax after a long day on the trails in one of our yurt accommodations at Yosemite Lakes Campground (CA) or Mt. Hood Village (OR).

Cottages in Palm Springs RV Resort in Palm Desert, CA

Biking: Take a seat and use pedal power to enjoy the great outdoors on a bike ride. Some great rides could include the 13-mile city-wide tour of Palm Springs, California, which gives you an idea what the town is all about. Or, pedal around Maine’s Acadia National Park on the 45 miles of carriage roads or the 27-mile Park Loop Road. Add to the fun of your great outdoors experience with a stay in a cute cottage at Narrows Too (ME) or Palm Springs RV Resort (CA).

Cabins at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Fishing: Reel in the big one during Great Outdoors Month.  Try your luck with some deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys or see what’s biting in the waters of Wisconsin’s Door County. Our cozy cabins at Tranquil Timbers (WI) or a colorful cottage or tiny house in the Keys can serve as your “fishing lodge” while you write your big fish story!

Fishing at Pacific City in Cloverdale, OR

Taking in the View: Sometimes it’s enough to just be outdoors to enjoy the view, the fresh air, and the magic of nature. Take in the sunsets from Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf; feel the effects of the healing vortexes in Sedona’s Red Rock State Park; enjoy the charm of Leavenworth, Washington, a quaint-as-can-be Bavarian-styled village or marvel at Haystack Rock, nature’s sea stack creation that rises 235 from the Pacific Ocean at Cannon Beach, Oregon. You can also enjoy the view from our cozy cabins in Santa Barbara (Rancho Oso) or Oregon (Pacific City), or from our adorable tiny homes in Leavenworth, Washington, or Sedona’s Verde Valley Resort.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA

Camping: Of course, there is no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a good camping trip. Writer Alice Walker said, “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.” Find your perfection and stay with us in one of our Petite Retreats. If you want mountains, we’ve got you covered with locations near Seattle, Maine’s Acadia National Park, beautiful Mt. Hood, and the Adirondacks. If you want seashore, we’ve got you covered with locations in Santa Barbara, the Oregon coast, New Hampshire, and Florida. And if your “perfect” is just gathering friends and family in the great outdoors, we’ve definitely got you covered there!

Boston Calling

Boston Skyline, Boston, MA

Making New England your summer retreat this summer? If so, take note of some the events going on in and near Boston this summer.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village, Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, South Hampton, NH

  1. Boston Calling – it’s not just the title of this piece, but also a 3-day music festival in Boston scheduled for May 24-26, that also features comedy performances as well. This year’s musical lineup includes artists Tame Impala, Jack White, Brandi Carlisle, The Killers, Khalid and Portugal the Man to name a few, while the comedy lineup includes Jenny Slate, Fred Armisen and Michael Che. The event is held at the Harvard Athletic Complex in nearby Allston. For a full lineup and ticket information visit www.bostoncalling.com.
  2. Boston Dragon Boat Festival – the first and oldest festival of its type in the US, this event brings over 70 teams from around the country and world to compete in a 500-meter race along the banks of the Charles River as each team commands their own 39-foot Hong Kong-style Dragon Boat. The festival itself is full of fun for the whole family with cultural events, food, vendors and more. The 40th Annual Dragon Boat Festival takes place June 8-9.
  3. North Star Pro Rodeo – while you really wouldn’t associate a rodeo with Massachusetts, you will have an opportunity to change that with a visit to the North Star Pro Rodeo held in Marshfield on June 22-23. Like any other rodeo, you can expect bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more rodeo fun. For details, visit www.marshfieldfair.org.
  4. Boston Pops July Fourth – this annual extravaganza has Boston Pops Conductor, Keith Lockhart, joined by some pretty popular guest stars, as he conducts the music of America to celebrate our country’s birthday! The concert and spectacular fireworks display should be on everyone’s bucket list. Why not check it off your list this summer? For information, visit www.bostonpopsjuly4th.org.
  5. Boston Seafood Festival – as they say, when in Rome, except in this case, when in Boston, don’t miss the seafood! This festival provides the perfect chance to eat lobster and clams and whatever else they dish up. Held on the historic Boston Fish Pier, this year’s event is set for Sunday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be chef demos, a fish cutting demonstration, a lobster bake, clambakes, Battle of the Shuckers and a beer garden.

Vacation Cottage, Pine Acres RV Campground, Raymond, NH

Boston highlights also include: The Freedom Trail, a walking path through the city with historical markers that document events of the Revolutionary War; Faneuil Hall, a meeting hall and market place originally built in 1742 and restored in 1976 to become one of Boston’s most visited places thanks to its mix of markets, food vendors and street entertainers; Boston North End, the city’s Little Italy neighborhood, containing some of the oldest buildings in the city – just a short walk from downtown Boston, the food and baked goods make it worth the trip; and Fenway Park, home to the 2018 World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox. Take in a game, see what the Green Monster is all about and decide for yourself whether there’s a repeat brewing!

Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod RV Campground, Rochester, MA

Reserve a stay at New Hampshire’s Tuxbury Pond or Pine Acres or Gateway to Cape Cod in Massachusetts which are all conveniently about an hour’s drive away from the city. Visit PetiteRetreats.com to plan your trip to explore one of the oldest cities in the US.

Spring Break in Orlando & Kissimmee

Orlando, FL
Orlando, FL

Looking for a way to get away this spring? Look no further than Orlando & Kissimmee, Florida! While the Orlando & Kissimmee areas are known for the theme parks, there’s so much more to explore in this area. Here are some of our favorite ways to explore the region in the spring!  

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Until June 3, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival brings the kind of joy only spring can bring! During the International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot is positively bursting with all the colors of the rainbow from over “30 million blooms.” While the flowers and garden displays are certainly the main events, this year’s 25th annual festival also features concerts, special programs and demonstrations, new topiaries and gardens, food specials, and more! Admission to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is included in your day pass for Walt Disney World®. Be sure to visit the Epcot website for more information: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/  

Lake Eola Park 

Lake Eola Park is a perfect daytime excursion while enjoying spring break in Orlando. Located in downtown Orlando, you’re in the heart of it all with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars to check out. Here, you can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat, see a concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre; or just relax amid the flower beds while gazing on the view of Orlando’s skyline! Remember to also check out the sculptures installed around the park by the nonprofit, See Art Orlando. These outdoor public sculptures serve to “enlighten and enrich” the park and the lives of park visitors. For more information about Lake Eola Park, visit orlando.gov. 

Ziplining Safari 

Take a zip line adventure in Kissimmee! Zip across the treetops at 25 miles an hour at Forever Florida’s Zipline Safari! Thrill seekers of all ages can strap on a helmet and swoosh across the treetops for a sensational activity you won’t soon forget! Forever Florida also offers other outdoor excursions like horseback riding and a trail buggy. For more information and to book an excursion, visit foreverflorida.com. 

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld®

Eat your way around the world when you visit SeaWorld until May 5! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, visitors can sample over 180 international cuisines and a huge collection of beer, wine, and spirit selections from around the world! This year, the festival has become even bigger and more diverse with new markets like Italian, Vegan, and Caribbean, and a lineup of live performances featuring bands from many genres like Latin, rock, country, and more! Just make sure to purchase a Specialty Dining Pass along with your general admission to SeaWorld® or visit seaworld.com. 

Tropical Palms Resort
Tropical Palms Resort

Stay & Play at Tropical Palms RV Resort 

Located in Kissimmee, Florida, Tropical Palms RV Resort is a hidden gem set on 69 beautiful sun-kissed acres that are perfect for your Orlando vacation getaway, especially for spring break! Approximately 4 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, 11 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, and within walking distance from Old Town and Fun Spot, Tropical Palms RV Resort is the perfect home base for your spring break adventures. 

The colorful and spacious vacation cottages at Tropical Palms are a favorite accommodation option for guests! Complete with private deck, full kitchen, flat-screen TV, sleeper sofa, and available in a variety of floor plans to accommodate any size group! If you want to bring a furry family member, Tropical Palms also has pet-friendly cottages available.  

Tropical Palms Resort
Tropical Palms Resort

When you choose one of these spacious private cottages or RV sites, you will have access to the Tropical Palms pool, café, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, live entertainment, social events, on-site laundry, and much more. Tropical Palms RV Resort makes for the perfect Central Florida spring break getaway! 

Make your reservations today and learn more on petiteretreats.com 

Glamping in Style with Petite Retreats!

Thanks to the advent of “glamping,” more and more people are catching the camping bug. And, because glamping made alternatives to tent camping cool, camping is no longer just a warm-weather getaway option. With glamping becoming trendier, accommodations like yurts, cabins, and tiny houses are now sought after options, compared to the more traditional, yet weather-dependent tent and all the outdoor accoutrements associated with camping.

Glamping options like tiny houses have all the amenities of a hotel while also providing the cozy, communing with nature feeling campers seek. Cottages and cabins can range from rustic to well-outfitted yet still maintain that same “one with nature” atmosphere provided by the camping cottages and cabins of yesteryear. Yurts offer a unique way to spend time among nature in a setting that is both cozy and spacious all at once.

Whether you’re looking for a wintery glamping experience filled with hot cocoa and activities bouncing around in the snow, or escaping the cold until the winter in the North is over, there are plenty of options ready and waiting to help make your glamping dreams come true with Petite Retreats!

Is the Pacific Northwest calling your name this season? Check out the Tiny House Villages in Leavenworth, Washington, or Welches, Oregon. The Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches sits amid all the winter sports activities in the area and is also close to Portland so you can get your big city fix when you’re done playing in the snow.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village has the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains (and all the snow fun that comes with it) and is, of course, is just a few miles from the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, where you may just feel like you went to sleep in Washington and woke up in Germany!

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

There are also yurts at Bend-Sunriver in Oregon, the aforementioned Mt. Hood, and several Pacific Coast locations from Washington on down through Oregon. Cabins can be found in California, Oregon, and Texas. And, if you insist on spending winter on the beach, colorful cottages in Florida beckon you to locations that include the Florida Keys and centrally-located Kissimmee.

Florida speaks for itself in terms of fun and sun. Kissimmee offers perfect proximity to all the theme parks and the Keys are as close as you can get to a tropical adventure without leaving the U.S. So, enjoy a cottage in the sun and go glamping the Sunshine State.

Colorful Cottages at Fiesta Key

Pick a yurt and enjoy a stay at Tall Chief RV Resort in Fall City, Washington, which is less than a half hour outside of Seattle. Or, choose a cozy cabin at Pacific City RV Resort in Cloverdale, Oregon, and enjoy winter hiking in Cape Meares State Park. Try out staying in a cabin “Cali-style” and book a stay at Rancho Oso RV Resort, located just outside the charming city of Santa Barbara. Enjoy “America’s Riviera” as Santa Barbara is known, and take in the history, culture, arts, and local wineries.

Get your winter glamping groove on while you can! Petite Retreats provides you with lots of variety in your choice of destination, or destinations if you’ve got the time. So, get going and get glamping!

Visit petiteretreats.com to find your perfect winter glamping getaway.

The Perfect Present: A Holiday Gift Guide for Glampers

A Holiday Gift Guide for RVers and Campers
A Holiday Gift Guide for Glampers

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for family, friends or yourself? Check out a few ideas that range from perfectly functional to simply whimsical, for whoever is on your list this year!

MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bag

Keep your living and driving space fresh smelling with these air purifying bags. Fragrance-free, chemical free and non-toxic, odors, allergens, and harmful pollutants are absorbed in the bag’s moso bamboo charcoal. They can be reused for two years – bags can be reactivated by placing them in the sun for about an hour. 

MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bag, $8.95- $22.95, mosonatural.com
MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bag, $8.95- $22.95, mosonatural.com

Fjallraven Kånken Backpack

Go glamping in style and keep your things dry when you’re out and about with this backpack! With a big main pocket and lots of other pockets to store your maps, water bottles, a towel, or anything else you’d need for your outdoor adventures, this backpack is a solid choice and comes in plenty of colors.

Fjallraven Kånken Backpack, $80, kanken.com
Fjallraven Kånken Backpack, $80, kanken.com

Huckberry Nordic A-Frame Cabin Candle

Fill your home with the scents of glamping all year ’round! The notes of this candle perfectly encompass a great camping experience – “Whiskey, Spicy Citrus, Bay Laurel, and Disconnected WiFi.” We don’t know a scent that could beat that!

Huckberry Nordic A-Frame Cabin Candle, $28, huckberry.com
Huckberry Nordic A-Frame Cabin Candle, $28, huckberry.com

National Park Pass

Give your loved ones even more reasons to see America the Beautiful by giving them a National Park Pass! These passes cover entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges, standard amenity fees, and some other day fees. For more information on types of National Park Passes and the fees, visit nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

National Park Pass, prices and passes vary, nps.gov
National Park Pass, prices and passes vary, nps.gov

Yeti Rambler 30 Oz Tumbler

This stainless steel tumbler is insulated so hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay cold! It’s the perfect gift for that person on your list that’s constantly parched and appreciates innovative design. This tumbler comes in a whole array of colors to suit any personality!

1927 S’mores Original S’mores Kit

Take your s’more game to the next level with this artisanal version of the classic campfire treat! The marshmallows and graham crackers are handcrafted from scratch using local ingredients. The locavore foodie in your life will devour this kit!

1927 S'mores Original S'mores Kit, $17, 1927smores.com
1927 S’mores Original S’mores Kit, $17, 1927smores.com

String Lights (Assorted)

There’s no end to the variety you can find in fun lights to light up your exterior glamping space. Consider the retro Trendy Camper String Light set with its illuminated RVs (lakeside.com) or the Happy Camper metal light set (campingworld.com). If music is your thing, take a look at the Kurt. S. Adler Guitar Multi-Color Light Set (musiciansfriend.com). Or maybe you’re a fisherman who will be lured by the Fishing Bobber Party Light set (amazon.com). If you’re a camping purist, check out the mini Coleman lanterns in the Coleman LED Camp Lantern String Lights (walmart.com.) As we said, there’s no end to what you can light your site with, so, show your personality and light it up!

Happy Camper String Lights
Happy Camper String Lights, prices vary, amazon.com

Palm Springs: A Modern Playground

Palm Springs RV Resort
Palm Springs RV Resort

Palm Springs became a big draw to movie stars in the early 1930s not only because of its proximity to Los Angeles but in just a two-hour drive you’re transported in the serenity of the desert, away from the hustle and bustle of the Hollywood lifestyle. Palm Springs has always offered plenty of sunshine, fresh air, hiking trails, and natural hot springs. Today, Palm Springs continues to draw stars and regular folks alike thanks to its fabulous mix of desert vistas, vibrant arts and culture scene, and plenty of shopping and culinary opportunities.

The Palm Springs Art Museum includes works by Marc Chagall, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Ansel Adams, and even features two outdoor sculpture gardens. It also has major collections of Native American and Western art, photography, and glass, including works by Dale Chilhuly. A special exhibit that runs through August 2019 is Lines in the Sand which explores the history of the desert through our relationship to the land, environment, and community. Admission to the museum is free. For hours and additional information visit psmuseum.org.

For more art, don’t miss the Desert Arts Festival, scheduled for December 8 and 9, 2018, which will feature artwork across all mediums including acrylic, oils, watercolors, clay, stone, wood, etchings, and sculpture.

Joshua Tree National Park

Of course, you can’t come to the desert and not experience the desert, so some suggestions include a Jeep tour to Joshua Tree National Park, Indian Canyons and the San Andreas Fault. The area has several different companies that offer various tours, so be sure to visit visitgreaterpalmsprings.com to see what your options are. The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail is also a great option for hiking the desert – this can be done through admission to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, another must-see when in Palm Springs!

For a double whammy of total tranquility and delicious food, visit The Starlite in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree, where you can take a yoga class at the Instant Karma yoga studio and enjoy an authentic slice of NY style pizza at Pie for the People, right in the middle of the desert!

If shopping is your game, there’s plenty of action in the Palm Springs area, which boasts many distinct shopping districts. There’s the Desert Hills Premium Outlets mall in Cabazon and downtown Palm Springs with its boutiques and antiques. The mod Uptown Design District features 50 unique boutiques, galleries, and shops along several blocks. And if you visit the Corridor, which has shops, cafes, and galleries, don’t miss the Just Fabulous bookstore, where plenty of famous authors like Anne Rice and Lily Tomlin have held books signings. You never know who might be looking for that perfect vacation read!

Speaking of stars, each month the Astronomical Society of the Desert conducts sky tours and observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument. These Star Parties are free events, but optional donations help support the group’s mission to protect the Coachella Valley desert. For more information or to make a reservation for the next Star Party at the Monument, visit desertmountains.org.

The colorful cottages at  Palm Springs RV Resort are the perfect place to stay while you play in and around Palm Springs! The campground is set among 805 date palm trees in the beautiful Coachella Valley with plenty of amenities and activities, and the adorable cottages are the icing on the cake here!

Make your Petite Retreats reservations today!

Wisconsin Dells – A Classic Family Getaway

Long before it was considered the “waterpark capital of the world,” families flocked to the Wisconsin Dells to spend their summer vacation amidst the beauty of nature. The history of the Dells as a vacation destination dates back to the mid to late 1800s when visitors were attracted by the sandstone bluffs, countless caves, and of course, the Dells.  

Derived from the French word, dalles, the actual Wisconsin Dells exist from a melting glacier some 20,000 years ago. Melting waters cut into the sandstone landscape and as the waters receded towering sandstone cliffs emerged and the gorge was created. With the river below and the high bluffs above, it became a place of natural amazement. H.H. Bennett, a Civil War photographer, came to photograph the scenic area and created stereoscopic images that depicted the magnificent dells as multidimensional. Those photographs were eventually turned into postcards and soon the whole country knew about this fantastic place in the Midwest.  In 1856, the Wisconsin Mirror wrote this about the Dells – “We conclude that the wild, romantic scenery of the Dells will always make them a place of resort for seekers of pleasure.”

And that’s the way it remains to this day – except now there are waterparks galore (more than 20 as a matter of fact) as well as a few more tourist attractions.

The Wisconsin Ducks, Army surplus vehicles that can travel on land and water, have been a Dells mainstay since they first arrived in 1946. These vehicles provide a unique way to tour the Dells. Today, the Wisconsin Ducks have more than 92 vehicles making it the largest fleet of Duck tours in the country. Duck tours last about an hour and will take you through Lake Delton and the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River.

You can also take a step back in time and see where it all began in a tour of the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum. See how Bennett was able to capture The Dells in their three-dimensional beauty. Start your Dells visit off with a tour of this piece of history and get an idea of how the Dells became so popular.

Another historic attraction is the Wisconsin Deer Park. Set on 40 acres of land, the park breeds and raises deer and has separate feeding areas where visitors can feed the deer. In addition to the deer, visitors can also see lemurs, bison, elk, goats, llamas, and horses.

And of course, The Dells is famous for its many water parks – Noah’s Ark is the largest in the United States and features two lazy rivers, wave pools and new this year, Raja, a water slide experience with 335 feet of twists and turns ending with a thrilling 37-foot plunge into the mouth of the King Cobra!

There’s plenty for the outdoor adventurer as well – from zip line courses to rock climbing adventures; horseback riding and wineries to explore, visiting the Dells is nonstop fun and adventure.

For more Dells attractions and information, visit wisdells.com.

Cozy Cabin at Yukon Trails, Lyndon Station, WI

Stay at a Petite Retreat in Wisconsin! From rustic log cabins to beautiful yurts, the Petite Retreats in Wisconsin are the perfect way to lodge when you are visiting the Wisconsin Dells. Visit petiteretreats.com for more information.