November, 2018 | Petite Retreater

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina: Tiny Homes, Big Adventure

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina has always been a popular destination for travelers seeking a convenient and idyllic location from which to explore the nearby Florida Keys and all their attractions. The resort itself sits on the 75-acre Ohio Key in the Lower Florida Keys. The resort has a host of amenities and activities for both land and water lovers, which includes a marina, swimming pool, fishing opportunities, an outdoor pavilion, game room, horseshoe courts, pickleball courts and of course, the scenery. Think: scenery that includes plenty of palm trees, blue skies, and ocean views.

What makes a stay at Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina even more exciting these days is the addition of a tiny house village which offers unique accommodations for your Floridian getaway. Located on Ohio Key, these colorful tiny houses are just 30 miles from Key West and minutes from Bahia Honda State Park. Each house is full of personality and charm and makes for the ultimate relaxation destination.

Bahia Honda State Park, at over 500 acres, has a fabulous beach (named one of the best for sunbathing), the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge (perfect for photo ops and scenic views), and swimming, kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. Stay all day and catch the sunset – it’s well worth it!

While on Big Pine Key, don’t miss the National Key Deer Refuge, which was established in 1957 to protect the Key deer and other Keys wildlife. The Refuge includes freshwater wetland and mangrove forests and is home to 23 endangered plant and animal species. The Key Deer can only be found in the Florida Keys.

Islamorada, which is about 45 miles from Sunshine Key, is home to the History of Diving Museum where visitors can see one of the largest collections of diving gear, including helmets, armored suits, as well as photos and other diving-related memorabilia. The museum’s mission is to tell man’s story of exploring the sea and they do a great job through the exhibits, collections, and videos.

If feeding a tarpon is on your bucket list, head over to Robbie’s of Islamorada. Schools of tarpon, numbering upwards of 100, like to congregate around the marina providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to toss a snack or two to these “silver kings.” For just the price of admission ($2.25 per person) and $4 for a bucket of fish, you can experience this unique, aquatic, must-do.

Robbie’s is also the perfect place to schedule other water adventures including parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and deep-sea fishing excursions. Robbie’s also has an open-air market that sells jewelry, beachwear, art and more. Grab a bite to eat at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant and relax and enjoy Robbie’s experience.

After exploring the Keys, come back to your colorful and cozy tiny home, settle in and say goodnight to a great day!

Make your reservations for the Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina today!

The Winter Wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest

There are some destinations that no matter the time of year, are the ideal vacation spot. A perfect example of a year-round getaway destination is the Pacific Northwest. The mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean are what make this region one of the most beautiful. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, Mother Nature is always at her best here from summer sun to winter snows.

As far back as 1928, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Skibowl was a major draw. As one of the oldest remaining ski resorts in the country, the Mt. Hood Skibowl continues to draw snow sport enthusiasts thanks to its offerings that include 65 total runs over 960 acres of terrain. Snow lovers can day and night ski, snowboard, and snow tube as well as enjoy special events such as visits from Santa Claus and a New Year’s Eve party complete with fireworks. For information visit www.skibowl.com.

The Mt. Hood Skibowl is less than 20 minutes from Mt. Hood Village RV Resort.

Another must-see in the area is Timberline Lodge, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. A visit here offers a history lesson as well as snow sports fun. The historic lodge was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1936 and 1938 and was ultimately dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt created the WPA as part of his New Deal program to put people to work during the Great Depression. The Lodge and its views alone are worth the visit, but the skiing is the real draw for visitors. Timberline boasts 3,960 vertical feet, which is said to be more than any other ski location in the Pacific Northwest. Holiday events include a Christmas Tree Lighting on December 14 and a New Year’s Eve party on December 31. Visit timberlinelodge.com for more information.

Snow is big in Bend, Oregon. According to visitbend.com, the mountains surrounding Bend get an average of thirty feet of snow per year. That’s plenty of the powdery stuff in which to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, snow hike, snow bike and simply frolic.

One interesting way to enjoy the snow is a Sled Dog Ride from Oregon Trail of Dreams. A truly unique experience where you can sit back and let the dogs, and of course the human team, do all the work.

Another fun way to appreciate all the snow is at the Snowblast Tubing Park at Mt. Bachelor where you can glide down the slow with little effort on your part – just hang on to the tube handles and enjoy the ride. Or, consider a guided snowshoe tour where you can learn about the geology of the area as well as the plants and animals of Central Oregon. Visit mtbachelor.com for more information.

Downtown Bend will host special holiday events including the Bend Christmas Parade on December 1 and the Holiday Lights Winter Paddle Parade on December 14, where kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are decorated for a holiday parade on the Deschutes River. Any place that is so big on snow has to celebrate it and you can enjoy all the fun at the Oregon Winterfest, set for February 15-17, 2019 in Bend. This three-day party will include music, food, drinks, ice sculpting competitions, and more winter fun.

Mt. Bachelor is less than 30 minutes from the Bend-Sunriver RV Campground.

A Bit of Bavaria Stateside!

Cold-weather playground, unique holiday destination, plenty of ways to experience nature…these are phrases that describe Bavaria, a state in southwestern Germany, which is roughly 4,000-5,000-plus miles across the Atlantic. Definitely a charming destination with its snow-capped mountains, quaint villages, cultural offerings, and generous hospitality.

But if you don’t have the time (or the funds) to make a trek across the pond this winter season, why not check out the USA’s own little bit of Bavaria, otherwise known as Leavenworth, Washington. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village that is all about doing things Alpine-style. And once the winter season begins, the town explodes with more snow-filled activities and holiday events than you can imagine. There’s cross-country skiing, sledding, downhill skiing, ice fishing, snow tubing, sleigh rides, a Christkindlmarkt, a Christmas Lighting Festival, a cookie crawl, and more, all set among the most beautiful little Bavarian-style backdrop you can imagine this side of the Atlantic!

To make your visit to Leavenworth even more enchanting, stay at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village in your choice of five uniquely Bavarian-styled tiny houses. Combine a Tiny House stay with all the charm of Leavenworth and you’ll be guaranteed a Bavarian-styled experience without even needing your passport!

What can we see about Belle? Of course, she’s the belle of the ball at 307 square feet with a full bathroom, kitchen, first-floor bedroom and the cozy loft with a queen and twin bed! She’s perfectly appointed with stylish décor and furnishings, including linens and kitchenware. Belle sleeps 4-5 and has a TV with basic cable.

Adeline, sweet Adeline will be decked out for the holidays and welcoming the lucky four guests who can call her home during a stay at Leavenworth. With 287 square feet of charming space, Adeline has a first-floor twin bedroom, full bathroom, and kitchen. Plus there’s the cozy loft with its queen and twin beds. Linens, kitchenware, and TV with basic cable complete the sweet tiny house that is Adeline.

With an exterior as blue as the Alpine skies, Hanna is perfect for any duo that wants to experience the seasonal offerings of Leavenworth and bunk in each night in 181-square feet of cozy. There is a loft bedroom with a queen bed, a full bathroom, kitchen and TV with basic cable. Linens and kitchenware are included. Hanna has it all for a pair of winter adventure-seekers!

Of course, Rudolf is a red tiny house, what other colors would he be! Step inside Rudolf and you’ll find 250 feet of space that sleep 4-5 thanks to a loft with queen bed and twin bed, and a pullout couch on the first floor. Rudolf also features a full bath and kitchen, with linens and kitchenware included. TV with basic cable round’s out Rudolf’s amenities. He’s too cute!

Otto is the big guy on the Leavenworth RV Campground campus with his robust 287 square feet that sleeps 4-5. This hardy tiny house has a loft with queen bed and twin bed, pullout couch on the first floor, full bathroom and kitchen and comes with linens and kitchenware. All that, plus TV with cable and a pet-friendly attitude makes Otto one popular fellow!

Check out leavenworth.org to see the events scheduled in the town of Leavenworth and what else there is to see and do in this charming little Washington gem!

For more information on the Leavenworth Tiny House Village, visit leavenworthtinyhouse.com.

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.

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.

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!

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

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!

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, prices vary, amazon.com