Top 5 Must-Do Experiences in Vibrant Miami, Florida

Just about any travel guide you consult for reasons to visit Miami will include the beaches, the nightlife and, of course, the weather. We know of one great reason for sure – the fabulous glamping accommodations at Encore Miami Everglades that include deluxe lodges and cabins. Plus, this gorgeous and lush tropical getaway is just 30 minutes from Miami, though you feel like you’re in a true nature retreat. So, book a stay at Miami Everglades and check out five more reasons we found to make your Miami getaway a glamping trip to remember.

1. Explore City Beautiful: Coral Gables is less than 20 minutes from Miami and definitely worth a visit. The city’s tree-lined boulevards, Spanish and Mediterranean architecture, and the plentiful historic landmarks make it easy to see why the city is nicknamed “City Beautiful.” Check out the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, which has a collection of rare tropical plants set on 83 acres. Another interesting must-see when visiting Coral Gables are the “Seven Villages of Coral Gables” which were designed to reflect villages from around the world and include the French Normandy Village, Chinese Village, and Italian Village. Visit bikewalkcoralgables.org for maps of self-guided tours of the Villages as well as the Coral Gables landmarks.

2. Monkey Around: A visit to Monkey Jungle (monkeyjungle.com) provides an opportunity to see several species of monkeys in their natural habitat. Opened in 1935 by animal behaviorist Joseph DuMond, this 30-acre wildlife park is home to over 300 primates. The Rainforest Adventure Tour is a great way to see squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys, and more in a rainforest setting.

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades
Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades

3. Millionaire’s Row: If you want to see how Miami’s rich and famous live, take a guided boat tour of Millionaire’s Row (tourscanner.com or miamionthewater.com). See if you can spot any of the Row’s residents, that include Jennifer Lopez and Shaquille O’Neal, soaking up the sun. Both tours also provide spectacular views of the skyline and Biscayne Bay.

4. Visit Little Havana: Take in the Cuban cultural experience with a visit to Little Havana (which can be reached via Miami’s free trolley service). Calle Ocho is where you can find the locals conversing, playing dominoes and the Paseo de las Estrellas, which is equivalent to the Walk of the Stars, and pays tribute to Cuban, Latin, Hispanic, and African American musicians, actors, and artists with ties to the community. While you’re here, take a Little Havana Food and Cultural tour (available through miamiculinarytours.com) or visit an authentic cigar factory (check out casahabano.net for info on a factory tour).

Night time Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades
Night time Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades

5. Hit the Beach(es): There are more than 15 beaches in Miami and each has a different flair. For example, Oleta River State Park offers a 1,200 foot sandy beach great for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. South Beach is the most famous with the iconic Ocean Drive backdrop while North Beach is a popular music venue that features the North Beach Bandshell. Crandon Park Beach has a Family Amusement Center and a Nature Center and Haulover Beach is good for kite-flying and picnicking. For more Miami Beach choices, go to visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/best-beaches-of-miami-florida.

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Glamorous Gifting: The Ultimate 2023 Glamping Gift Guide

Glampers have a slightly different take on camping – notching up the experience by choosing accommodations that are more luxe than rustic, bringing along the comforts of home, and upping the culinary glamp-side experience with cool gadgets that are also travel-friendly. Here are some gift ideas to help you get a head start on shopping for the glampers on your holiday list this year:

Chef’n S’mores Roaster
Chef’n S’mores Roaster

Chef’n S’mores Roaster: The cutest little petite s’more roaster you’ll find on the market, the Chef’n S’mores Roaster does not require a campfire and comes with stainless steel sticks so you don’t have to search for the perfect roasting stick. Available at crateandbarrel.com ($49.95).

Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern
Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern

Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lantern: These are so cute and compact, every glamper should have one! Powered by AAA batteries, these mini-lanterns are “a compact, bright and versatile LED camping light.” There are three brightness settings and the Mini Hozuki has a runtime of 40 hours when set on high and 70 when set on low. Available from snowpeak.com or amazon.com ($49.95).

SetPower Portable Fridge-Freezer
SetPower Portable Fridge-Freezer

SetPower Portable Fridge/Freezer: As we said, glampers take it up a notch, so a cooler with ice might not cut it, but this portable fridge/freezer combo from SetPower may do the trick. Available from setpowerusa.com ($319), the investment may seem steep, but think of all those bags of ice that won’t be needed. This handy glamping accessory is highly-rated by users who say it is easy to set up, holds the “chill,” and is very portable.

Folding Camp Bench
Folding Camp Bench

Folding Camp Bench: They say glamping with friends is the best way to do it so why not provide seating for the gang? A good glamping gift might be the Folding Camp Bench that provides seating for two (available from bespokepost.com for $140). Portable, easy to clean, and easy to store, this could be the best seating ‘round the campfire.

Jouyek Outdoor Folding Table
Jouyek Outdoor Folding Table

Jouyek Outdoor Folding Table: Another great option for the popular glamping crew is the Jouyek Outdoor Folding Table (amazon.com $59.99) which provides plenty of surface space and under table storage with its zippered lockers. Reviewers say it’s lightweight, easy to fold, and sturdy.

Foodie Finds
Foodie Finds

Foodie Finds: Glampers are often foodies so a cookbook or two and some fun “gourmet glamping” accessories could make for some good gift-giving. The Ultimate Dutch Oven Cookbook ($17); Dirty Gourmet: Food for Your Outdoor Adventures ($22); the 12-Piece Cooking Utensil Set Travel Organizer ($30); or Coghlan’s Multi-Spice container ($6) are all good options and available from amazon.com.

For those looking to really glamp their hearts out throughout the next year, consider the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass. From secluded mountain forest retreats, to beachfront glamping, theme park family trips, or fall foliage gazing escapes – the Cabin Pass has  you covered with prime vacation destinations, all for $1,695/year. With over 125 locations, there is plenty to explore and will make any glamper on your list excited for the year ahead.

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Sun-Kissed Bliss: Your Guide to Sunny Winter Glamping

Looking for something to do for about 80 days beginning in late December? We’re talking about winter getaways when the snow falls, the temperatures plummet, and the sun takes a bit of a hiatus up north. We’ve got some great warm weather getaways to consider and some advice…book now!

Florida: Plenty of sun here with average daytime temps rarely dipping below 60 degrees and with so many glamping locations, a winter roaming around Florida should be on the agenda. Rent a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee and enjoy the weather at Kissimmee Lakefront Park with a stroll around the lake. Check out Old Town Kissimmee, which is great for dining, shopping and entertainment or make Kissimmee your home base for the Orlando theme park attractions. Head to the east coast and enjoy Miami with a stay at Encore Miami Everglades, which has great glamping accommodations, and check out Miami’s beaches, culture, and nearby Everglades National Park. Meander down the Overseas Highway and enjoy the Keys from a great tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village. Keys’ highlights include snorkeling in Key Largo, taking in the fun of the “Conch Life ” in Key West and sport fishing in Islamorada.

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village
Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

Sedona, Arizona: Snow-capped mountains and warm temperatures? You bet, that’s what a winter trip to Sedona will get you. Plus, all the great outdoor activity to be found and the opportunity to stay in a tiny house at Thousand Trails Verde Valley. It’s warm here, but not too warm since you want to spend plenty of time hiking the Red Rock State Park and discovering all the vortexes and cool rock formations (like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock). Maybe a Jeep tour (pinkadventuretours.com) or a wine trail tour (vvwinetrail.com). Want to recharge? Check out the suggested Spiritual Healing 3-day itinerary at visitsedona.com, which includes some interesting events like a chakra balancing session, hot stone therapy, and a Jeep tour to the healing vortex sites within Red Rock State Park.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

Texas: Texas winters are typically snowless with mild temperatures and none of the heat and humidity found in a Texas summer. Check out any of our Texas locations and consider some of these winter events: Enjoy the San Antonio River Walk when it’s less crowded and stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake while also taking in San Antonio attractions like The Alamo or enjoying a guided Mural Ridel on a bike to see over 20 murals painted throughout the city (visitsanantonio.com/location/mural-ride). If you’re into the rodeo, don’t miss the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, scheduled for January 12 through February 3, 2024. Book a stay at any of these nearby glamping locations: Thousand Trails Bay Landing, Lake Whitney, Lake Tawakoni, and Lake Texoma. The Texas Hill Country has some fun winter wine events including the Wine Lovers Celebration, running January 29 to February 23, where visitors can experience over 40 Texas Hill Country wineries with special events and tastings (texashillcountrywineries.org). Again, Medina Lake is a great spot to camp while enjoying all the fun.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing

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