Month: October 2024

5 Things to Do in Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a perfect destination for one, two or more than a few. The things to do here can range from solitary hikes and spiritual vortex visits to off-road Jeep group tours, all-in yoga sessions and a lot of shopping opportunities. The weather is nearly always perfect here with average daytime highs of 82 and very low rainfall. The backdrop of the Red Rock State Park makes for perfect Instagram shares and menus here offer fresh fish to locally grown fruits and vegetables for the selective foodie! Consider a food tour to get to know the history and culture of the area and then for something different, consider these 5 things to do and book your stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley:

Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley

1. Oak Creek Canyon: Located in the Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon offers all kinds of activities from hiking to fishing, plus a scenic 14-mile drive. Soaring cliffs and deep canyons plus acres of wooded wonderland make this a destination for hikers, photographers, and picnickers alike.

Hiking in Sedona, AZ
Hiking in Sedona, AZ

2. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: Peace-seekers as well as the curious will enjoy a visit to this spiritual oasis. A stupa is a Buddhist architectural structure that is used as a place of meditation. Come here to see the two stupas and just enjoy the serene feeling the park offers. The mountain views are also amazing as the park sits at the base of Thunder Mountain and a don’t-miss is the giant wooden sculpture of Siddhartha.

Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross

3. Chapel of the Holy Cross: Considered one of the must-sees when visiting Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural wonder built by a student of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1956, it sits atop a red rock formation between two natural spires. It is one of the most visited attractions in Sedona and can be reached via hiking or drive.

4. Verde Canyon Railroad: Sit back and enjoy the 4-hour train ride as the history of the area unfolds on your journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. You’ll travel through the Verde Canyon and along the Verde River on a trip that promises amazing glimpses of wildlife and landscape. The train staff provides the history of the area through stories and historical facts about the area. For information visit verdecanyonrr.com.

5. Festivals: If you’re visiting in October, take note of the Fall Festival at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds (October 25-26). The Fall Festival will feature arts and crafts, a family rodeo, an art show and a scarecrow contest among other fall fun. Or plan ahead for these annual events: Sedona St. Patricks’ Day Parade (March 15, 2025); Sedona Yoga Festival (May 1-4) or Sedona’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration set for May 5.

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Winter Glamping Ideas for the Sun or Snow

The decision you make when it comes to your winter glamping depends on how you like to spend your winters. Will it be relaxing in the sun or enjoying the snow?

Winter at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Winter at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

On the snowy side, options could include Washington’s Thousand Trails Leavenworth, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Village Resort, and Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes in California. Leavenworth averages 89 inches of snowfall per winter so there’s no end to the white stuff for snowmobiling, skiing, sledding and snowboarding. Or maybe try something new like snowshoeing or Nordic skiing. The Bavarian-style village is even more quaint in winter with snow-capped backdrops and shopping, dining and winery options as well. A cozy tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village is the perfect glamping accommodation for this trip. Yosemite National Park in winter offers the Badger Pass Ski Area for both downhill and cross-country skiing while hiking is an option on the many trails in Yosemite Valley. Grab a group and choose a spacious yurt or bunkhouse for your winter getaway at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes or a cozy glamping cabin for two. Pick one of the adorably decorated and super-trendy tiny houses at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and explore the Mt. Hood area and all there is to do here in winter thanks to the five ski areas available. Check out historic Timberline Lodge and Ski Area for downhill, snowboarding and more “shushy” fun or try something really unique with the Cosmic Tubing offered on weekend evenings at the Mt. Hood Skibowl or a moonlight snowshoe tour offered through the Timberline.


If fun in the sun is on the agenda this winter, visit the Florida Keys where fun in the sun is an everyday event. Rent a colorful glamping cottage at Encore Fiesta Key (located on the Keys’ Long Key) and island-hop for a full Keys experience. Of course, no visit to The Keys is complete without checking out Key West – the storied island known for its six-toed cats, Hemingway history and Key Lime Pie! Then there is Key Largo; home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the underwater wonder, Christ of the Abyss, the bronze sculpture that protects divers as well as memorializes those lost. There is Islamorada, often said to be the prettiest key thanks to its white sand beaches, or the Dry Tortugas with its 18th century fort and amazing coral reefs.

Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades
Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades

Staying in Florida but heading to the mainland, a winter getaway could include Miami with a stay at Encore Miami Everglades and check out Miami highlights including the Miami Zoo, the Wynwood Walls, a series of colorful street murals, kayaking in Oleta River State Park and of course, Everglades National Park.

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

If you’re craving sand in the winter, as well as the sun, head to California’s Marina Dunes RV Resort. With its proximity to Carmel and Monterey, you’ll be close to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, historic Cannery Row, the scenic 17-Mile Drive and beautiful Big Sur. For that sand experience, walk the beach along the dunes here.

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Top Fall Destinations to Visit This Season

Whether you’re a leaf peeper, a cool weather hiker or fall-festival goer, traveling in fall has so many pluses. Lots of places are less crowded, most of the US is enjoying moderate weather (think sweater weather, if you will) and of course the fall colors are in bloom, even in Florida! According to US News and World and Travel + Leisure, these are some of the best places to head this fall:

Cabins at Thousand Trails Sturbridge
Cabins at Thousand Trails Sturbridge

The Berkshires: While Thousand Trails Sturbridge is not technically in The Berkshires, it’s close enough that your glamping cottage accommodation here is the perfect home base when exploring this part of New England. And of course, the driving in the area is going to be as picture perfect as a postcard. There are also plenty of biking and hiking trails, farm stands, and scenic drive opportunities. The town of Sturbridge hosts a Harvest Festival on the town common each year with crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm fresh items on hand.

Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch
Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch

Santa Barbara: Any time of year sounds good for a trip to this beautiful California destination, but according to Travel + Leisure, fall is great thanks to the weather and the wineries! From farmers markets with an abundance of fall’s best to a variety of events, Santa Barbara is hopping this time of year. One worthwhile event is the Boo at the Zoo October 18-27 hosted by the Santa Barbara Zoo. Pick up a pumpkin to decorate (two patch options include Lane Farms and Big Wave Dave’s), tour the local wineries or enjoy the Urban Wine Trail which is comprised of the tasting rooms located within the downtown SB area. Book a cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch and enjoy day trips to “America’s Riviera” this autumn.

Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage
Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage

Palm Springs: When it comes to fall getaways, Palm Springs offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and vibrant seasonal events. Nestled against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, Thousand Trails Palm Springs provides the perfect home base for exploring this desert gem. Enjoy the warm days and cooler evenings as you hike through picturesque trails in the nearby Coachella Valley Preserve, where the desert flora puts on a dazzling display. Don’t miss the chance to experience the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers breathtaking views and a chance to see the fall foliage from above. After a day of adventure, unwind at one of the resorts’ inviting pools or soak in the spa, surrounded by the stunning desert vistas. Whether you’re savoring local cuisine in downtown Palm Springs or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the vibrant art scene, this destination is a true autumn escape unlike any other!


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