Author: Petite Retreats

5 Things to Do in the Mt. Hood Area 

Considered a year-round playground in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon’s Mt. Hood area has plenty of reasons to visit. First off, who can resist a tiny house glamping stay as autumn begins its descent in the Pacific Northwest? Book a tiny house at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and set off to discover the natural beauty, outdoor adventure and whole lotta fun found in this beautiful part of Oregon.  

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

1. Bagby Hot Springs: Take a dip in the natural, geothermal spring complex in Mount Hood National Forest and let the waters work their wonders. Also known as Bagby Hot Springs, visitors can soak in communal or private cedar tubs in the roughly 138-degree water. Soaking in the waters is said to improve circulation, relieve stress, reduce inflammation and promote better sleep. For information and location details, visit bagbyhotsprings.org. 

2. Steiner Log Church: How often do you get the opportunity to visit a built-by-hand log church? Henry Steiner and his sons built 100 log cabins and two log churches in the forest lands of Mt. Hood over roughly 27 years beginning in 1925. One of the churches, the 1937 Steiner Log Cabin, is now a historical landmark in Oregon and open for visitors to tour. For details visit steinerchurch.com. The church, which has been restored by Steiner’s son Harry and Mike Gudge, has amazing architectural features like basalt fireplaces made from nearby river rock; door handles made from gnarled tree roots and arched window exterior doors. 

A woman and man walk on a trail in the forest in early fall. Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon.

3. Trail Happy: There are countless trails to explore here but a must-do list should definitely include the Mirror Lake Trail, a moderate 4-mile trail with views of Mt. Hood; the Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain Trail, a longer, more difficult hike at 9 miles but you get to see Tom, Dick and Harry, three distinct mountain peaks along the way; and the Old Salmon River Trail, a relatively easy and flat, less than 3-mile trail that come September provides the opportunity to see salmon spawning as you hike along the Salmon River.   

4. Visit the Mountain Towns: Several mountain towns worth a visit can be found a short distance from Welches including Government Camp, which is home to the historic Timberline Lodge and the Mt. Hood Cultural Center and Museum; Rhododendron, named for the colorful shrub that blooms here in spring and offers access to the Ramona Falls Trail; and Boring, which is anything but as it is home to the North American Bigfoot Center which is all about the local celeb, Sasquatch himself.  

Mt. Hood Scenic Byway

5. Mt. Hood Scenic Byway: Of course, the best way to get to know an area is to take a drive and make notes of where you want to stop and visit or head back to. The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway is probably one of the top scenic drives in the US and is definitely a great way to get a taste of what this area of the Pacific Northwest has to offer. The 100-mile roadway takes you past berry farms, wineries, flower and farm fields, rivers, mountains and more.  

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Amazing Getaways to Take This Month 

If you’re looking for an “amazing” September glamping getaway, consider some of the places listed by globalgrasshopper.com as “20 Amazing Places to Visit in September” whether you’re looking for last-minute travel inspiration or want to plan for next year. 

Acadia National Park made the list and our Bar Harbor glamping cabins at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort and Narrows Two Camping Resort are the perfect locations to call home while you explore this beautiful national park which made the list due to less crowds, mild days and the beginning of the fall color show which gives the park a special glow. You might choose to bike the Carriage Trails, enjoy the ocean views and stargaze under the night skies. The park’s Jordan Pond is great for stargazing and September is the perfect time to see the Milky Way in the early evening hours.  

Yurt at Tall Chief Campground
Yurt at Tall Chief Campground

Washington State’s “Emerald City” gets high marks for a September visit thanks to dry weather, less crowds and “flawless views of Mt. Rainier.” Be sure to book a glamping stay in an ultra-cool yurt at Tall Chief Campground for your visit. September’s offerings in Seattle include all kinds of sporting events including home games for the MLB’s Seattle Mariners, the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks and the NHL’s Seattle Kraken. The Seattle Cider Summit, which features 42 artisanal cider producers, is set for September 12-13; while the Oktoberfest in Fremont is scheduled for September 18-20.  

Cabin at Alpine Lake RV Resort
Cabin at Alpine Lake RV Resort

Early fall colors and several festivals landed New York’s Adirondack Region on the list and luckily Alpine Lake RV Resort and Lake George Escape Campground are perfect glamping destinations smack dab in the center of the region. The Lake George Jazz Festival is set for September 12-14; the Adirondack Balloon Festival is scheduled for September 18-21, and the Adirondack Harvest Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 20. Take a sunset cruise on Lake George, visit historic Fort William Henry or spend the day exploring nearby historic Saratoga.  

Lake at Thousand Trails Sea Pines
Lake at Thousand Trails Sea Pines

Cape May, New Jersey is a noted September destination because the beaches are quieter and less crowded, but the ocean waters are still warm enough to enjoy. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Sea Pines and do summer activities in September at the shore. September 13 is the Cape May Harvest Brew Fest featuring craft beers, local artisans and food and the Cape May Oktoberfest is set for September 27 and promises all kinds of Bavarian-themed fun from food to music to dancing. Birders should take note that mid-September begins the migration season for Peregrine falcons and other shore birds so keep your eyes peeled! Other Cape May highlights include the Cape May Wine Trail (it is harvest season, after all), ghost tours (get a jump on the Halloween spookies) and whale watching tours (May through September is peak time for this).  

If we had to add one to the list, we would have to include Yosemite National Park. Waterfalls are still flowing, the fall foliage is peaking out, the park is less crowded, and Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes just down the road is perfect for a fall glamping getaway. The weather is typically moderate and dry in September, so hikes are pleasant. Saturday, September 27 is free admission day for the park.  

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9 Fun Ways to Spend Your September

Here are nine ways to celebrate the ninth month of the year when glamping with us this beautiful September! 

Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod
Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod

Celebrate the day the Mayflower set sail for America (September 16, 1620) and visit the ship’s ultimate destination at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums in Massachusetts. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod and you’re about 20 miles from the museums that replicate the original 17th settlement of the English colonists that became known as America’s pilgrims.   

September 16 is National Guacamole Day, and we all know there’s no guac with avocados. Learn all about avocadoes with a tour of an avocado farm – Choice Avocados in Fallbrook, California offers a variety of tours that range from a one-hour farm tour ($29) to an extended tour complete with a picnic lunch ($149). If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes, you’re about 40 minutes away. For details visit choiceavocados.com. 

Cottage at Thousand Trails Lake & Shore
Cottage at Thousand Trails Lake & Shore

September 19 is Talk Like a Pirate Day and there are plenty of ways to learn about pirates while staying with us. If you’re staying at Florida’s Encore Bulow head to St. Augustine and enjoy some pirate fun with Black Raven Adventures which offer several pirate themed cruises including an adults-only sunset cruise on Talk Like a Pirate Day. If your glamping getaway finds you at South Carolina’s Carolina Shores RV Resort in Myrtle Beach, Blackbeard’s Pirate Cruise is fun for everyone (myrtlebeachpiratecruise.com). New Jersey’s Thousand Trails Lake & Shore is a good glamping location if you want to board the Sea Dragon, a pirate adventure cruise in nearby Ocean City.  

Cottages at Thousand Trails Wilmington
Cottage at Thousand Trails Wilmington RV Campground

The International Day of Peace is recognized on September 21 annually and the best way to honor that concept is to visit the International Peace Museum. Rent a glamping cabin or cottage at Ohio’s Thousand Trails Wilmington and make the less than 35-mile drive to the museum located in Dayton. Through its many exhibits, the museum seeks to meet its mission to “foster empathy and empower visitors to take steps toward a more peaceful world.” 

Appreciate one of the largest mammals in the world on National Elephant Appreciation Day, September 22. According to islands.com, some of the best elephant exhibits in the US include Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida which is one of the largest habits in the US and also has baby Corra, born in 2023 (glamp at Encore Tropical Palms) as well as San Diego’s Safari Park (glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico).  

Take a cue from the apple man himself and celebrate Johnny Appleseed Day on September 26 and visit some of the apple orchards around the country. Options can include Applecrest Farm Orchards in Hampton Falls, New Hampshire (glamp at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village); Honey Hill Orchard in Waterman, Illinois (glamp at O’Connell’s RV Campground in nearby Amboy) and of course, the many orchards in Julian, California, which is known as the “Apple Capital of Southern California” (glamp at Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs.) 

National North Carolina Day is September 28 so make it a point to spend the day glamping in the Tar Heel State. Options can include Thousand Trails Forest Lake in Advance or Thousand Trails Green Mountain in Lenoir. Green Mountain sits on the edge of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has plenty of historic sites to visit including Fort Defiance, the Caldwell Heritage Museum and of course Biltmore, which is about a 60-mile drive but well worth the scenic drive. Forest Lake is a nature lover’s dream set among acres and acres of forest, fields and rolling hills with plenty of trails and opportunities for fishing. Nearby Lexington is known as the “Barbecue Capital of the World” so indulge your BBQ hankerings while enjoying the area’s wineries, shops and “uptown” district considered the retail, cultural and historical center of Lexington.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

September is National Honey Month and just like you can’t make guacamole without avocadoes you can’t make mead, an ancient alcohol drink, without honey. Also known as “honey wine,” mead is made from fermented honey, water and yeast. If you’ve never had a taste, nor visited a meadery, here are a few to visit this month during your travels: Foxes Den Meadery in Yorkville, Illinois (about 60 miles from Thousand Trails Pine Country); Funktastic Meads in Midlothian, Virginia (about 70 miles from Bethpage-Camp Resort); Zymarium Meadery in Orlando, Florida (glamp at Encore Tropical Palms); and Honeytree Meadery in Nashville, Tennessee (book a tiny house stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village).  

Lastly, in September of 1962, President John F. Kennedy spoke at Houston’s Rice University in a speech justifying the $5.4 billion space program with a goal to put a man on the moon. The location of the planned “manned spacecraft center” was on Texas land donated by Rice University. Eventually, the facility became known as the Johnson Space Center named for President Lyndon B. Johnson who championed Kennedy’s space program while serving as JFK’s VP. Today, visitors to Houston can visit Space Center Houston which has all the exhibits that detail the history of America’s amazing space program which landed the first men on the moon in 1969. Book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe for your visit to the Space Center.  

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Fall Foliage Hikes

North Falls at Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Oregon.

This fall, make it your goal to be an active leaf peeper. Yes, you heard that right. Leaf peeper – which by definition is someone who visits wooded areas in autumn to check out the changing colors of the foliage. Most everyone is a leaf peeper in some form or another. Maybe you don’t check websites for peak color dates or plan an annual trip around the changing colors but you most likely revel in the beautiful color show put on by Mother Nature and her children of the leafy kind come fall.

Now, we’re asking you to be an active leaf peeper, but we don’t mean just checking out the leaves. We think tossing in a hike – mild, moderate, strenuous, whatever a good hike means to you – while taking in this free, socially-distanced show is a great idea. These hikes are both good for your body and for your psyche.  We did some research and found some of the most popular fall foliage hikes around.

Silver Falls State Park (Silverton, Oregon): A moderate hike at almost 9 miles is well worth the effort as Silver Falls State Park offers hikers the opportunity to see waterfalls in addition to the gorgeous fall foliage. Ten waterfalls in fact, thus the name of the trail, Trail of Ten Falls, can be seen on this great fall hike.

(Plan a stay at one of the cozy cabins at nearby Pacific City while hiking Silver Falls.)

Washington Park Arboretum (Seattle, Washington): The Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle is possibly one of the best color shows contained in one location that you may find. In fact, according to the Arboretum’s website, fall in the Arboretum’s Woodland Garden section may possibly offer the most stunning display of fall colors in the region thanks to having one of the largest collection of Japanese maples in North America. All this beauty can be experienced on nearly one mile of winding stone pathways. How’s that for one-stop peeping? 

Japanese Garden at Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle, Washington.

(A great idea is to book a tiny home at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and drive into Seattle. This is a two-fer since fall in Leavenworth is another spectacular show.)

Franconia Ridge Trail (Lincoln, New Hampshire): Waterfalls, a running stream, fantastic views, and plenty of fall foliage can be found on this New Hampshire trail. At just about eight miles and definitely a “hike,” the scenic rewards are plentiful. It’s no wonder this loop was named one of the 10 best hiking trails by National Geographic in 2017.

Tiny House Murphy at Tuxbury Tiny House Village

(Book a tiny home at nearby Tuxbury Tiny House Village for the perfect complement to your fall getaway.)

Potawatomi State Park (Door County, Wisconsin): Driving into Potawatomi State Park in the fall is almost a color show in itself. The contrast between the deep black of the roadway and the yellows and golds of the branches overhead is pretty cool, but wait there’s more! The trails are a carpet of beautifully colored fallen leaves and the views are some of fall’s best. Check out the portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that runs through the Park.

Tranquil Timbers in nearby Sturgeon Bay has the perfect cabin accommodations for your visit to Door County’s color-fall wonderland.

Ocean Path Trail, Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor, Maine): This trail, which stretches along the rugged Maine coastline, is postcard perfect in fall. With the rocky shores of the Atlantic on one side and the Acadia’s beautiful foliage on the other, it’s the perfect mix. Check out the fall leaves at Thunder Hole. Ocean Path is approximately 4.5 miles round trip.

Hiking in Acadia National Park

(Book a cozy cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or choose from a cozy cottage or colorful cabin at Narrows Too for your fall foliage experience.)

5 Things to Do in the Chesapeake Bay Area  

Just the name of this region in Virginia where we have two fabulous glamping options sounds like an absolute dream. The River Realm evokes images of scenic vistas and of course, one-of-a-kind river experiences. If you google “the River Realm” you will find it is the place where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Rappahannock River. Dig further and you’ll find it is a beautiful area of Virginia that encompasses three counties, each home to several charming small towns to visit and plenty of outdoor activities and unique experiences to definitely find yourself booking a glamping accommodation at Bethpage Camp-Resort, Grey’s Point Camp or Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay. We’ll help with the planning for this adventure by clueing you in on these five things to do here: 

Vacation Cottages at Bethpage Camp-Resort
Vacation Cottages at Bethpage Camp-Resort

1. Find the LOVE: As part of the state’s “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism campaign, more than 300 LOVEworks signs are sprinkled throughout the state and five of them can be found in the River Realm. What a perfect spot for an insta-worthy photo op, right? While all the signs are designed like the iconic LOVE sculpture popularized in the late 1960s, each of these signs also are designed to represent the local culture. The towns of Deltaville, Kilmarnock, Saluda, and Urbanna each have LOVEworks signs. To find the details of each location, visit virginiasriverrealm.com/love-works-river-realm. 

2. Go Day-Trippin’: Take a vacation within a vacation by choosing one, or all, of the day trip options from the area that are under 2 hours. Virginia Beach, which is about 90 miles away, offers access to the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, the iconic Boardwalk and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center while Richmond, the state’s capital, is just over an hour’s drive. Richmond highlights include the Virginia State Capital, Maymont, a Gilded Age estate with a mansion, gardens and wildlife center and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with a fabulous collection of Faberge eggs.   

Cottage at Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA
Cottage at Grey’s Point Camp in Topping, VA

3. Learn the History: There is so much history here, you really have to have a plan. Don’t miss the John Mitchell Map, on display at the Urbanna Visitors’ Center, which is said to be the most comprehensive map of Eastern North America, created during colonial times. Try to see all 16 stops on the Middlesex County Historical Marker Trail, which takes visitors to markers that detail events of the history of the area. Fittingly, several museums dedicated to life on the water can also be found here and include the Deltaville Maritime Museum, the Irvington Steamboat Era Museum and the Morattico Waterfront Museum. 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay
Cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay

4. Check out the Charm: Each of the towns found in the River Realm offers something a bit different, and the southern charm is unmistakable. Head to Kilmarnock for boutique shopping and dining while Saluda has many farmer’s markets. Urbanna has the Urbanna Seafood Market & Raw Bar, and a self-guided walking tour billed as “Museum in the Streets” which takes visitors to all the important spots in the town’s history. 

5. Take to the Waters: If a place is known as the River Realm, you can’t very well visit without exploring the waterways here. There are plenty of blueways, aka water trails, to paddle here and the best place to find one that works for your time and skill level is at virginiasriverrealm.com/5-places-to-paddle-in-virginias-river-realm. Another option to get to know the waterways and what they produce here, specifically oysters, is to book a tour with either Watermen’s Heritage Tours (vawatermentours.com) or learn everything about the tiny oyster, which plays a critical role in the area’s history as well as to the eco-system by taking the Virginia Oyster AcademyTM tour offered through the Rappahannock River Charters (rappahannockrivercharters.com). If you want to taste some of the best oysters, the crowd favorite is Merrior, a tasting room of sorts for all things oysters (rroysters.com). 

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Top 4 Scenic Hikes to Take in August 

A good long hike is always a good idea, as it benefits your mind and body in one fell swoop. But when the temps climb with summer weather, heat and humidity may factor into your hiking efforts, or lack thereof. Here are a few good summer hikes to consider: 

The Bar Island Trail: Before you head out on this lovely hike across the water, make sure you know when low tide is expected as it’s the only time the sandbar is exposed allowing the trek across to Bar Island. This is a lovely short loop trail with great views of Frenchman Bay. Fun fact – it is one of the oldest known hiking trails on Mt. Desert Island with descriptions dating to 1867. Plan a glamping stay at Mt. Desert Narrows Campground or Narrows Too Campground. 

Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort

Tuolumne Meadows: Located within California’s Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne Meadows are a great spot for a summer hike not only thanks to the lower temps experienced here due to its higher elevation location within the park, but also the wildflower blooms that are in full view from late May through October. Plus, the views of the Park’s granite peaks are spectacular from the Meadows. Plan a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.  

Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

Starved Rock State Park: Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park has several great summer hikes that offer shade trees and waterfalls to help keep temperatures more moderate, so hikes are pleasant. Consider the St. Louis Canyon Trail at 2.1-miles out and back (note – there is a steep staircase to traverse) or the LaSalle Canyon, an easy-to-moderate hike, with spectacular canyon photo ops. Plan a glamping stay at O’Connell’s RV Campground and you’re less than 40 miles from the park.  

Cabins at O'Connell's RV Campground
Cabins at O’Connell’s RV Campground

If you love vibrant pink blooms of flowering rhododendrons, or just a beautiful hike with lush scenery, consider the Ramona Falls hike in Mt. Hood National Forest. This longer hike at roughly a little less than eight miles is worth it for the scenery, and of course, the 120-foot waterfall. Book a stay in a tiny home at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village to be near this hike.  

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Lakeside Glamping Adventures for the Outdoor Enthusiast 

Sure, there’s nothing like summer vacation on the water. And just so we’re clear, that water does not have to be an ocean. In fact, many people prefer lakeside retreats for vacations because of the tranquil feelings the lake provides. Not to mention the crazy variety of activities you can do on a lake which tends to be much calmer than the ocean. For instance, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and of course, just floating. And you know what they say about those lake breezes – “it’s cooler by the lake!” We have plenty of suggestions for a lakeside retreat for a summer glamping getaway guaranteed to leave you with a peaceful, easy feeling when it’s time to head home.   

Head to Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs in Oregon House, CA, choose a glamping accommodation from the cabins, cottages and yurts and enjoy the 120-acre Lake Mildred. Surrounded by towering pine trees, a day on the lake here could include swimming, boating and fishing for bass and trout. If you want to enjoy the lake views from the beach, there’s a sandy beach right onsite.  

Vacation Cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground
Vacation Cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground

While technically not on the lake, you won’t want to miss a glamping trip to California’s Tahoe Valley Campground so you can explore beautiful nearby Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the US. Head to Emerald Bay State Park for opportunities to enjoy the like including kayaking, swimming and absolutely fabulous photo ops! 

O’Connell’s RV Campground has not just one, but two lakes for your enjoyment when you book a cabin or cottage at this Illinois glamping resort. Swim, fish, kayak, canoe, pedal boat, or just enjoy the sunset views over the lake. 

Deluxe Cabins at Pine Haven Campground, NJ
Deluxe Cabins at Pine Haven Campground, NJ

Book a glamping cabin or cottage at New Jersey’s Pine Haven Campground which offers glampers two freshwater lakes – one for swimming and one for fishing. One fun fact about Pine Haven is that it is less than 40 miles from Atlantic City and the iconic boardwalk that borders another wonderful body of water – the Atlantic Ocean! 

Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

If you’re looking for some lake time, then visit the Queen of American Lakes, also known as Lake George. Given this nickname by Thomas Jefferson, who said it was “the most beautiful water I ever saw,” the Queen can be found in New York’s Adirondack region with a glamping stay at Lake George Escape Campground. All kinds of lake activities can be enjoyed here from swimming and fishing to paddling and kayaking to beautiful, chartered dinner cruises around the lake.  

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5 Things to Do at the Jersey Shore

A vacation at the Jersey Shore is possibly one of the most iconic summer trips you can experience. For generations, families have been coming to the area to enjoy the wide beaches, classic boardwalks, and kitschy, yet must-see, attractions. Consider glamping at Pine Haven Camping Resort and find out what the famous Jersey Shore is all about. We have a few ideas of things to see and do: 

Sand sculpture on the beach


1. Sandcastles: Of course, you want to take the time to build your own but if you want to let someone else do the heavy lifting, consider checking out the various sandcastle competitions held in the area. July 11 is the date for the Wildwood Crest Sand Sculpting Festival which celebrates its 13th year this year. This event attracts sand sculptors from around the world and visitors can stroll the sand and enjoy the sculptures or even try their hand at building their own! July 17 is the 37th annual New Jersey Sandcastle Contest in Belmar. FYI, according to Matt Long, a professional sand sculpture, the sand at Wildwood Crest is the best for building sand sculptures.  

Cabin at Pine Haven Campground
Cabin at Pine Haven Campground

2. Walk the Boardwalks: There are at least 18 boardwalks along the Jersey Shore, with the most famous being, of course, the Atlantic City Boardwalk. With the distinction of being the first boardwalk in the US and the oldest in New Jersey, dating to 1870, this is a must visit. Don’t miss the Steel Pier, a 1000-foot-long amusement park with a variety of rides, including the thrill ride, the Slingshot, which launches riders 225 into the air. Travel + Leisure magazine named the Wildwood Boardwalk on their list of the “20 Best Beach Boardwalks in America” and it was most recently named the #1 Boardwalk in America in a USA Today readers’ poll. Stretching 38 blocks and roughly 2.5 miles long, this boardwalk has thrill rides, eateries, and shops. The best way to see the boardwalk is a ride on the colorful Tramcar, a trackless train that runs the length of the boardwalk. The Tramcar has been delighting riders for 76 years! 

Annual Honesty, lunaria annua, wildflowers blooming at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, Galloway, New Jersey
Wildflowers blooming at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

3. Take a “Wildflower Drive”: The 8-mile Wildlife Drive, located in the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, is an excellent opportunity for birding and has two observation towers for observing the Refuge’s wildlife and providing views of Atlantic City. The Refuge also has 8 miles of hiking trails and opportunities for biking, fishing, canoeing and kayaking. For hours and more details, visit.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe. 

4. Make time for Museums: There are plenty of museums here, so take a break from the beach and make sure to see some of them, including the Doo Wop Experience Museum, a real blast to the past decades of 1950 and 1960; the NAS Wildwood Aviation Museum, located inside an authentic World War II hangar featuring military exhibits and aircraft displays; and the Tuckerton Seaport and Baymen’s Museum which depicts the maritime history of the area.  

Victorian Homes in Cape May, NJ
Victorian Homes in Cape May, NJ

5. A Day in Cape May: Possibly the most historic of the Jersey Shore towns, Cape May is also considered the oldest seaside resort in the country. Cape May highlights include the Emlen Physick Estate, a Victorian house museum; the Cape May Lighthouse, built in 1859, where visitors can climb the 199 steps to the top; and Washington Street Mall, Cape May’s town square dotted with shops and eateries.  

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3 Indoor Glamping Adventures for Staying Cool This Summer 

The great thing about glamping accommodations is that the weather isn’t the biggest factor when in comes to changing plans. How many times have you been sweating through a heat wave and tempted to end the camping trip early? With glamping accommodations like cabins, cottages and tiny houses, we say bring on the sun, wind, and rain since the roof over your head is pretty solid. Plan your next glamping expedition in a glamping accommodation with us and check out our list of indoor attractions where you’ll have fun, whether or not the weather cooperates.  

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village: Rent a tiny house accommodation and if the weather proves too inclement for all the outdoor fun here, check out the North American Bigfoot Center for some “big” indoor fun at this museum that includes bigfoot evidence, artifacts and a life-sized sasquatch replica! The Mt. Hood Scenic Byway is a great way to see the area from the controlled climate of your vehicle – this 100-mile loop circles the south side of Mt. Hood. You can also opt for the less than an hour drive into Portland to see some of Rose City’s best indoor attractions including the Portland Art Museum, the Pittock Mansion, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village: You never know what Mother Nature has in store, so maybe a tiny house accommodation is a good idea if you plan on visiting Nashville on your next glamping trip. Indoor attractions worth a look in Nashville include the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium and the Frist Art Museum. And if you’re looking for cozy comfort food, take a drive to the Loveless Cafe for their homemade biscuits and southern comfort food or Hattie B’s for a taste of some of Nashville’s famous hot chicken. 

Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms
Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms

Encore Tropical Palms colorful cottages: OK, so this is a Disney-friendly location in Kissimmee offering colorful glamping cottages, but what is there to do in Disney when you need an escape from the heat? According to mostmagicalblog.com, Disney is still very doable and alternatives to outdoor attractions include indoor rides like the Haunted Mansion, Mickey’s PhilharMagic, The American Adventure and Country Bear Jamboree, to name a few (there are plenty more!) Plus, the shops and restaurants provide dry spaces throughout the four theme parks in Walt  Disney World! Other indoor attractions in the area include the Museum of Military History, the SEA Life Orlando Aquarium, and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.  

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Travel to New Heights This July 

If corn is supposed to be as high as an elephant’s eye come July, we got to thinking about other high things. For instance, did you know the highest recorded cornstalk was 45 feet – found in western New York. Or that the tallest building in America is New York’s One World Trade Center soaring 1776 feet into the sky. What else is way up there..? 

Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

From a mountain perspective, consider a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Green Mountain in Lenoir, North Carolina and head to nearby Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountain range. A challenging 5+ mile trek will get you to the top, but a drive to the summit is also possible. The distinction of the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard goes to Cadillac Mountain, which can be found in Maine’s Acadia National Park. Book a cozy glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort to visit Acadia and possibly watch the sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. A stay at Lake George Escape Campground will put you less than 40 miles from the highest spot in the Adirondacks – Mt. Marcy, which has an elevation of 5,343 feet.  

Cabin Glamping at Chehalis RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Chehalis

On the west coast, a tiny house stay at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect place to explore Oregon’s highest elevation, Mt. Hood, which is 11,245 from sea level. For spectacular views of Washington’s highest peak, Mt. Rainier, book a cabin or cottage stay at nearby Thousand Trails Chehalis which offers pretty great views of this snow-capped beauty in the Pacific Northwest.  

From a man-made perspective when it comes to high things, the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, Nevada is the highest free-standing observation structure in the US towering 1,149 feet above the Las Vegas Strip – book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas to experience the views from “the Strat.” Coming in at #2 on the list of tallest observation towers, the Tower of the Americas stands at 750 feet. It was built for the San Antonio’s World’s Fair in 1968 – book a cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake to experience the 360 degree views from this tower.  

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pine Country
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pine Country


For nearly 25 years after it was built in 1973, Chicago’s Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world. Surpassed by a skyscraper in Malaysia, it now ranks as the 12th tallest building in the world and the third tallest in the Western hemisphere as well as the US. Book a cottage stay at Thousand Trails Pine Country to take the roughly 90-minute drive into the city to see the Willis Tower and the magnificent views from its Skydeck.   

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