Author: Petite Retreats

5 Things to Do in Miami, FL

If you think of Miami, you most likely think of fabulous weather, great beaches and really hopping nightlife. And yes, you’d be right. But did you know that Miami is the only major American city to be founded by a woman or that it is the second-most visited city in the US? Or that it is home to our fabulous glamping location, Encore Miami Everglades, which in true Florida form is set among avocado, mango and palm trees and in convenient proximity to downtown Miami and Everglades National Park? Book a glamping cabin, lodge or bunkhouse and settle in to explore Miami and all it has to offer. Here are five ideas to consider when visiting the “Magic City.” 

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

1. Everglades National Park: You can’t be glamping just 10 minutes from this natural wonder of a national park and not drop in to see what there is to see. Start with a stop at the Shark Valley Visitor Center and from there you can hike, bike, walk or take a tram. The Observation Tower provides a panoramic view of the Everglades. Whether walking, riding or via boat, you can expect to see alligators, turtles, egrets and herons, to name a few.  

Aerial view of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

2. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens: You might be able to say that a visit to this National Historic Landmark has something for everyone from history to art to beautiful natural gardens. Kind of like a one size fits all for a group of glampers with varied itineraries. Vizcaya began as the winter estate for businessman James Deering and was built over a period of years beginning in 1914. The Main House is a stunning example of Mediterranean-style architecture and is filled with art collections and period furnishings while the European-inspired gardens actually feature several gardens including the Secret Garden and the Maze Garden, all of which are surrounded by subtropical forest.

3. Art Deco Tour: Speaking of architecture, did you know that Miami is considered to have the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture in the world? The Miami Design Preservation League offers a walking tour that lasts just under 2 hours and can be booked by visiting mdpl.org/tours/art-deco-walking-tour. Many of the city’s pastel-colored gems, dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, can be viewed on the walk and include both inside and outside tours.

Aerial View of Bayside Marketplace at Night
Bayside Marketplace

4. Bayside Marketplace: You might call this the happening spot in Miami because you can do it all here. There are shops for all ages from Build-A-Bear to Bayside Cigars, plenty of food and dining choices from ice cream to paella and also attractions like the Skyviews Miami which offers views of the Miami Skyline and Biscayne Bay in a 200-foot-high Ferris Wheel with climate-controlled gondolas and the Thriller Miami fleet of sightseeing speedboats. Bayside also offers several opportunities to book sightseeing tours, via land or water.

Bunkhouse at Encore Miami Everglades
Bunkhouse at Encore Miami Everglades

5. The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is another kind of one size fits all attraction as it has both an aquarium and planetarium in one museum. Located within the Maurice A. Ferre 21-acre urban area on the bayfront, the Frost Museum should be on all Miami to-do lists. The three-level aquarium has hammerhead sharks, devil rays, parrotfish to name a few plus a touch tank where you can pet a stingray. The planetarium offers cutting edge technology with 3D-capable projectors featuring 16 million colors and surround sound. Stargaze or take a deep dive in the ocean with the exhibits offered here.

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Where to Go Glamping in the Most Sustainable Cities

Why not choose your next glamping getaway by supporting one of the cities named to the 2025 Greenest Cities in America list? These cities are known for increasing green spaces, supporting local green initiatives, offering eco-conscious tourism and in general, doing their part to make a difference. WalletHub named 100 cities on the list, and these are a few to consider on your next glamping trip: 

Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Thousand Trails Pio Pico

San Diego comes in at #1. From banning plastic bags to having 43% of their electricity come from renewable sources, San Diego knows it is cool to be green. In fact, according to WalletHub, San Diego’s green energy helps keep it from being an excessively hot city environment. One great thing about San Diego is that the trolley system can take you all around the city and beyond (for routes, visit sdmts.com/transit-services/trolley). For green spaces to visit, consider Balboa Park, the 1200-acre public park that houses the San Diego Zoo, plus museums, gardens and walking trails. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is considered “a wilderness island in an urban sea” featuring miles and miles of unspoiled beaches and wild landscapes which are home to many species of migrating birds. Book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs or Thousand Trails Pio Pico. 

Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird
Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird

Seattle, Washington makes the top 10 at #6. With initiatives like food scrap collection, food waste reduction as well as extensive parks and green spaces, Seattle is pretty, pretty green. Book a glamping cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Thunderbird and explore the aptly named Emerald City. Green space tourist options include Olympic Sculpture Park, located on the waterfront overlooking the Salish Sea or Gas Works Park, a 19+ acres park built on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. Of course, Pike Place Market with its abundance of fresh produce and flowers is a great spot to visit. Continuously operating since 1907, this market really knows how to do it from the flying fish show at the fish market to the incredible views of Puget Sound, this is another list maker when in Seattle.  

Glamping Cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace
Tiny house at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace

Nashville makes the list thanks to its greenways systems and renewable energy and sustainability initiatives. With over 100 miles of paved greenways trails, it’s easy to explore Nashville and its neighborhoods by biking or walking. The city’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a 19-acre urban park in downtown Nashville that features fountains, walkways and rows of tulip poplars, Tennessee’s state tree. Another urban park, Centennial Park offers 130 acres of green space plus a stunning replica of the Parthenon, which is a nod to the city’s nickname, The Athens of the South, due to its many universities and colleges. Another outdoor option is Old Hickory Lake, a 22,500- acre reservoir on the Cumberland River with fishing, swimming, hiking and boating opportunities. Book a glamping stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village.

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Eerie Adventures & Cozy Cabins to Stay in this Fall 

When we say spirited, we’re not talking about breweries and distilleries, but instead highlighting opportunities to glamp near some of the spookiest locations around the country. A different kind of spirit, so to speak and some that may have you screaming all the way back to your cozy glamping accommodations! 

If you’re staying at a tiny house in Arizona’s Thousand Trails Verde Valley, take a drive up to Jerome, a historic ghost town that was once a booming mining town. And while the whole town is considered haunted, some of the spookiest places include the Jerome Grand Hotel, which was formerly a hospital that treated the miners. Noted ghosts include a former elevator operator who was crushed by the elevator, the former caretaker who perished in the basement and a mysterious ghost cat that roams the third floor. 

In part due to the massive loss of life during the historic 3-day Battle of Gettysburg, the battlefield at Gettysburg National Military Park is considered the most haunted battlefield in the US but the entire town has been known for plenty of paranormal activity. Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Drummer Boy Camping Resort and see what you see, or don’t see! Check out Sachs Bridge where the spirits of three hanged Confederate soldiers urge visitors to “go back” or the Gettysburg Hotel where the spirit of Rachel, a Civil War nurse, who apparently wanders both the hotel and streets looking for soldiers in need of medical assistance. Plenty of options for ghost tours of Gettysburg can be found through gettysburgghostours.com.  

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village at Night
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

Book a tiny house stay at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and spend the day visiting the sights of nearby Portland (about 45 miles away). Of course, there is plenty to see here but if you’re looking for some paranormal sightseeing, visit the Pittock Mansion, which was the dream home built by Henry and Georgiana Pittock who sadly both passed shortly after moving into the home. But it sounds like they are still hanging around as visitors to this now public landmark have reported smelling roses when there are none around (Georgianna’s favorite flower) as well as reports of a painting of Henry as a child that moves from place to place, all on its own! 

Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes
Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes

If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes in California, you may want to head west to see just what makes the RMS Queen Mary, which is permanently docked in Long Beach, one of the most haunted places in the US. This ocean liner, which started out as a luxury cruise ship owned by the famed Cunard Line, has several ghosts aboard that include former crew members and workers. Visitors can choose to take one of several tours of the ship but those looking for the spirited version may want to consider the one-hour Haunted Encounters tour or the two-hour Paranormal Ship Walk. Check out queenmary.com for information.  

Group of friends sitting around a campfire outside a cabin at Thousand Trails Orlando
Glamping Cabin at Thousand Trails Orlando

Although it is home to the Magic Kingdom and all kinds of family fun, Orlando can also be a spooky place and not just because of the theme park’s Haunted Mansion ride. Book a glamping cottage or vacation trailer at Thousand Trails Orlando and see the dark side of the “Theme Park Capital of the World.” The ghost of serial killer Ted Bundy, and possibly the ghost of his last victim, are said to be seen roaming around the Orlando County Regional History Center as this location housed the courthouse where he was sentenced to death. If you don’t believe a place that is home to the Magic Kingdom can also be haunted, check out one of the many ghost tours offered including americanghostadventures.com and orlandohaunts.com.  

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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 Too 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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