Author: Petite Retreats

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.  

Read More:

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.  

Read More: 

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.   

Read More:

Four Glamping Trips to Help You Spring into Summer

Glamping is great any time of year, but there is something about a summer glamping trip that checks all the boxes. The weather is nice, festivals are in full swing, beaches are open, hiking and biking trails tend to be drier, and flora and fauna are everywhere. Here are some great summer glamping ideas:

Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort
Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort

Coastal Summer: Feeling the warm ocean breeze, walking miles of beaches, and hearing the sound of the ocean is an ideal way to spend summer. Coastal cities to consider when glamping include Miami with a glamping accommodation at Encore Miami Everglades; Bar Harbor, Maine with a glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort; Carolina Shores RV Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or Oregon’s Thousand Trails Whalers Rest which is located just 150 yards from the Pacific Ocean!

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

Theme Park Summer: Before you say “oh no, too crowded” take note that we are not talking about the major themes but instead the still fun, smaller ones like Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California (book a stay at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes); Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark (book a stay at Thousand Trails Hershey) or New Jersey’s Storybook Land (book a stay at Thousand Trails Sea Pines).

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground

Festival Summer: Nothing says summer like a good festival whether it’s for food, music or just plain fun. San Diego welcomes Comic-Con July 24-27 (glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Maine’s Lobster Festival is scheduled for July 30-August 3 (stay at Thousand Trails Moody Beach); while the Washington State International Kite Festival in Long Beach is set for August 18-24 (stay at Thousand Trails Long Beach).

Whitewater Summer: If you’re looking for a great water adventure, consider a whitewater rafting expedition on some of these waters near our glamping locations: Book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and take to the Tuolumne River; glamp at Lake George Escape Campground and whitewater raft on the nearby Sacandaga River, a tributary of the Hudson River; or take on the Vermillion River in Illinois while glamping at O’Connell’s RV Campground.

Cabin Rentals at O'Connell's RV Campground
Cabin Rentals at O’Connell’s RV Campground

Read More:

5 Things to Do Around Sheboygan, WI

Looking for the ultimate Wisconsin glamping trip? One that combines great onsite amenities but also a great list of nearby things to see and do? Consider booking a glamping cottage or cabin at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort – a wonderful glamping spot with boating, fishing and kayaking opportunities on the onsite lake, plus two swimming pools, hiking trails, plus horseshoes and mini-golf. If you want some ideas for what’s going on around the area, check out these suggestions below:

Cabin at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort
Cabin at Plymouth Rock Camping Resort

1. Day Trip #1 – Green Bay: Head into nearby Green Bay and take a tour of the famed Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers football team. Green Bay is also home to the National Railroad Museum, the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, a 600-acre urban wildlife refuge; and the Green Bay Botanical Garden featuring 47 acres of beautiful gardens and natural areas.

2. Fun & Games: Head to downtown Sheboygan for some fun including Shibikin’ – a unique way to see the downtown area and the lakefront aboard a “pedal tavern.” Don’t miss the opportunity to taste a bratwurst when in Sheboygan, the Bratwurst Capital of the World. Downtown Sheboygan also has plenty of shopping and a local brewery, 3 Sheeps Brewing. Check out the nautical-themed mini-golf course, Harbor Pointe Mini Golf, for a challenging time on the mini links!

Milwaukee Skyline
Milwaukee, WI Skyline


3. Day Trip #2 – Milwaukee: As Wisconsin’s largest city, you’ll find plenty to do in Milwaukee. Don’t miss the Milwaukee Art Museum located within a stunning structure on the shores of Lake Michigan or a tour of the Miller Brewery, which has been brewing beer in Milwaukee since 1855. Other attractions include the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Pabst Mansion and the Milwaukee Riverwalk, which connect three neighborhoods over 20 blocks, with plenty of shopping, restaurants and public art installations – don’t miss the “Bronze Fonz” a bronze statue of “The Fonz” from TV’s Happy Days, which was set in Milwaukee.

Family Hiking
Family Hiking

4. Outdoor Activity: For hiking, biking, fishing and picnicking, check out Kohler-Andrae State Park. The park has amazing sand dunes and features the Dunes Cordwalk, a 2-mile hiking trail along the dunes. Bicycle along the 2-mile Black River Trail for great glimpses of birds and wildflowers. Plan to spend the day here and then catch a beautiful sunset over Lake Michigan.

5. Off the Beaten Path: How many shipwrecks can you say you’ve seen? The preserved remains of the Lottie Cooper, a three-masted schooner that was shipwrecked in 1894 can be viewed at the Sheboygan Harbor. Bookworm Gardens isn’t your typical botanic garden but rather a garden designed to represent favorite books in children’s literature like the Three Pigs, Frog and Toad, Winnie the Pooh and more. Also, the Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden features more than 30 historic, religious and mythic creatures created by James Tellen out of concrete.

Read More:

Glamping is the Best Gift You Can Give this June 

June is the month to celebrate not only dads (Father’s Day is June 15 this year), but also grads (most academic school years end in June, making it a common graduation month) and also newlyweds. Did you know the Roman goddess Juno, for whom the month is named, is the goddess of marriage making June a popular wedding month? Fun facts aside, the perfect gift for these June honorees is a great glamping trip. So, if you’re planning a trip with a dad, a grad or are celebrating marriage consider these glamping locations. 

Glamping with dads: Did your dad instill a love of music in you? Visit some major music venues when glamping with dad including Nashville (stay at the Thousand Trails Natchez Trace Tiny House Village) to experience country music vibes or opt for the Seattle Grunge Tour if you’re glamping at nearby Thousand Trails Thunderbird. Certainly your dad belongs in the Hall of Fame so why not visit a HOF when glamping nearby – consider a stay at Alpine Lake RV Resort and drive the roughly 80 miles to Cooperstown for a day spent enjoying the Baseball Hall of Fame while glamping at Thousand Trails Sturbridge is an option when visiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, If Dad loves bowling then book a stay at Thousand Trails Lake Texoma and visit the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas.  

Vacation Cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort
Vacation Cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort

Glamping for grads: Looking to find some high-energy activities for the newly-minted grad before they embark on their next chapter? How about a railbike ride in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory? This is a unique way to see the area using pedal power (electric assist available) on a 6-mile tour that is roughly 2 ½ hours of pedal time. Check out mthoodrr.com for info. Another option is to check out all the activities at the Mt. Hood Skibowl which has all kinds of adventures like a rock-climbing wall, alpine slide and the scenic sky chair. A stay at one of the tiny homes at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect glamping accommodation for this trip. Another option for college grads is total decompression after the grind of school and before the real adulting begins. What about a wine country excursion? If that’s appealing, consider a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River to explore California’s Sonoma Valley wineries; a tiny house stay at Arizona’s Thousand Trails Verde Valley where you can take in the Verde Valley Wine Trail; or check out the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail while staying in a glamping cottage at Virginia’s Bethpage Camp-Resort.  

Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Idyllwild
Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Idyllwild

Glamping for two: According to the blog “Campsite Tonight”, some of the most romantic glamping locations include Acadia National Park, California’s Big Sur and Joshua Tree National Park. Acadia National Park makes the list thanks to its perfect combo of adventure and relaxation. Book a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort and find your perfect mix of kicking back and grabbing thrills. Calling it a peaceful escape with breathtaking sunsets, Joshua Tree makes the list for travel with a side of romance. To enjoy Joshua Tree, choose a glamping accommodation at nearby Thousand Trails Idyllwild and make sure to get a pic with your true love at Heart Rock, located within Joshua Tree. Book the super cozy yurt at Marina Dunes RV Resort and take the scenic drive to Big Sur to hike among the trees and experience Keyhole Arch and the unique purple sands at Pfeiffer Beach.  

Read More:

5 Things to Do in Gettysburg, PA

If you’re planning a glamping trip to Pennsylvania, stop by and wish Drummer Boy Camping Resort a very happy birthday as this glamping location in historic Gettysburg is turning 60 this year! Book a glamping cabin or cottage and enjoy a glamping retreat at this wooded resort. And while there are plenty of activities and events on site, the historic Gettysburg area offers plenty to see.


1. Of course, the number one attraction in Gettysburg is the Gettysburg National Military Park and we can guarantee, even if you’ve been before, you will learn something new with each visit. From the historic battlefield to the museum to the living history events, a visit here is always worth the time. For details, visit https://www.nps.gov/gett/index.htm.

Downtown Gettysburg, PA at night
Downtown Gettysburg, PA


2. The Adams County Pour Tour blends a nice mix of breweries, cideries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries on a self-guided beverage trail tour through downtown Gettysburg as well as the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside. For more information and suggested itineraries visit destinationgettysburg.com/pourtour.

Round Barn
Round Barn


3. The Round Barn is a must see for several reasons – it is one of the only remaining round barn structures left in the US, and it has a wide variety of seasonal fruits, plus jams, jellies, baked goods and crafts, including Amish crafts.

4. Lots of fun facts about the apple, plus all kinds of history and artifacts can be found at the National Apple Museum. There is also a gift shop and a Summer Concert series. For information visit https://www.nationalapplemuseum.com/.

5. Some serious horsing around is on the agenda in the area and activities can include a visit to the Land of Little Horses or a tour of the historic battlefield on horseback. You don’t have to be a kid to enjoy the Land of Little Horses, a performing animal park that has not only miniature horses roaming around but also several shows, a Western Town and a pig colosseum complete with pig races. For details visit landoflittlehorses.com. For a guided horseback tour of the battlefield, check out the tours available through Hickory Hollow Farm (hickoryhollowfarm.com) and choose the one that works best for you!

Family enjoying a cabin at Drummer Boy Camping Resort
Cabin at Drummer Boy Camping Resort

Read More:

Best Campgrounds for Biking Adventures

May is the month to enjoy life atop a two-wheel vehicle, aka a bike, because it’s National Bike Month. This special honor was established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists to highlight the benefits of bike riding. Bike riding has plenty of benefits from improved mental well-being to improved cardiovascular health. Plus, it’s low impact so it is good for all ages and fitness levels. Here are some options for taking a spin this month when glamping with us:

Aerial view of Carolina Shores RV Resort
Aerial view of Carolina Shores RV Resort


Bike a Boardwalk: Boardwalks became popular in the US in the late 19th century and continue to be popular spots for long strolls and bike rides. Of course, the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey is one of the most popular and iconic boardwalks in the US. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Sea Pines and take the drive to Atlantic City to enjoy a bike ride along one of the most historic boardwalks in the country. If you’re glamping at Carolina Shores RV Resort, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is great for a quick (1.2 mile) bike ride with ocean views! Please note these boardwalks have specific biking hours, so be sure to check them before you go.

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


Bike a National Park: Many of our national parks have bike trails so if you’re camping near Maine’s Acadia National Park or California’s Joshua Tree National Park, bring your bike with you! Book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and head to Joshua Tree, or more specifically, the Covington Flats section of the park. While mountain bikes or fat tire bikes are recommended for this trek, regular street bikes work as well. Thanks to the 45 miles of the Park’s carriage roads, exploring Acadia atop a bicycle is an option when glamping nearby at our Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort. Again, check before you go as inclement weather can close certain bike trails.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake
Cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake


Bike the Big City: Several of America’s big cities are noted for having greenway systems to accommodate cyclists. San Antonio has over 100 bike-friendly miles in their greenway system so plan a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake to explore this historic Texas city. If you’re planning a glamping trip to enjoy a stay in a tiny house at Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, plan a day to take a drive into nearby Portland and tour the city via bike. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and as such has plenty of different routes that are great for doing the tourist thing while bicycling.

Read More:

Pet-Friendly Glamping Locations You’ll Love

A glamping getaway is always a good thing, but a glamping getaway where you bring along your favorite canine companion is even better. We have quite a few pet-friendly options to consider this summer:

Cabin at Patten Pond Camping Resort
Cabin at Patten Pond Camping Resort


Bar Harbor, Maine: A nod from a magazine tells us Bar Harbor is a pet-friendly getaway. Outside magazine named Acadia National Park as the most pet-friendly national park in New England while https://www.visitbarharbor.com/ nicely details all the wonderful trails to hit with your pooch like the Cadillac Summit Loop located within the Park. If a beachside romp is on the agenda, head to Hadley Point Beach, a dog-friendly spot for leashed doggies. Bar Harbor Beer Works has two outdoor spots for pets: a covered patio and an upper deck. If you’re looking for a classic Maine lobster meal, you’re in luck, as the iconic Stewman’s Lobster Pound not only is pet-friendly but also has a special dog menu! Pack your bags, bring along your “best-friend” and plan a cabin or cottage stay at any of our three Bar Harbor Resorts – Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort, Narrows Too Camping Resort or Patten Pond Camping Resort.


Bend, Oregon: Dog Fancy magazine named Bend the “nation’s dog-friendliest city” for reasons that include the number of dog-friendly hiking trails and dog parks. A popular hiking trail is the 1.2-mile loop trail in Farewell Bend Park that runs along the Deschutes River while another to consider is the Ancient Juniper Trail, an easy 3.2-mile loop trail. If you and your furry pal came to Bend to explore the breweries, know that your pup is welcome at the Bend Brewing Company on the outdoor patio while Spider City Brewing allows pets inside and out! Another option, and one that has a special menu just for dogs, is JDUB in downtown Bend. As for enjoying the Deschutes River from the water aspect, there are at least two dog parks along that river that allow access for them to play in the water – Riverbend Park and McKay Park. Book a pet-friendly glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver for a pet-friendly glamping getaway.

Lakeside cabin at Blackhawk Camping Resort
Lakeside cabin at Blackhawk Camping Resort


Madison, Wisconsin: Book the pet-friendly cabin or bring your tent or RV to Blackhawk Camping Resort in nearby Milton for this pet-friendly getaway. A great summer trip that will merit a four-paws up rating could include a farmers market visit where pets are welcome – from May through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Hilldale Farmers Market is pet-friendly; a walk on the Capital City Rail Trail which offers a nice gravel path for leashed dogs is a great outdoor activity; or if you’re looking for a good book, it’s good to note that A Room of One’s Own bookstore is very pet-friendly. BarleyPop Tap & Shop is an indoor dog-friendly taproom with live entertainment while the aptly named Great Dane Pub & Brewery allows dogs on the patio.

Read More:

The Quirkiest Tourist Spots to Visit This Season

Did you road trip as a child and have to endure, or maybe enjoy, stops along the way to see some of America’s roadside oddities? Like the world’s largest ball of twine (located in Cawker, Kansas) or the 70-foot statue of the Jolly Green Giant of canned vegetable fame (located in Blue Earth, Minnesota). Yearning to go back to those days on your next road trip? We’ve got a few things that will have you stopping along the way to your next glamping trip to take a look.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

The Paper House in Rockport, Massachusetts (near Tuxbury Tiny House Village) is made entirely of, yep, paper. Why? The builder, who was the same man that invented the machine that makes paper clips, thought paper would serve as good insulation for his summer home, and the project just grew from there. Even the furniture is made of paper! Open April through October, check the website for more details and hours of operation.

Wisconsin’s The House on the Rock is another interesting attraction that grew from one’s man’s desire to build himself the ultimate retreat. Located in Spring Green (near the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails), The House on the Rock is a definite destination worth the trip. Back in 1945, Alex Jordan set out to build himself a house on Deer Shelter Rock. Again, things just grew from there and it is now one of Wisconsin’s biggest attractions. The House on the Rock consists of not only room upon room of interesting architecture full of a variety of collections but also gardens and one-of-a-kinds, like the world’s largest indoor carousel. For more information and details, visit thehouseontherock.com.

Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort

As the world’s largest producer of wild blueberries, it’s no wonder that Maine has a special little attraction known as Wild Blueberry Land (near our Bar Harbor resorts). Of course, you know what you will find here – all kinds of blueberry products from pies and scones to syrups and jams. Make sure to take pics of the giant blueberry pie, the blueberry shrine and of course, the building itself, which was designed to look like a big old blueberry. Open seasonally, check the website at wildblueberryland.com for operating hours.

Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage
Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage

California has many museums from LA’s renowned Getty Museum to the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum just outside Joshua Tree National Park (and near to Thousand Trails Palm Springs). For all the Getty Museum offers, with its concrete and steel structures and its vast collections ranging from pre-20th century to modern day, the Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum is just the opposite. No walls, no buildings, no great masters – just a collection of art installations set right in the desert created from everyday stuff including broken glass, discarded tires and household items like chairs and TV sets! For directions and details, visit noahpurifoy.com.

We all know that Chucky and Annabelle are some of the creepiest dolls around, but have you met Robert, Florida’s Key West resident weirdo doll? Visit the Fort East Martello Museum on the island for an up-close and personal visit with this childhood pal of a man named Gene Otto. As the story goes, Robert mocked Gene’s friends, was responsible for any of the mischief Gene appeared to have caused and was actually so spooky, Gene’s wife made him lock Robert in the attic once they were married. Apparently only Gene understood Robert and vice versa! Visitors to the museum have said that when they are near Robert weird things happen – like breaking cameras or just feeling a general sense of being watched. Check him out next time you’re glamping at our Keys locations – Encore Sunshine Key or Encore Fiesta Key.

Read More: