Explore Endlessly on these 3 Short Road Trips

Boston to Tuxbury Pond: Hit the road and head north from Boston to South Hampton, New Hampshire where you can delight in staying in a tiny house at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village. Come summer, Hampton Beach State Park will be the spot to soak up the sun during the day and enjoy the variety of entertainment planned for summer events including Monday night movies, Wednesday fireworks and weekly concerts. Mark your calendar for the Sand Sculpture event set for June 18-20 or the end of summer Seafood Festival, set for September 11-23. Check out Odiorne State Park for miles of hiking trails, ocean views, remnants of historic military encampments and the Seacoast Science Center that offers plenty of exhibits and special events.  

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

Portland to Mt. Hood: Blink twice if you’re heading from Portland to the Mt. Hood area! At just under an hour, it feels like leaving the city behind occurs “in the blink of an eye.” Once you arrive and settle into your unit at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, get ready to go “off grid” like never before. A four-season destination, the Mt. Hood area has something to do no matter the time of year or the weather forecast. Skiing, hiking, mountain biking, wildflower viewing and birding are just a few options. Check out the historic Timberline Lodge, attend the annual Sasquatch Festival, visit the wineries, enjoy the wildflower blooms in Mt. Hood National Forest or drive the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop Tour.  

Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Vacation Cottages at Thousand Trails Palm Springs

San Diego to Joshua Tree: The drive is a little over 2 ½ hours, but the change of pace from go-go to go-slow is worth every minute. Book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and plan to get in touch with nature at nearby Joshua Tree National Park. Go rock climbing, walk the trails, explore the cacti grove, stay for the sunset and enjoy stargazing since Joshua Tree is a designated International Dark Sky Park. Joshua Tree also has 18 known vortices which are said to have healing powers and spiritual energy. And if this city vibe is still pulling you, keep in mind there is plenty to do in Palm Springs including shopping, dining, and the weekly VillageFest on Thursday evening that features live entertainment, food vendors and artisans in a street-fair style event.

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Top Sights to See in Washington State

From the tulip fields of the Skagit Valley to the sights and sounds of Seattle, if you’re planning to glamp in Washington State, we’ve got plenty of places to choose from. With tiny houses, yurts and cabins, the glamping accommodations are as varied as the to-do lists when visiting the Evergreen State in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.  

If you’re into flowers, and we mean fields upon fields of blooms, you definitely want to make sure you experience the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival or the La Conner Daffodil Festival at least once in your lifetime. These festivals are held annually during the months of March (Daffodil Festival) and April (Tulip Festival) and to experience it, plan a glamping trip to Thousand Trails La Conner. During the remaining months of the year, La Conner is a charming waterfront town with a historic boardwalk, several museums, and shops and eateries surrounded by farms that offer u-pick opportunities. Hiking, birding and boating on the Skagit River are among the outdoor adventures found here. 

Aerial photo of Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

In Leavenworth it’s all about the villages – the Leavenworth Tiny House Village where you can glamp and the Bavarian-style Village that is the jewel of Leavenworth. Year-round outdoor activities can be found here with skiing, hiking and fishing numbering in the top 5. There are also the annual festivals held in the village which include Maifest (each May); Oktoberfest (each October) and the magical Village of Lights: Christmastown, which runs from December to February. Other highlights of this charming area include the Nutcracker Museum, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, Waterfront Park and several breweries and wineries.  

A glamping trip to Thousand Trails Long Beach will have you camping about 1200 feet from the Pacific Ocean and just a few miles away from downtown Long Beach with its historic boardwalk, plentiful seafood restaurants, the World Kite Museum (and the Washington State International Kite Festival held each August) and the lighthouses of Cape Disappointment State Park.  

Thousand Trails Chehalis

Thousand Trails Chehalis offers a Puget Sound glamping getaway with spectacular views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. Explore the Willapa Hills State Park Trail, a 56-mile rail trail, take a scenic train ride through the Chehalis Valley on the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad, or learn the history of the area at the Lewis County Historical Museum.  

If you want to glamp while getting to know Seattle, consider a stay at Thousand Trails Thunderbird and then head into the “Emerald City” to experience the one-of-a-kind Pike Place Market, the Space Needle with its panoramic views, Chihuly Garden & Glass, and the Seattle Aquarium. Other Seattle must-dos can include the Museum of Pop Culture, the Fremont Troll, Gas Works Park and a tour of Seattle underground (undergroundtour.com).  

More Washington State glamping can be found at Thousand Trails Crescent BarThousand Trails Little DiamondThousand Trails Grandy CreekThousand Trails Mount Vernon, and Thousand Trails Paradise.

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5 Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway from the city or a longer East Coast road trip, Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County can feel like a world away thanks to the slow pace of this bucolic location. Also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Garden Spot of America and Slow-Lanco, as the locals call it, this is an area where you are sure to feel rested and relaxed with a bunch fun of things to see and do. Book a glamping unit at Thousand Trails Circle M or Spring Gulch Resort Campground and get set to experience a definitely different kinda vibe. Here are five possible “don’t miss” things to see here: 

1. Longwood Gardens: From formal gardens to open meadows, a visit to Longwood Gardens should be a part of your visit to the area. Set on approximately 1000-plus acres that were once a Quaker farmstead, the gardens will delight all visitors. There is an Orchid House with over 5000 orchids, the Cascade Garden, which is modeled after a tropical rainforest, two conservatories, and a Fountain Garden. Plan to spend a least 2-3 hours walking about Longwood, which is considered one of the best horticultural gardens in the world.  

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA

2. Lancaster Central Market: Established in 1730, the Lancaster Central Market is the oldest continuously operated public farmers market in the country. What you can find here goes way beyond produce! Specialty coffees, fresh baked breads, local cheese and dairy offerings, meat, flowers, fish and crafts and collectibles are available here. Explore some of the offerings unique to the Pennsylvania Dutch community like scrapple, a savory meat pudding and of course Lancaster-style pretzels. Even the market’s building is historic, built in 1889. 

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

3. Historic Venues: Get to know the history of the area with a walking tour. Check out The Historic Lancaster Walking Tour (historiclancasterwalkingtour.org), a 90-minute walking tour. Then there is Wheatland, home of President James Buchanan. Wheatland served as his primary residence during his presidency (1857-1861) and he continued to live at Wheatland until his death in 1868. Another historic home is Rock Ford, the home of Army General Edward Hand, who served under George Washington. Visitors can tour the Georgian-style home which provides a wonderful glimpse into post-Revolutionary War life as it remains very much intact with original furnishing and fixtures (historicrockford.org). A look into Mennonite life can be found at the 1719 Museum which was the home of Hans Herr and built in 1719.  

Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M, Pennsylvania
Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M

4. Strasburg Rail Road: An absolutely terrific way to see the beauty of the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside is a trip aboard the Strasburg Rail Road, the oldest continuously operating railroad in America. The steam train offers a variety of trips including wine and cheese trips, whiskey tasting trips and special events like the Murder Mystery ride. Check out all the offerings at strasburgrailroad.com.  

5. Amish Life: There are several ways to learn about the Amish and their way of life and those include The Amish Village (amishvillage.com), Amish Farm and House (amishfarmandhouse.com) or at the Bird-in-Hand Artisan Village (bird-in-hand.com). Settling here in the mid-1700s, the Amish were drawn to the area due to the fertile land, the religious freedom and the serene and welcoming environment. As of 2025, more than 40,000 Amish continue to live here making it the largest and oldest Amish Community in the United States.  

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5 Things to Do In and Around Clermont, Florida

Quick – name five fun facts about Clermont, Florida! OK, we’ll do it for you – it is nicknamed the “Choice of Champions” as many Olympic athletes train here; it is named after a French town which was the birthplace of the town’s founder; it is home to the Citrus Tower, an iconic Florida landmark; it’s located less than 20 miles from Orlando; and unlike the majority of Florida’s terrain, Clermont is hilly making it great for challenging bike rides! Here’s a bonus fun fact – it is home to three fabulous glamping locations – Thousand Trails Orlando, Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort and Encore Lake Magic! So, make a rezzie and come explore this interesting little city in Central Florida and check out these five things we found to do here. 

Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando
Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando

1. The Presidents Hall of Fame: Long before the Magic Kingdom was the big draw in the Orlando area, the Presidents Hall of Fame drew tourists in. This interesting attraction features life-sized wax figures of all the US Presidents in a setting designed to mimic the White House. In addition to the presidents, there is also campaign memorabilia, lots of history facts and even a mini replica of Mount Rushmore. For details, visit https://www.thehistorycenter.org/the-presidents-hall-of-fame/

2. The Citrus Tower: Another attraction that pre-dates the theme parks in Central Florida is the Citrus Tower, a 226-foot-tall tower with an observation deck with panoramic views that was built in 1956 to provide visitors a birds-eye view of the vast citrus fields below. Check out citrustower.com for more information.  

Villa at Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort
Villa at Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort

3. Lake Louisa State Park: If you’re here for the outdoor adventure, then you’ll love Lake Louisa State Park which offers three lakes for water fun including fishing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding; seven miles of paved bike trails; plus another 20 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, walking and wildlife viewing which can include deer, bobcats, and raccoons while birders can enjoy the chance to glimpse bald eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes and wild turkeys.  

Vacation Cottage at Encore Lake Magic
Vacation Cottage at Encore Lake Magic

4. Libation Look-sees: There are breweries to visit here as well as the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Billed as Florida’s largest winery, Lakeridge (lakeridgewinery.com) is open daily for guided tours and tastings and offers “Weekends at the Winery” with live music, food and wines by the glass at their outdoor bar. For a brewery vibe, check out Suncreek Brewery, located in the historic downtown area of Clermont, which in addition to their craft brews, has three restaurants and a merch store! 

Manatees in Crystal River, FL
Manatees in Crystal River, FL

5. Nearby of Note: Of course, Clermont is less than 30 miles from Orlando, so all the fun of the theme parks is a short distance away. Options for small town charm include Winter Garden, with its historic downtown and access to the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile, paved multi-use trail; or Mt. Dora, which is home to the Sydonie Mansion, a national historic landmark built in 1883. For a bit of a longer drive, consider heading west to Crystal River, known as Florida’s “Manatee Capital”, which is about 65 miles away.  

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Oh, the Places You’ll Go Glamping

Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, the author of beloved books like The Cat in the HatHow the Grinch Stole Christmas and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish was born on March 4, 1904. Before he passed away in 1991, he published his anthem to empowerment, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. The book details life’s journeys with all its ups and downs and how to navigate them. We like to think life’s journeys include some good glamping trips so check out these places to go when glamping with us: 

Leavenworth RV Campground • Leavenworth, WA
Thousand Trails Leavenworth • Leavenworth, WA

The Pacific Northwest: with snowcapped mountain backdrops, forestland galore, the Pacific Ocean, and generally a cool vibe, a glamping trip to the Pacific Northwest can provide fun for everyone. Consider checking out what all the fun is about in a tiny home glamping accommodation at either Washington’s Leavenworth Tiny House Village or Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village. Open year-round, outdoor fun from skiing to hiking to fishing and festivals can be found when glamping at these locations. Or go coastal and explore the Oregon Coast with a stay at several glamping locations along the coast. Check out petiteretreats.com to see what appeals to your PNW glamping mindset.  

Cabins at Alpine Lake RV Resort
Cabins at Alpine Lake RV Resort

The Adirondack Region: New York’s Adirondack Region is located in the northeast part of the state and is named for the mountain range that is found here. Key activities here include hiking, biking, and all kinds of water fun including fishing, white water rafting and paddleboarding. There are also historic sites including Fort William Henry Museum and Fort Ticonderoga. Check out the glamping accommodations at Alpine Lake Campground or Lake George Escape Campground to explore this region of New York. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village at Night
Tuxbury Tiny House Village at night

Big Cities: From Boston to San Diego or Nashville, big city glamping is a possibility. For a Boston exploration which should include the city’s Freedom Trail and North End, book a stay at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village. For Nashville’s attractions – don’t miss Broadway Street, the country Music Hall of Fame or the historic Ryman Auditorium – stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village. A Southern Cali trip in San Diego is a possibly with a glamping rez at either Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs or Thousand Trails Pio Pico. What not to miss in San Diego – the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and of course, Coronado Island. What big city are you looking to explore? Check out petiteretreats.com to see what is nearest your dream destination.

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Plan a Vacation Near the Biggest Soccer Games this Year

The US, along with Canada and Mexico, is excited to host the 2026 World Cup, which determines the best of the best in men’s international soccer. This is the fourth time the US will play host since the competition began in 1930. As one of the most watched sporting events in the world, you can be sure you will be able to catch games via television or streaming events, but if you’re lucky enough to get tickets to any of the games – which total 104 games over a 39-day period – see if we have a glamping location nearby so you can glamp and be near to the competition without having to deal with crowded hotels, crowded eateries and noisy late night revelers. Glamping never sounded so good!  

Eleven US cities will host games around the country and here’s a round-up of where the games will be held and where we can provide you a quiet homebase when you’re not attending the games. And book as soon as you can – the games will run June 11 through July 19, 2026. 

Key venues and nearby glamping accommodations include: 

Safari Tent at Pine Mountain RV Resort
Safari Tent at Pine Mountain RV Resort

Atlanta: Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta will host 8 matches, with five games in June and three games in July. Check out Pine Mountain RV Resort in Pine Mountain for accommodations. 

Boston: Boston’s Gillette Stadium will host six games in June and one in July. Rent a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Sturbridge, which is just under an hour from Foxborough where the Gillette Stadium is located.  

Cabin at Thousand Trails Lake Whitney
Cabin at Thousand Trails Lake Whitney

Dallas: AT&T Stadium in Dallas hosts six games in June and three in July. Pick from glamping accommodations at nearby Thousand Trails Bay LandingThousand Trails Lake Tawakoni, or Thousand Trails Lake Whitney

Cabins at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
Cabins at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe

Houston: NRG Stadium in Houston plays host to seven games, six in June and one in July. Nearby rental accommodations can be found at Thousand Trails Colorado RiverThousand Trails Lake Conroe, or Lake Conroe/Houston North KOA Holiday

Cabin at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon
Cabin at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

Los Angeles: Sunny California and LA skies will see a total of eight games played at SoFi Stadium, with six in June and two in July. Consider a stay at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon or Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades
Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades

Miami: Head to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for any of the seven games set to be played here; four in June and two in July. Glamping options await at Encore Miami Everglades

Cabins at Spring Gulch RV Campground
Spring Gulch RV Campground

Philadelphia: Choose to stay at our Philadelphia area locations in PA (Thousand Trails Scotrun and Spring Gulch Resort Campground) or  Acorn CampgroundThousand Trails Chestnut LakeEcho Farms CampgroundKing Nummy Trail CampgroundThousand Trails Lake & ShoreMays Landing RV Campground, or  Whippoorwill Campground in nearby NJ to catch any of the six games set for Lincoln Financial Field (four in June and two in July).  

Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park
Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park

San Francisco: Glamp among the beautiful sand dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort and catch any of the seven games set for Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco (five in June and one in July.) 

Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird
Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird

Seattle: The beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Northwest and Seattle’s Lumen Field will play host to six games (four in June and two in July) and glamping options include nearby Tall Chief Campground or Thousand Trails Thunderbird

Cabin at Thousand Trails La Conner
Cabin at Thousand Trails La Conner

Another venue to consider if your passport is in order – Vancouver, Canada will host seven games at BC Place with five scheduled for June and two in July. Nearby glamping accommodations can be found at Thousand Trails Cultus Lake and Thousand Trails La Conner

For FIFA information visit mlssoccer.com and for information on our glamping locations visit petiteretreats.com. 

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5 Things to Do in/around Weslaco, Texas

Have you heard of the 1015 onion? If you haven’t, then most likely you did not know that this  sweet, non-tearing variety was developed by a professor at Texas A&M and then cultivated in Weslaco. Of course, there’s now an annual Onion Fest held each spring here, but there’s so much more to do in Weslaco as well. First off, the winter climate is spectacular with daytime highs in the upper 70s, so outdoor activity is definitely on the to-do list. What else is there to do, you ask? Take a look at our five ideas and before you go, book a stay at Victoria Palms RV Resort or Encore Country Sunshine

Aerial View of Victoria Palms RV Resort
Aerial View of Victoria Palms RV Resort

1. Whether you’ve always been a bird watcher or are jumping on the bandwagon of this fast-growing pastime among the Millennial and Gen Z generation, this part of Texas is the place to be for watching our avian friends. The Estero Llano Grande State Park is home to more than 325 species of birds and there are plenty of trails to walk while checking off the birds on your list (which you can download from https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/publications/bird-checklists.) 

2. Take a day trip to nearby South Padre Island and enjoy a day at the beach or some water sport fun like swimming, fishing and surfing. Don’t miss the Sandcastle Trail, which has 30 sand sculptures, or the unique Sea Turtle Art Trail which has a variety of art formations dedicated to the sea turtle. Speaking of sea turtles, visit Sea Turtle Inc., the world’s largest enclosed sea turtle hospital, which is dedicated to rescuing, rehabbing and then releasing the turtles back to the sea.  

Vacation Cottages at Encore Country Sunshine
Vacation Cottages at Encore Country Sunshine

3. Head over to the town of McAllen (less than 15 miles) for some history, culture and a fabulous farmer’s market (held every Saturday). Learn the history of the area at the McAllen Heritage Center, explore the arts district which has more than 20 galleries and the historic Archer Park, which is home to a still-standing gazebo that dates to 1918, or enjoy the booming food scene here that includes such interesting foodie delights as Korean corn dogs, seafood tacos, wood-fired pizza and authentic chilaquiles.  

4. A great way to get to know Weslaco is to partake in the Weslaco Scavenger Hunt where you’ll see town landmarks, learn about the town’s history and get in some exercise on this great walking tour/interactive game.  Details can be found at letsroam.com/scavenger-hunt/weslaco-tx. The Weslaco Museum is also another great place to learn about this little Texas town. 

Vacation Cottage at Victoria PalmsRV Resort
Vacation Cottage at Victoria Palms RV Resort

5. The Frontera Audubon Society is a 15-acre nature preserve located in Weslaco that is home to birds, butterflies and native plants as well as the historic landmark, the Skaggs House, a Spanish Mediterranean-style home built in 1927.  To plan your visit, head to https://fronteraaudubon.org/

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Ultimate Galentine’s Getaway Locations 

You can’t dispute facts, right? A 2025 study showed women need a girl’s night out roughly every 22 days to feel recharged and emotionally balanced. You can celebrate Galentine’s Day all month, why not stretch girl’s night out into a girl’s glamping getaway? Here are some of the top spots to recharge with your besties: 

Cabins at Nighttime at Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Cabins at Nighttime at Thousand Trails Palm Springs

Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and explore this California desert wonderland with your gal pals where adventures can include spa treatments, hiking, dining and shopping (what else do you need?) Beautiful Indian Canyons, the ancestral lands of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, offers many hiking trails as well as the opportunity to explore via horseback (for details and more information go to indian-canyons.com/indian_canyons.) Interesting tours in Palm Springs to consider would be the Palm Springs Windmills tour (windmilltours.com) where you can tour a private windmill farm or the Palm Springs Celebrity tour (palmspringscelebritytours.com) where you can see homes of famous celebs and movie stars. For fabulous views of the desert, take the Aerial Tramway ride up the mountain (https://pstramway.com/) or a Desert Adventures Red Jeep Tour (red-jeep.com) for some great ground vistas. Every Thursday, the Palm Springs Village Fest features arts, crafts, food and live entertainment in downtown Palm Springs.    

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

If you want to recharge and relax with the best girls you know, then head to Sedona, Arizona. Book a glamping cabin, cottage or a fantastic tiny house at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and get ready to hike and heal as well as hoot and holler with your besties. Hike the beautiful Red Rock State Park with its healing vortexes (Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock to name a few), colorful canyons, and wildlife sights. Take a wine tour (check out winetoursofsedona.com for options); drive the Red Rock Scenic Byway; do a day trip to Jerome, the former copper mining town that is now a popular “ghost town” or shop the day away at the Spanish-style Tlaquepaque Village which is chock full of shops featuring amazing Southwestern artisans goods including jewelry, art, weavings and home goods. And don’t miss the opportunity to be “pretty in pink” on one of the famous Pink Jeep tours available in Sedona (pinkadventuretours.com). 

Hattie Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Hattie Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Of course, music is the main draw for a girls’ glamping getaway to Nashville, but there is also much more to see and do in Music City USA. First, book a tiny house stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and then plan an agenda that includes music, shopping, food, more shopping, more food and well, you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, share your gal’s trip adventures on Instagram using Nashville’s fabulous murals as your backdrop. Head to the trendy Gulch neighborhood for a shot with the iconic “Nashville Wings” and then head over to the 12 South neighborhood for even more murals. While in 12 South, get your fill of boutique shopping at such stores like Alice and Olivia and Rag and Bone for clothing, Gorjana or Mejuri for jewelry, and Planet Cowboy for high-end western wear. Who doesn’t love chocolate, or the experience of making your own sweet treats? There’s a class at the Goo Goo Cluster Store, which is the home of one of Nashville’s most favorite treats (getyourguide.com has info on how to sign up for this one-hour class.) Take in a show at famous Ryman Auditorium, visit the many country-music themed attractions like the Johnny Cash Museum or the Country Music Hall of Fame; grab some famous Southern fare like a fried bologna sandwich at Robert’s Western World or some Nashville hot chicken at Hattie B’s or the best biscuits you’ll ever have at the Loveless Cafe.  

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Get in the Olympic Spirit: Where to Watch & Play 

The eyes of the sporting world are on northern Italy as the 2026 Winter Olympic games are being held in and around Milan. The best of the best will compete in winter sports including ice hockey, curling, skiing, figure skating, bobsled and luge. If the anticipation of the games or viewing the games gets you in the mood to try out some of the sports or become a spectator, here’s some places to check out: 

Ice Hockey: The leading contenders for medals this year include the USA, Canada, Sweden and Finland. If you want to catch some exciting NHL action stateside, consider these teams when glamping nearby: 

If you’re glamping in Florida, you can attend a Tampa Bay Lightning or Florida Panthers game. The Panthers, the league’s back-to-back defending champs (they won the Stanley Cup in both 2024 and 2025), play their home games at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. Nearby glamping accommodations can be found at Encore Miami Everglades. Benchmark International Area is where you can catch a Tampa Bay Lightning game, and Encore Forest Lake Village is a great place to glamp if you’re planning to catch this three-time Stanley Cup winning team. Several players currently on the roster for each team will represent their respective home countries in the Olympic games. Other NHL teams with an opportunity to glamp nearby include the Las Vegas Kings (glamp at Thousand Trails Las Vegas); the San Jose Sharks (glamp at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill) and the LA Kings (glamp at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon).  Several players currently on NHL team rosters will represent their respective home countries in the Olympic games. 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill
Cabin at Thousand Trails Morgan Hill

Figure Skating: If you want to try out your axel, toe loop and salchow, that means you want to take to the ice. Houston’s Ice at the Galleria, located inside Houston’s Galleria Mall, can be a spot to at least put on a pair of skates and try your best. Stay at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe to be near this opportunity. Glamp at Thousand Trails Russian River to check out California’s Snoopy’s Home Ice, an indoor ice arena in nearby Santa Rosa. Enjoy outdoor ice skating at Curry Village Ice Skating Rink located within California’s Yosemite National park. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes to take to the ice here.  

Snowy Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground
Snowy Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground

Skiing/Snowboarding: Aside from a tremendous amount of talent and training, to ski and snowboard with the best you need some great “powder” and maybe a few moguls. If you fancy yourself as a mini Lindsey Vonn (three time Olympic medalist in downhill skiing) or Shaun White (five-time snowboarding Olympian), head to these slopes near our glamping locations. In Washington, glamp at Thousand Trails Thunderbird and take the drive to The Summit at Snowqualmie or stay at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village and enjoy skiing at Leavenworth Ski Hill. Another tiny house glamping option would be the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village to be near the excellent skiing at Mt. Hood Ski Bowl and the Timberline Lodge. California’s Lake Tahoe area has plenty of skiing/snowboard options so book a stay at Tahoe Valley Campground and see which ski hills align with your skill level.  

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5 Things to Do in Mesa, AZ

If you’re headed to Mesa, Arizona in the next month or so, you know there is no reason to shy away from the weather. In fact, if you’re planning a glamping trip with a stay at one of our fabulous glamping resorts, Viewpoint RV & Golf Resort or Monte Vista RV Resort, plan to spend as much time in the sun as you can. Of course, there are interesting indoor activities too. Here is a little roundup of what you can do if you’re doing a winter glamping getaway to the area. 

Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort
Glamping cottage at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort

1. Usery Mountain Regional Park: To borrow a phrase from the film, Step Brothers, Usery Mountain Regional Park has “so much room for activities.” At over 3600 acres of desert lands, you can find just about any outdoor activity you might desire here from archery and biking to stargazing and picnicking. Hiking trails include the moderate and very popular Wind Cave Trail; the easy Merkle Trail, which can accommodate wheelchairs, strollers and other mobility equipment; and the moderate Pass Mountain trail which leads to the mountain’s summit. There are also roughly 29 miles of mountain biking trails ranging from easy to difficult; a 5-star archery range; plenty of picnic tables, a model airplane flying site, an outdoor fitness area and plenty of activities led by the park ranger staff.  

2. Fresh Foodie Trail: With all the fresh air and activity, you’ll want to eat good so why not try something unique? The Fresh Foodie Trail is a 52-mile trail that includes local farms, wineries, farmers markets, and eateries featuring some of the best of the local offerings from wines, produce and baked good to artisan olive oils. For details on the interesting way to explore the area, head to visitmesa.com/restaurants/fresh-foodie

Landscape view of The Apache Trail
The Apache Trail

3. The Apache Trail: How about a 65-mile round trip drive that traces the path of the Native Americans as well as early settlers to the area. The Trail includes miles and miles of desert wilderness with the rugged Superstition Mountains towering over. You can stop and visit a reconstructed ghost town (Goldfield), stop at the historic Tortilla Flat, a stagecoach stop complete with the Superstition Saloon or check out Lost Dutchman State Park to learn about the legendary lost gold mine.   

Pool at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort
Pool at ViewPoint RV & Golf Resort

4. Taliesin West: As both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark, not to mention an architectural masterpiece by the world-renowned Frank Lloyd Wright, Taliesin West also served as Wright’s beloved winter home and studio. Built in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, the home was designed to incorporate local materials like desert rock and sand to stand in harmony with the landscape. There are several ways to explore this magnificent tribute to FLW from self-guided tours to hikes. To see what strikes your fancy, visit franklloydwright.org.  

5. Wild Horses: If you want to see something unique, visit the Tonto National Forest to see if you can catch a glimpse of the Salt River wild horses that roam the area and are said to be descendants of the horses brought here by Spanish settlers in the 16th and 17th century. The horses tend to gather near the water in the forest and prime viewing spots include the Blue Point and Coon Bluff Recreation areas. Go to visitmesa.com for more information and tips on how to view these magnificent creatures.  

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