Author: Petite Retreats

5 Things to Do in Pine Mountain, Georgia

The nice thing about our resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia is that you can experience not only the attractions of the area but also the attractions of nearby Atlanta, creating the perfect mix of small town/big town fun. Here’s just an idea of things to do when glamping at Pine Mountain RV Resort.

1. Atlanta: Let’s start with the big city, which is a little over an hour’s drive away. Highlights of Atlanta, Georgia’s capital city, include The Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site. There are also trolley tours of the city, food tours and haunted tours.

    2. FDR: Did you know President Franklin Delano Roosevelt visited Pine Mountain, Georgia in 1924 for polio treatments, taking to the warm springs for therapy? He built a small clapboard cottage which can be seen at the Little White House State Historic Park in nearby Warm Springs. There is also F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Georgia largest state park, which offers hiking trails and fishing opportunities. Don’t miss the statue of him located at Dowdell’s Knob overlook within the park.

    Calloway Gardens/Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center

    3. Calloway Gardens/Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center: The world’s largest azalea garden can be found here as well as a paved 10-mile bike trail, and the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, home to 1000 butterflies. There is also a Birds of Prey show and Robin Lake Beach, featuring a mile of white sand circling the spring-fed lake. Come holiday season, more than 10,000 sparkling lights light up the gardens.

    4. Hiking Trails and Outdoor Fun: If you’re looking to do some hiking, consider the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Trail, located within Calloway Gardens, that features plants native to Georgia, a waterfall and a lovely gazebo; or the longer (7+ mile) Big Poplar Loop Trail, located in F.D. Roosevelt State Park, which has changing terrain, several creeks and interesting rock formations.

    Downtown Pine Mountain

    5. Go to Town: The charming downtown of Pine Mountain offers plenty of shopping from boutiques to bookstores, with some antique shops and galleries, as well as home decor and gifts. There are also several places to eat that include everything from sushi, BBQ, fried chicken and catfish!

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    Great Skiing locations for Winter Glamping Getaways

    If the winter means trading in your beach wear for snow-friendly attire, then you may want to plan your glamping getaways at these oh-snow friendly locations. 

    Thousand Trails Leavenworth

    Leavenworth, Washington: Book a glamping stay at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village and get ready to enjoy all the snow in Leavenworth – average snowfall is upwards of 90 inches annually! And the choices of places to enjoy all the fluffy white stuff are almost as plentiful as the snow. There is the Leavenworth Ski Hill that offers Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, tubing, sledding and snowshoeing. There is Stevens Pass, which is just outside Leavenworth, that offers lessons, all types of skiing for all ages, plus night skiing and is located roughly 3,000 feet higher in elevation than Leavenworth. Also, check out the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (LWSC) for more skiing opportunities as the LWSC offers three different locations for winter fun.

    Mt Hood Village Resort

    Welches, Oregon: Would you believe the average snowfall in Oregon’s Mt. Hood area is over 300 inches annually? No typo there, that’s 300 INCHES! Of course, if you’re here, Timberline Lodge is a must-see – whether you plan to ski or not. This national landmark, built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration, not only provided the exterior shots for “The Shining” but also boasts the longest ski season in the US, running from November to late May. Then there’s the Mt. Hood Skibowl, billed as the largest night ski area in the US and home to CosmicTubing®, an absolute must-do evening event. Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect home base glamping location.

    Tahoe Valley Campground

    Lake Tahoe, California: The Lake Tahoe area of California has 13 ski resorts and is a popular destination for skiers. In fact, the 1960 Winter Olympics were held in nearby Squaw Valley. Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe, offers views of Lake Tahoe, has snow-making capabilities and a vibrant apres-ski nightlife. Book a glamping stay at Tahoe Valley Campground to enjoy the skiing here.  

    Truckee/Yosemite, California: Book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and choose to ski in the beautiful Yosemite National Park or in nearby Truckee. Of course, Yosemite has the Badger Pass Ski Area, one of California’s oldest ski resorts, with its stunning views and gentler slopes. Truckee has the Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort, which is considered user-friendly accommodating skiers of all ages and levels. 

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    Historic Settlements Worth the Journey

    Of course, everyone knows the story of the Mayflower and the English settlers who established the colony of Plymouth in what is now Massachusetts. But have you ever considered the other brave people who settled elsewhere in the “New World.” Plan a glamping stay near these settlement towns and get to know the history.

    James Fort

    Jamestown: When it comes to English settlers, the ones who arrived and settled in the Colony of Virginia that they named Jamestown can actually boast “We were here first!” Jamestown was established in 1607, 13 years before the landing at Plymouth Rock. Despite the many challenges they faced, the settlers planted tobacco as a revenue source and Jamestown served as the Virginia Colony’s capital until 1699.  

    Visitors today can visit James Fort, tour the grounds, and learn about life at the settlement. The Visitor Center is a great place to start as it serves as a museum and houses artifacts and exhibits. For information about visiting, go to historicjamestown.org.  

    (Book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Williamsburg to explore Jamestown) 

    Castillo de San Marcos

    St. Augustine: Spanish settlers founded St. Augustine in 1565 and it is now considered the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the continental United States. It served as a military defense to protect Spanish interest as well as an important part of the trade route with Europe.  

    If you’re planning to visit, make sure your itinerary includes Castillo de San Marcos, the 350-year-old fort that never fell to enemy hands. The Colonial Quarter is also a wonderful place to explore the history of St. Augustine through the years with walking tours and live demonstrations. For more details about St. Augustine, check out https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/northeast/st-augustine/. 

    (Book a stay at Encore Bulow to explore St. Augustine) 

    Monterey Bay Aquarium

    Monterey: In 1774, this area of what became the state of California, was officially settled by Spanish explorers, who established a presidio (a Spanish military fort) as well as a mission. It served as the capital of Alta California and Baja California during its time of rule by the Spanish and Mexicans.

    Today Monterey is a popular tourist attraction in part due to the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and historic Cannery Row, the waterfront street popularized in John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name that provided insight into the life of the sardine industry and its workers during the Great Depression. A visit to Monterey State Historic Park provides a lesson in the history of Monterey through guided history walks and guided house tours. For information on visiting Monterey, check out seemonterey.com. 

    (Book a glamping rental at Marina Dunes RV Resort to explore Monterey)

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    5 Things to Do in Nashville

    Quick – name the elements that make a perfect glamping getaway! If they include a stay in a trendy tiny home, fabulous food, good weather and a menu of fun for everyone, then let’s go to Nashville! The trendy tiny is easy – book a glamping stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village. Settle in and get ready to explore Nashville and the surrounding attractions that make this Tennessee town a must-do destination. Here are some ideas on how to make this the ultimate getaway for fall: 

    1. Changing of the Arts: If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Nashville is music, you might find it interesting to know that Nashville is home to the Frist Art Museum. What makes this museum unique is that unlike other art museums, The Frist does not have permanent collections but instead hosts rotating exhibits, so if you’ve visited before, you will most likely see something completely different. For details on hours of operation and current exhibits, visit fristartmusuem.org. 

    Parthenon located in Centennial Park

    2. Ancient Wonders: If your plans to visit Greece this year didn’t pan out, we have an idea. Head over to Nashville’s Centennial Park and behold their version of the Parthenon, which is actually a full-scale replica of the original that has been standing in Athens since the 5th century BC. Nashville’s Parthenon was built in 1897 for Tennessee’s Centennial Exposition to celebrate 100 years of statehood. In addition to marble casts, there is also a collection of American Art and the magnificent statue of Athena, the Greek Goddess to whom the original Parthenon was a shrine.  

    3. Only in the South: Some uniquely Southern things in which to partake while visiting can include enjoying an Ole Smokey moonshine tasting at 6th & Peabody (https://6thandpeabody.com/); taste the inimitable fried bologna sandwich at Robert’s Western World (located on Lower Broadway); or make your own Goo Goo Cluster, the chocolate, peanut, caramel, marshmallow mix that was created in Nashville in 1912 (googoo.com).  

    Kayaking in the Cumberland River

    4. Outdoor Adventures: Southern summers can be muggy, and southern winters are…well, winter. Spring and fall in Nashville are mostly pleasant, so outdoor adventures are always an option when visiting here. One way to see the city is to kayak the Cumberland River and enjoy the city’s skyline (visit getyourguide.com/nashville for options); for a day trip, hiking Falls Creek Falls is another great outdoor activity to see some spectacular waterfall and for a near waterfall viewing, check out Machine Falls at Short Springs Natural Area, which is about an hour’s drive of out the city. Nashville also has a spectacular Greenways Network that has miles and miles of trails for hiking, biking, mountain biking and horseback riding. For details, visit nashville.gov/departments/parks/greenways-and-open-space/maps-and-trails. 

    Ryman Auditorium

    5. Bucket List: If you’re looking for the ultimate bucket list for your visit to Music City, USA, make sure to include biscuits at the Loveless Cafe, plenty of Instagram shots and photo ops at the city’s numerous outdoor murals, hot chicken at Hattie B’s, a concert at the Ryman Auditorium, a tour of the Grand Old Opry, and a live music show at the Bluebird Cafe (this is where Taylor Swift, aka Mrs. Travis Kelce, performed before she was famous! 

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    Top 10 October Activities for Your Glamping Getaway

    October is more than leaf peeping, pumpkins and Halloween (although we will point you toward some Halloween fun). October is the tenth month of the year so we found 10 ways to celebrate when glamping with us.

    Apple tree in Julian, California
    1. National Apple Month: Julian, California is considered the “Apple Capital of Southern California” and is about a half hour drive from Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs, which makes it the perfect place to spend the day on your travels. For a list of orchards, check out visitjulian.com. If you want to just eat apple pie, consider Mom’s Pies or the Julian Pie Company. If you want to taste apple cider (the hard kind), check out the Julian Hard Cider Tasting Room (julianhardcider.biz). 
    1. National Dessert Month: Celebrate with dessert all month as October is National Dessert Month. If you’re glamping in the Florida Keys, then Key Lime Pie is the dessert du jour. Book a glamping stay at Sunshine Key RV Resort or Fiesta Key RV Resort and check out these spots, which according to authenticflorida.com have some of the best: Kermit’s Key Lime Pie Shop in Key West or the Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar on Islamorada.
    Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington
    1. National Seafood Month: Since 1990, October has been designated as National Seafood Month. Hmm – seafood. How about lobster in Bar Harbor, Maine while enjoying a glamping cabin at Narrows Too Camping Resort (Stewman’s Lobster is always a good choice)? If you’re glamping at Tall Chief Campground, take a drive into Seattle to taste the offerings of fresh seafood at the famous Pike Place Market.  
    1. Fossil Day: If you dig fossils (get it?), then spend National Fossil Day, October 14, searching for treasure. Some great glamping locations for this can include Florida’s Thousand Trails Peace River as the Peace River is a great place to hunt for shark teeth and marine and reptile fossils; Thousand Trails Lake Tawakoni in Texas, which is just under an hour’s drive from Ladonia Fossil Park, or California’s Pacific Dunes Ranch where nearby Pismo Beach is known for its marine fossils dating back to the Pliocene epoch. 
    1. Sweetest Day: Even though its original purpose was to perform random acts of kindness for those less fortunate, Sweetest Day, which falls on October 17 this year, has evolved to Valentine’s Day Part II in the US. So, whether your random act of kindness is to take a friend glamping or to spend the day glamping with your sweetie, rent a cozy glamping cabin or cottage at California’s Thousand Trails Idyllwild and spend the day glamping surrounded by the beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains.  
    1. Howl at the Moon: On October 26, people are encouraged to step outside and howl at the moon. Some of the best places to see the moon is over the ocean on a beach in Miami (glamp at Encore Miami Everglades); at Maine’s Acadia National Park’s Jordan Pond (glamp at Narrows Too Camping Resort) or in California’s Joshua Tree National Park (glamp at Thousand Trails Palm Springs) which is designated as an International Dark Sky Park. 
    1. Eat a Pretzel Day: Where better to enjoy Eat a Pretzel Day, October 22, than in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, known for their soft pretzels. Check in to a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Circle M and check out the plentiful pretzel offerings in the area (check out discoverlancaster.com/blog/10-places-to-get-pretzels-in-lancaster-pa) head over to the pretzel master, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery, and take a class on pretzel rolling (https://juliussturgis.com/). 
    Domaine Carneros, Napa Valley
    1. Global Champagne Day: Enjoy a glass of bubbly on Global Champagne Day, October 24, in California’s Wine Country which produces many champagnes in addition to all the wines. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River and check out Domaine Carneros, Buena Vista Winery and Schramsburg Winery.
    Hollywood Forever Cemetery
    1. Visit a Cemetery Day: Well, it is October after all. And October 25 to be exact is designated as Visit a Cemetery Day. One famous burial places to visit when staying at Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon in California is the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the final resting place of Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino and George Harrison among other famous celebrities. Another is the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, California which boasts 17 Academy Award winners and 5 US Presidents buried there. 
    1. Halloween: If you’re looking to get into the Halloween spirit, check out all the events at Florida’s Walt Disney World. Book a colorful glamping cabin at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee and get ready for frights galore!  

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    Fall Getaways Along America’s Open Roads

    Maybe you keep the windows rolled down; maybe you curate a fall playlist from Spotify, maybe you stop at farm stands along the way for the last bounty of summer’s harvest. Fall is a great time to take a road trip – less traffic, less heat and possibly more colorful than summer trips. A good fall road trip is a great way to keep that quick glamping getaway feeling alive and well. Here are a few ideas: 

    Cabins at Thousand Trails Seaside
    Thousand Trails Seaside

    Seattle, Washington to Cannon Beach, Oregon:

    We recommend starting from Tall Chief Campground at the end of your glamping stay there. Your trip will be roughly 200 miles or 4 hours with no traffic and no stops. Stops add to your timeframe, but also to your adventure. Don’t take the quick way – we promise it’s worth the time. Make sure to book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Seaside as your home base in the Cannon Beach area. Washington’s capital, Olympia, is on the way. A stop here could include a visit to the farmers market (open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.); the Billy Frank Jr Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (about 20 minutes out of Olympia) to see coyotes, eagles, herons and more roaming the refuge; or tour the State Capitol Building and grounds. Aberdeen, the childhood hometown of Kurt Cobain, is also a possible stop if you love Nirvana or just music nostalgia. There is also the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport here. By the time you reach the charming coastal city of Astoria, Oregon, you’re almost there, but there are several things to see here too. The Oregon Film Museum is one of these – it’s a small museum dedicated to the films and television productions filmed in Oregon that includes paraphernalia from “The Goonies”, “Twilight” and “Kindergarten Cop” among others. There’s also the Astoria Column, to commemorate the settlement of the West; Fort Clatsop, a replica of the Lewis and Clark encampment and the scenic riverwalk. Then on to Cannon Beach – don’t miss Haystack Rock, Ecola State Park and the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.  

    Cabins at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
    Thousand Trails Lake Conroe

    Houston, Texas to Dallas, Texas:

    If you’ve spent time glamping at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, most likely you’ve taken in the highlights of Houston, including Space Center Houston, the Houston Zoo and beautiful Hermann Park. Now it’s time to meander north to the Big D, aka Dallas and see what there is to see along the way. One stop to consider would be the college town of College Station, home of Texas A&M. Buy your Aggie gear, visit The Gardens, the college’s living classroom full of flora and fauna, or grab a quick bite at the many restaurants ranging with a variety of fare from wood-fired pizza to soul food. Back on the road and you may want to consider another stop in Waco – that is if you’re interested in prehistoric animals! In Waco, you will find the Waco Mammoth National Monument. This is the site that in 1978, paleontologists began the dig that eventually unearthed the bones of a nursery herd of Columbian mammoths, dating back 1 million years. Have you heard of the Pierogi Path? The town of West, Texas, is on the Pierogi Path, a route that celebrates the Czech heritage of the area and of course, has bakeries and shops along the route that offer Czech specialties like kolaches and pierogies. Don’t miss the Czech Stop and the Little Czech Bakery which can be found in West. On to Dallas, where your glamping cabins can be found at Thousand Trails Bay Landing or Thousand Trails Lake Whitney. Dallas attractions can include the Dallas Museum of Art, the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza commemorating President John F. Kennedy, the Bishop Arts District, and White Rock Lake. If you’re visiting Dallas between now and November 1, don’t miss Autumn at the Arboretum, a spectacular harvest festival with pumpkins, a Goth Garden and more, put on by the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. 

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    Glamping Getaways for Unforgettable Fall Fun

    Come fall, we exchange sun and sand destinations for those that celebrate autumn and its annual events. Some of the best places to get your fall feelings going are near some of our coziest glamping locations, so book a stay, grab your fall wardrobe, and check out these thing autumn-only things to do: 

    Oktoberfest – Cincinnati:

    Billed as Oktoberfest Zinzinnati to reflect the area’s German heritage, this Ohio Oktoberfest, which is also considered the largest in the United States, is set for September 17-20 and promises all kinds of fun from Dachshund races to stein hoisting competitions. Plus, there will be plenty of German food, beer and music to enjoy. Book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Wilmington. 

    Thousand Trails Wilmington
    Urbanna Oyster Fest:

    The first weekend of November brings all things oyster to Urbanna, Virginia as they host their annual Oyster Festival, a tradition for more than 65 years. Why the oyster, you ask? The area boasts an oyster heritage dating back to the mid-1800s. At this festival you can expect oysters, of course, but also live music, wine tasting, artisan crafts, parades and more. Book a stay at Bethpage Camp-Resort to be near all the fun. This year’s event is scheduled for November 6-7. 

    Salem Haunted Happenings:

    If you’re ready for all kinds of spooky, eerie and supernatural, visit the town of Salem, Massachusetts during the month of October. Considered one of the most haunted spots in the US thanks to the 1692 witch trials and all the surrounding events, Salem can be extra spooky come October. Plan on ghost tours, witch trial history, parades, costume events and so much more spooky fun. Book a stay at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village and you’re less than 30 miles from Salem.  

    Charter Street Cemetery in Salem, MA.
    Epcot Food & Wine Festival:

    Head to central Florida, book a stay at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee and get ready to eat! Running through November 21, this festival is billed as “a culinary adventure across 6 continents.” In addition to the food and drink, there are culinary seminars and demonstrations, live music, and photo ops at this very popular event.

    Encore Tropical Palms

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    It’s Kinda Chic to Go Glamping

    We think we can safely say glamping is here to stay. Unlike Fro-Yo, planking, and even NFTs, glamping got very popular in the mid-2000s and thankfully, stayed very popular. It is even kinda  chic to go glamping. And if you glamp with Petite Retreats, there are all kinds of ways and places to embrace this glamour-camping trend. 

    It’s kinda chic to enjoy a tiny house

    You can call tiny houses a trend within a trend. Tiny house glamping accommodations became popular around 2010-2011 and they have only become better with time. The plus here is that they have all the comforts of home – including kitchens with microwaves, indoor bathroom facilities, ample space for activities and comfy sleeping lofts. Many of our tiny house communities even offer pet-friendly accommodations, so your best furry friends get to come along. Check out the tiny houses for glamping at Leavenworth Tiny House Village (WA); Mt. Hood Tiny House Village (OR); Natchez Trace Tiny House Village (TN): Sunshine Key Tiny House Village (FL); Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village (NH); and Thousand Trails Verde Valley (AZ).  

    Leavenworth Tiny House Village

    It’s kinda chic to enjoy a cozy glamping cabin

    The upside of the cabin is that you really don’t have to worry whether your camping trip will include shivering in your sleeping bag or running for cover in the middle of the night for a warm, dry car. A cabin provides a rustic glamping experience and sound shelter. Cabins abound within Petite Retreats so check out our site to find one for you – to highlight a few, consider a New England getaway (Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort and Narrows Too Camping Resort); the Oregon Coast (Thousand Trails Pacific City or Thousand Trails Seaside); or the Midwest (Arrowhead RV Campground or Plymouth Rock Camping Resort in Wisconsin.) 

    Narrows Too Camping Resort

    It’s kinda chic to be colorful

    What can be more smile-inducing than waking up in a sunny cottage in your favorite glamping destination or coming home to one after a long day spent enjoying the great outdoors? Our colorful glamping cottages can be found in popular glamping destinations including Florida, Maine and Virginia.   

    Encore Tropical Palms

    It’s kinda chic to be unique

    Have you ever enjoyed glamping in a yurt? Or a refurbished storage container? A glamping stay in a yurt often promises canvas walls, weatherproof roofs, plenty of space, skylights and a way to connect to nature without worrying about the weather. Our yurts can be found near Yosemite National Park (Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes); in Pennsylvania Dutch Country (Thousand Trails Circle M); as well as in Oregon, California, Wisconsin, and Washington State.  Does innovation and sustainability do it for you? If so, check out the tiny house containers for a glamping stay when visiting the Wisconsin Dells area and book a glamping stay at Yukon Trails Tiny House Container Village and enjoy these unique glamping accommodations. 

    Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails

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    5 Things to do in Door County, Wisconsin

    Did you know that Door County, Wisconsin is nicknamed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest?” Thanks to its miles and miles of coastline, tiny fishing villages, craggy landscape and overall charm, Wisconsin’s popular peninsula fits the moniker. Whether you come for the outdoor adventure (hiking, biking, kayaking, and more) or the unique food experiences (fish boils, all things cherry, or the Scandinavian fare), Door County makes for the perfect glamping getaway. Book a glamping cottage, cabin or yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground, and check out these five things we found to do here: 

    Tranquil Timbers Campground
    1. Explore Washington Island

    Take the ferry ride across Death’s Door and explore this interesting island that offers everything from unique architecture to scenic vistas, plus a few surprises that include a lavender farm (fragrantisle.com) and a pub that will give you more information on Angostura bitters than you will ever need (Nelsen’s Hall Bitter’s Pub & Restaurant.) Check out Stavkirke, a unique church built in the Norwegian architecture style, climb the 186 steps of Mountain Park Lookout Tower for an amazing view, or enjoy a stroll on the limestone rocks of Schoolhouse Beach. 

    Washington Island Stavkirke
    2. Do the Wine Trail:

    A great way to see the area is via the Door County Wine Trail which features nine wineries spread out through tiny towns that make up Door County. The trail not only gives you the opportunity to sample the wines unique to the area but also to see the charming towns that make Door County a great destination. For more details visit doorcountywinetrail.com.

    3. Visit Peninsula State Park

    Wisconsin’s third largest state park encompasses over 3,700 acres with plenty of shoreline, plus miles of hiking and biking trails, and the 60-foot high Eagle Tower which offers spectacular views of Green Bay. Enjoy a picnic at Nicolet Beach, check out the 18-hole golf course, or take a tour of the historic Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. You can spend days here and never do the same thing twice!

    Eagle Bluff Lighthouse at Peninsula State Park
    4. Discover the History of “The Door”:

    Officially, Door County was established in 1851, but the history of the area goes way beyond that. To learn all about how Door County came to be, there are plenty of places to visit. Consider a walking tour of Ephraim to see architectural heritage relating to the Moravian and Norwegian settlers; or for Belgian heritage history, visit the Belgian Heritage Center. For farming history visit the Washington Island Farming Museum or Heritage Village. The Alexander Noble House dates to 1875 and features period furniture and decor while the Jacobsen Museum is set in a lakeside cabin and exhibits historic artifacts as well as natural items.

    5. Experience Fall:

    From leaf peeping to apple picking, there’s plenty of fall to experience here. Festivals to consider include Autumnfest (September 12 in Baileys Harbor); Harvest Fest (September 19 in Sturgeon Bay); and the Door County Fall Lighthouse Festival (October 2-4 throughout the area). Go apple picking at Seaquist Orchards in Sister Bay, eat some cheese at Renaud’s Swiss in Sturgeon Bay and check out the corn maze at Red Barn (redbarnmaze.com). For a fall color show, check out Skyline Road in Peninsula State Park; Ellison Bluff County Park and Cave Point County Park.

    Sister Bay, Wisconsin

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    5 Things to Do around Mt. Desert Island

    Did you know that Maine’s nickname is “Vacationland”?  If you think about an idyllic vacation spot, Maine just may have it all. Long stretches of iconic rocky beaches, ocean views, woodlands and water, good food, history, and the list goes on. Add amazing glamping accommodations to that list and you know where you’re headed this summer – Maine! Choose from glamping cottages or cabins at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort and come see just why Maine is definitely vacationland!  

    1. On Land: Head into Bar Harbor to visit this charming seaside community. There are trolley tours, foodie walking tours, ghost tours at night, and live music every Monday and Thursday evening on the Village Green. You can also choose to walk the land bridge from Bar Harbor over to Bar Island during low-tide for some stunning views.  

    Downtown Bar Harbor, ME

    2. On Water: From whale-watching cruises to a sunset cruise on Frenchman Bay, there are definitely plenty of things to do on the water. From a personal standpoint, you can kayak and canoe (check out Jordan Pond or Seal Cove in Acadia).  

    3. Into the Woods: If you’re looking for a wooded wonderland, then Maine is certainly the place as roughly 89% of the state is covered by forestland. The gem of all that forestland is Acadia National Park. Over 35,000 acres of the land in Acadia National Park belongs to the National Park Service and breaks down to roughly 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Plus, there’s Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard; Jordan Pond with its crystal clear waters; and Thunder Hole, a V-shaped inlet that naturally creates a thunderous sound as air escapes the inlet. Activities here include kayaking, bicycling, tidepooling and hiking.  

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

    4. Back in Time: Learn about the history and culture of the Wabanaki tribes when visiting the Abbe Museum, which is located on Mt. Desert Island; to learn about the history of the island of Bar Harbor, which was founded in 1604, head to the Bar Harbor Historical Society, which is housed in an old convent and features Civil War memorabilia and more; the Great Harbor Maritime Museum offers maritime history and paraphernalia as well as changing exhibits.  

    5. Out of the Ordinary: Have you ever been to a lumberjack show? If you want to see axe throwing, log rolling and all kinds of chopping and sawing competitions, check out the Great Maine Lumberjack Show. For details visit mainelumberjackshow.com. 

    Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort

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