Author: Petite Retreats

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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Discover the Joy of Townsizing Your Vacation

One of the latest travel trends is known as townsizing, which involves seeking out travel destinations that are smaller, less touristy, and almost naturally have a more relaxed vibe. They don’t necessarily have to be beach towns, but some of the less populated may fit the bill. The trend values charm over bustle, slow over go-go 

Lake George, New York

Lake George, New York

While Lake George, located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in New York, is definitely a summer tourist destination, its main draw is the lake and the mountains. So, you won’t find theme park lines here or crowds waiting to get into the main attraction since the main attraction is free. Take to the lake to kayak, canoe, swim or fish and for a sentimental journey, consider a dinner or sunset cruise. Hike during the day on the trails (consider Pilot Knob or Black Mountain), read a book at the beach (Million Dollar Beach is the most popular while Hague Town Beach Park is considered more peaceful). If you want more small town charm, take a day trip to Saratoga Springs. 

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at Lake George Escape Campground) 

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Slow pace is the theme here, and the rolling hills of the scenic countryside just may lull you to sleep or at least into a more relaxed version of yourself. Fish, hike, take a pretzel rolling class, stroll the Central Market, America’s oldest, continuously operating farmers market, or enjoy an authentic Amish meal. For all things Lancaster County, go to visitlancasterpa.com. 

Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort
Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at Spring Gulch Resort Campground) 

Franklin, Tennessee

While it’s less than 30 miles from the neon lights and bustle of downtown Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee seems like a world away. Stroll Main Street and visit the shops and boutiques, or grab a bite to eat. Take a walking ghost tour at night. Ride the Franklin Hop for a guided tour or enjoy a night of open-mic live entertainment.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village) 

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5 Things to Do in Indianapolis

Did you know that Indiana is considered “the crossroads of America”? Or that it not only produces 20% of the US popcorn supply but has also produced six US Vice Presidents? Come see what this smack dab in the middle state has to offer. We’ll focus on what to do in and around the state capital of Indianapolis but make note that an Indiana summer glamping trip should be on repeat! First book a glamping accommodation at Thousand Trails Indian Lakes and then start your engines to explore the Hoosier State. 

1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: The well-known phrase, “start your engines” is a nod to one of the state’s biggest draws – the annual Indianapolis 500 automobile race. If you want to learn all about this thrilling race that first ran in 1911, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Visit Gasoline Alley, see cars dating back over one hundred years, or find out if you are made of the same stuff as the infamous racers with an Indy Racing Experience (indyracingexperience.com). For museum hours and more details, visit imsmuseum.org.

2. Monon Trail: There is no better way to explore the area than on this wonderful 28.5-mile paved greenway that links parks, neighborhoods, landmarks and more. Restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, antiques shops, and breweries dot the path as do gardens and greenspace. The Kawachinagano Japanese Garden is a great place for a picnic among the gardens created in a traditional Japanese design. Both the Broad Ripple neighborhood and the Factory Arts District will introduce you to local artisans while the Grand Park Sports District has more trails and zip-lining adventures. Go to visithamiltoncounty.com for more info on the Monon Trail.

3. Conner Prairie: This is Indiana’s Living History Museum spread over 1000 wooded acres that tells the story of the land and people tracing back to when it was just a development along the White River some 15000 years ago. Both interactive and immersive with historical reenactments, this Smithsonian Affiliated Museum is worth the visit. For more details visit connerprairie.org.  

House at Conner Prairie

4. Day Trip to Cincinnati: With less than a 50-minute drive, you can head into Cincinnati for some of that famous chili, see the sights and be back in time to relax glamp-side. Cincinnati must-sees include Findlay Market, Ohio’s continuously operated public market which opened in 1855; and the Cincinnati Zoo which features such attractions as Hippo Cove, Roo Valley with its hopping kangaroos and Gorilla World, which is considered one of the best gorilla habitats in the nation. If the Reds are in town, take in a baseball game at the Great American Ball Park and if they aren’t playing, you can still visit the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.

5. A Bit of Nostalgia: 2026 marks 40 years since the film “Hoosiers” the classic underdog basketball film premiered. Just 20 minutes from Thousand Trails Indian Lakes is the town of Milan, home to the basketball team on which the film was loosely based. Here you will find a small museum that details the historic team along with some “Hoosiers” merch. If you head over to Versailles State Park, you can see the Busching Covered Bridge, which was built in 1885 and offers some beautiful photo ops. If you’re really looking for a piece of the past, don’t miss a trip to RomWeber Marketplace in Batesville which offers antiques, hand-crafted goods and home decor in a massive 25,000 square foot shop!

Thousand Trails Indian Lakes

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Your Television-Inspired Itinerary

Ditch the screen this summer and head out on an adventure “as seen on tv”! Using the themes and settings for many popular streaming shows, we’ve found some great glamping destinations.  

Stranger Things

While this ghost town in Arizona may not have any parallel dimensions like The Upside Down, a visit to Jerome may have you feeling a bit spooked at times. Book a tiny house or cottage at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and head up to this once-booming copper mining town. Some of the stranger things here include the Sliding Jail and the Jerome Grand Hotel which was originally the United Verde Hospital and is said to be haunted by the patients that didn’t quite make it to discharge. If you’re spending your summer days enjoying the fun and sun of the Jersey Shore, keep in mind that the dense forestlands that surround the area, also known as the Pine Barrens, are considered haunted are also home to the Jersey Devil, a legendary creature complete with hooves, horns, wings and a forked tail! Stay safe and glamp at Thousand Trails Sea Pines. 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Off Campus

You may not find the Briar College hockey team hunks at these top college towns, but you will find great glamping spots and fun things to do. Madison, Wisconsin, home to the University of Wisconsin, has plenty of fun things to do. Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Lakeland Camping Resort and check out the famous Dane County Farmers Market (every Saturday until November), Olbrich Botanical Gardens, or take a scenic 2-hour bike ride on the Monona Loop Trail which takes you around Lake Monona. Corvallis, Oregon is home to Oregon State University. Don’t miss the stunning architecture on campus, charming downtown Corvallis for shopping and restaurants, and the Peavy Arboretum and McDonald-Dunn Research Forest for beautiful biking and hiking trails. Book a stay at nearby Thousand Trails Whalers Rest. 

Cottage at Lakeland Camping Resort
The Waterfront

While the focus of this Netflix series is a North Carolina family fishing dynasty and their bad deeds, the real star just may be the beautiful waterfront setting. If you want to get in on the waterfront scene, visit some of these beautiful waterfront towns while glamping nearby. Book a stay at Carolina Shores RV Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and enjoy the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with shops, restaurants and the soaring ferris wheel, the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Consistently voted one of the best waterfront towns in the US, is California’s ultra-charming Carmel-By-the-Sea. Book a glamping accommodation at Marina Dunes RV Resort, take the scenic 17-Mile Drive and explore boutiques and art galleries, enjoy ocean views and overall vibe in this gem on the Central California Coast.

Cabins at Carolina Shores RV Resort

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