Author: Petite Retreats

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 Hat, How 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 Landing, Thousand 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 River, Thousand 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 Campground,  Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake, Echo Farms Campground, King Nummy Trail Campground,  Thousand Trails Lake & Shore, Mays 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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Plan Your Winter Vacation With the 3Cs 

If you’re looking for a way to choose your 2026 glamping adventures, rather than check your bucket list or close your eyes and point a finger on a map of the US, consider the 3 C’s option. What is that, you ask? A way to choose your destination by picking one of the hot travel trends for 2026 – City, Coastal, or Culture.  

City 

When doing a city glamping getaway, you’ll want to make sure you choose a city that either has fabulous public transportation or is very walkable by the sheer design (or size) of the city. For walkability, we offer you both Boston and Nashville. For Boston, book a glamping stay at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village, which is a little under an hour’s drive from Boston. Once you’re in Beantown (a nickname earned from a favorite meal during Colonial times – baked beans cooked in molasses), there is a lot to do without once finding the need for a vehicle. Consider the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which takes visitors past 16 historical points in the city’s history as well as that of the American Revolution. Then there’s the iconic Fenway Park, America’s oldest baseball park and home to the Boston Red Sox. Other sights include the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Faneuil Hall Marketplace and the North End for some of the best cannoli you will ever eat.  

Cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace Campground

Nashville loves its music and is a very walkable city. There are all the honky-tonks, eateries and shops along Broadway while just to the south is the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Johnny Cash & Patsy Cline Museum and the National Museum of African American Music.  Also walkable from Broadway is the historic Ryman Theater. OK – maybe you need to Uber or use your own vehicle to reach a few other areas like 12th South and The Gulch, but once you arrive at these destinations everything is walkable. 12 South offers the Instagram-popular murals as well as boutiques and coffee shops while The Gulch offers music, shopping, live entertainment and restaurants. Book a cabin stay at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace for your trip to Nashville.  

Coastal 

If you’re looking for the ultimate location for an Oregon coast getaway, look no further than a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Seaside and a visit to nearby Cannon Beach, home to iconic Haystack Rock. Consider a hike in Ecola State Park where many of the trails offer great views of the Pacific Ocean and secluded coves. Try tide pooling on the beach and see what treasures you can find. Visit the Tillamook Creamery to learn about cheesemaking or see what’s up on the North Coast Food Trail (visit traveloregon.com for trail information.) 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Seaside RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Seaside

Culture 

A cultural getaway can be found in either immersing yourself in another culture or visiting a plethora of museums with exhibits that include fine and modern art or historical artifacts and exhibits. For an immersion version, consider a visit to Miami to learn all about the Latin American culture of the area. Consider a walking tour of Little Havana (littlehavanawalkingtour.com), or learn from the locals with a Cuban cooking class or cigar rolling class. Encore Miami Everglades is the best glamping location to explore Miami. 

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

If you’re planning a visit to Houston, you just might find the perfect combination of cultural diversity as well as culture found in the museum aspect. One interesting culture to explore here is the cowboy culture of ranching. Of course, cowboys dedicated to ranching played an important role in the area’s history. Visit the George Ranch (georgeranch.org) to get a glimpse into what ranching life was like. Originally settled in 1824, the ranching continues to be a working ranch and offers visitors a view of ranching through the ages.  

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

From a museum standpoint, consider Houston’s Museum District, 1.5-mile grid of 19 museums, all walkable. They include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Thousand Trails Lake Conroe is the glamping destination for a Houston visit.  

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The Most Beautiful Sights to See This Year 

The saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” basically means what one person finds beautiful may not be the same for another. Some find beauty in nature while others find beauty in fine art or architecture. If you google “most beautiful sights in the US” a whole bunch of lists pop up created by magazines, travel sites and bloggers. Here are a few located near our glamping locations: 

Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird
Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird

Kerry Park (Washington): Considered one of Seattle’s most picturesque destinations, Kerry Park is considered a “viewpoint park” thanks to the opportunity to take in the Seattle skyline with breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier in one location. This small park sits atop Queen Anne Hill in the charming Queen Anne neighborhood of the city, is open to the public and is a guaranteed spot for picture-perfect shots of Seattle’s best including Mt. Rainier, the Space Needle and Puget Sound. 

(Book a glamping cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Thunderbird) 

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

Big Sur (California): From the purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach to the towering redwoods, Big Sur should be on everyone’s list of “the most beautiful places to see in the US.” And don’t forget Bixby Bridge, a manmade concrete arch bridge that is considered one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. Other photo-worthy, sight-to-behold views here include the setting sun through Keyhole Arch at Pfeiffer Beach (best between November and January); China Cove in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and the 80-foot waterfall, McWay Falls, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.  

(Book a glamping yurt or vacation rental loft at Marina Dunes RV Resort) 

Lightner Museum (Florida): If you find all things Gilded Age beautiful, you might want to plan a visit to the Lightner Museum in St. Augustine, Florida. Once a hotel for the elite during the Gilded Age known as the Hotel Alcazar, the building is now the Lightner Museum and is home to a grand collection of Victorian and Gilded Age treasures. But aside from beautiful exhibits found inside, the building itself (both interior and exterior) is a thing of beauty – fashioned in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style. Completed in 1888, the building features columns, arches, terracotta, mosaic tiles, marble floors, hand-painted walls and more opulence than you can shake a stick (gilded albeit) at!   

(Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Encore Bulow) 

Cabins at Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch
Cabins at Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch

Gunnison, Colorado: Definitely a destination most beautiful during summer and fall, thanks to the natural beauty that abounds here with carpets of wildflowers in summer and aspen groves ablaze with colors come fall. From mid-July to early August, nearby Crested Butte, considered the state’s wildflower capital, has plenty of hiking trails to walk while taking in the beauty of blooming lupines, varieties of lilies, and fireweed to name just a few of the flowers on display here. Come fall, the leaves of the aspen trees here turn from green to brilliant reds, oranges and yellow welcoming the change in seasons. 

(Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch) 

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5 Things to Do in the Florida Keys  

People often ask which of the Florida Keys they should visit. Well, the answer is all of them. Each of the islands offers something a bit different from the always party time atmosphere of Key West to Key Largo which is known for great snorkeling and is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you’re planning a glamping getaway to The Keys, you’re lucky because we have two great glamping locations: stay in a totally hip tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or enjoy a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key. Below we offer just a few suggestions for things to do when visiting: 

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village
Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

1. The Lara Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is worth the visit to see 30 different species of birds that make this sanctuary their permanent home after having been rescued and rehabilitated but are considered non-releasable for their safety. The sanctuary is open 365 days each year from sunrise to sunset and offers guided tours as well. For more details go to the sanctuary’s website keepthemflying.org. 

2. With so many islands and coral reefs, of course diving is a big deal here. Check out the History of Diving Museum on Islamorada and explore their multiple exhibits that details the history of diving, the advent of equipment from early dive helmets to the most modern-day apparatus, and the diving equipment from many nations around the world. There’s also a tribute to Jules Verne (have you read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea yet?) and a 50-gallon aquarium full of tropical reef fish. For information visit divingmuseum.org.  

Christ of the Abyss
Christ of the Abyss

3. So many islands, so many excursions! From land to sea, there are plenty of exciting things to do in The Keys when it comes to excursions. Christ of the Abyss is not your typical statue – this one is located roughly 25 feet under the waters that surround John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The best way to see it is via a snorkeling excursion – check out silentworld.com to book a dive tour. Movie buffs will appreciate the excursion aboard The African Queen – the storied steamboat from the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. To enjoy one of the daily canal cruises, visit africanqueenflkeys.com. Get to know Key West with a “Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour”, offered by viator.com that takes you around the island’s historic district with stops along the way to enjoy the great food here including Cuban cuisine and of course, Key Lime pie! 

4. Sunrise/Sunset – make sure you get the best of both when glamping in The Keys. Some of the best places to catch the sunrise include Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key (perfect if you’re staying at Encore Sunshine Key); the aptly named Sunrise Beach in Key Largo and Higgs Beach in Key West. For a spectacular sunset, consider Mallory Beach in Key West which hosts a nightly sunset celebration; or from aboard a catamaran cruise that departs from Islamorada (check out robbies.com for details); or back to Bahia Honda State Park to end a perfect day!  

Sunset at Bahia Honda State Park
Sunset at Bahia Honda State Park

5. Aside from the sun, sand and snorkeling, The Florida Keys have a lot of noteworthy sites to visit. They include The Little White House (Key West), which served as President Harry Truman’s winter getaway; the Caribbean Club (Key Largo), the oldest bar in the Upper Keys where portions of the film Key Largo were shot; the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park, which is the largest all-masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere; and Hemingway House (Key West); which was home for many years to famous author Ernest Hemingway. 

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