Author: Petite Retreats

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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An All-American Glamping Trip

When the popular travel blog, discoverer.com listed travel destinations that embodied the All-American Summer Vacation we got a bit excited since so many of them were near our glamping locations! We’ve spotlighted a few of their list-makers below and our corresponding glamping spots. 

National Parks:

Yosemite National Park

A visit to any one of our national parks is a great way to celebrate our beautiful country and with 63 officially designated around the country, you can guarantee we’ve got some great glamping spots near many of them. Yosemite National Park in California is home to Yosemite Falls, the astonishing 3,000-foot vertical rock formation known as El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall and so much more. Glamp in a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes which is just down the road from the national park. A glamping cabin at Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort will provide perfect proximity to Acadia National Park whose highlights include Cadillac Mountain, the natural phenomena known as Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and miles upon miles of carriage roads to bike.   

Narrows Too Camping Resort
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

Disney/Space Coast:

Kennedy Space Center in  in Cape Canaveral Florida

Calling a trip to Florida’s Walt Disney World, “a rite of passage” for American children, the discoverer.com goes on to note that for some adult fun consider Florida’s Space Coast as well for an all-American vacation. Book a colorful glamping cabin at Encore Tropical Palms to enjoy all things Disney. From there, you can easily take a day trip to Florida’s Space Coast, which is about 60 miles, to experience the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and surfing at Cocoa Beach! 

Tiny House Village at Encore Tropical Palms
Walt Disney World

Lighthouses:

Lighthouse off the Oregon Coast

Noting America’s lighthouses for their cultural and historical significance, discoverer.com suggests visiting some of the country’s most iconic and scenic lighthouses. Standing roughly 200 feet above the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Heceta Head Light House projects the strongest light on the Oregon Coast. Book a glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at nearby Thousand Trails South Jetty and explore the lighthouse which is open to the public March through October. On the Atlantic side, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine was commissioned by George Washington, and while the lighthouse is only open to visitors one day per year, you can still walk the beautiful grounds of Fort Williams Park and take plenty of pictures. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Moody Beach to be near this Maine wonder.

Cabin at Thousand Trails South Jetty
Cottage at Thousand Trails Moody Beach

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Granny Summer with your Gals

If you’re planning your annual girls trip this summer, keep in mind the trending vibe is Granny Summer (“GS”). What exactly is Granny Summer? In a nutshell, it involves low-stress, slow-paced experiences with an emphasis on cozy and comfortable. Think a tiny house glamping getaway with a side of relaxing activities. Or a cozy cabin or cottage, glamping in the fresh air and taking in anything but the major tourist attractions in the area. Here are some ideas to get the Granny Summer you and your besties deserve: 

A visit to the local farmers market checks all the boxes for a GS activity because it wraps up everything we need into one tasty package – connection to people, connection to the earth and connection to delicious homegrown fruits and veggies, among other things found at some of the best farmers markets around which include: Wisconsin’s Dane County Farmers Market, which is held every Saturday in the state capital, Madison and nearby to our Blackhawk Camping Resort glamping location (book a cabin or cottage). Seattle’s iconic Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operated public markets, is a must-do when experiencing our cool yurt accommodations at Thousand Trails Thunderbird. What a perfect combo for GS trip!  Another mix of idyllic glamping and a farmers market visit would be the Lancaster Central Market, located in beautiful Pennsylvania Dutch Country, along with a cozy cabin accommodation at Spring Gulch Resort Campground.

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

There are two adages that fit perfectly with the current trends of thrifting and antiquing – the first is “everything old is new again” and the second, more eco-conscious, is “reduce, reuse, recycle.” Combining the nostalgia of “remember when” with the earthy-friendly mantra of “keep it out of the landfill,” these two activities are perfect for a slow paced, purpose-filled GS activity. Cannery Row Antique Mall in Monterey covers 21,000 square feet, is highly rated among those in search of the perfect vintage find and is located in an historic canning warehouse (book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort). The Brimfield Antique Market in Brimfield, Massachusetts is one of the most popular of its kind and is held several times a year – mark you calendar for July 14-19 and September 8-13, which are the remaining dates this year for the flea market, but note that Brimfield is also a prime spot year-round if you’re treasure hunting as the Brimfield Antique Center is open year-round and the nearby town of Sturbridge (where you can book a cozy glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Sturbridge) is home to several antique shops. 

Marina Dunes Cottage
Glamping cottage at Marina Dunes RV Resort

BTW, Granny Summer and Coastal Granny are considered to be one and the same when it comes to the vibe, so consider a GS glamping getaway to some of our best coastal locations which include: our Tuxbury Tiny House Village in New Hampshire nearby to the beaches of Salsbury-Hampton; Narrows Too Camping Resort in Maine’s ultra-quaint Bar Harbor, Thousand Trails Seaside, located just steps from Oregon’s Cannon Beach or Washington’s Long Beach peninsula with a stay at Thousand Trails Long Beach.

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5 Things to Do in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Area

First of all, happy birthday to our Mt. Hood Tiny House Village which turned 10 this year! Book a tiny house stay and explore this amazing area of Oregon, considered one of America’s best outdoor playgrounds, and help celebrate our tinies as well as experience some of the best things to do in the area, which include:  

  1. Hood Country Fruit Loop: What a better time to explore this 35-mile agricultural loop that winds through farm stands, orchards, wineries and u-pick locations than summertime. Want some cherries – stop at Hood River Cherry Company. If you’re interested in a cider flight at an historic 1908 Dutch Colonial farmhouse, don’t miss The Gorge White House. Love lavender? There are several lavender farms on the route, including Hood River Lavender Farms. For a spectacular view, check out Panorama Point County Park with views of Mt. Hood. Visit hoodriverfruitloop.com for details.  
Winery Near Mt. Hood
  1. Trillium Lake: Speaking of Mt. Hood, a visit to Trillium Lake is the best place to get views, and spectacular pics, of Mt. Hood. Plus, you can kayak, paddleboard, fish for trout, bike ride the 2-mile Loop Trail and just marvel at the reflection of the mountain on the lake’s surface – now that’s a perfect picture! 
  1. The Flowers: Look up when you’re here and you’ll see an amazing view of Mt. Hood! Look around when you’re here and you will see flowers, flowers, and more flowers. Mid-July through August is wildflower season and some of the best can be seen in the Mirror Lake Loop hike in Mt. Hood National Forest while the Umbrella Falls Loop at Mt. Hood Meadows promises wildflowers and waterfalls! Visit the historic Timberline Lodge and make note of the beautiful meadows surrounding the area that contain a plethora of wildflowers including lupine, paintbrush, spreading phlox and monkeyflower. Come August, sunflowers abound and one of the best places take pics among them are Packer Orchards (packerorchards.com).  
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
  1. Shut Your Mouth!: We’re not being rude, we’re just telling you that when you visit Silent Rock, which is located on Highway 26, you have to be absolutely silent. Legend has it that to avoid misfortune in the mountains, you must maintain silence when near Silent Rock. That means turning off the radio, silencing your cell phones, and piping down. Whether you believe it or not, silence sometimes can be golden. Silent Rock is located between the villages of Rhododendron and Government Camp. 
  1. Something Different: Yes, you can hike, bike, swim, fish and canoe and more here, but have you considered these alternative activities to see the area: Hop aboard a two-person rail bike where you can pedal the rails while taking in the scenery (mthoodrr.com/railbikes) ;or the unique and thrilling ways to view from above at the Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl which includes the Tree Top Bridge Tour or an exhilarating zipline option. Check out skibowl.com for info. 
Rail bike near Mt. Hood

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Outdoor Trends Gen Z Loves—and Boomers Too

In recent years, birdwatching has become not just an outdoor activity that appeals to the Baby Boomers. Of course, once you get the “screen generation” involved, a whole host of apps become available like eBird and Birdata, which opens a whole new world for the sport. So, what else is trending with the younger generation that adults enjoy once they reach “a certain age?” Check these out: 

Tidepooling 

The actual activity, now popularly known as tidepooling, has been around for as long as water and humans have co-existed. Tidepooling involves exploring marine habitats on rocky shores that can be found only during low tide. It’s a great way to see starfish, mussels, crabs and sea anemones. The only equipment required is waterproof footwear and possibly a backpack. You can go tidepooling when glamping with us at a few different locations! 

California: In Monterey, check out Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (book a glamping stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort) and in San Diego, head to Cabrillo National Monument (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico). 

Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Dunes at Marina Dunes RV Resort

Maine: Two spots in this great New England glamping destination (choose your favorite glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows Campground, Narrows Too Campground, or Patten Pond Campground) for tidepooling include the Bar Island Land Bridge and several spots within Acadia National Park.

Narrows Too Campground

Oregon: Cannon Beach (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Seaside) or Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Whalers Rest).

Forest Bathing 

The term forest bathing or “shinrin-yoku” as the Japanese call it, was coined in 1982, but the act itself, which involves spending mindful time in nature connecting with the earth, has been around for ages. Another trending outdoor activity that requires no equipment except an open mind, forest bathing when glamping with us is a must-do for mind, body and soul!  

New Hampshire: A tiny house glamping accommodation at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village puts in prime forest bathing space with a trip to nearby Odiorne Point State Park where you can get in touch among the maple trees. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village 

Tennessee: You don’t have to find a full-fledged forest to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing – consider a tiny house stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and head to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens which has more than 2100 trees among this 55-acre estate. We’re sure you can find the perfect “bath time” along the 1.5-mile wooded trail.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Wisconsin: If you’re glamping at Tranquil Timbers Campground in Wisconsin’s Door County, forest bathing should probably be listed as an amenity as it’s a beautiful place to do so. If you want to venture further off-site to experience heavy duty forest bathing, head to Peninsula State Park and relax among the cedar forests here. 

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Follow Route 66 to the Iconic Santa Monica Pier

If you ever plan to motor west (we 100% stole that opener from the famous song “Route 66” made famous by crooner Nat King Cole), then you know we’re talking about heading west on the Mother Road Route 66 which celebrates 100 years this year. Officially opened on November 11, 1926, its initial popularity was due to it being the main route out of the Dust Bowl west toward the agricultural mecca of sunny California. As automobiles and the family road trip grew in popularity, many a summer trip was planned from Chicago, the easternmost portion of the road. Heading west along Route 66, stops might have included St. Louis, Missouri; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico: Winslow, Arizona and culminating in California. Santa Monica to be exact is where Route 66 terminates. So whether you plan to road trip all the way west or are just planning a California glamping trip to Thousand Trails Idyllwild, Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon or Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes, check out Santa Monica and the infamous “End of the Trail” sign located on the Santa Monica Pier, which designated the end of Route 66. 

Route 66 related fun when visiting Santa Monica can include a nostalgic meal at Mel’s Diner, which was originally the Penguin Coffee Shop, where end of the road travelers grabbed a bite to eat; some Route 66 history at the Santa Monica History Museum; and a visit to Chez Jay, an iconic nautical themed bar, also at the end of the road. 

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

Other Santa Monica must-sees should be the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, which is a concrete bike path that stretches for 22 miles along the Pacific Coast; the Original Muscle Beach, built in 1932 the outdoor training gym made famous by body-builders; Heal The Bay Aquarium, which has more than species, several touch tanks and a focus on conserving local coastal waters and of course, the infamous Santa Monica Pier. With its classic boardwalk, carnival games and amusement rides including a ferris wheel, roller coaster and the terrifying Pacific Plunge, which drops riders 44 feet! You can also fish off the pier and no license is required. Bring your own gear or rent it on the pier and try your hand at fishing for Pacific mackerel, California halibut and Sand bass. Shopping and dining can be found at the Third Street Promenade, an open-air, pet-friendly area just a few blocks from the beach. Don’t miss the street art murals! 

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