Author: Petite Retreats

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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5 Things to Do in Lake George, NY

The Lake George area in the Adirondack region of upstate New York is a favorite vacation destination regardless of the season. Come summer, though, it’s easy to see why it has been a number one vacation destination since it first became a “hot-spot” in the mid-1800s. With the crystal blue waters of Lake George, known as the Queen of American Lakes, and surrounded by the majestic Adirondack mountains, the area has plenty to do and see. Plan a glamping trip to Alpine Lake RV Resort or Lake George Escape Campground and get ready to find out why this has been a number one vacation destination for over 150 years! 

1. Enjoy the View: There are many, many hiking trails here but if you want to get some of the best views, consider these: Pilot Knob Ridge, with stone staircases, wildflowers and a gazebo all combining for one of the best views of Lake George; Spruce Mountain Trail (in Corinth), a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike, leads to a restored fire tower and expansive views of the mountains, or Sleeping Beauty Mountain with stunning summit views.  

Lake George

2. Day Trips: You won’t want to leave during your stay, but if you feel like exploring a bit further from this fantastic area consider a day trip to: Lake Placid with its Olympic Museum, waterfall hikes and beautiful Mirror Lake; or Saratoga Springs with its beautiful Victorian architecture; Yaddo – the National Historic Landmark with its beautiful gardens; and beautiful Congress Park with its charming carousel and mineral springs.  

3. Historic Sites: There are plenty in the area! Don’t miss the Ulysses S. Grant National Cottage Historic Landmark, which was the final home of President Grant; Fort Ticonderoga – the site of the US Revolutionary War victory over the British with US troops led by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys; Fort William Henry which was a major site during the French Indian Wars; and the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of the Battles of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War.  

4. Go for the Thrill: In addition to the thrill rides at Six Flags Great Escape in nearby Queensbury, which include Sasquatch, a 192-foot drop tower, the high-flying Adirondack Outlaw and the Bobcat Wooden Roller Coaster, other adrenaline pumpers can include parasailing over Lake George (parasailingadventrues.com), a helicopter ride (northcountryheliflite.com), ziplining through the trees (adirondackextreme.com) and whitewater rafting (adirondack-adventures.com). 

5. Plan Ahead: The 10th Annual Food & Wine Festival is scheduled for June 27-28 and promises offerings from area wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food vendors, crafters and everyone’s favorite – food trucks! Horse racing season begins at the historic Saratoga Race Course, the oldest thoroughbred racecourse in the US and runs July 3-September 7. The Adirondack Theater Festival opens its season June 17 and the Saratoga County Fair is scheduled for July 21-26.  

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Explore Endlessly on these 3 Short Road Trips

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

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

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

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

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

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Top Sights to See in Washington State

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

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

Aerial photo of Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

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

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

Thousand Trails Chehalis

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

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

More Washington State glamping can be found at Thousand Trails Crescent Bar, Thousand Trails Little Diamond, Thousand Trails Grandy Creek, Thousand Trails Mount Vernon, and Thousand Trails Paradise.

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5 Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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

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

Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA

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

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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

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

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

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

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