Author: Petite Retreats

Visit an Art Museum Day

Pointillism? Dadaism? Modern? Portraiture? What’s your favorite style of art? Maybe one style speaks to you or maybe you find something in all works of art that can be found in museums around the country. Perhaps that’s the purpose behind November’s Go to An Art Museum Day – you discover and explore the many genres created to delight the eye, among other senses. And while November 9 is the date of this celebration, we think any day is a good day to visit an art museum.

Sacramento: The Crocker Art Museum, in California’s capital city, is home to a collection of California art dating from the Goldrush to present day. Exhibits also include one of the largest international ceramics collections in the U.S. The museum has the distinction of being the oldest art museum in the U.S. west of the Mississippi River. The museum’s collections are on display both in the original Crocker Mansion and Art Gallery, which dates to 1872 and is both a California Historical Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as in the Teem Family Pavilion which was completed in 2010.

Both Snowflower and Lake of the Springs are a little over an hour from Sacramento. Choose from cabins, yurts, and cottages based on your destination. 

Santa Barbara: The California city of Santa Barbara itself can be considered a work of art from the beautiful Spanish-revival architecture to the breathtaking sunsets, but this ocean-side getaway is also home to two wonderful art museums. The Santa Barbara Museum of Art (sbma.net) is home to a collection of art that spans more than 4000 years while the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (mcasantabarbara.org) exhibits some of the best in contemporary works and offers free admission.

Book a cabin, covered wagon, or western themed cabin at Rancho Oso to be near the SB art museum scene.

Miami: Florida’s vibrant city of Miami is another location that can itself be considered a work of art thanks to its Art Deco architecture and the colorful palette of these historic buildings. However, Miami is also home to plenty of art museums, each offering something different. The Bass, housed in the city’s former library, focuses on contemporary art as does the Rubell Museum, whose collection includes works by Keith Haring and Jeff Koons. The Museum of Graffiti specializes in street art and exhibits include an interactive field trip featuring outdoor murals around the museum’s location. Exhibits and collections at the Wolfsonian-FIU focus on functional art and design and include furniture, graphic design, and advertising pieces. 

To explore Miami’s art museums, book a cabin stay at nearby Miami Everglades.

Nashville: Speaking of Art Deco, Nashville, Tennessee’s Frist Art Museum is currently featuring the exhibit “American Art Deco: Designing for the People, 1918-1939” that includes approximately 140 objects from the Art Deco era. The exhibit runs through January 2, 2022. The Frist is also home to the Martin ArtQuest, an interactive, hands-on art experience. If poster art is your thing, don’t miss Hatch Show Print, which offers tours and how-to demonstrations highlighting the famous show and event posters created by Hatch for more than 140 years (hatchshowprint.com).

Lodge at Natchez Trace Campground
Lodge at Natchez Trace Campground

Choose a Petite Retreat accommodation such as a tiny house or cabin at Natchez Trace for your Nashville art tour.

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5 Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

There’s nothing like a good trip that mixes fantastic scenery, fresh air, desert hikes, great weather, and plenty of fun both indoor and out. To get started on this great trip that guarantees fun for all involved, reserve your tiny house stay at Verde Valley and the rest will fall into place. Select from Tiny House Finn or Tiny House Rose, equally adorable in their accommodations that sleep three and include all the amenities you could ask for when exploring Sedona and Cottonwood. Need a little more space? Check out the cozy cabins at Verde Valley and consider booking one for your home base while exploring the area.

1. Scenic Byways: While the hiking is fantastic here, another option for taking in the views is a quick road trip along the scenic byways. The Red Rock Scenic Byway is one route to take that can include stops to explore two famous vortexes, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, and a visit to the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a picturesque spot with galleries, eateries, and shops. Another driving opportunity could be the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, a winding, twisty way to see the countryside that can include stops for picnics, quick hikes, and the opportunity to check out Native American jewelry and crafts at the displays along the route.

Sedona Jeep Tour
Sedona Jeep Tour

2. Jeep Tour: Again, another opportunity to motor through the area, but this time the vehicle is a pretty cool pink Jeep, designed to handle the rugged terrain and equipped with a guide who knows it all when it comes to the area. Check out the tour options at pinkadventuretours.com and decide which one works best for your travel crew. Another option is the Jeep tours offered by A Day in the West (adayinthewest.com) – this time the Jeep is a sunny yellow, but the adventure is equally good. Both tour companies are consistently rated 4.5 stars.

Verde Valley Wine Trail
Verde Valley Wine Trail

3. Verde Valley Wine Trail: The only passport required here is the one that you can download from vvwinetrail.com and take along to receive a stamp from each winery you visit along the trail. Check out the site to see which wineries and tasting rooms are open and head off to an adventure where the only whining allowed is “how far to the next fantastic winery!” Specialty tours like Date Night with Wine & Dinner or the Rock Star Wine Tour are available from winetoursofsedona.com if you don’t want to tackle the tour on your own. Aside from the great tiny house or glamping adventure when you stay at Verde Valley, visitors should note that the resort is located just five minutes from Alcantara Vineyards, where the tasting room is open daily (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) and tours are complimentary.

4. Learn the History: There are plenty of sites in the area where you learn about the Native American tribes that inhabited the land as well as the history of the area. National monuments nearby include both the Tuzigoot and Wupatki National Monuments, each of which have trails to walk while exploring. Montezuma Castle National Monument is another option where visitors can see the well-preserved dwellings of the Sinagua people. The Sedona Heritage Museum, with its exhibits dedicated to pioneers and cowboys, as well other exhibits, is another great place for a history lesson. A visit to nearby Jerome is good for a lesson about the copper mining history of the area. The Mine Museum has artifacts dating to the time when Jerome was a thriving mining town. The town today is full of artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants.

5. Feel the Spirit: Sedona is a very spiritual place thanks to the vortexes. Two great places to feel the healing and spiritual powers of the valley are the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is stunning to see as the structure protrudes from the red rocks. The vortex located here is said to provide a sense of gratitude. The Chapel can be reached via a hike on the Chapel Trail. Sitting at the base of Thunder Mountain, the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park is a must-see. The 14-acre location contains the 36-foot Amitabha Stupa, named for the Buddha of Limitless Light, another stupa dedicated to White Tara, the female Buddha who embodies long life and compassion, and a Native American Medicine Wheel.

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Best Desert Vacations

Plan a trip to the desert or a desert town for your next vacation getaway. There are several located in the western part of the U.S. and typically, the towns are not crazy crowded with tourists and tend to enjoy a quieter lifestyle, while the desert landscape is a sight to see.

Book a stay in a cottage at Palm Springs and you’re in prime desert country. Located in the town of Palm Desert, which is situated in the Coachella Valley, the north-western extension of the Sonoran Desert, trips to nearby Joshua Tree National Park, desert excursions with Red Jeep Tours (red-jeep.com), and a visit to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are all possibilities when you stay here. Instagram memories can be made with a hike to the Palm Desert Cross via the Cross Trail. Hiking through classic desert terrain, you’ll be rewarded with the view of the 30-foot cross.

Yakima Valley Washington

A desert town in Washington State? Doesn’t sound likely, but in fact Yakima, Washington, presented plenty of tumbling tumbleweeds and sagebrush when early pioneers came upon this area of the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the surrounding Yakima Valley is considered a semi-arid desert. Through ingenuity and hard work, the town was transformed to the city it is today and the area is one of the world’s leading producers of apples and produces a whopping 75% of all the hops grown in the U.S. Not bad for a desert climate! Plan a stay at Leavenworth Tiny House village and take a day trip to Yakima. The Yakima Valley Museum, a hike or bike ride on the Cowiche Canyon Trail, or a tour of the Hop County Craft Beer Trail (putting all the hops to good use) are itinerary options.

Situated in Arizona’s High Desert, part of the Sonoran Desert, Sedona is a great destination any time thanks to its year-round mild climate. Make a tiny house or cabin at Verde Valley your home base as you hike, bike, or horseback ride through the scenic Red Rock State Park. Or maybe take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, which is just over 100 miles from Sedona. Or stay local and visit a spa, enjoy a round of golf, ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, or simply stroll Sedona’s Main Street. Make your friends jealous with your Insta-worth shots from a Boynton Canyon Trail excursion which includes spectacular Subway Cave.

Oddly, an area that is known for its bright lights and late nights is also home to the driest, and smallest, of the four American deserts. Las Vegas is surrounded by the Mojave Desert, which is named after the Mojave Indians. To experience this part of the Mojave, which actually extends through four states, check out Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, home to 4000-year-old petroglyphs, to start. The Petroglyph Trail presents the easiest of the trails to tackle in order to view the petroglyphs. The Valley of Fire is another great spot for petroglyphs and petrified trees dating back some 2000 years. Another Mojave experience could be a visit to Red Rock Canyon, which features a 13-mile, one-way driving option, which can also be enjoyed on bike. Additionally, there are several hiking trails here. Reserve a cozy cabin at Las Vegas RV and you’re all set for a memorable Mohave adventure.

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Winter Plans?

Just as surely as the sun rises, you can guarantee winter comes knocking each year in late-December. And for some who are fortunate to live year-round in areas that don’t really experience winter, it’s just another date on the calendar. But for others, it’s time to head towards the sunshine. And, even if you are lucky enough to live where the sun always shines warmly, a change of scenery is always good to chase away the winter doldrums. Here are a few ideas for fun in the sun winter escapes.

Arizona: If Sedona is your home base, day trips to the Grand Canyon (about a 2-hour drive north), the Phoenix/Scottsdale area (about a 2-hour drive south) and the Petrified Forest National Park (about a 2-hour drive east) are all possibilities. Of course, the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon, but there are other things to do here. There is the 22-mile Desert View scenic drive, wildlife to glimpse, and the Grand Canyon Railway Adventure which is a scenic train ride to the Grand Canyon that originates in Sedona. If you’re a baseball fan, then you’ll be happy come winter when Major League Baseball’s Cactus League begins their games in stadiums in the Phoenix metro area. If you’re not a baseball fan, Scottsdale has plenty of hiking opportunities including Camelback and Pinnacle Peak. Plus, there’s shopping, arts and entertainment, and plenty of good eating to be had here. The Petrified Forest, named for the large amounts of petrified wood found here, is home to the Rainbow Forest Museum and the petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock and may also seem familiar to Clint Eastwood fans as parts of his famous film, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” were shot here. Verde Valley is the place to reserve your winter accommodation where you can choose to day trip or just enjoy the local scene.

California: Rarely, if ever, do California beaches post “Closed for the Season” signs. The ocean water may be colder than most prefer, but the warm California sun is pretty plentiful and of course, anything but mountain snow is rare. Yosemite National Park is less crowded but still just as breathtaking in the winter months, so consider a stay in an ultra-cool yurt at Yosemite Lakes. The Park’s Badger Pass Ski Area offers winter skiing opportunities. Cross off your bucket list item to “stay in a tipi or covered wagon” this winter with reservations for these unique accommodations at Rancho Oso and then explore winter in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Zoo, a mission tour, a visit to the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, or a tour of the local wineries can all add up to winter fun.

Tropical Palms RV Resort
Tropical Palms RV Resort

Florida: Warm days and cool nights give the Florida-bound winter vacationer the best of both worlds. Days are sunny with temps averaging around 70 degrees while nights are sweater-weather worthy with average lows in the ‘50s. The only shovels required during a Florida getaway are those used to build sandcastles on the fabulous beaches around the state that include Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and St. Pete Beach. Consider a trip to the Keys and a stay at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage right on the water at Fiesta Key. On the Atlantic side, visit historic Flagler Beach or enjoy the sights and sounds of Miami. Accommodations at Bulow Village RV Resort and Miami Everglades are great locations for these. Wanna do Disney? Book a stay at Tropical Palms, Lake Magic, or Orlando RV for all things Disney and beyond. Check out petiteretreats.com to find your ideal Florida location.

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Best Coffee Roasters

More than 150,000 Americans do it. It in this case, it refers to drinking coffee – to the tune of 400 million cups a day. And while it is the most popular drink worldwide, if it wasn’t for that nasty tea tax, Americans might be more the tea drinking types. Coffee became popular after that tossing of the tea incident in Boston Harbor and drinking coffee became a sign of loyalty to America.

This September 29, raise your cuppa and toast National Coffee Day by visiting some of these coffee roasters near our Petite Retreats who seem to know what’s best for the bean. Customer reviews rave about the intelligent baristas, the excellent variety, and the tasty pastries.

Madison, Wisconsin: JBC Coffee Roasters, a consistent award-winning roaster, has a mission to provide its coffee drinkers with a “seed to cup experience, honoring everyone involved.” Their location in Madison sells coffee beans and has a tasting table, offering regular coffee and espresso training classes in addition to public cuppings, or tastings, each month, but it is not a coffee café. Instead, you can grab of cup of JBC’s coffee at the Dane County Farmer’s Market in the city’s Capitol Square. They also have a subscription service for shipping beans direct to you.

Capitol Square, Madison, WI.

Portland, Oregon: Heart, with three café locations in the city as well as a roasting facility, was named to bluecart.com’s 2021 list of Top Roasters in the U.S. Roasting coffee since 2009, the owners have built a strong relationship with the growers, traveling to the farms throughout the year, with a goal to build a mutually sustainable business.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Passero’s has been roasting and serving some of the best coffee long before coffee became as trendy as it is today. Since 1990 they have been roasting beans supplied from small, family-owned farms around the world. Passero’s prides themselves on their use of organic beans that are grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or chemicals. 

Seattle, Washington: Visit Elm Coffee Roasters in the city’s Pioneer Square on any given Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday and you can watch the roasting process through giant viewing windows. Pre-Covid, customers could sit at the marble counter and enjoy their coffee but currently it is to-go only. Starting in 2013 by Seattle native Brendan Mullaly, the philosophy at Elm is a simple one – combining great tasting coffee and welcoming service.

Pioneer Square, Seattle, WA.

Santa Barbara, California: Owned and operated by former professional bicycle racers, the two Handlebar Coffee Roasters locations in Santa Barbara have a European feel, as the owners became enamored by the café culture while biking extensively through Europe. After retiring from the racing circuit, they attended the American Coffee & Barista School in Portland, Oregon, and subsequently opened Handlebar in 2013. Today, Handlebar is known for its delicious coffees, pastries, and friendly service and is a destination for visitors and locals alike.

Looking for a coffee roaster near your favorite Petite Retreats location? Check out coffeebeaned.com for a listing of US roasters.

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Day Trippin’

Book at stay at one of our fabulous Petite Retreats and get ready to day trip around these areas where we offer our unique accommodations.

If you’re planning a stay at a cozy cabin at New York’s Lake George Escape or Alpine Lake, day trips can include a visit to Cooperstown or a trip to the state capital, Albany. Cooperstown, which is just about 2 hours from either location, is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Fenimore Art Museum and spectacular Glimmerglass State Park which overlooks beautiful Lake Otsego. Albany, which is less than an hour from either location, offers the grandeur that is the State Capitol building – which was completed in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historic location is the Schuyler Mansion, a Georgian mansion built for Philip Schuyler, a general in the Revolutionary War and a state senator. The home was also the site of the wedding of Schuyler’s daughter Eliza to Alexander Hamilton. Albany is also home to the Irish American Heritage Museum and the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail.

Lake George Escape in Lake George, NY.

Take your pick from cottages and cabins to an ultra-cool tipi or covered wagon accommodation at Rancho Oso and get set to explore beautiful Santa Barbara and the nearby areas. One option for a day trip is Ojai, a lovely laid-back California small town. Less than 40 miles from Santa Barbara, Ojai is a great destination for a little bit of everything. Shopping, dining, mountain trails, and wine tasting are all options for the day. And come sunset – do not miss this experience in Ojai, which is known for its pink sunsets, or as the locals call it, the Pink Moment. A bit further afield, about 2 hours away, is Anaheim. Of course, Anaheim is home to Disneyland Park, the original Disney theme park that opened in 1955, but there’s more than flying elephants and spinning teacups to be found here. The Center Street Promenade is the place to be – if you’re looking to shop, eat, sample craft beer, and browse a farmer’s market. Speaking of eating, the hip Anaheim Packing House Food Hall, located in a former citrus packing facility, has plenty to eat. The Packing District also has merchants and live music events. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire puts you in the perfect location for two very different road trips. Rent a tiny house at Tuxbury and go city or go country with a day trip to Boston or the Canterbury Shaker Village, respectively. Boston is about a 50-minute drive from Tuxbury and provides all the excitement a big city day trip should. Walk the historic Freedom Trail, shop the markets at Faneuil Hall, or enjoy some Italian fare and delicious cannolis in the city’s North End. Stroll through the beauty of the Boston Public Gardens, America’s first botanical garden, or walk through the Boston Common, America’s oldest public park. Canterbury Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark, has restored Shaker buildings, gardens, ponds, and plenty of history. Stroll the grounds, learn about Shaker life, and immerse yourself in this bit of past. There is also a picnic area and hiking trail here. Canterbury is about an hour’s drive from Tuxbury.

George Washington statue (c. 1859) in the public gardens in Boston, MA

Here’s an interesting way to get a few shots in front of the Eiffel Tower without going all the way to Paris, France. Why not go to Paris, Texas instead? If you’re planning a stay in one of the great cabins at Bay Landing, a day trip to Paris, Texas can definitely happen! In just under two hours, you can be taking plenty of Insta-worthy shots standing in front of the Texas version of the famed tower – except this one is topped with a cowboy hat. Only in Texas, right! And of course, when in Paris, wine should be on the menu. While Paris Vineyards is located outside of town, there is a quaint tasting room on the Paris Square offering several wines, including Chardonnay, Vin Blanc, and Tex Red. The Trail de Paris, a three-mile paved trail, is a great place to bike or walk and features a unique hummingbird/butterfly garden.

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5 Things to Do in… Lake George/Upstate New York

In case you might have missed it, there is a whole lot more to New York than New York City. For one thing, head north from The Big Apple and you trade concrete and steel for lots and lots of greenery. There are mountains, lakes and springs, beautiful valleys, and pastoral farmlands. There are charming towns, college towns and towns full of history as New York State was one of the thirteen original colonies. Prior to the arrival of the colonists, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes.

A visit to Upstate New York in the fall means plenty of opportunities for leaf peeping, apple picking and enjoying the great outdoors. Here are a few ideas if you’re planning a trip to the area.

  1. Adirondack Balloon Festival: Celebrating its 48th year, the Adirondack Balloon Festival is not only New York State’s largest hot air balloon festival but is also considered one of the oldest events of its type to take place on the East Coast. This year’s event, while smaller than previous years due to COVID-19 safety aspects, promises to be just as thrilling as ever. The event runs from September 24 through September 26 and each of the days will have spectacular balloon launches. Best of all, this event is free! For more information, visit glensfalls.com/event/adirondack-balloon-festival-61317/.
  1. Take a Trip to Woodstock: The charming mountain town of Woodstock isn’t nearly as crowded with visitors as it was back in August of 1969 when it was the site of a music festival billed as “3 Days of Peace and Music” (and actually the festival was held on a farm outside of the town), and it is still worth checking out. There’s Overlook Mountain with its 4.6-mile moderate hiking trail. There are the museums and galleries along Tinker Street, which pay homage to Woodstock’s original history as an artist’s colony. Plus, Tinker Street also has plenty of shops and eateries. And there’s also the Mower’s Saturday/Sunday Flea Market and the Sunday Farmer’s Market, which both run through October.
  1. Learn Horse Racing History: A visit to historic Saratoga Springs demands a visit to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. The town grew in popularity in the mid-1800s as wealthy Americans made it their summer place thanks to the wealth of mineral springs in the area. The Saratoga Race Course opened in 1863 and still offers a race schedule that runs from July through Labor Day. In addition to the Hall of Fame, which includes jockeys, horses and trainers, the National Museum of Racing has exhibits, artifacts and artwork that detail the history of horse racing.
  1. More Festivals and Fall Fun: In addition to the Balloon Festival, the area also hosts the Lake George Jazz Festival (September 17-19) and the Lake George Oktoberfest and Fall Festival (October 8-10). If you want to get a jump on Halloween scares, check out some of the more “spirited” places in the area including Fort Ticonderoga, where the sound of mysterious footsteps has been noted. Or check out Fort William Henry where phantom bells ringing, marching footsteps and flickering lights have frightened a few, and The Sagamore, where “permanent” guests can be seen floating around.
  1. Apples and Pumpkins: Another favorite fall activity, the area offers several places where you can pick your own apples and find the great pumpkin. Hicks Orchard is one of the oldest u-pick orchards in New York (hicksorchard.com) while Elmms Family Farm (ellmsfarms.com) is a great place for a fall outing with a pumpkin patch and a crazy corn maze.

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Last Call for the Beach

Even if you live in a climate that tends toward warmer fall and winter temperatures, there’s nothing like a beach in the summer. Before the weather changes, make it a point to hit the beach to get in a healthy dose of summer sun and summer fun.

Take in a tiny home at Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire, and you’ll have several beaches upon which to soak up the last days of summer. There are five New Hampshire state beaches (Wallis Sands, Jenness, Hampton, North Beach, and North Hampton). Hampton is probably the most popular with its boardwalk, but Wallis sands offers views of the Isles of Shoals and Jenness is quieter. If these aren’t enough, head over to the nearby beaches in Massachusetts and take in a few more. There’s Plum Island Beach in Newbury that has the added bonus of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, home to over 800 species of birds, plants, and animals. Salisbury Beach State Reservation is a beach contained within a 521-acre park with swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities in addition to the 3.8-mile beach.

Long Beach, Washington, is billed as the world’s longest beach, or so reads the archway that welcomes visitors to this Pacific Coast beach. It is most likely the longest contiguous beach in the US, running 28 miles.  It may very well be one of the US beaches with the most things to do besides just being beachy.  There are many things to see here beside water and sand. There’s a chainsaw art whale sculpture, a half mile boardwalk, bald eagle and golden eagle sightings, and shells and sand dollars. To dos include kite flying, horseback riding, surfing, surf fishing, and catching a glorious sunset or two. Rent a yurt at Long Beach RV & Camping Resort and spend your days at the beach and your nights at camp with us.

Glamping tents at Marina Dunes in Marina, CA

Go glamping and enjoy the beach at all once with a stay at Marina Dunes on California’s Monterey Peninsula. Head down the coast (about 37 miles) and explore Big Sur and the iconic Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand. The beach’s purple streaks come from the manganese garnet deposits that wash down from the surrounding hills. Another highlight of Pfeiffer Beach are the natural arches – of which Keyhole Rock is one of the most photographed. Pfeiffer Beach is best enjoyed from the sand and the ocean waters are known for their strong tides and heavy waves. Nearer to camp is Monterey State Beach or Fort Ord Beach, with its sea lions, seals, and shorebirds.

Although the state is at its hottest during the summer months, the beaches in Florida tend to be less crowded during this season and with an ocean to cool off in, what’s a little heat? An ideal place to soak up some Florida beach time is with a stay at a colorful cottage at Fiesta Key on Long Key or a sweet tiny home at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village on Big Pine Key. Both resorts are fabulous beach locations and have plenty of amenities onsite to enjoy beachside. An added bonus at Sunshine Key is that they have partnered with Keys Boat Tours, a Blue Star Operator, that not only rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, but also runs fishing charters and snorkeling tours opportunities from the resort. Another great beach on Big Pine Key is the beach at Bahia Honda State Park. Smathers Beach on Key West is another highly popular beach and Cannon Beach, found in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located on Key Largo, has remnants of an early Spanish shipwreck just offshore.

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5 Things to Do in… Seattle

Just like the fictional Emerald City discovered by Dorothy Gale when she was blown there by a Kansas tornado, America’s Emerald City is full of wonderous things to see and do. We’re talking about Seattle, Washington, and while you may not find the Wizard, you will find some memorable, one-of-a-kind things. If you’re planning to head to Seattle, book a stay in a nearby cozy cabin or yurt at Chehalis, La Conner, Mt. Vernon, and Tall Chief.

  1. Observe the Absurd: Seattle has plenty of museums, gardens, and parklands, the iconic Space Needle and shopping and eateries, but consider a trip on the wild side and observe these absurd Emerald City attractions. The Fremont Troll, which can be found under the Aurora Bridge, is an 18-foot-high sculpture of a troll made of concrete and wire. Pike Place Market is not only home to the odd tradition of flinging fish, but is also home to the Giant Shoe Museum, which houses a collection of giant shoes, including one worn by Robert Wadlow, considered the tallest man in the world standing at 8’ 11”.
Aurora Bridge in Seattle, WA
  1. Exhibits, Exhibits: Now that museums and other public venues have begun to reopen, see what’s new in Seattle. The Museum of Pop Culture debuted Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume on June 5. The exhibit includes more than 70 original pieces from a sorcerer’s cape to ballgowns to tiaras and one famous glass slipper. The Seattle Art Museum will host “Monet at Etretat” through October 17, which displays works created by Monet when he retreated to the seaside town of Etretat. There are 10 works by Monet as well as 12 works by his contemporaries of the era. An exhibit that “brings to life the genius of Leonardo DaVinci” will be on display at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry through January 2022. A great lesson for all ages as the display is interactive and has life-sized replicas and animated presentations of some of DaVinci’s greatest works.
  1. Outdoor Adventures: There’s hiking, beachcombing, paddling, and more in and around the Seattle area. How about whale watching? Alki Beach is a good spot (note: winter, spring, and fall are the best times to glimpse a whale) and is also known for its great scenic views and the occasional seal pups. Alki Beach is also home to Alki Point Lighthouse which offers tours on Sundays during summer. Hiking at Discovery Park, a 534-acre city park or at Mt. Si, which is considered great for casual hikers, are two options for an outdoor trek. Rent a kayak from the Agua Verde Paddle Club, or opt to take a tour with them, and discover Seattle’s unique houseboat community.
Alki Point Lighthouse in Seattle, WA
  1. Seattle Spirits: Seattle offers several spirits to experience, including those of the paranormal kind. Check out viator.com for several brewery tour options that take you through two of Seattle’s neighborhoods known for brewing including Ballard and Georgetown. Follow the Woodinville Wine Trail that explores four distinct districts in the Sammamish River Valley. There are more than 130 wineries in the area. As for the other-worldly spirits, Seattle offers several ghost tours including the Haunted History Ghost Tours of Seattle, which is owned and operated by experts in the paranormal and occult. Boo!
  1. Chihuly Garden and Glass: Simply put, do not miss this! Featuring the works of famed American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, visitors can view eight galleries of his work as well as marvel at the stunning Glasshouse with its centerpiece – a 100-foot-long suspended glass sculpture that resembles a serpent or an alien. Then there’s the garden with its lush plantings interspersed with more of Chihuly’s amazing pieces.

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Celebrate The Girls with a Getaway

National Girlfriends Day is celebrated August 1 annually. And to be clear, it’s not a celebration of the romantic type, but one for the woman, or women, in your life who are there for you through thick and thin. The ones who show up, the ones who’ve known you since before you were you, and the ones who you may go a long time without seeing and then pick up right where you left off.  If you’re lucky enough to have these kinds of girlfriends in your life, why not celebrate with a girlfriends getaway?

Franklin, Tennessee: While nearby Nashville is also well-suited for a girls trip, Franklin might be a good idea, as well. A little lower key than the neon lights of Nashville, Franklin is great for girl-focused fun, like eating, shopping, cocktailing, and maybe even a walking ghost tour! Book a stay at nearby Natchez Trace RV Campground and you’ll have quick access to Franklin, Nashville, and the surrounding areas. Franklin highlights include the Lotz House Museum, the Franklin Glassblowing Studio, and brunch at The Honeysuckle where you can experience the Biscuit Board, like only the South can offer! More shopping and eating can be found in nearby Leiper’s Fork, anther quaint southern town considered “Nashville’s Backyard,” which is also home to a few celebs. Check out Puckett’s Grocery for great burgers and live music.

Potawatomi State Park

Door County, Wisconsin: Not only is this a great destination because of all the shopping, but the area also offers plenty of outdoor activity to indulge in so everybody gets a little something on a girls getaway here. Get the girls all settled into a cozy cabin at Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort and prepare to explore the Door. Take in a tasting at Hatch Distilling in Egg Harbor which features a craft cocktail menu that changes daily, or hike, bike, or stroll through Potawatomi State Park, which has roughly 20 miles of trails. Speaking of trails, the Door County Wine Trail is also an option. A few don’t miss items are the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and an iconic Door County fish boil.

Tuolumne County, California: Tuolumne County is home to Yosemite National Park, which is in and of itself, an adventure. But there’s also whitewater rafting opportunities, shops, and eateries to try in the area’s several small towns, plus wineries and hiking trails. Start off with a yurt rental at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort and get ready for indoor and outdoor fun, girlfriend-style. Enjoy a two-fer when you visit Gianelli Vineyards Winery that offers fabulous wines as well as live music on Friday and Saturday evenings in a tented venue among the vines! Spend a day or two touring the historic Gold Rush towns that include Groveland, Sonora, and Jamestown. Outdoor fun includes horseback riding, whitewater rafting, panning for gold and exploring the wonders of Yosemite.

Cozy cabin at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort in Groveland, CA

The Adirondacks, New York: Imagine the great photo ops when you gather the girls in the beauty of New York’s Adirondack Region for a getaway. Mountain backdrop: check. Lake backdrop: check! With a vacation cottage rental at Lake George Escape, you’re in the perfect location to see why the Adirondacks are a great place to celebrate girlfriends. Toast to friendship at the Adirondack Winery (there are two tasting rooms – the Lake George Tasting Room and the Bolton Tasting Room). Or, head to Million Dollar Beach, one of the largest beaches in Lake George, and take a few beach shots for the ‘gram. Although it is also the most popular beach, there’s plenty of space at this beautiful 51-acre beach. Girlfriends can appreciate history so head to Fort William Henry, a British fort dating to 1755 or the Chapman Museum in Glen Falls which details the history of the area. End the days with a relaxing sunset or dinner cruise on Lake George.

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