If your happy place is nestled among the trees, then there’s nothing better than the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village for your next vacation destination. Five tiny houses, all with their own individual personalities, await you at this Oregon campground in the picturesque landscape of the Pacific Northwest.
There’s Atticus, complete with modern masculine finishes as the name would imply. Atticus is 178 square feet in size with a full bathroom and kitchen and sleeps 3. He’s quite handsome with his cedar plank siding and black trim.
AtticusAtticus
Lincoln may be more of the hipster in this group sporting red trim siding. Lincoln sleeps 5 in 261 square feet and has a full bathroom and kitchen. He’s also pet-friendly, of course.
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What can we say about Zoe? She’s boho chic with her blue finish accented by white trim. Zoe sleeps 3 and has a full bathroom and kitchen in her cool 196 square feet.
Zoe – Wild & FreeZoe
Savannah is oh so charming with her light yellow cedar plank siding with white trim and red shutters. Savannah’s southern hospitality extends to three guests in her cozy 175 square feet.
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Scarlett, at 233 square feet, is of course easily recognized by her farmhouse red cedar plank siding. Five guests can sleep easily with her double loft, complete with full bathroom and kitchen.
ScarlettScarlett
Each one of these tiny houses at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village offers the perfect, and unique, place to start and end your day when exploring the beauty of the area. The tiny houses are perfectly designed to make you feel that you’re a part of the natural setting while providing all the comforts and accommodations of home.
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Mt. Hood’s must-sees include the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop, historic Timberline Lodge, and the Mt. Hood Skibowl. Mt. Hood must-dos include snowshoeing, winter waterfall hikes, skiing, and snowboarding.
The most important thing about the space you live in, whether it be big or small, is how that space makes you feel. The concept behind the old adage “There’s no place like home” has nothing to do with the dwelling in which you reside or even the place in which that dwelling sits. Instead, it’s all about that home providing a certain feeling to its inhabitants and guests as well – a feeling of belonging, a feeling of well-being and a feeling of being in the right place.
The Danish call that certain feeling hygge (pronounced hue-guh) which can be described as feelings of coziness, charm, happiness, contentedness, security, familiarity, and comfort. The Danish believe that certain things must be present in a home to create hygge and they include little to no clutter, a nook or snuggle spot, an inviting space to gather with friends (a welcoming dining table or seating arrangement), natural light and soft lighting, soft textures, fluffy rugs, and cozy blankets.
Look around your space – do you have any of these? Regardless of the size of your space, all of these are something that can be easily brought in to make your home hygge-worthy.
Whether you’re traveling and staying in cabin or cottage accommodation or taking your own rig on the road, consider making a hygge to-go box that includes things to make your space as comfy and cozy as possible. Pack it all in a handy storage bin (which can double as a clutter holder) and hit the road. Your hygge to-go box should include:
Cozy blankets
Throw pillows in a variety of inviting textures
LED candles for ambient lighting
Family photos and small mementos of favorite trips
A furry throw rug or two
Incense in your favorite memory-evoking scents
Favorite mugs to hold your drink of choice
So there you have it – A simple list to make your space inviting for you and your friends. To read more about hygge, check out “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wikiing. Better yet, read it while enjoying your snuggle spot!
New season, new reason to be your best self ever, but don’t look here for tips on doing that. Instead, we’re going to give you some ideas for your best fall selfie – that is, where to go to get the best backdrop for the perfect post, selfie-style.
Cloud Gate, Chicago, IL: Fall in the Midwest is certainly a colorful adventure, so if you happen to be enjoying the Lake Michigan Circle Tour (a road trip that will take you through Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin) make a detour to the Windy City and take a perfect selfie at the Cloud Gate sculpture, also knowns as the Bean, in Chicago’s Millennium Park.
Arrowhead RV Campground | Wisconsin Dells, WI
Hawk Hill, San Francisco, CA: From September through November, this location outside of San Francisco is the best place to view the raptor migration on a clear day and a perfect spot for a selfie with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background. An added bonus – your furry friend, provided they’re leashed, can also join you in the pic.
Golden Gate Bridge | San Francisco, CA
Covered Bridge Festival, Rockville, IN: The Parke County Covered Bridge Festival is scheduled this year for October 12th through the 21st, and the 31 historic covered bridges of Parke County provide the perfect selfie backdrop.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Miami, FL: Take in the breathtaking beauty of the grounds and gardens before the snowbirds arrive and picture yourself (literally) in the opulence of this Italian Renaissance mansion, which was once the winter home of industrialist James Deering. There’s fountains, statuary, sculpture, orchids (Deering’s favorite) and views of Biscayne Bay that will serve as ideal backdrops for the perfect selfie.
Texas State Fair, Dallas, TX: There are plenty of selfie opportunities at a state fair, but the Texas State Fair is the only place you can take your picture with Big Tex in the background. This 55-foot mechanical cowboy is the perfect companion for your State Fair selfie. Other iconic State Fair selfie companions can include baby livestock and the neon Midway sign.
Bay Landing RV Campground | Bridgeport, TX
Lake Wenatchee, Leavenworth, WA: The reflection of the fall colors against the 489-acre lake is said to be simply spectacular. With 12,000 feet of waterfront views, there are plenty of selfie opportunities among this fall color show. To boot, the charming town of Leavenworth hosts an Autumn Leaf Festival from September 29-30, which will provide even more selfie moments.
Leavenworth Tiny House Village | Leavenworth, WA
New England Fall Foliage: Numerous photo ops await any leaf-peeper as they make their way through the gorgeous fall color display that is New England in autumn. Maine’s quaint Bar Harbor and the adjacent Acadia National Park are the personifications of fall colors as is New Hampshire’s South Hampton thanks to its proximity to the White Mountain Forest. Sorry, even without you in the picture, fall color shots are a must-have!
There’s no doubt about it – any time of year is a great time to visit Santa Barbara. Thanks to its mild climate that boasts a steady mid-70s year-round and the constants of the Santa Ynez Mountains as a backdrop, stunning Pacific Ocean views, and the rich history of this charming town, a visit to Santa Barbara is always a good choice.
But come fall, when the summer crowds have gone, Santa Barbara is still a classic beach town with plenty of events dotting the calendar. Book a stay with us at Rancho Oso RV Resort and mark your calendar for these fun-filled fall events.
Rancho Oso RV Resort | Santa Barbara, CA
On Saturday, September 29, Santa Barbara hosts the second annual California Brew & BBQ Festival! This event features over 50 breweries, cideries, and wineries at an oceanfront venue complete with live music and delicious food. BBQ highlights include a BBQ competition and an appearance by World Champion Pitmaster, Doug Scheiding. Admission includes unlimited tastings and a souvenir tasting glass. Designated drivers can obtain reduced admission tickets. Admission is restricted to those 21 years and older. For more information visit californiabrewfestival.com.
Learn all about the history and architecture of Santa Barbara with an easy walking tour. Every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., you can enjoy a guided tour of the city led by docents of Santa Barbara’s Architectural Foundation. Learn all about the rich architectural history of Santa Barbara and all its amazing architectural detail (think wrought iron, stonework, arched entries and more). Visit afsb.org for more information.
Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Downtown Santa Barbara. Photo courtesy of Visit Santa Barbara by Blake Bronstad.
Foodies should make note of two major events happening this fall in Santa Barbara – the Harbor & Seafood Festival, scheduled for October 13, and the Santa Barbara Chowder Festival, set for October 21. The Harbor and Seafood Festival is all things seafood including lobster, oysters, crab, and albacore with a nod to sustainable harvest. Admission is free and in addition to the seafood, there are a variety of entertaining activities for both adults and children. The Chowder Festival is a friendly competition for the bragging rights of the best chowder. Proceeds benefit the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara and event-goers can also enjoy tastings from area wineries, live music, and of course, chowder!
Rancho Oso RV Resort | Santa Barbara, CA
Make Rancho Oso RV Resort your home base as you enjoy America’s Riviera, aka Santa Barbara, and take it one step further by booking one of the resort’s cozy cabins or one-of-a-kind covered wagon. The resort’s location is another plus to a Santa Barbara stay – Rancho Oso is bordered by the Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Ynez River and offers guided horseback riding and hiking adventures onsite.
The fall leaves crunching beneath your boots as you search for the perfect pumpkin in the patch.Getting an eyeful of magnificent changing colors as you drive the winding roads beneath the forest trees. The crisp air greets you as you step outside onto the porch of your cozy cabin before heading out to taste cider donuts and hike the trails. If there’s anywhere that just exemplifies everything awesome about that precious time between hot summers and frigid winters, it’s Wisconsin, the place for the ultimate fall getaway! Check out some of our favorite excursions below…
Apple & Pumpkin Picking at Country Bumpkin Farm; Open April until Oct 31
Visit the Country Bumpkin Farm for a classic fall excursion! The Country Bumpkin Farm is a family-owned farm in the Wisconsin Dells with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. The farm is open from April until the end of October for guests to visit the petting zoo or pick the best apples and pumpkins of the season to make favorite recipes. They also host a variety of seasonal events like special moonlight hayrides in October and “u-pick” berries in the summer. The Country Bumpkin Farm also has a wide variety of seasonal produce available daily at their store! In September, you can pick up a variety of different peppers, potatoes, squash, and more. For more information about the Country Bumpkin Farm visit countrybumpkinfarm.com.
Yurt Interior, Tranquil Timbers | Door County, WI
Leaf-Peeping Along Door County Coastal Byway
There are plenty of ways to see the fall foliage in Wisconsin – it’s some of the most beautiful in the country! Hop in your car and drive along the Door County Coastal Byway, which stretches over 66 miles on the Door Peninsula, from the City of Sturgeon Bay from Highway 57 down south to Highway 42. As you drive along, expect to see beautiful scenic vistas of Lake Michigan, Green Bay, and the Niagara Escarpment bluffs. Forests, wide open farmlands, and quaint villages situated on the shore. Lighthouses, parks, plus plenty of places to stop and shop, experience live music or theater, hiking trails, golf courses, and much more! Whether you just drive out to leaf-peep and take photos of the foliage, or stop to explore, the highway driving in Wisconsin is a fall season experience not to be skipped.
Fruit Wines & Fall Festivals at Lautenbach’s Orchard Country
Get a taste of something different when you visit Lautenbach’s Orchard Country. This family-owned winery and market in Door County offer specialty foods and over 30 styles of wine made from the fruits grown at the farm. In the fall, visitors from all over come to Lautenbach’s to taste the fruit wines and eat the apple cider donuts! Lautenbach’s also hosts special seasonal festivals to celebrate the seasonal fruit and enjoy the outdoors. This year’s Fall Harvest Fest takes place on Saturday, September 22, 2018, and features free guided winery tours, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, apple picking, apple cider donut eating contest, and more! Be sure to dress warmly for the Winter Wine & Cherry Fest on February 2, 2019, where you can enjoy lots of wine and food tastings, and horse-drawn sleigh rides to really get in the winter spirit. Visit orchardcountry.com for more information.
Cozy Cabins at Yukon Trails | Lyndon Station, WI
Navigating a Corn Maze at Treinen Farm
It’s not really Fall in the midwest without navigating your way out of a corn maze! Visit Treinen Farm, a working 200-acre farm with an award winning 15-acre corn maze! Every year is a different theme for the maze, and this year’s theme is “The Elephant’s Child,” which is based on a tale written by Rudyard Kipling. This farm also grows hay, soybeans, corn, and pumpkins. Treinen Farm also hosts private events, and special events like the Zompocalypse – a zombie-themed evening where participants are encouraged to dress up as zombies or come as a “human survivor” in the “zombie-infested cornfield.” Be sure to visit their pumpkin patch as well! Visit treinenfarm.com for more information.
While you’re leaf-peeping and apple-picking, stay in a cozy cabin at one of our Petite Retreats locations in Wisconsin:
Color is always in season at Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida thanks to the variety of colorful cottages they offer as the perfect accommodation for a fun fall getaway to the Sunshine State. Come and pick your favorite color and enjoy the resort’s amenities, peaceful vibes, and all the nearby Kissimmee and Orlando attractions.
Tropical Palms Resort | Kissimmee, Florida
Fall is a great time of year to enjoy the Orlando theme parks as they go into Halloween-mode with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select evenings through October 31) and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (select nights through November 3).
After getting some culinary inspiration at Epcot’s 23rd International Food and Wine Festival (through November 12) come back and cook up something in your cottage’s full kitchen, another great amenity found in the Tropical Palms unique retreats.
Enjoy an evening movie at Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, a new nighttime event that shows movies at the theme park’s lagoon. Or stay home and see what’s playing at Tropical Palm’s popular Dive-In movie nights. Whichever you choose, your cottage’s private deck offers the perfect spot for an al-fresco, after-event film discussion.
Tropical Palms Resort | Kissimmee, Florida
If sporting events are the motivator for your Florida fall getaway, Tropical Palms is a little over an hour from Tampa Bay, home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and just 30 minutes from Amway Center, home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Or, get some friendly competition going at Tropical Palms’ horseshoes pits, bocce, and shuffleboard courts.
A variety of colors, a variety of floor plans, a variety of things to do – Tropical Palms is just what you need to add a splash of color and fun to your fall getaway.
A getaway to Verde Valley RV Resort in Cottonwood, Arizona, is actually like experiencing multiple vacations at once.
Let’s say you like the mountains but your traveling companions might be looking for more of desert locale. Or, they want secluded and you want plenty of activity. Or, they want to stay in a rustic cabin and you want a cozy cottage. Maybe everyone thinks a tiny home is a perfect option. There are so many choices but just one answer: Verde Valley RV Resort. Here’s why…
Mountains? Yes,Verde Valley RV Resort is surrounded by mountains – namely Red Rocks to the north, Mingus Mountains to the west and the Hackberry Mountains to the south. And, the mountains are situated in the high desert of Arizona.
Desert? You got it. The Sonoran desert offers plenty of canyons, butte and pine forests, and plenty of hiking, birding, and breathtaking scenery.
Sedona, AZ
Secluded? Yes, Verde Valley, only 30 minutes from Sedona, provides the feeling of a relaxing oasis thanks to the surrounding mountains and desert landscape. Take a hike in Red Rock Country and we guarantee you’ll feel like it’s just you and nature out there – no lines, no crowds, just peace, quiet and an unmatched vista.
Tiny House Rose, Verde Valley RV Resort
Activity? Yes, you can kayak the nearby Verde River, play a round of bocce ball without even leaving the resort, take a Jeep tour in the desert or drive into Sedona and enjoy the unique shops and galleries.
Cabin? Cottage? Tiny Home? Yes, yes, and yes! Verde Valley RV Resort has a variety of accommodations. Cabins with stunning canyon views and covered porches, complete with kitchenette and flat-screen TVs; cottages with private bedrooms, full-sized refrigerators, and flat-screen TVs; and Finn and Rose, two of the most adorable tiny houses you’ll ever meet that offer all the amenities in the coziest of spaces!
Verde Valley RV Resort
So you see – one location covers all the bases when it comes to variety in a vacation. Verde Valley RV Resort is basically one-stop shopping for a dream vacation where everyone ends the day with a big smile and a check mark in the “satisfied” box!
Thinking about an East Coast adventure? Planning to take a few selfies with a rugged coastline or towering pine trees as your backdrop? We’ve got the perfect trip if you’re planning to head east! Autumn is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to visit the East Coast catch those beautiful fall colors bursting from the trees and breath in the crisp air.
Start your trip off in Bar Harbor, Maine where you have your choice of several locations for a Petite Retreat. Both Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too offer cozy cabins which provide the perfect setting for a New England retreat. Both locations are conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Bar Harbor and only 10 minutes from Acadia National Park.
Narrows Too RV Campground, Trenton, ME
Enjoy Acadia’s Night Sky Festival which runs from September 5 to September 9 at Acadia National Park. Five days of events in the area include a Star Party on Cadillac Mountain and a Bioluminescent Night Paddle, plus live music, poetry readings, and plenty of stargazing events. Mt. Desert Narrows RV Resort practically sits next to Acadia National Park, so it is the perfect destination if this is your go-to event for this area. Narrows Too RV Resort is just a short drive from Acadia National Park, as well!
Acadia Night Sky Festival, Sept. 5-9, 2018, Acadia National Park
The town of Bar Harbor always has something going on from sunup to sundown – there’s yoga by the bay, maritime history walks, concerts on the Green, and evening ghost tours.
To capture those perfect New England selfies, take a stroll along Shore Path, a half-mile trek along a man-made seawall that provides scenic ocean views.
Waves crash against the shore at Acadia National Park
Drive south from Bar Harbor and in a little over four hours you’ll be in South Hampton, New Hampshire – home to Tuxbury Pond RV Resort and their super adorable tiny houses. These five tiny houses, Emerson, Henry, Clara, Riley, and Murphy, offer a unique home base while you enjoy your New England experience. Tuxbury Pond RV Resort is aptly named as it is situated on the shores of tranquil Tuxbury Pond, which straddles the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border. Tuxbury Pond also offers cozy cabins as well as tent camping and RV sites.
Tuxbury Tiny House Village, South Hampton, NH
The quaint towns of North and South Hampton offer unique shopping opportunities and South Hampton is home to Jewell Towne Vineyards, New Hampshire’s oldest vineyard that offers tastings and tours. The 17th Annual Newburyport Riverfront Music Festival, scheduled for September 1, is free, open to the public, and less than ten miles from Tuxbury Pond! There are also plenty of beaches in the area so you can get in your last summer hurrah in the sand. Check out hamptonbeach.org for a listing of beaches.
Also, don’t forget the fall colors appear earlier in New England so if you plan your trip just right, you will take away memories of one of nature’s most spectacular art shows! More selfies, please!
When you stay at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground, you’ll experience an authentic outdoor vacation just outside of the iconic Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Lakes RV Campground is 400 acres of majestic natural settings with plenty of woods, water, and mountains to explore. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River runs through the campground and is the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, and even panning for gold!
Yurt at Yosemite Lakes, Oregon House, CA
One of the best ways to experience the adventurous and rugged lifestyle of Yosemite is to stay in a yurt. Yosemite Lakes RV Campground offers three different styles of yurts for guests. So whether you have one person or five people in your group, there is a yurt for you!
The River Yurts sleep five people and have outstanding views of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. Outfitted with a queen futon, a bunk bed, and a private bathroom and shower, these yurts offer the feeling of being immersed in nature without sacrificing the comforts of home. River Yurts also include gas BBQ grills on the deck, fire rings, and picnic tables.
The Hillside Yurts are set amidst a backdrop of towering trees and comfortably sleep four people in a queen-size bed and double futon. This yurt feels particularly spacious with the inclusion of a three-piece bathroom suite with a shower and a kitchenette that is fully furnished with an apartment sized refrigerator, two-burner gas stove top, and a dining table that seats four. Outside, a porch with a gas grill and nearby picnic table and fire ring will have you wanting to grill out every night!
The Meadow Yurts at Yosemite are just a stone’s throw from the river and can sleep up to 5 people. Each one of our Meadow Yurts has a private bathroom with a shower, so you’ll always have an opportunity to clean up after a long day of adventure at Yosemite National Park! All bedding and linens are included in these yurts, which adds an extra convenience for weary travelers. BBQ grills, fire rings, and picnic tables are also included. Have a pet? Pets are welcome in these yurts for an additional fee. See our policies page for other information about pets in our rentals.
By Dave from San Jose, CA, USA (Vernal Falls @ Yosemite National Park) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia CommonsGet inspired to stay with Petite Retreats today!
Whether you yearn for a yurt, have tiny house dreams, or maybe a camper of your own, space is always at a premium when you’re enjoying the outdoor lifestyle. The items you choose to bring must be compact or have multiple functions to save space and make packing it a no-brainer. We found a few items that not only provide the comforts of home but are multi-functional as well. These are perfect for a space-saving enthusiast (or future tiny houser)!
This hot, new item is taking the market by storm thanks to its multi-functionality. You can take foods from frozen to ready to eat in less than an hour, make overnight oats or hard-boiled eggs, bake a potato or a chocolate cake, make rice, steam veggies, and more. Plus, it doesn’t put off too much heat so it doesn’t warm up your tiny space!
If you’re a coffee drinker these days, you’re not going to trade flavor for convenience when you’re camping. A fresh cup of joe in the outdoors should still taste exactly like your favorite morning brew at home. Enter the Stanley Cook + Brew Set which can be used on a camp stove or over an open flame. It’s also useful for heating up other liquids and boiling water.
When it comes to multi-function, the Courant 3-in-1 Multifunction Toaster Oven is hands down the winner. It combines a toaster oven, coffee maker, and griddle into one and measures only 11.73 inches high x 20.32 inches wide x 11.75 inches deep. Weighing less than 13 pounds and retailing for under $60 makes sure this handy piece makes the trip!
