Petite Retreats | Petite Retreater

Hike and Yurt – Our Favorite Four-Letter Words!

Yurt at Mount Vernon RV Campground, Bow, WA We’ve detailed the benefits of camping in our yurts many times – spacious yet comfortable, close to nature yet shielded from the elements, and, they are ready and waiting so you can get camping the minute you arrive at your destination!

We’ve also detailed the benefits of hiking many times – regularly hiking lowers your risk of heart diseases, lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels, boosts bone density, strengthens your core and elevates your mood.

Combine all those benefits and it’s no wonder Hike and Yurt are some our favorite four-letter words. Toss in our Washington yurt accommodations and the benefits multiply as the state is home to five different locations that offer yurt lodging and all offer proximity to hiking trails that can’t be beat.

Grandy Creek RV Campground (Concrete): The Cascade Trail Head is an easily-accessible, 22.5-mile trail that runs along the Skagit River Valley with farmland and wildlife views. It is crushed stone and gravel and fairly level and there are some benches along the way for resting. A highlight is the historic Henry Thompson Bridge at trails’ end in Concrete. At the time it was completed in 1918, it was the largest single span cement bridge in the world. The bridge is now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Long Beach RV & Camping Resort, Seaview, WA

Long Beach RV Campground (Seaview): AllTrails.com lists 11 hiking trails in Cape Disappointment State Park, which is just a five-minute drive from the campground, or a 15-minute bike ride via the Discovery Trail. Most of 11 trails listed with AllTrails are rated easy to moderate so everyone can enjoy the hike. The Bells’ View Overlooks Trail (0.5 miles) is rated for all hikers and offers beautiful views of the wildflowers and the bay. The Discovery Trail itself is 14 miles roundtrip, and takes hikers over the sand dunes via the boardwalk, provides views of the ocean and even a sculpture of William Clark, for whom the trail is named, along with his travel companion, Meriwether Lewis!

Mount Vernon RV Campground (Bow): The Padilla Bay Shore Trail takes you along the bay where the Skagit River meets the Salish Sea and makes it one of the most diverse and biologically productive of the major estuaries on the Puget Sound. It is a 2.25-mile trail that can be easily trekked. Binoculars are a must!

Paradise RV Campground (Silver Creek): One of the stars here is the Skagit River Valley – an opportunity to explore the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperature rain forests in the US, via a hike along the Hoh River Trail. Mt. St. Helens National Monument is another opportunity for hiking as it offers more than 200 miles of trails that offers views of wildflowers, mountains, lakes and even the devastation caused by the 1980 eruption.

Yurt at Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort, Fall City, WA

Tall Chief RV Campground (Fall City): April to October is the best time to take a hike and view the beauty of Snoqualmie Falls, which is less than four miles from the campground. Of course, the highlight here is the 268-foot waterfall and good to note, it’s an easy hike for everyone. Sit on the rocks near the base of the falls and take in another great show from Mother Nature. Take a longer drive (about 40 miles) and explore a more difficult trail at the Lake Lilian Trail, an 8-mile trail that is a favorite of birders!

Book your Hike/Yurt summer adventure today – go to the petiteretreats.com/accomodations_yurts and get moving!

Boston Calling

Making New England your summer retreat this summer? If so, take note of some the events going on in and near Boston this summer.

Boston Calling – it’s not just the title of this piece, but also a 3-day music festival in Boston scheduled for May 24-26, that also features comedy performances as well. This year’s musical lineup includes artists Tame Impala, Jack White, Brandi Carlisle, The Killers, Khalid and Portugal the Man to name a few, while the comedy lineup includes Jenny Slate, Fred Armisen and Michael Che. The event is held at the Harvard Athletic Complex in nearby Allston. For a full lineup and ticket information visit www.bostoncalling.com.
Boston Dragon Boat Festival – the first and oldest festival of its type in the US, this event brings over 70 teams from around the country and world to compete in a 500-meter race along the banks of the Charles River as each team commands their own 39-foot Hong Kong-style Dragon Boat. The festival itself is full of fun for the whole family with cultural events, food, vendors and more. The 40^th Annual Dragon Boat Festival takes place June 8-9.
North Star Pro Rodeo – while you really wouldn’t associate a rodeo with Massachusetts, you will have an opportunity to change that with a visit to the North Star Pro Rodeo held in Marshfield on June 22-23. Like any other rodeo, you can expect bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and more rodeo fun. For details, visit www.marshfieldfair.org.
Boston Pops July Fourth – this annual extravaganza has Boston Pops Conductor, Keith Lockhart, joined by some pretty popular guest stars, as he conducts the music of America to celebrate our country’s birthday! The concert and spectacular fireworks display should be on everyone’s bucket list. Why not check it off your list this summer? For information, visit www.bostonpopsjuly4th.org.
Boston Seafood Festival – as they say, when in Rome, except in this case, when in Boston, don’t miss the seafood! This festival provides the perfect chance to eat lobster and clams and whatever else they dish up. Held on the historic Boston Fish Pier, this year’s event is set for Sunday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be chef demos, a fish cutting demonstration, a lobster bake, clambakes, Battle of the Shuckers and a beer garden.

Boston highlights also include: The Freedom Trail, a walking path through the city with historical markers that document events of the Revolutionary War; Faneuil Hall, a meeting hall and market place originally built in 1742 and restored in 1976 to become one of Boston’s most visited places thanks to its mix of markets, food vendors and street entertainers; Boston North End, the city’s Little Italy neighborhood, containing some of the oldest buildings in the city – just a short walk from downtown Boston, the food and baked goods make it worth the trip; and Fenway Park, home to the 2018 World Series Champions, the Boston Red Sox. Take in a game, see what the Green Monster is all about and decide for yourself whether there’s a repeat brewing!

Reserve a stay at New Hampshire’s Tuxbury Pond or Pine Acres or Gateway to Cape Cod in Massachusetts which are all conveniently about an hour’s drive away from the city. Visit PetiteRetreats.com to plan your trip to explore one of the oldest cities in the US.

Nestled in New York

Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground, Diamond Point, NY

Nestled in New York

Does your idea of the perfect summer vacation include a cozy cabin in the woods, complemented by the perfect lake for lazing by or playing in, all surrounded by towering trees and majestic mountains? If that fits your bill, don’t wait to book a stay in one of the cabins at Lake George Escape or Alpine Lake, both located in New York’s incomparable Adirondack region.

Lake George Escape, located in Diamond Point, sits on 178 acres and has direct access to the Schroon River. With four cabins to choose from (one sleeps 4, one sleeps 5 and two sleep 6), this is the place to enjoy an idyllic summer getaway. Amenities vary from cabin to cabin but all promise to be the perfect place to spend your summer at the lake. The campground also has two pools, a playground and of course access to the lake.

Cabins at Alpine Lake RV Resort, Corinth, NY

The cabins at Alpine Lake RV Campground, located in Corinth, sleep 6 and have full bathrooms and kitchens complete with refrigerator, stove, microwave, as well as AC and heat. The resort has fishing available in the stocked lock and plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore.

Nearby to both campgrounds, there is plenty to keep you busy this summer. While there are certainly “inside” things to see and do, the focus here is enjoying the outdoors. There are hiking trails, rafting and tubing trips, scenic boat rides and lots of fishing.

From a history buff’s perspective, there’s Grant Cottage State Historic Site, in Wilton, where Ulysses S. Grant spent the last days of his life writing his memories and where for years Civil War veterans trekked to pay homage to our 18^th president and Civil War General. Another top historic attraction is Lake George Battlefield Park, a 35-acre park that preserves battle sites from both the French & Indian War and the Revolutionary War.

Both the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) and the Adirondack Theater Festival (AFT) have a lot to offer this summer season. The AFT, located in Glen Falls, produces a nine-week summer theater schedule and this summer’s shows include Alice in Wonderland, Calling All Kates, a romantic musical comedy and The Enlightenment of Percival Von Schmootz, a musical comedy billed as Monty Python meets the Dark Ages. Check out this summer’s lineup at www.atfestival.org.

SPAC runs the gamut of entertainment genres from live big-name concerts including the Dave Matthews Band and Dead and Company to opera, ballet, and theater productions. A full calendar of events can be found at www.spac.org.

Special events to note include the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, June 29-30, at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in Lake George, that will showcase 120 wine vendors, craft beverages, artisan foods, food trucks, and vendors. For information on that event, visit www.adkwinefest.com. Come fall, when the color show of autumn makes its debut here, the Adirondack Balloon Festival draws more than 150,000 people to this event to watch the hot air balloons soar into the mountain skies. That event is set for September 19-22 in Queensbury.

Pick your events, pack your bags and book your cabin for a tranquil, yet cultured, lazy, yet, sporty and definitely all kinds of fun summer in the Adirondacks. Go to www.PetiteRetreats.com.

Spring Break in Orlando & Kissimmee

Looking for a way to get away this spring? Look no further than Orlando & Kissimmee, Florida! While the Orlando & Kissimmee areas are known for the theme parks, there’s so much more to explore in this area. Here are some of our favorite ways to explore the region in the spring!

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

Until June 3, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival brings the kind of joy only spring can bring! During the International Flower & Garden Festival, Epcot is positively bursting with all the colors of the rainbow from over “30 million blooms.” While the flowers and garden displays are certainly the main events, this year’s 25th annual festival also features concerts, special programs and demonstrations, new topiaries and gardens, food specials, and more! Admission to the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is included in your day pass for Walt Disney World®. Be sure to visit the Epcot website for more information: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/

Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is a perfect daytime excursion while enjoying spring break in Orlando. Located in downtown Orlando, you’re in the heart of it all with lots of shops, restaurants, and bars to check out. Here, you can rent a swan-shaped paddle boat, see a concert at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre; or just relax amid the flower beds while gazing on the view of Orlando’s skyline! Remember to also check out the sculptures installed around the park by the nonprofit, See Art Orlando. These outdoor public sculptures serve to “enlighten and enrich” the park and the lives of park visitors. For more information about Lake Eola Park, visit orlando.gov.

Ziplining Safari

Take a zip line adventure in Kissimmee! Zip across the treetops at 25 miles an hour at Forever Florida’s Zipline Safari! Thrill seekers of all ages can strap on a helmet and swoosh across the treetops for a sensational activity you won’t soon forget! Forever Florida also offers other outdoor excursions like horseback riding and a trail buggy. For more information and to book an excursion, visit foreverflorida.com.

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld®

Eat your way around the world when you visit SeaWorld until May 5! Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, visitors can sample over 180 international cuisines and a huge collection of beer, wine, and spirit selections from around the world! This year, the festival has become even bigger and more diverse with new markets like Italian, Vegan, and Caribbean, and a lineup of live performances featuring bands from many genres like Latin, rock, country, and more! Just make sure to purchase a Specialty Dining Pass along with your general admission to SeaWorld® or visit seaworld.com.

Stay & Play at Tropical Palms RV Resort

Located in Kissimmee, Florida, Tropical Palms RV Resort is a hidden gem set on 69 beautiful sun-kissed acres that are perfect for your Orlando vacation getaway, especially for spring break! Approximately 4 miles from Walt Disney World Resort, 11 miles from the Orange County Convention Center, and within walking distance from Old Town and Fun Spot, Tropical Palms RV Resort is the perfect home base for your spring break adventures.

The colorful and spacious vacation cottages at Tropical Palms are a favorite accommodation option for guests! Complete with private deck, full kitchen, flat-screen TV, sleeper sofa, and available in a variety of floor plans to accommodate any size group! If you want to bring a furry family member, Tropical Palms also has pet-friendly cottages available.

When you choose one of these spacious private cottages or RV sites, you will have access to the Tropical Palms pool, café, shuffleboard, bocce ball, horseshoes, live entertainment, social events, on-site laundry, and much more. Tropical Palms RV Resort makes for the perfect Central Florida spring break getaway!

Make your reservations today and learn more on petiteretreats.com

Movie Locations Near Petite Retreats!

From old Hollywood westerns to horror films, many movies are filmed on location. For your next stay at a Petite Retreat, check out some iconic locations of some of your favorite films. There are many more than this list, so share with us your favorite places to visit that are the backdrop to some of Hollywood’s most famous scenes in the comments!

Old Hollywood Westerns – Pioneertown, CA

Founded by a group of Hollywood investors in the mid-1940s, Pioneertown was built to be a movie set worth visiting. Over 50 movies were filmed here including ones that starred some of its founders like Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, but it also had things for visitors to do like bowling alleys, saloons, and ice cream parlors. While movies aren’t filmed here anymore, Pioneertown sees plenty of visitors each year who come to catch mock-gun fights, see live music at world-famous Pappy & Harriet’s, and get a taste of what the old west was like. Or perhaps even, what the old Hollywood version of the old west was like!

Pioneertown is about a 45 to 60-minute drive from Palm Springs RV Resort. Visit the Colorful Cottages at Palm Springs RV Resort.

Rocky – Philadelphia, PA

If you’ve seen the movie, Rocky, or even if you haven’t, you know the iconic training montage of Rocky Balboa as he runs up the 72 stone steps that lead to the Philadelphia Art Museum. He reaches the top and throws his fists in the air and he is ready to enter the boxing match that will change his life forever. You too can huff and puff your way up the steps to the museum and remember to take a photo when you get to the top – the view of the City of Brotherly Love from the museum is spectacular.

Spring Gulch RV Campground is about an hour drive to Philadelphia, PA.

Hocus Pocus – Salem, MA

This cult classic film starring Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy may have debuted over 25 years ago, but the film is still beloved by so many. Every year, lovers of this classic Halloween film head to Salem to visit some of the main haunts of the film. Visit the Old Town Hall on Essex Street where the Halloween party scene takes place; or Salem Common, where many of the outdoor scenes were filmed and is also where Hocus Pocus is screened every year in October!

Tuxbury Pond RV Resort, home to the Tuxbury Tiny House Village, is about a 45-minute drive from Salem, MA.

Pet Sematary – Bangor, ME & Hancock, ME

Whether you’re a lover of horror fiction or not, Stephen King is one of those infamous names linked to horrifying stories and films. Maine is where many of King’s frightening stories take place including one of his most beloved, Pet Sematary. The 1989 movie was filmed mostly in the towns of Hancock and Bangor. In one of the scenes, King makes a cameo as a minister presiding over a funeral, and filming of this scene took place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor, ME. The famous red-roofed, yellow house from the film can be seen from the street in Hancock, ME.

From Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort, Hancock, ME is about 25 minutes; and about an hour drive from Bangor, ME.

Make your reservations for your next getaway at a Petite Retreats location, today!

Glamping in Style with Petite Retreats!

Thanks to the advent of “glamping,” more and more people are catching the camping bug. And, because glamping made alternatives to tent camping cool, camping is no longer just a warm-weather getaway option. With glamping becoming trendier, accommodations like yurts, cabins, and tiny houses are now sought after options, compared to the more traditional, yet weather-dependent tent and all the outdoor accoutrements associated with camping.

Glamping options like tiny houses have all the amenities of a hotel while also providing the cozy, communing with nature feeling campers seek. Cottages and cabins can range from rustic to well-outfitted yet still maintain that same “one with nature” atmosphere provided by the camping cottages and cabins of yesteryear. Yurts offer a unique way to spend time among nature in a setting that is both cozy and spacious all at once.

Whether you’re looking for a wintery glamping experience filled with hot cocoa and activities bouncing around in the snow, or escaping the cold until the winter in the North is over, there are plenty of options ready and waiting to help make your glamping dreams come true with Petite Retreats!

Is the Pacific Northwest calling your name this season? Check out the Tiny House Villages in Leavenworth, Washington, or Welches, Oregon. The Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches sits amid all the winter sports activities in the area and is also close to Portland so you can get your big city fix when you’re done playing in the snow.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village has the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains (and all the snow fun that comes with it) and is, of course, is just a few miles from the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth, where you may just feel like you went to sleep in Washington and woke up in Germany!

There are also yurts at Bend-Sunriver in Oregon, the aforementioned Mt. Hood, and several Pacific Coast locations from Washington on down through Oregon. Cabins can be found in California, Oregon, and Texas. And, if you insist on spending winter on the beach, colorful cottages in Florida beckon you to locations that include the Florida Keys and centrally-located Kissimmee.

Florida speaks for itself in terms of fun and sun. Kissimmee offers perfect proximity to all the theme parks and the Keys are as close as you can get to a tropical adventure without leaving the U.S. So, enjoy a cottage in the sun and go glamping the Sunshine State.

Pick a yurt and enjoy a stay at Tall Chief RV Resort in Fall City, Washington, which is less than a half hour outside of Seattle. Or, choose a cozy cabin at Pacific City RV Resort in Cloverdale, Oregon, and enjoy winter hiking in Cape Meares State Park. Try out staying in a cabin “Cali-style” and book a stay at Rancho Oso RV Resort, located just outside the charming city of Santa Barbara. Enjoy “America’s Riviera” as Santa Barbara is known, and take in the history, culture, arts, and local wineries.

Get your winter glamping groove on while you can! Petite Retreats provides you with lots of variety in your choice of destination, or destinations if you’ve got the time. So, get going and get glamping!

Visit petiteretreats.com to find your perfect winter glamping getaway.

Yurt Stays with Petite Retreats

As the saying goes, “there’s no place like home,”so it would be fitting if you chose to spend a winter getaway in a yurt, which means “home” in Mongolian. Now add in some California sunshine and you’ve got a delightful mix that combines for a memorable trip. Book a stay at one of the yurts at Lake of the Springs RV Resort in Oregon House, California, and you’re on the road to a cozy, homey retreat.

There’s plenty of neat things about yurt camping. First, there’s no extra gear and no set up required. Simply open the door and explore the roomy yurt. Thanks to its circular design, the yurt provides plenty of living and sleeping space. And when we say sleeping space, we don’t mean space for your typical camping bedroll, but a real bed (sometimes a bunk bed)! This is the true definition of glamping. As for the living space, many yurts at our Petite Retreats locations have refrigerators, microwave ovens, kitchen tables and a furnished seating area for relaxing. The yurts also have outside decks that provide more space for fun and activities. Best of all, the yurts have heat so your winter getaway will be warm and cozy, for sure!

Children fishing at Lake of the Springs RV Resort

As for location, Lake of the Springs is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains and the towering pines and 120-acre lake add to the resort’s charm. The cozy lodge is the perfect spot to enjoy some social time and to enjoy the magnificent views of nature through floor to ceiling windows. The resort has shuffleboard and horseshoes, tennis and pickleball courts, a game room with a billiards table, and other sporting options including volleyball, basketball, and mini-golf. The lake in winter can be used for canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddling. Hiking trails round out the wonderful recreation opportunities at Lake of the Springs.

For more outdoor adventure, check out the Sutter Buttes, outside nearby Yuba City. The Buttes have actual eroded lava domes, formed more than a million years ago, that rise above the area’s flat plains. They are often called the smallest mountain range in the world. You can explore the buttes via car, bicycle, or on foot with an interpretive hike.

A unique destination is the Bok Kai Temple in Marysville. During the Gold Rush Days, the Chinese came to the area to work the mines and erected the first temple in 1854 on the banks of the Yuba River. The location of the temple provided the name, Bok which means north, and Kai, which means stream: Temple of the North Side of the Stream. The exterior grounds contain a garden and beautiful pagoda. It’s a must-see for architecture and history buffs.

For the best of winter activities, head to Tahoe National Forest with its miles and miles of trails for cross-country skiing. Downhill skiers can hit the slopes at many nearby ski resorts including Tahoe Donner and Squaw Valley Resort, host to the 1960 Winter Olympics. Check out the Olympic Museum if you’re visiting Squaw Valley.

We’ve got yurt next adventure lined up! Visit PetiteRetreats.com to book your next adventure, today!

Winter in Sedona: Sixties, Sunny, and Styling

It doesn’t matter which season you visit Sedona because the magic of the desert and the Red Rocks is there year round. However, if you’re more of a cooler weather person, winter is the best time because the average temperature is around 60 degrees, which makes any outdoor activity enjoyable.

Another thing you will find enjoyable in Sedona is accommodation options at Verde Valley in Cottonwood. Just as unique as the Red Rock formations that dot the Sedona desert, your accommodations at this conveniently located resort are unique as well. Cabins, cottages and the oh-so-trendy tiny homes are available options at Verde Valley.

Rose, Tiny House, Verde Valley RV Resort

Cabins are complete with a kitchenette, flat screen TVs and covered porches while the cottages have private bedrooms, full-sized refrigerators, and flat-screens, too. You certainly wouldn’t be roughing it while taking in the beauty Sedona has to offer! Or, opt to be a trendsetter and choose from one of two tiny houses, Finn or Rose, and enjoy big-time amenities in small-space sizes. While the hospitality of the resort and the cozy charm of your choice of accommodation may find you not wanting to leave “home,” don’t miss everything that makes Sedona, and the surrounding area, so magical.

Take a trip up into the mountains and explore Jerome, a charming ghost town that was once a booming mining town. Stop in at the Douglas Mansion which serves as the history museum for the town and learn all about Jerome. There’s also the Sliding Jail, an actual Jerome jail that slid 225 feet downhill due to the land shifting from so many mining shafts in the area. Jerome also has some neat restaurants, shops, and even a winery.
Tuzigoot National Monument and Montezuma Castle National Monument are where you will find well-preserved dwellings used by the Sinagua people almost a thousand years ago. In 1906, Montezuma Castle was one of the first four National Monuments designated by President Theodore Roosevelt.

Another interesting way to get some historical insight into this area is the Verde Valley Archaeology Center and Museum which is dedicated to preserving artifacts and archeological sites of the area. Visit verdevalleyarchaeology.org to learn more.

If you’re planning to spend a chunk of your winter soaking up the culture, history and Sedona sunshine, there are two big events you’ll want to take note of.

Sedona VegFest cooking demonstration; Image courtesy of Sedona VegFest.

Sedona VegFest 2019 is scheduled for the weekend of January 19-20, 2019, and is a celebration of plant-based eating with exhibits, products, and speakers who are national experts in plant-based nutrition and lifestyle. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the official Sedona VegFest page! To stay connected, visit the Sedona VegFest Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

From February 23 through March 3, the Sedona International Film Festival will feature more than 160 films (from documentaries to foreign films), and host celebrities, filmmakers and movie fans alike. For information visit sedonafilmfestival.org.

Image Courtesy of the Sedona International Film Festival

Don’t wait! Make your reservations for your winter getaway with Petite Retreats, today!

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina: Tiny Homes, Big Adventure

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina has always been a popular destination for travelers seeking a convenient and idyllic location from which to explore the nearby Florida Keys and all their attractions. The resort itself sits on the 75-acre Ohio Key in the Lower Florida Keys. The resort has a host of amenities and activities for both land and water lovers, which includes a marina, swimming pool, fishing opportunities, an outdoor pavilion, game room, horseshoe courts, pickleball courts and of course, the scenery. Think: scenery that includes plenty of palm trees, blue skies, and ocean views.

What makes a stay at Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina even more exciting these days is the addition of a tiny house village which offers unique accommodations for your Floridian getaway. Located on Ohio Key, these colorful tiny houses are just 30 miles from Key West and minutes from Bahia Honda State Park. Each house is full of personality and charm and makes for the ultimate relaxation destination.

Bahia Honda State Park, at over 500 acres, has a fabulous beach (named one of the best for sunbathing), the historic Bahia Honda Rail Bridge (perfect for photo ops and scenic views), and swimming, kayaking and snorkeling opportunities. Stay all day and catch the sunset – it’s well worth it!

While on Big Pine Key, don’t miss the National Key Deer Refuge, which was established in 1957 to protect the Key deer and other Keys wildlife. The Refuge includes freshwater wetland and mangrove forests and is home to 23 endangered plant and animal species. The Key Deer can only be found in the Florida Keys.

Islamorada, which is about 45 miles from Sunshine Key, is home to the History of Diving Museum where visitors can see one of the largest collections of diving gear, including helmets, armored suits, as well as photos and other diving-related memorabilia. The museum’s mission is to tell man’s story of exploring the sea and they do a great job through the exhibits, collections, and videos.

If feeding a tarpon is on your bucket list, head over to Robbie’s of Islamorada. Schools of tarpon, numbering upwards of 100, like to congregate around the marina providing the perfect opportunity for visitors to toss a snack or two to these “silver kings.” For just the price of admission ($2.25 per person) and $4 for a bucket of fish, you can experience this unique, aquatic, must-do.

Robbie’s is also the perfect place to schedule other water adventures including parasailing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, and deep-sea fishing excursions. Robbie’s also has an open-air market that sells jewelry, beachwear, art and more. Grab a bite to eat at the Hungry Tarpon restaurant and relax and enjoy Robbie’s experience.

After exploring the Keys, come back to your colorful and cozy tiny home, settle in and say goodnight to a great day!

Make your reservations for the Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina today!

The Winter Wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest

There are some destinations that no matter the time of year, are the ideal vacation spot. A perfect example of a year-round getaway destination is the Pacific Northwest. The mountains, forests, and the Pacific Ocean are what make this region one of the most beautiful. When it comes to the Pacific Northwest, Mother Nature is always at her best here from summer sun to winter snows.

As far back as 1928, Oregon’s Mt. Hood Skibowl was a major draw. As one of the oldest remaining ski resorts in the country, the Mt. Hood Skibowl continues to draw snow sport enthusiasts thanks to its offerings that include 65 total runs over 960 acres of terrain. Snow lovers can day and night ski, snowboard, and snow tube as well as enjoy special events such as visits from Santa Claus and a New Year’s Eve party complete with fireworks. For information visit www.skibowl.com.

The Mt. Hood Skibowl is less than 20 minutes from Mt. Hood Village RV Resort.

Another must-see in the area is Timberline Lodge, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977. A visit here offers a history lesson as well as snow sports fun. The historic lodge was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1936 and 1938 and was ultimately dedicated to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Roosevelt created the WPA as part of his New Deal program to put people to work during the Great Depression. The Lodge and its views alone are worth the visit, but the skiing is the real draw for visitors. Timberline boasts 3,960 vertical feet, which is said to be more than any other ski location in the Pacific Northwest. Holiday events include a Christmas Tree Lighting on December 14 and a New Year’s Eve party on December 31. Visit timberlinelodge.com for more information.

Snow is big in Bend, Oregon. According to visitbend.com, the mountains surrounding Bend get an average of thirty feet of snow per year. That’s plenty of the powdery stuff in which to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, snow hike, snow bike and simply frolic.

One interesting way to enjoy the snow is a Sled Dog Ride from Oregon Trail of Dreams. A truly unique experience where you can sit back and let the dogs, and of course the human team, do all the work.

Another fun way to appreciate all the snow is at the Snowblast Tubing Park at Mt. Bachelor where you can glide down the slow with little effort on your part – just hang on to the tube handles and enjoy the ride. Or, consider a guided snowshoe tour where you can learn about the geology of the area as well as the plants and animals of Central Oregon. Visit mtbachelor.com for more information.

Downtown Bend will host special holiday events including the Bend Christmas Parade on December 1 and the Holiday Lights Winter Paddle Parade on December 14, where kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are decorated for a holiday parade on the Deschutes River. Any place that is so big on snow has to celebrate it and you can enjoy all the fun at the Oregon Winterfest, set for February 15-17, 2019 in Bend. This three-day party will include music, food, drinks, ice sculpting competitions, and more winter fun.

Mt. Bachelor is less than 30 minutes from the Bend-Sunriver RV Campground.