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

Sedona, AZ
Sedona, AZ

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
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

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.

Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina
Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

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.

On an Island in the Sun
On an Island in the Sun

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

The Winter Wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest
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.

Mt Hood Village RV Resort
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.

Skiing in Bend, OR
Skiing in Bend, OR

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.

A Bit of Bavaria Stateside!

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Cold-weather playground, unique holiday destination, plenty of ways to experience nature…these are phrases that describe Bavaria, a state in southwestern Germany, which is roughly 4,000-5,000-plus miles across the Atlantic. Definitely a charming destination with its snow-capped mountains, quaint villages, cultural offerings, and generous hospitality.

But if you don’t have the time (or the funds) to make a trek across the pond this winter season, why not check out the USA’s own little bit of Bavaria, otherwise known as Leavenworth, Washington. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth is a Bavarian-styled village that is all about doing things Alpine-style. And once the winter season begins, the town explodes with more snow-filled activities and holiday events than you can imagine. There’s cross-country skiing, sledding, downhill skiing, ice fishing, snow tubing, sleigh rides, a Christkindlmarkt, a Christmas Lighting Festival, a cookie crawl, and more, all set among the most beautiful little Bavarian-style backdrop you can imagine this side of the Atlantic!  

To make your visit to Leavenworth even more enchanting, stay at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village in your choice of five uniquely Bavarian-styled tiny houses. Combine a Tiny House stay with all the charm of Leavenworth and you’ll be guaranteed a Bavarian-styled experience without even needing your passport!

Belle
Belle

What can we see about Belle? Of course, she’s the belle of the ball at 307 square feet with a full bathroom, kitchen, first-floor bedroom and the cozy loft with a queen and twin bed! She’s perfectly appointed with stylish décor and furnishings, including linens and kitchenware. Belle sleeps 4-5 and has a TV with basic cable.

Adeline
Adeline

Adeline, sweet Adeline will be decked out for the holidays and welcoming the lucky four guests who can call her home during a stay at Leavenworth. With 287 square feet of charming space, Adeline has a first-floor twin bedroom, full bathroom, and kitchen. Plus there’s the cozy loft with its queen and twin beds. Linens, kitchenware, and TV with basic cable complete the sweet tiny house that is Adeline.

With an exterior as blue as the Alpine skies, Hanna is perfect for any duo that wants to experience the seasonal offerings of Leavenworth and bunk in each night in 181-square feet of cozy. There is a loft bedroom with a queen bed, a full bathroom, kitchen and TV with basic cable. Linens and kitchenware are included. Hanna has it all for a pair of winter adventure-seekers!

Rudolf
Rudolf

Of course, Rudolf is a red tiny house, what other colors would he be!  Step inside Rudolf and you’ll find 250 feet of space that sleep 4-5 thanks to a loft with queen bed and twin bed, and a pullout couch on the first floor.  Rudolf also features a full bath and kitchen, with linens and kitchenware included. TV with basic cable round’s out Rudolf’s amenities. He’s too cute!

Otto
Otto

Otto is the big guy on the Leavenworth RV Campground campus with his robust 287 square feet that sleeps 4-5. This hardy tiny house has a loft with queen bed and twin bed, pullout couch on the first floor, full bathroom and kitchen and comes with linens and kitchenware.  All that, plus TV with cable and a pet-friendly attitude makes Otto one popular fellow!

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Check out leavenworth.org to see the events scheduled in the town of Leavenworth and what else there is to see and do in this charming little Washington gem!

For more information on the Leavenworth Tiny House Village, visit leavenworthtinyhouse.com.

The Perfect Present: A Holiday Gift Guide for Glampers

A Holiday Gift Guide for RVers and Campers
A Holiday Gift Guide for Glampers

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for family, friends or yourself? Check out a few ideas that range from perfectly functional to simply whimsical, for whoever is on your list this year!

MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bag

Keep your living and driving space fresh smelling with these air purifying bags. Fragrance-free, chemical free and non-toxic, odors, allergens, and harmful pollutants are absorbed in the bag’s moso bamboo charcoal. They can be reused for two years – bags can be reactivated by placing them in the sun for about an hour. 

MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bag, $8.95- $22.95, mosonatural.com
MOSO Natural Air Purifying Bag, $8.95- $22.95, mosonatural.com

Fjallraven Kånken Backpack

Go glamping in style and keep your things dry when you’re out and about with this backpack! With a big main pocket and lots of other pockets to store your maps, water bottles, a towel, or anything else you’d need for your outdoor adventures, this backpack is a solid choice and comes in plenty of colors.

Fjallraven Kånken Backpack, $80, kanken.com
Fjallraven Kånken Backpack, $80, kanken.com

Huckberry Nordic A-Frame Cabin Candle

Fill your home with the scents of glamping all year ’round! The notes of this candle perfectly encompass a great camping experience – “Whiskey, Spicy Citrus, Bay Laurel, and Disconnected WiFi.” We don’t know a scent that could beat that!

Huckberry Nordic A-Frame Cabin Candle, $28, huckberry.com
Huckberry Nordic A-Frame Cabin Candle, $28, huckberry.com

National Park Pass

Give your loved ones even more reasons to see America the Beautiful by giving them a National Park Pass! These passes cover entrance fees at national parks and national wildlife refuges, standard amenity fees, and some other day fees. For more information on types of National Park Passes and the fees, visit nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm

National Park Pass, prices and passes vary, nps.gov
National Park Pass, prices and passes vary, nps.gov

Yeti Rambler 30 Oz Tumbler

This stainless steel tumbler is insulated so hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay cold! It’s the perfect gift for that person on your list that’s constantly parched and appreciates innovative design. This tumbler comes in a whole array of colors to suit any personality!

1927 S’mores Original S’mores Kit

Take your s’more game to the next level with this artisanal version of the classic campfire treat! The marshmallows and graham crackers are handcrafted from scratch using local ingredients. The locavore foodie in your life will devour this kit!

1927 S'mores Original S'mores Kit, $17, 1927smores.com
1927 S’mores Original S’mores Kit, $17, 1927smores.com

String Lights (Assorted)

There’s no end to the variety you can find in fun lights to light up your exterior glamping space. Consider the retro Trendy Camper String Light set with its illuminated RVs (lakeside.com) or the Happy Camper metal light set (campingworld.com). If music is your thing, take a look at the Kurt. S. Adler Guitar Multi-Color Light Set (musiciansfriend.com). Or maybe you’re a fisherman who will be lured by the Fishing Bobber Party Light set (amazon.com). If you’re a camping purist, check out the mini Coleman lanterns in the Coleman LED Camp Lantern String Lights (walmart.com.) As we said, there’s no end to what you can light your site with, so, show your personality and light it up!

Happy Camper String Lights
Happy Camper String Lights, prices vary, amazon.com

Palm Springs: A Modern Playground

Palm Springs RV Resort
Palm Springs RV Resort

Palm Springs became a big draw to movie stars in the early 1930s not only because of its proximity to Los Angeles but in just a two-hour drive you’re transported in the serenity of the desert, away from the hustle and bustle of the Hollywood lifestyle. Palm Springs has always offered plenty of sunshine, fresh air, hiking trails, and natural hot springs. Today, Palm Springs continues to draw stars and regular folks alike thanks to its fabulous mix of desert vistas, vibrant arts and culture scene, and plenty of shopping and culinary opportunities.

The Palm Springs Art Museum includes works by Marc Chagall, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Ansel Adams, and even features two outdoor sculpture gardens. It also has major collections of Native American and Western art, photography, and glass, including works by Dale Chilhuly. A special exhibit that runs through August 2019 is Lines in the Sand which explores the history of the desert through our relationship to the land, environment, and community. Admission to the museum is free. For hours and additional information visit psmuseum.org.

For more art, don’t miss the Desert Arts Festival, scheduled for December 8 and 9, 2018, which will feature artwork across all mediums including acrylic, oils, watercolors, clay, stone, wood, etchings, and sculpture.

Joshua Tree National Park

Of course, you can’t come to the desert and not experience the desert, so some suggestions include a Jeep tour to Joshua Tree National Park, Indian Canyons and the San Andreas Fault. The area has several different companies that offer various tours, so be sure to visit visitgreaterpalmsprings.com to see what your options are. The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail is also a great option for hiking the desert – this can be done through admission to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, another must-see when in Palm Springs!

For a double whammy of total tranquility and delicious food, visit The Starlite in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree, where you can take a yoga class at the Instant Karma yoga studio and enjoy an authentic slice of NY style pizza at Pie for the People, right in the middle of the desert!

If shopping is your game, there’s plenty of action in the Palm Springs area, which boasts many distinct shopping districts. There’s the Desert Hills Premium Outlets mall in Cabazon and downtown Palm Springs with its boutiques and antiques. The mod Uptown Design District features 50 unique boutiques, galleries, and shops along several blocks. And if you visit the Corridor, which has shops, cafes, and galleries, don’t miss the Just Fabulous bookstore, where plenty of famous authors like Anne Rice and Lily Tomlin have held books signings. You never know who might be looking for that perfect vacation read!

Speaking of stars, each month the Astronomical Society of the Desert conducts sky tours and observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument. These Star Parties are free events, but optional donations help support the group’s mission to protect the Coachella Valley desert. For more information or to make a reservation for the next Star Party at the Monument, visit desertmountains.org.

The colorful cottages at  Palm Springs RV Resort are the perfect place to stay while you play in and around Palm Springs! The campground is set among 805 date palm trees in the beautiful Coachella Valley with plenty of amenities and activities, and the adorable cottages are the icing on the cake here!

Make your Petite Retreats reservations today!

On an Island in the Sun

On an Island in the Sun
On an Island in the Sun

There’s a popular song that talks playing and having fun on an island in the sun. We think it’s all about the Florida Keys which actually offers several islands of choice to play and have some fun!

First, a bit of history and some fun facts about this series of islands that extend from the southern tip of Florida down into the deep blue ocean. The Keys are part of an archipelago and there are hundreds and hundreds of islands but a little over 40 of them are actually inhabited. Because there are so many and they stretch over such a long distance, they are divided into groups, the Upper Keys, the Middle Keys, and the Lower Keys. The most famous is Key West thanks to Ernest Hemingway who made his home here from 1931 to 1939. The largest is Key Largo. The populous Keys are connected via the Overseas Highway which links the Keys through a series of 42 bridges.  

Temperatures range from hottest in July at an average of 86 degrees and coolest in January at an average temperature of 70 degrees. On average, there are 256 days of sunshine in the Keys which is plenty of time to have some fun in the sun.

In all, if you start at Key Largo and drive south to Key West, it’s a total of 97 miles and roughly a two-hour drive. But take your time and stay awhile, there’s a lot to see and do in the Keys this winter.

The Humphrey Bogart Film Festival happens on Key Largo, of course, and is scheduled this year for October 17-21. It’s a good year to attend this event as it is the 70th anniversary of Bogart’s famous film, Key Largo. Key West will also host the Key West Film Festival from November 14-18.

Celebrate fall island-style at Marathon Key’s Third Annual Fall Harvest at Crane Point Museum that promises a day of family fun with hay rides, trail mazes, lives music and all things autumn on October 28.

Art lovers make note of the Big Pine & The Lowers Keys Island Art Festival on November 24 which features locally produced arts and crafts, plus live music and food.

Other popular Keys activities include snorkeling, deep sea fishing, visiting the key deer at Deer Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, the historic bridge at Bahia Honda State Park and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.  

Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park

From a sheer relaxation perspective, there are the beaches. Some notable and regular best beach list-makers include Sandspur Beach and Calusa Beach on Big Pine Key, Higgs Beach in Key West and the beach at Long Key State Park on Long Key.

Chart your course for a Keys vacation and use the conveniently located Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina or Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina as your place to stay. The cottages offered at both of these resorts add to the perfect island getaway. Imagine…your own private cottage just steps from the beach!

Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina
Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina

Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina  sits on 28 acres where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and a fabulous Tiki Bar and Cantina. Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina has a marina, fishing opportunities and is just a mile away from Bahia Honda State Park with its historic bridge and great beaches.

Make your reservations to retreat to the Keys, today!

 

Make Mt. Hood Your Happy Place

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.

Atticus - Sleek + Rugged + Modern
Atticus
Atticus
Atticus

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.

Lincoln - Rustic & Modern
Lincoln
Lincoln
Lincoln

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
Zoe – Wild & Free
Zoe
Zoe

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.

Savannah - Down home grace
Savannah
Savannah
Savannah

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.

Scarlett - Farm House Charm
Scarlett
Scarlett
Scarlett

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 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.

Make your reservations at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village today!

Hygge: All the Comforts of Home

Hygge: All the Comforts of Home
Hygge: All the Comforts of Home

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:

  1. Cozy blankets
  2. Throw pillows in a variety of inviting textures
  3. LED candles for ambient lighting
  4. Family photos and small mementos of favorite trips
  5. A furry throw rug or two
  6. Incense in your favorite memory-evoking scents
  7. 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!

Stay in a tiny house or a cozy cabin and be sure to bring your hygge supplies with you! Make your reservations today and visit petiteretreats.com.