Petite Retreats | Petite Retreater

Summer Cabin Fun

There’s something about a rustic cabin that brings you closer to nature, along with evoking memories of carefree summer camp days gone by. Make it a summer you won’t forget, and experience the joys of nature, by planning a stay in a Petite Retreat cabin.

Enjoy an island getaway in Bar Harbor which is located on Mt. Desert Island in Maine. Both Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort (in Bar Harbor) and Narrows Too Camping Resort (in nearby Trenton) offer summer cabins perfect for your island stay. Both offer wooded locations with views of the oceans, plenty of amenities and are family and pet-friendly. Both camping resorts are close to all that the Bar Harbor area has to offer, including the harbor towns and Acadia National Park.

Acadia National Park offers 47,000 acres of woodland wonderland to explore from hikes and climbs to rocky beachfronts. This park is also home to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the East Coast. The park offers guided hikes, cruises, and nature programs including birding and creature “meet and greets.” Visit nps.gov/acad for more information.

The town of Bar Harbor offers shopping and dining as well as events on the “Village Green” which serves as the gathering place in the center of town. Summer weeknight concerts are offered free each Monday and Thursday evening from 8 to 9 p.m. There are also several museums that feature the history of the area including the Great Harbor Maritime Museum and Mount Desert Oceanarium. Ocean cruise options include whale-watching, island tours and a chance to learn about the life of a lobsterman on the Lulu Lobsterboat Ride. Speaking of lobster, don’t miss a lobster meal at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, an authentic oceanfront lobster pound.

On the Pacific Coast, Oregon offers multiple cabin retreats, including Seaside RV Resort, South Jetty RV Resort, and Mt. Hood Village RV Resort.

Mt. Hood’s location provides the perfect opportunity for a mountain getaway and the chance to explore Mt. Hood National Forest. Spend the day hiking the trails that include Tamanawas Falls, a five-mile loop along the Hood River complete with waterfall views or the longer Timothy Lake trail that covers 13 miles and offers plenty of swimming spots along the way to cool off! Spend the day fishing or taking in one of several birding trails to see the migratory birds that make their home in the forest. Nearby Portland offers big city fun including the Portland Art Museum (current exhibits include Art from the 1980s, running through August 18) and the Oregon Zoo, which features a set of summer concerts (oregonzoo.org).

Enjoy a cabin stay at Seaside RV Resort and enjoy the town of Seaside’s picturesque 1.5 mile oceanfront Promenade via bicycle or a long stroll. Or get up close and personal and feed the seals at the Seaside Aquarium, also located along the Promenade. Roll into town the weekend of September 6-9 and enjoy the Seaside Wheels and Waves Car Show, Oregon’s premier auto show that showcases cars dating from pre-1965.

Wherever you choose to stay, Petite Retreats has cabins for you! Find out more at petiteretreats.com.

Honeymoon With Petite Retreats!

Honeymoons can be some of the best days of a marriage. That feeling of being brand new and ready to face any adventure together may not last forever, so where do you go to spend that window of unfettered travel and leisure?

The Adirondacks

With majestic mountains, moonlit lakes, and charming towns, the Adirondack region of New York is definitely a romantic destination. From scenic drives and boutique wineries to water sports and hiking and biking trails, the Adirondack region has it all.

Consider the Mohican Trail Historical Driving Tour, self-guided tour that takes you through military sites, historic markers, and the surrounding counties that include Saratoga County and its architectural and cultural offerings.

Parasail with your partner over the beautiful views of the mountains and lakes from high in the sky. The region has several providers of parasail adventures including Lake George Shoreline Parasail Adventures and Pinky’s Parasailing Adventures. As they say, the couple that parasails together stays together.

The Adirondack region is home to several distilleries, wineries, and craft breweries and offers several ways to see these operations. There’s the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail (adkcoastwine.com) or the Adirondack Coast Beverage Trail which combines 28 wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries on one bike trail. The trail offers incredible views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

Cabin at Lake George Escape, Lake George, NY

Stay in a cozy cabin with your honey at Lake George Escape in the beautiful Adirondacks!

Santa Barbara, California

From the city’s small-town charm combined with its Mediterranean inspired architecture and miles of sandy beaches, it’s no wonder that Santa Barbara is called the “American Riviera.” There are wine trails, spas, shopping, fine dining, museums, gardens and more to explore in this idyllic coastal town, and it’s more romantic the more you explore it.

The beautiful architecture of the city and surrounding area may inspire you with ideas when you begin setting up your home with your honey. Most notable are the Lobero Theater, the Santa Barbara Courthouse, and the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Take a walking tour of the city and learn the rich history of the Spanish-style buildings or drive into nearby Montecito and tour Casa del Herrero, a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, along with its gardens and grounds (casadelherrero.com). Don’t miss a hike to Knapp’s Castle and explore the ruins of the palatial estate built by industrialist George Knapp in 1920.

Santa Barbara is known for its stunning sunsets and there are several places, both public and somewhat private, to watch the sunset to end a perfect honeymoon day. Enjoy dinner and a sunset at the Shoreline Café or the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. For a sandy sunset, try Cabrillo Beach or Butterfly Beach. Stearns Wharf, albeit a bit more touristy, is another option and offers not only sunset views but shopping and dining options.

Stay at one of the unique accommodations at Rancho Oso RV Resort just outside Santa Barbara, CA!

Visit petiteretreats.com to see how you can take your next romantic getaway with Petite Retreats!

Wisconsin Dells – A Classic Family Getaway

Long before it was considered the “waterpark capital of the world,” families flocked to the Wisconsin Dells to spend their summer vacation amidst the beauty of nature. The history of the Dells as a vacation destination dates back to the mid to late 1800s when visitors were attracted by the sandstone bluffs, countless caves, and of course, the Dells.

Derived from the French word, dalles, the actual Wisconsin Dells exist from a melting glacier some 20,000 years ago. Melting waters cut into the sandstone landscape and as the waters receded towering sandstone cliffs emerged and the gorge was created. With the river below and the high bluffs above, it became a place of natural amazement. H.H. Bennett, a Civil War photographer, came to photograph the scenic area and created stereoscopic images that depicted the magnificent dells as multidimensional. Those photographs were eventually turned into postcards and soon the whole country knew about this fantastic place in the Midwest. In 1856, the Wisconsin Mirror wrote this about the Dells – “We conclude that the wild, romantic scenery of the Dells will always make them a place of resort for seekers of pleasure.”

And that’s the way it remains to this day – except now there are waterparks galore (more than 20 as a matter of fact) as well as a few more tourist attractions.

The Wisconsin Ducks, Army surplus vehicles that can travel on land and water, have been a Dells mainstay since they first arrived in 1946. These vehicles provide a unique way to tour the Dells. Today, the Wisconsin Ducks have more than 92 vehicles making it the largest fleet of Duck tours in the country. Duck tours last about an hour and will take you through Lake Delton and the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River.

You can also take a step back in time and see where it all began in a tour of the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum. See how Bennett was able to capture The Dells in their three-dimensional beauty. Start your Dells visit off with a tour of this piece of history and get an idea of how the Dells became so popular.

Another historic attraction is the Wisconsin Deer Park. Set on 40 acres of land, the park breeds and raises deer and has separate feeding areas where visitors can feed the deer. In addition to the deer, visitors can also see lemurs, bison, elk, goats, llamas, and horses.

And of course, The Dells is famous for its many water parks – Noah’s Ark is the largest in the United States and features two lazy rivers, wave pools and new this year, Raja, a water slide experience with 335 feet of twists and turns ending with a thrilling 37-foot plunge into the mouth of the King Cobra!

There’s plenty for the outdoor adventurer as well – from zip line courses to rock climbing adventures; horseback riding and wineries to explore, visiting the Dells is nonstop fun and adventure.

For more Dells attractions and information, visit wisdells.com.

Cozy Cabin at Yukon Trails, Lyndon Station, WI

Stay at a Petite Retreat in Wisconsin! From rustic log cabins to beautiful yurts, the Petite Retreats in Wisconsin are the perfect way to lodge when you are visiting the Wisconsin Dells. Visit petiteretreats.com for more information.

Center Your Universe in a Yurt

The ancient tribes, who are often credited with the creation of the yurt, believed in creating a balance between the world of people and the world of nature. These nomadic people felt strongly that their moveable dwellings should incorporate that balance. The Mongolians considered their traveling shelters, called gers, to be the center of their universe. The orientation of the dwelling had the door opening to the south and the interior space divided into four directions, north, south, east and west. The space to the north was considered sacred; if the family was religious that is where the altar sat, otherwise it was reserved for guests of honor. In keeping with the Yin and Yang theory, the eastern half of the yurt was the female space while the western portion was male. Traditionally, one moved around the inside space in a clockwise direction. Most importantly, it was a space for a family that provided a comfortable shelter from the elements.

Yurt at Lake of the Springs, Oregon House, CA

Gers or yurts (the Russian’s word for them which roughly translates to the word “home”) became a popular living space option in the US thanks to Dr. William Coperthwaite, a Maine-born, Harvard-educated professor who took an interest in yurts in the early 1960s for its simpler living space. While the nomadic tribes constructed their dwellings with felted mats of sheep’s wool, Coperthwaite’s design incorporated wood and canvas. Coperthwaite’s designs become popular and in 1993, Oregon became the first state to offer yurts in their state parks as an option to tent camping.

Yurt at Yosemite Lakes, Oregon House, CA

Yurts took a while to catch on, but are now one of the more popular alternatives to the tent or RV, for many reasons. The domed roofs allow sunlight and starlight in the structure and people have reported a feeling of serenity when occupying a yurt, which experts say has something to do with the circular enclosure. Yurts are well insulated and provide, as they did for the nomads, a comfy spot away from the cold and rain. They are spacious, too – you don’t have to divide your space like the ancients did, but if you choose to, there is plenty to go around.

Yurt Interior at Tranquil Timbers, Sturgeon Bay, WI

So why not find your center of the universe in a yurt and choose one for your next outdoor adventure? Petite Retreats offers yurts at several beautiful locations in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Visit petiteretreats.com to learn about our yurts and other unique accommodations at Petite Retreats.

Unique Accommodations at Mt. Hood Village

Whether you’re vacationing tiny at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village or going a more rustic route by staying in a yurt, there are plenty of unique accommodations at the Mt. Hood RV Resort & Campground! Check out all the pictures of the unique accommodations at Mt. Hood RV Resort & Campground plus the spectacular amenities that will make your vacation even more fun.

Scarlett (front) & Lincoln (rear) of the Tiny House Village at Mt. Hood Village RV Resort

Savannah sittin’ pretty at the Tiny House Village at Mt. Hood!

Zoe looking peaceful at the Tiny House Village RV Resort

(from the left) Scarlett, Savannah, and Zoe at the Tiny House Village at Mt. Hood

Choose the Petite Retreat at Mt. Hood Village that is right for you!

Mini Travel Guide to Yosemite!

In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Grant, decreeing Yosemite National Park the first government protected park in the United States. Thanks to the work of John Muir, the famous influential naturalist, and advocate of United States’ natural environments, Yosemite National Park includes all of the glorious rivers, forests, and natural wonders that visitors of the park can experience today. In fact, over 4 million people visited Yosemite National Park last year!

While at Yosemite National Park, there is plenty of hiking to go around – and there are hikes and trails for visitors of all levels. There is so much to do in Yosemite National Park – don’t feel intimidated. Take it in moments, take photos, and enjoy this natural wonder that you have the privilege to visit. Read on for a mini-guide to some of Yosemite’s greatest attractions.

Rainbow Pools

Just off highway 120, about 20 miles outside Groveland, CA and a very short drive from the Thousand Trails’ Yosemite Lakes Campground is the popular Rainbow Pools. This swimming hole features a number of cliff jumping opportunities and a 20-foot waterfall that swimmers can also jump from. To reach the entrance, just before you go over the bridge on the south fork of the Tuolumne River, follow the turnout signs for Rainbow Pools towards the trailhead and day use area. This is a great stop in Yosemite if you’re looking to take a quick swim to get your feet wet for visiting other areas of Yosemite.

Yosemite Valley Loop Trail

Head out to Yosemite Valley Loop Trail as soon as you can. Why? This is the best “bang for your buck” experience. You can reach the trailhead by driving east from Yosemite Lakes RV Campground on Highway 120. The Yosemite Valley Loop Trail is a mostly flat trail, taking travelers along the Merced River, winding through Yosemite National Park. Start at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead. The full loop is 11.5 miles, and a half loop is about 7.2 miles. Either way, you’ll get picture-worthy views of Sentinel Rock, Cathedral Rocks, Bridalveil Fall, El Capitan, Three Brothers, and Yosemite Falls.

Vernal Falls

Vernal Falls stands at just 317 ft. tall but is one of the most powerful waterfalls in Yosemite! Experience its power and let the mist of the waterfall fall refreshingly on your face. While you can see much of Yosemite National Park from the comfort of your car, you cannot experience Vernal Falls unless you hike a little bit. The easiest way is to take the well-marked path that begins near the Happy Isles Nature Center. It’s about a one-mile walk to the Vernal Falls footbridge from the trailhead. Another way to experience Vernal Falls is via the Panorama Trail Hike. Please take caution – Vernal Falls is a VERY powerful waterfall. You do not want to enter the water of Vernal Falls under any circumstances.

And to make your stay even more comfortable, book a Petite Retreat at the Yosemite Lakes Campground! Whether you want to experience a yurt or cozy up in a rustic cabin, there are plenty of ways to have a unique vacation when you stay at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground.

Book your stay at a unique accommodation at Yosemite RV Campground today and guarantee yourself a home base for exploring Yosemite National Park!

Grand Opening: Tuxbury Tiny House Village May 19!

Come tour all five tiny houses at the Tuxbury Pond RV Resort in New Hampshire!

Riley, Murphy, Emerson, Clara, Henry, and Tuxbury Pond RV Resort invite you to an open house event! Each of the 5 tiny houses at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village are full of character and personality and range from 180-300 square feet. From 11am – 5pm on May 19 at 88 Whitehall Road in South Hampton, NH, you can step inside these tiny houses to experience their cleverly designed interiors and cozy corners. Mingle with other tiny house enthusiasts and enter to win a week stay in the tiny house of your choice!

CLICK HERE to RSVP for the Open House on May 19!

While you’re in town, check out all the fun things to do in nearby Boston and Hampton Beach.

Book a stay at the Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village!

Learn how you can Vacation Tiny with us this summer, just outside of Hampton Beach and Boston!

Yurt So Good at Circle M!

Last summer, our Yurt Village at the Circle M RV Campground opened! There’s so much to love about this Pennsylvania Amish country gem and staying in a yurt will make your experience totally unique!

What’s a yurt, you say? A yurt is a dome-shaped, circular tent-style structure that has been used for thousands of years as a shelter for nomadic peoples. Yurts have become a popular and fun way for modern vacationers to immerse themselves in the outdoors while maintaining the comforts of home.

Though our yurts boast a shape that harkens back to an ancient time, a time when nomads needed a portable and durable shelter, the yurts at Circle M will include all of the modern amenities that you’d expect – a functional kitchenette, space to sleep up to six people, and private restrooms with showers.

Circle M RV Campground is located in Lancaster County in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This western-style campground has plenty of amenities – from swimming pools to shuffleboard, weekend activities to barbecues and picnics – it’s easy to make Circle M your next destination for relaxation! Plus, Circle M RV Campground is close to activities in Lancaster County including Amish attractions, or nearby shopping and dining.

Visit petiteretreats.com to make your reservations today! Want to learn more about what to do in Lancaster County? Click here!

Getaway to Boston with Petite Retreats!

One of the most beautiful and popular times to visit Boston is late spring through early fall. The temperatures are manageable and in the fall, the leaves are beginning to turn those vibrant, undeniable colors. From June through October, expect the town to be bustling with incoming students and activities at every turn. There are free concerts, film festivals, outdoor movies, and special events. There is a special vibrancy to the air as students begin to trickle into the town towards the end of August and start their semesters. One in 10 people in the city are students by the time school is in full swing. Boston is also nicknamed the Walking City because it’s the perfect place to explore on foot due to its compact design and has the seventh-highest percentage of pedestrian commuters in the country. If your dogs start barking, then don’t be afraid to snag a Charlie card and hop aboard the nation’s first subway system. Be sure to take in the sights and then retreat to the Tuxbury Tiny House Village in New Hampshire, just an hour drive from Boston.

Eat, see, do it all at Faneuil Hall.

A visit to Boston isn’t complete without a visit to Faneuil Hall, Boston’s central meeting place. Faneuil Hall is comprised of four markets in one – Faneuil Hall, Quincy Market, North Market and South Market. About 18 million visitors walk the cobblestone walkways of Faneuil Hall to shop the vendors, indulge in classic Northeastern food, and witness the famous street performers and speakers express themselves here.

Get lost in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Though it’s no secret that Boston is home to some very famous museums, one of the most beloved is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, located in the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood of Boston. It is within walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts and was once the home to Isabella Stewart Gardner, a leading American art collector, philanthropist, and patron of the arts. Gardner established the museum for her large art collection in a house constructed just for this purpose. The museum is characterized by its special gardens, its whimsical yet classic architectural style, and incredible indoor and outdoor gardens, in addition to the vast art collection housed here. The museum is also the host to a number of concerts, special events, lectures, and community programs every year.

Take yourself on the most historic of walking tours on the Freedom Trail.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile, red-lined route that leads history buffs on a self-guided tour to 16 historically significant sites of Boston. Along this path, you’ll explore museums, meeting houses, burying grounds, and churches, all while learning about the brave souls who helped shape this nation. Boston is a major player in the rich history of the US and the Freedom Trail is the perfect way to take in all that history.

The Boston Public Garden is the heartbeat of the city.

Spend an hour or two getting lost at the Boston Public Garden in the city’s center, right next to the Boston Common, the oldest park in the United States. Take a ride on one of the famous Swan Boats around the public garden lagoon. From the Boston Public Garden, you have a plethora of options. You can head to Newbury Street for some shopping, get lost in the Boston Public Library, or head to one of the city’s many museums.

On the Waterfront, you’ll find seafood and whale watching.

Established as a port city by Puritans in the 1670s, Boston is now well-known for its famous lobster rolls, clam steamers, and baked beans. For the best lobster rolls in Boston, head to the waterfront. A stop at Yankee Lobster Co. or James Hook & Co. will get you your lobstah’ fix and bring you to the beautiful waterfront of this old port town. Hop on a catamaran boat from the Long Wharf in the Boston Harbor for a whale watching adventure! The folks at the Boston Whale Watching Co. have been taking people out to see those majestic mammals for over 90 years. The Long Wharf is close to the New England Aquarium, the North End, Faneuil Hall, and other Boston landmarks.

Stay at Tuxbury Pond for the Perfect Respite from City Life.

Retreat from the city to a place of undeniable tranquility at Tuxbury Pond RV Resort. Visitors can snag an RV spot at this quiet campground or reserve a tiny house for the weekend. Tuxbury Pond is nestled in the forests of New Hampshire and is close to a variety of South Hampton’s most popular tourist attractions like wineries, apple orchards, restaurants, outlet malls, and the Salisbury-Hampton beaches.

Visit Boston and retreat to a Petite Retreat at Tuxbury Pond RV Resort!

Colorful Cottages at Tropical Palms RV Resort

You’re bound to have an unforgettable resort experience when you stay in one of the colorful cottages at Tropical Palms. These bright colored cottages boast Instagram-worthy hues, inside and out all year round. With easy access to the beach, amusement parks, and all kinds of activities, you’ll find that your colorful cottage is the perfect retreat for a siesta in style. The palm-tree lined streets of Tropical Palms greet you around every corner and the Florida sunshine generously warms the guests of this tropical paradise in Kissimmee. There is plenty to do nearby! Whether you spend your days sunning and surfing at Daytona Beach or stroll down the brick-lined streets of Old Town, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants and family-friendly activities at every turn, you’re sure to fill your days with a plethora of fun. Tropical Palms is just a short distance from all the major theme parks like Disney World, Universal Theme Parks, and Sea World.

Though close to the heart of Orlando, Tropical Palms boasts its own special activities and features- watch a classic movie from the pool at the “dive-in movie,” learn a new dance or perfect your steps at our on-site dance classes, gather your team for a shuffleboard tournament, or impress your friends with your best recipe at a potluck. You’ll see that Tropical Palms is the perfect home base for your Orlando vacation!

Make your next vacation unforgettably colorful and sunny – book a reservation at Tropical Palms today!