Author: Petite Retreats

4 Great Small Town, Fall Towns

There’s something about a vacation in fall that is just a bit extra – the crowds are gone, it’s OK to spend some time inside since your summer tan has come and probably gone and the fall colors are an attraction in themselves. Add a bit more to the magic by enjoying some small-town charm when glamping this fall.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes
Cabin at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes

Temecula, California: Pick a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes in Menifee and you’re less than 20 miles from Temecula – a tiny town with a chill vibe that has been named one of the most charming small towns in Southern California. Temecula is located in California’s South Coast Wine Region and there are more than 40 wineries here. Check out Briar Rose Winery, where the buildings are replicas of Snow White’s cottage or Longshadow Ranch Vineyards and Winery with a true old west feeling and cozy bonfires every Saturday night through November 18. Old Town Temecula is a perfect mix of old and new with antique stores, boutiques, craft breweries, and plenty of places to enjoy a bite to eat.

California’s Yosemite Area: While this part of California is best known for the magnificent National Park found here – we’re talking about Yosemite National Park – there are also several charming small towns that can serve as side trips when visiting here. First things first, book one of the fantastic glamping accommodations at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, which include yurts and cabins. Once you’re settled in, take in the beauty of your location during autumn and the charm of the surrounding towns. Sonora, a historic Gold Rush town, is home to the Indigeny Reserve which has the perfect fall offerings of hard apple cider and apple brandy tastings. For a beautiful fall hike, check out the Dragoon Gulch Trail, a 1.2-mile (moderate) loop. Jamestown, another Gold Rush town, is also worth a visit. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is good for a look at historic steam trains as well as some Hollywood history. And, the town has several wine tasting rooms as well as a craft brewery. You can also pan for gold, shop, and stroll the Walk of Fame to see which Jamestown locations have been featured in movies and television.

Cabins at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South
Cabins at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South

Milford, Pennsylvania: The perfect mountain town to visit during fall, Milford is located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Plan a glamping stay in a comfy cottage at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South and take in this picturesque small town. The Black Bear Film Festival is set for October 13-15 and includes a weekend full of indies and short films. Want to see Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall? That would be Raymondskill Falls, found in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is also a great spot for biking and hiking, plus some pretty great leaf-peeping. For some interesting history, visit Grey Towers National Historic Site, which was the home of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the US Forest Service. Visitors can tour the mansion and the grounds of this estate that was completed in 1886. Milford also offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

Cottage at Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA
Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA

Virginia’s River Realm: Dotted with charming small towns, Virginia’s River Realm is the area where the Rappahannock River meets the Chesapeake Bay. It is all about the simpler life and a trip here in fall promises to be a pleasant glamping getaway. Book a cottage stay at Grey’s Point Camp in Topping and let the fun begin. The Holly Point Art & Seafood Festival is set for October 15 in Deltaville and offers seafood, live music and unique artwork from 60 different vendors and the always-popular annual Urbanna Oyster Festival is scheduled for November 3 and promises all things oyster! Shopping in Kilmarnock is an option with several boutiques and antique stores while Deltaville has a maritime museum and the beautiful Holly Point Nature Park with walking trails and kayaking opportunities. Several towns have regular farmer’s markets, and they include Irvington, Kilmarnock, and Deltaville while Urbanna has a spectacular seafood market. To learn more about the River Realm and its charming towns, check out virginiasriverrealm.com.

Read More:

Maximize Your Time Off with These Two Long Weekend Getaways

Unfortunately, it is a sad fact that Americans have admitted to taking just roughly 48% of the vacation time offered by their employers. Most likely it’s because when we think of a vacation, we think it requires at least a whole week off. But what about long weekends? Plan a few of those this fall so you can ensure you’re getting what you’re owed when it comes to rest and relaxation away from the workplace. Don’t leave a minute of vacation time unused – check out these long weekend getaways and hit the road!

Cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs
Cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs

Los Angeles to Palm Springs: If you live in the Los Angeles area, Palm Springs is less than two hours from the city, yet it seems like a world away. Book a colorful cottage stay at Thousand Trails Palm Springs in Palm Desert and get away from it all. Leave your troubles on the ground and explore Palm Springs from the air via the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Actually, the views are fantastic and the roughly 10-minute ride takes you to Mt. San Jacinto State Park. Take your pick of the plentiful hiking trails here, browse the gift shop, check out the Natural History Museum, or take in the views from the observation decks. If you feel the need for a calming environment, check out the Palm Springs Art Museum. The 150,000 square-foot structure alone is worth the trip and the exhibits housed in 28 galleries and two sculpture gardens ice the cake. Check out the current exhibit, Meditations in Glass, which is said to “invite contemplation and stimulate daydream and reverie.” Speaking of glass, don’t miss the glass sculpture, End of Day 2, by Dale Chihuly. If you’re really looking for relaxation, consider taking a sound bath through Integratron (integratron.com). The 60-minute sonic healing session is open to the public (reservations required) and promises deep relaxation, introspection and rejuvenation. See how the rich and famous live here with a 1.5-hour Legends and Icons tour offered via getyourguide.com. And, of course, go to brunch either with your pup at Boozehounds Palm Springs or with a view at Vue Grille and Bar in nearby Indian Wells.

Under six hours – that’s not a bad drive for a long weekend of glamping and exploring the Florida Keys. At the very north end of Florida, Jacksonville charts the longest drive from the big city while Miami is the shorter of the “leave the city behind” drives at just a little over 2 hours. But really, life in the Keys isn’t like any other Florida location or anywhere else for that matter. As the late, great Jimmy Buffett said, “changes in latitude, changes in attitude.” Come to the Keys to regroup, refresh, and live it up a bit after the work-week grind. Book a stay at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or book a waterfront colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key and get ready to attitude-adjust.

Encore Fiesta Key Resort & Marina
Encore Fiesta Key Resort & Marina

Of course, snorkeling is a great way to leave it all behind and watching the fish swim about is definitely a path to tranquility and calm. Great snorkeling spots include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – with the underwater statue, Christ of the Abyss, as well as the Dry Tortugas National Park. Bahia Honda State Park is another snorkeling option that also has some great photo ops. Take a relaxing sunset dinner cruise from Key West (sunsetwatersportskeywest.com) or aboard a tiki boat out of Key Largo (cruisintikiskeylargo.com). For a relaxing hike, try the Fred C. Manillo Trail in the National Key Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. And another way to relax just may be enjoying a tropical drink, complete with a mini umbrella, in one of the many bars found on Key West. The oldest establishment here is Captain Tony’s Saloon while Sloppy Joe’s might be the most well-known.

Read More:

5 Things to Do in the Monterey Peninsula

Planning a trip to one of the prettiest peninsulas in the country? We’re talking about California’s Monterey Peninsula which has it all – great spots for outdoor fun, interesting cultural and historic sights, some wineries, some beaches, some small town charmers and, of course, Marina Dunes – the ultimate glamping location in the area that offers spacious cottages and brand new yurts! We found five fun things to do if you’re heading there:


1. Get Outside: You don’t visit this breathtaking, sunny, almost-always perfect weather location to stay indoors. Some outdoor adventure ideas include Asilomar State Beach, Elkhorn Slough, and the Path of History. Asilomar State Beach is where you will find the Asilomar Coast Trail, a 3.6 out-and-back trail along the rocky coast which is great for birding as well as viewing marine life and wildflower views. Take a nature safari at Elkhorn Slough and explore one of California’s largest wetlands, which is home to sea otters, harbor sea lions, and over 300 bird species. Tours last 1.5 to 2 hours and can be scheduled at elkhornslough.com. The Path of History is a unique way to learn the history of Monterey. This is a self-guided, roughly two-mile walking tour through the city that highlights historic structures as well as locations of historic events. For a detailed map, visit seemonterey.com. Or, follow the yellow tiles through town!

2. Storybook Homes: A trip to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula can seem to some like a fairy tale come true. What might make it seem even more so is a tour of the Storybook Cottages in the area. Designed by American designer and master builder Hugh Comstock in the 20s, 30s, and 40s, these are one-of-a-kind real life homes that look just like storybook cottages. Roughly 21 of the storybook homes remain in Carmel-by-the-Sea and a visit to the Carmel Visitor Center on Ocean Avenue will get you a map of them. Most of them are private residences so only the outside can be viewed, but The Tuck Box, an English tearoom, and the candy shop, Cottage of Sweets, are open to the public and are found in town.

Storybook Cottage

3. Carmel Valley Wineries: There are many interesting ways to sample the wines of the approximately 20 wineries that make their home in the Carmel Valley. For instance, there is the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Walk, a self-guided walking trail (carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-by-the-sea-wine-walk) around the lovely town or there is also the 5-hour, all-in with food and wine private trolley tour offered by toursmonterey.com. If you love the storybook homes, you may enjoy a visit to Folktale Winery and Vineyards, which is committed to 100% organic farming or if you’re looking for a French flair, Joullian Vineyards might do the trick. Georis Winery offers an adobe-style tasting room and the rustic Cowgirl Winery might be good for a gal’s trip tasting!

4. One of a Kinds: There are some experiences that can only be found in Monterey. For example, the Monterey Moon Tree was actually grown from seeds that were taken into space by Apollo 14 Command Module Pilot Stuart Roosa. Roosa wanted to see what the effects of a trip to the moon could potentially have on the seeds. See the results for yourself – the coast redwood, aka The Moon Tree, can be found in Monterey’s Friendly Plaza, a small park near City Hall. Do you like bagpipes? Do you enjoy a good sunset? Combine them both with a one-of-a-kind experience at The Inn at Spanish Bay where each evening, rain or shine, a bagpiper comes to the first tee about 45 minutes before the sunset begins, and then strolls to the second tee and continues to play until the sun is set. Quite a lovely setting.

5. The Steinbeck Center: The National Steinbeck Center is dedicated to the legacy of author John Steinbeck, who was born in Salinas, the seat of Monterey County. The museum has an interesting array of displays depicting Steinbeck’s life and most famous books including The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden and Cannery Row (steinbeck.org). The Center offers more than just the history of John Steinbeck, but also provides exhibits that detail the agricultural and art history of the area. Another interesting Steinbeck experience could be a tour of his birthplace and boyhood home which is also a restaurant (steinbeckhouse.com).

Read More:

The Ultimate List of Must-Visit Orchards while Glamping this Autumn

September to early October is considered prime apple picking time. Why not combine a glamping trip with a side of apple picking so you can enjoy sweet treats and a sweet time at these great fall locations?

Applecrest Farms is New Hampshire’s oldest and largest apple orchard and it’s less than 10 miles from the Tuxbury Tiny House Village – a great New England glamping option. Apple picking runs mid-August through October and fall raspberries and, of course, pumpkins and gourds are available in September. All kinds of fall events are also on the schedule like the Autumn Equinox Festival (September 23-24) and the Great Pumpkin Carve (October 7-9). For more information, visit applecrest.com.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

Draper Girl Country Farm is perfect for apple picking if you picked the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village as your September glamping destination. Rent a tiny house and check out the Draper Girl Country Farm where majestic Mt. Hood is the backdrop for this fall adventure. Not only do they have u-pick, but the Draper Girls have their own hard cider company. There’s flowers here for purchase and a farm store full of meats, baked goods, produce, and more (drapergirlsfarm.com).

Plan your fall glamping adventure to include a stay at the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails and you’re smack dab in some of the Wisconsin Dells’ best apple picking. Ski-Hi Fruit Farm in Baraboo grows over 30 varieties from Red Delicious (good for eating) to Granny Smith (which are good for cooking). Take a wagon ride through the orchard and learn about the farm’s history (skihifruitfarm.com). The Orchard at Fair Oaks Farms is another option that offers all kinds of good apple picking plus live music on Saturdays (fofarms.com).

Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird
Yurts at Thousand Trails Thunderbird

As the number one apple producing state in the country, of course there are plenty of apple picking opportunities in Washington. Check into a yurt or cabin at Thousand Trails Thunderbird in Monroe and head over to Swan Trail Farms in Snohomish to enjoy some apple picking (they have 4000 apple trees!), corn mazes, and some firsthand apple picking tips from the farmers on site to help you pick properly. There’s also a pre-WWII cider mill that presses apples into delicious cider. Another Snohomish option is Skipley Farm (skipleyfarm.com) offering 520 varieties seasonally. Picnic spots are available if you want to enjoy the farm after picking and then there’s Reggie, the resident pig who’s on hand to find the apple you may drop!

Read More:

Squeeze in the Sunshine: Best Beaches for a Late-Summer Getaway

If you didn’t have enough beach time this summer or want to make that last grab at fun in the sun, head to the beach. They’re less crowded and not so hot this time of year, but they remain the ultimate slice of summer. Here are some late-summer beach trips to consider:

Cabin at Mays Landing Campground
Cabin at Mays Landing Campground

Atlantic City, New Jersey: Back in the day, and we mean way back, from the late 1800s to the roaring ‘20s, Atlantic City was the beach. Come September, the beach is less crowded and offers gentle daytime temperatures ranging between the high 60s and low 70s with ocean breezes. The water temperature is a lovely 72 degrees – perfect for the activities you can enjoy here including surfing, kayaking and fishing. Take a break from the beach and stroll the iconic Boardwalk for shopping, eating, and salt water taffy opportunities. Book a glamping cottage or cabin at Mays Landing Campground to enjoy AC Beach!

Bar Harbor, Maine: Book a stay in a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too to enjoy September in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor and take advantage of several beaches here. Sand Beach, located within Acadia National Park, is a great little beach set between the mountains and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy swimming and the views but stay for the sunset and the night sky show as this is a great spot for stargazing. Another beach to check out within Acadia is Echo Lake Beach – again, a small beach that is great for swimming, picnicking, and spectacular scenery in the form of the soaring cliffs of Beach Mountain.

Coronado, California: On a peninsula in the San Diego Bay sits Coronado, a beautiful resort town home to the historic Hotel Del Coronado and several beaches. Coronado Central Beach has glimmering golden sand, the Hotel Del as a backdrop, and is a great beach for swimming, boogie boarding, walking, and tide pooling. North Beach is dog friendly so if you’re traveling with your furry bestie, this is the place to get that last bit of summer sun in. Swimming, walking the beach and, of course, a good game of frisbee or fetch are best done here. Silver Strand State Beach offers two beaches as it’s split – spend some time on the oceanside stretch of beach and then head over to the strip of beach along San Diego Bay. Activities here include shelling, fishing (with permit), kayaking, and swimming. Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Pio Pico to check out Coronado beaches.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon: Rent a glamping cottage, cabin, or ultra-cool yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City and experience one of Oregon’s best beaches at nearby Rockaway Beach. Of course, Cloverdale has plenty of beaches to enjoy so close to home, but we thought a day trip to Rockaway might be fun. Rockaway offers seven miles of sandy beach with several access points along the way. This beach is great for rock hounding and tide pooling. Swimming is an option in September but the water temps are around 62 degrees, so wetsuits are a good idea. While you’re here, grab an original Pronto Pup – considered the original corn dog since 1941. Rockaway Pronto Pup is open on weekends year-round. In Cloverdale, beaches to explore include Green Acres Beach (for a horseback ride along the beach experience, visit beach-rides.com) or Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area with its soaring sand dune and oceanside stretch of beach.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pacific City
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pacific City

Read More:

Dog Days of Glamping

August is a great time to take that glamping trip with your furry friend because it’s National Dog Month! In fact, dog lovers have been known to call the eighth month of the year “Dogust!” We’ve rounded up some dog-friendly glamping locations with nearby beaches, hikes, and other places that roll out the red carpet for the doggies. And, as always, please keep your pets cool and safe when traveling – don’t leave them in cars, keep in mind how hot pavement can be, and know the signs of heat stroke.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Colorado River
Cabin at Thousand Trails Colorado River

Austin: Austin is a super friendly town, so it’s no wonder the hospitality extends to dogs, as well. Book the pet-friendly glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Colorado River and see for yourself why Austin is on the list of pet-friendly vacation destinations. Lots of places to see with your pet in tow here – for example, Zilker Botanical Garden welcomes leashed pets to stroll the 28 acres of gardens that include the Mabel Davis Rose Garden, the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden with its wonderful waterfalls. For more outdoor fun, head over to Barkin’ Springs, which is literally a water park for pups! The waterhole is great for wading and fun dog-watching as all kinds of canines freely frolic in the water here. Red Bud Isle is another option for outdoor water fun and allows dogs off-leash. Dogs are also welcome at the Barton Creek Farmers Market held on Saturdays in Austin. The list of dog-friendly eateries and breweries is too long to list here, so check out bringfido.com/restaurant/beer/city/austin_tx_us for some options.

Russian River Cabin
Thousand Trails Russian River Cabin

Sonoma, California: Has your pet expressed a desire to explore wine country with you? If a resounding woof is the response, then book a pet-friendly cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River and take in the beautiful countryside with your pup in tow. Several wineries are welcoming and include Kunde Family Winery, which offers dog-friendly (albeit somewhat strenuous) hikes through the estate; and Mutt Lynch Winery, which was voted “Most Pet Friendly Winery in Sonoma County” by Bay Woof magazine. Check out the monthly “Yappy Hour” here held in the winery’s Hound Lounge! More hiking with your furry pal is an option at Bartholomew Estate Winery, which has a 3-mile hiking trail with shaded paths. After the hike, the dogs are welcome to join you in the tasting room – you taste the wine, they enjoy some complimentary treats. For eats, check out the Sausage Emporium where dogs are welcome on the patio or the outdoor patio at HopMonk Tavern in historic downtown Sonoma.

Pennsylvania Dutch Country: All are welcome in the scenic spot of Pennsylvania. Book a stay at one of the pet-friendly accommodations at Thousand Trails Circle M and hike, shop, and frolic with your loyal companion. The Amish Farm and House welcomes dogs on the house tour and the buggy tour so they can soak up Amish culture and history along with you. Another ride-along would be the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway which welcomes dogs for the 16-mile ride that offers insight into the area’s coal-mining history (the roughly one-hour ride to the depot is worth it). For outdoor fun, don’t miss Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park in Lancaster. This is a doggie’s dream destination with plenty of open space, a few splash pads, and a tennis ball tree, which launches tennis balls. Dalton’s Doggie Deck, located at the Spring House Brewing Company, is a great place for outdoor relaxation and some cool brews, to boot.

Read More:

3 Great Girls’ Trips

Need a good reason to take a trip with your gal pals? Schedule one for August in recognition of National Girlfriends Day which falls on August 1 giving you the perfect reason to schedule a trip this month! According to nationaltoday.com, Girlfriends Day was created to honor your “ride or die crew” and support women supporting women! A few great spots for such a celebration, according to wearetravelgirls.com, include:

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village


Nashville: Of course, the main reason to come to Nashville is so you can listen to some great music with your besties. But there are plenty more reasons to plan a trip to this charming down south destination. And while shopping, eating, touring grand gardens, and taking photos are not activities limited to the female gender only, for a gal’s trip they sound pretty on target. Shopping in the area can include the city’s 12 South area which is home to great shops like the trendy sunglasses brand Krewe, Reese Witherspoon’s retail foray, Draper James, and the popular jewelry collections by Gorjana. Another option is the Fatherland District which offers a mix of vintage, collectibles, clothing, and home goods. For a garden day, visit the beautiful gardens of Cheekwood, which are set among a sprawling 55-acre historic estate. Chock full of gardens of all kinds that display roses, wildflowers, perennials, herbs, boxwoods, and dogwoods. Cheekwood also has an art gallery and an outdoor sculpture trail (cheekwood.org). From a foodie standpoint, there is plenty to sample. There’s a donut tour (getyourguide.com); a chocolate workshop from the maker of Nashville’s official candy, the Goo Goo Cluster (googoo.com), and a more traditional foodie walking tour available through viator.com that includes southern favorites like hot chicken and buttermilk biscuits. For some of the best backdrops for the girls’ trip photo montage, make sure to hit the many murals found throughout Nashville which can be viewed by a self-guided tour (check out visitmusiccity.com/trip-ideas/nashville-murals for a listing) or through organized tours offered through both viator.com and getyourguide.com. Your home base for all the Nashville fun should be a tiny home at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village, which is conveniently located to some local wineries, as well.

Las Vegas: If you and your girlfriends have always planned a dream trip to Europe, but budgets, timeframes, and other obstacles always come up, why not do the next best thing – head to Las Vegas. Plan a stay in a fabulous glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas RV Resort and take in a little bit of Europe stateside. If you head to the Strip, you can take a gondola ride at the Venetian Hotel and pretend you’re in Venice, while the Paris Hotel will allow for Instagram-worthy shots aside replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe (who’s to know where you really are?!?). Want to toss the requisite coins in the Trevi Fountain – take a trip over to Caesar’s Palace to see their version of the famed Roman fountain. For rustic fun, get your cowgirl fix by taking a sunrise or sunset horseback ride complete with either an authentic cowboy-style pancakes and eggs breakfast or a barbeque dinner (check out viator.com for more info). It’s a great way to see the gorgeous desert landscape of the area. Las Vegas also has some interesting museums like the Las Vegas Showgirl Museum or the Neon Boneyard where many of the iconic neon lights of Vegas spend their “retirement.” The Arts District is another fun place to visit with plenty of shops and galleries, cool murals, Brewery Row, and the Burlesque Hall of Fame.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas
Cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas


Seattle: From the iconic Space Needle to the always-buzzing Pike Place Market, Seattle is a great location for a girl’s trip. Start the fun with a reservation for a glamping cottage or yurt glamping accommodation at Tall Chief and get ready to see the sights with the girls. Of course, all good girlfriend chats are usually done over a cup of coffee and where better than Seattle to find the best cuppa! Check out the Coffee Culture Walking Tour (visit getyourguide.com) or visit the original Starbucks location in Pike Place Market. While the Space Needle is one of Seattle’s most visited attractions and should be on the list, don’t miss the Chihuly Glass and Garden exhibit while visiting this landmark. The imaginative and beautiful glass artwork by Dale Chihuly, a Washington native, is set among several galleries, the botanic garden, and the Glasshouse. If hiking is on the agenda, there are plenty of options. Discovery Park has a 2.8- mile loop with great views of the city skyline. And of course, there’s the Market. Pike Place Market is great for shopping for all kinds of things. As the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the country, there is a lot of shopping to be found here. In addition to the food options, the Market offers arts and crafts and knickknacks of all kinds.

Yurt at Tall Chief Campground
Yurt at Tall Chief Campground

Read More:

5 Things to Do in the Wisconsin Dells

There are all kinds of things to do in the Wisconsin Dells area – from water fun to wineries. But one of the most interesting things you can do is plan a glamping stay at Yukon Trails in one of their super fun, super cool, super cute shipping containers. The Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails has five ultra-hip shipping containers that have been transformed into the perfect glamping accommodation. All five have kitchens and full bathrooms. Four of them sleep four comfortably while the fifth is a cozy retreat for two!

Once you’re settled in, consider these five fun ways to explore this beautiful area of Wisconsin:

1. Make sure to visit the Driftless Glen Distillery, an award-winning craft distillery in Baraboo. Take a guided tour and learn how they create the spirits here which include bourbon, rye whiskey, gin, and vodka. They also turn out a fabulous variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The tours last about an hour, so you can choose to enjoy the Distillery’s fabulous restaurant before or after your tour. Located along the banks of the Baraboo River, outside dining is an option, weather permitting. To learn more about Driftless Glen, visit driftlessglen.com.

2. If running away to join the circus was something you considered as a child, you may enjoy a visit to Baraboo’s Circus World (circusworld.wisconsinhistory.org). Located on the grounds of the original home of the Ringling Brothers circus, visitors can see all kinds of artifacts from circus life including historic wooden circus wagons set among seven historic buildings. The Robert L. Parkinson Library and Research Center onsite here has a massive collection of all things circus dating from 1793 to present day. There is also a collection of over 9,000 iconic circus posters. Walk the grounds, see the history, or check out one of the frequently held special events.


3. Does lavender ice cream sound yummy? Visit the New Life Lavender Farm where you can opt to walk the fields of lavender or take a guided wagon tour that also includes views of the farm’s bees, wildflower fields, and some adorable cows and sheep. The gift shop has plenty of lavender items from aromatherapy to lavender springs, and that yummy lavender ice cream. For more information visit newlifelavender.com.

4. Mirror Lake State Park is the place to go for hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking. The views of the sandstone bluffs are amazing and birdwatching and glimpses of wildlife are definite possibilities here. Speaking of views, if you have the time, try to grab dinner at one of the ultimate Wisconsin supper clubs, Ishnala, which is located within the park. They don’t take reservations but the views of the sunset on the lake are well worth the wait. The food is pretty darn good, too!

State Capitol Building, Madison WI


5. If you’re planning to stay a while at Yukon Trails, then a day trip to Madison could be on the agenda. The State Capital is about an hour’s drive from the Dells and attractions here include Olbrich Botanical Gardens; the 28-acre Henry Vilas Zoo (opened in 1924), or a tour of the Capitol Building (available daily) to see the building’s French and Italian marble, the colorful murals, and the breathtaking skylight. If you’re heading into Madison on a Saturday, don’t miss the Farmers’ Market on the Square, considered one of the best around! Architecture buffs will appreciate the Monona Terrace and Convention Center on the campus of the University of Wisconsin, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Read More:

Stay Cool With These Great Water Retreats

Door County – WI

The perfect mix for summer fun in the sun is some glamping with a side of water! And when we say water we mean the rivers, lakes, and oceans just waiting for you to enjoy near your favorite glamping spot. Here’s a water-based itinerary to keep in mind:

Wisconsin Water: Like its northern neighbor, Minnesota, Wisconsin has plenty of lakes and waterways to explore via canoe and kayak as well as for fishing fun. A few glamping options include Tranquil Timbers in Door County. Up here on this beautiful Wisconsin peninsula, you’re surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. There are also several lakes in Door County including Kangaroo Lake in Baileys Harbor and Little Lake (named because it is the smallest) on Washington Island. Rent a cabin, cottage or yurt at Tranquil Timbers and explore the waters of Door County. Another fun Badger State glamping location with a lakeside location is Neshonoc Lakeside. Located on one of Wisconsin’s best fishing lakes for walleye, bass, northern pike, and perch, there are several glamping cabin rentals available here if you’re angling to fish this summer! And, you can’t forget the waterpark variety found in the Wisconsin Dells, aptly considered the water park capital of the world. The Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails is about 10 minutes from the action, and are a great choice for a unique and sustainable Dells getaway!

Neshonoc Lakeside – WI

Oceanside: If you’re wanting to spend your summer glamping oceanside, there are several options to choose from. The waters of the Atlantic can be easily accessed with a visit to our East Coast locations including Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too (rent a glamping cabin at these great Bar Harbor spots); with a tiny house rental at Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village in New Hampshire; and the idyllic resort towns of Cape Cod (check out the cottage rentals at Gateway to Cape Cod). Heading south for warmer Atlantic waters? Check out the Florida glamping cabin rentals at Miami Everglades and Sunshine Key Tiny House Village in Big Pine Key. Pacific Coast options include  Oregon’s Pacific City or Seaside (rentals include glamping cabins and cottages), where the beach is just steps from the campground.

Encore Sunshine Key

Running the Rivers: Can we really divide people into ocean, lake, and river people? If you feel more in tune with rivers, then consider these glamping locations, including the one where a river literally runs through it. That one is California’s Ponderosa, which has the South Fork of the American river running through it. A great place for rafting, tubing, and canoeing with great glamping cabin rentals. Head to Bend, Oregon to explore all the Little Deschutes River has to offer. Rent a glamping cabin, cottage, or yurt at Bend-Sunriver and paddle, tube, or canoe the scenic waterway and enjoy the view.

Thousand Trails Ponderosa

Lake Life: When you glamp with Petite Retreats, living the lake life while glamping is one sure thing. Countless glamping locations are located lakeside. So, if your mantra for your next glamping trip is “Sorry can’t. Lake. Bye.” then we have some choices for you. Lake Minden, located in California’s Sacramento Valley, has a 41-acre private lake onsite that is perfect for boating or fishing for catfish or largemouth bass. Lake life in the foothills of the Sierras? Texas has lake offerings too including Lake Conroe with its 22,000-acre lake world-famous for fishing and great glamping cabin rentals. Speaking of rentals, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes are also available for rent. Alabama’s Hidden Cove sits on Smith Lake known for its crystal clear waters and great fishing. Rent a glamping cottage or cabin and see for yourself.

Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

So much water, so little time! Check out petiteretreats.com and see what body of water can be found at your favorite glamping location.

Read More:

Take the Ultimate Road Trip with These Two Scenic Coastal Drives

Let’s face it, we’ve got some great coastlines in this country. There’s the Pacific Coast that stretches from way up north in Washington down south to San Diego, California; there’s the rugged coastline of New England, the Florida Coast, the Gulf Coast, and on and on. And that means lots of choices for coastal drives. If you’re looking to glamp and do a coastal drive, consider these two options:

California 1 (Monterey to Santa Barbara): Spend a few days glamping in a cottage or yurt at Marina Dunes and prep for your scenic drive to your next destination in Santa Barbara. The distance between Monterey and Santa Barbara is approximately 250 miles and there is plenty to see along the way. While in Monterey, don’t miss historic Cannery Row, Monterey State Historic Park, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Heading out, you may want to start the day right with a quick morning hike at Pfeiffer Falls in Big Sur and then head south. If you’re interested in how the mega-rich lived back in the day, stop at San Simeon, and take an early tour of the Hearst Castle (plan ahead by visiting hearstcastle.org). Hop back on the road and plan a stop at Morro Bay to see a simpler life as the harbor seals frolic just offshore. A shot of Morro Rock is definitely an Instagram-must. Lunch in the hip San Luis Obispo where possibilities include High Street Deli & Market or the Madonna Inn Copper Café and on to Santa Barbara – unless you want to make a stop in Solvang – an absolutely delightful town oozing Danish charm with its shops, architecture, Danish cuisine, and wineries. Now settle in for a few days and enjoy Santa Barbara attractions including the Santa Barbara Zoo, at least one sunset from Stearns Wharf, and possibly a tour of the Santa Barbara missions.

Route 1 (Wells, Maine to Bar Harbor, Maine): Start your trip with a few well-spent days in a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Moody Beach in Wells, which should be all about Ogunquit Beach. The expansive beach with scenic views was voted a top-25 beach in 2021 by TripAdvisor Travelers. When you’re beached-out, get set for charming Bar Harbor, approximately 221 miles north. OK, so the first stop is almost immediate, but Kennebunkport is worth a look-see. The rustic stone St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, dating back to 1887, is one don’t miss, while the Goat Island Lighthouse on Cape Porpoise is another. Further up the road apiece is the state’s first lighthouse, Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a potato donut (an invention during the Depression) at The Holy Donut, with two locations in Portland. Now, settle in for about two hours before you reach Bangor and get ready to snap a pic or two of the 31-foot statue of Paul Bunyan, the lumberjack hero of both American and Canadian folklore. While in Bangor, check out the Victorian mansion that is home to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation – pay special attention to the front gate with its wrought iron bats and spider web. King is a Bangor native and did live in the house at one time but does not any longer. Charming Bar Harbor awaits for your next glamping destination (glamping rentals at Mount Desert Narrows and Narrows Too are perfect for this trip) and things to do include a visit to Acadia National Park, a whale-watching cruise, the Land Bridge to Bar Island, and maybe a Savor Bar Harbor Culinary tour (mainedayadventeures.com).

Read More