Category: Campgrounds

Celebrate the Great Outdoors This Month

Like clockwork, Great Outdoors Month comes around every year in June and reminds us to celebrate exactly that: the Great Outdoors. You can go wild and crazy and hike the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail, climb a mountain, or deep-sea dive. Or you can just do some regular stuff outside, with a thrill or two tossed in. We’ve got some ideas. Of course, the precursor to these activities is to get out and glamp this month which in itself is celebrating the Great Outdoors.

Tropical Palms RV Resort
Cottage at Encore Tropical Palms Resort

Outdoor Activity: Just being outdoors can check the box, but there are plenty of activities that we do on a regular basis that we can do in June to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Bike riding is one and there are plenty of bike trails around our glamping locations. If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Verde Valley, check out the Bell Rock Pathway which is an easy 3.7-mile, hard dirt trail around the Red Rock Canyon area in Arizona. Rent a cabin at Spring Gulch and ride through the Pennsylvania countryside on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, a 14.5-mile trail. Plan a stay in a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee, Florida, and ride the Shingle Creek Regional Trail, an 8.43-mile stretch with views of cypress and gum trees and glimpses of wildlife including egrets and Great Blue herons.

Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

Outdoor Adventure: Do something adventurous this month and get out of your comfort zone. One activity that falls under the thrilling headline includes whitewater rafting. Plan a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and whitewater raft the Truckee River (gowhitewater.com) or through Yosemite National Park which offers rafting just outside the park on the Tuolumne and Merced rivers. Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Washington and check out the rafting adventures offered through Blue Sky Outfitters (blueskyoutfitters.com). New York’s Adirondack region is great for whitewater rafting. A stay at Lake George Escape and a trip booked through wildwaters.net is an option for whitewater thrills this month.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing

Outdoor Entertainment: From iconic drive-in movies to outdoor theater, there are several ways to enjoy entertainment in the great outdoors this month. Sit back and enjoy a good old drive-in movie at one of these operating drive-ins near our glamping locations: Westwind Las Vegas 6 (near Thousand Trails Las Vegas); Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth, Texas (near Thousand Trails Bay Landing); and Highway 18 Outdoor Theater in Jefferson, Wisconsin (near Blackhawk Campground). Outdoor theater can be enjoyed at The Old Globe in San Diego, California (near Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Fest in Lake Tahoe, California (near Tahoe Valley Campground); and Northern Sky Theater in Fish Creek, Wisconsin (near Tranquil Timbers).

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5 of The Most Beautiful Places in America

There are all kinds of lists when it comes to the most beautiful places in America. Some are based simply on the natural scenery (think the Texas Hill Country during the bluebonnets bloom time or the colorful fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway come autumn) while others focus on the charm a specific place exudes like the Bavarian-styled Leavenworth, Washington, or the iconic New England villages dotting the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Whatever the reason, it cannot be disputed that America is indeed America the Beautiful. We’ve listed a few to check out when glamping with Petite Retreats.

Lake Tahoe (California): Lake Tahoe made busytourist.com’s list which cites the sheer beauty of this freshwater lake as the reason. The waters of this 22-mile long lake are crystal clear and because of the roughly 1,600-foot depth, the colors of the water range from green-blue to dark navy blue. Surrounded by the snow-capped Sierras, the lake is a sight to behold. Book a cozy cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley and explore the area. Emerald Bay is said to be the most beautiful spot within this beautiful location.

Thor’s Well (Oregon): Can a sinkhole be beautiful? Oregon’s Thor’s Well certainly proves the possibility. This 20-foot deep sinkhole that is believed to be a collapsed sea cave is a sight to be seen. Not only are the ocean views amazing, but come high tide, waves cause a violent spray to come out of the top. Stay in your choice of a cottage or cabin at nearby Thousand Trails Whalers Rest and take a drive south down the coast to see this natural phenomenon.

Skagit Valley Tulips (Washington): Come spring, the Skagit Valley in Washington State comes alive with color as more than 300 acres of tulips are in bloom. There is an annual Tulip Festival that runs from April to early May (tulipfestival.org). Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails La Conner to take in this beautiful blooming location.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

Acadia National Park (Maine): The rocky shores, the granite peaks, soaring trees, several ponds, and wildlife combine to make this New England national park one of the most beautiful places in the country. Stay in a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too in our Bar Harbor location and enjoy the scenic Acadia National Park.

Hamilton Pool Preserve (Texas): An historic watering hole in Texas makes the list thanks to the emerald green waters of Hamilton Pool Preserve which is fed by a 50-foot waterfall and nested at the basin of a limestone grotto. Definitely worth a visit – so plan to check it out and reserve a cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake which is about 40 miles away.

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Hug A Tree

Did you know that hugging a tree is good for you and brings about feelings of wellbeing and calm? Studies have shown that hugging a tree actually increases levels of oxytocin, the hormone responsible for many feelings including empathy and it also helps with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Just five minutes of a good tree hug is all that’s needed!

Aside from the health benefits, hugging, and just generally enjoying, trees in the month we celebrate not only Earth Day, but also Arbor Day, is good idea. Trees are an important part of Earth Day (celebrated on April 22) because they aid in climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air as well as releasing oxygen into the air. To ensure we continue to have plenty of trees, Arbor Day efforts encourage the planting of trees by individuals and groups on the day, which falls this year on April 28. So, get camping, get planting, and get hugging our beautiful trees.

Did you know that a Joshua tree is not actually a tree, but a succulent? No matter, the trees in California’s Joshua Tree National Park would love for you to come and hug them. In addition to the aforementioned benefits of hugging a tree, Joshua Tree National Park is said to have healing vibes, so this tree-hugging expedition is a two-fer when it comes to doing the body good. Rent a colorful glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs to be near Joshua Tree National Park.

While you might not be able to wrap your arms completely around the towering trees found on the Big Trees Loop (a flat, easy trail) in Yosemite National Park, you can certainly appreciate their beauty while taking in the benefits of being close to these ancient trees. Try a stay in one of the yurts at nearby Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and reap the benefits from a hike among the trees in this beautiful California national park.

Back in 2014, a group of tree huggers got together to ensure Portland, Oregon’s place in the Guinness Book of World Records when 936 people simultaneously hugged trees in one minute. The tree hugging took place in the city’s Washington Park. Book a tiny house stay at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and take a drive along scenic Highway 35 to hug your own tree in Washington Park, which is also home to a beautiful Japanese Garden and a forestry museum.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Carolina Landing
Cabin at Thousand Trails Carolina Landing

Congaree National Park in South Carolina is a great place for tree appreciation as it is home to some of the biggest trees east of the Mississippi River. Take the Boardwalk Loop Trail and see if you can hug a few along the way. FYI, there is a loblolly pine tree that requires at least four people to hug the circumference! Reserve a cabin at Thousand Trails Carolina Landing and glamp with us while visiting Congaree.

Book a cozy glamping cabin at Encore Miami Everglades and visit the Miami Beach Botanical Garden to roam three acres of beautiful gardens that include mangrove trees.

Family Trip at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe Campground
Family Trip at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe Campground

Glamp with us at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe and head to Sam Houston National Forest to hike among the trees. The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail winds through the forest and is a great way to enjoy the woodlands here.

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Sporty Spring Break Ideas

The nice thing about a spring break getaway is that the option to enjoy hot or cold weather sports still exists. Skiing is a very real possibility as is snorkeling and surfing. Wanna try a sporty spring break this year? Consider these options.

Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground
Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground

Skiing/Snowboarding: If you want to hit the slopes alongside all the rest of the spring breakers, there are plenty of options. From a glamping standpoint, the places to head would include Washington’s Leavenworth Tiny House Village; Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village or Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver for cabins and yurts; California’s Tahoe Valley cabins or Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes’ cabins and yurts. Nearby ski areas include Tahoe’s Heavenly Ski Resort, the Leavenworth Ski Hill, Mt. Bachelor near Bend-Sunriver, the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl near Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, and Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground

Surfing: While surfing is possible in Florida year-round, the surf season in the Sunshine State is considered to be from late November through March. If you’re glamping in Florida for Spring Break 2023 and surfing is on the agenda, consider a stay at Encore Miami-Everglades to be near South Beach for great surfing or Encore Bulow to be near surfing opportunities at Flagler Beach. On the Pacific Coast, glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico for San Diego surfing fun or Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon for good March surfing at Zuma Beach in Malibu.

Hiking: March is a great season to enjoy hikes in California’s Joshua Tree National Park and Sedona, Arizona’s Red Rock Country, with glamping stays at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and Thousand Trails Verde Valley, respectively. Both areas enjoy a more moderate temperature this time of year so it’s not too hot to trek around and explore. Of course, springtime in Yosemite National Park promises wildflowers, waterfalls, and plenty of great hiking – check out Mist Trail or the Bridalveil Fall Trail. You can do a different day hike every day if you book a yurt or cabin stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes which is five minutes from the Park’s entrance!

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We Found 11 of the Best Hiking Trails

If you’re a fan of college basketball then you know terms like Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight apply to bracket rounds when it comes to March Madness – the all-encompassing single-elimination tournament that brings the college basketball season to an end. But have you heard of the Elite 11?

The Elite 11 are 11 scenic trails found across the United States. The 1968 National Trails System Act designated these 11 trails for “the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant, historic, natural, or cultural qualities. The Elite 11 include the New England National Scenic Trail, the Natchez Trace Trail, the Potomac Heritage Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Ice Age Trail, the Florida Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the North Country Trail. Let’s check out the ones that are close to our fabulous glamping accommodations.

Sawyer Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Villiage
Sawyer Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Villiage

Natchez Trace: The trail runs for over 60 miles from Tennessee down through Mississippi and runs parallel to the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you book a stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village, you are close to the northern-most portion of the trail, known as the Highland Rim Section. This portion of the trail stretches for 20 miles, is dog friendly, and can be done via hiking or biking. The War of 1812 Memorial can be found at Milepost 426.3 and honors those who marched on the Natchez Trace during the war, which was an important route for moving soldiers to defend the area.

Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground
Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground

Ice Age Trail: Located entirely in the state of Wisconsin, the 1000-mile footpath is the result of a retreating glacier from over 10,000 years ago. There are several access points to the trail located near our Wisconsin glamping accommodations. Stay in an ultra-cool yurt at Tranquil Timbers and hike the portion of the trail in Sturgeon Bay that takes you through Potawatomi State Park. Rent a cottage or cabin at Lakeland in Milton and you can access the Milton Segment of the trail which runs 4.3 miles through historic Milton or the Storrs Lake Segment which runs 1.8 miles through wetlands. If you’re glamping in a cabin or cottage at Arrowhead, near the Wisconsin Dells, the Devil’s Lake State Park portion of the Ice Age trails is less than 15 miles from camp.

Pacific Crest Trail: This is the mother of all trails running 2,653 miles from Washington State to the U.S.-Mexico Border. Certainly adventurous hikers have taken on the task of hiking the whole trail, but luckily it can also be done in sections. Suggestions for day trips in each state can be found at the Pacific Crest Trail Association website, pcta.org. Highlights of the trail include Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado National Forest (stay at Tahoe Valley); Jefferson Park in Central Oregon (about 80 miles from Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver); and Goat Rock’s Wilderness (about an hour from Thousand Trails Chehalis).

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades
Cabins at Miami Everglades RV Resort

Florida Trail: Divided into geographic regions, the Florida Trail runs about 1500 miles from north to south in the Sunshine State, starting north near Pensacola on the Panhandle, and heading down south to the Miami area. Access to the trail while glamping with Petite Retreats, can include a stay at a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee or lodge, bunkhouse, or cabin glamping rentals at Encore Miami-Everglades. There are plenty more access points and plenty more places to glamp with us in Florida, so check out floridatrail.org and petiteretreats.com to see what suits your Florida Trail agenda.

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The Best Weekend Getaways to Take This Year

Think about this – as of February 1, summer is still roughly 140 days away. Spring break is closer but it seems like everyone is traveling at the same during spring break getaways so fighting crowds could be a downside there. Ok…so what do you do? Enjoy the weekend getaway, as often as you like! These quick trip options may just be the travel fix you need after a long work week and before you can take a long extended getaway that, as we figure, is still about 20-plus weeks away!

Pacific City RV & Camping Resort Yurt
Thousand Trails Pacific City RV & Camping Resort

Leave the city behind and head to the beach with a quick getaway from Portland to Thousand Trails Pacific City RV & Camping Resort. Glamp in a relaxing yurt accommodation here and plan to commune with the nature found in this great Oregon Coast setting. Wanna whale watch? Mark your calendar for the week of March 24 which is when Whale Watching Week 2023 begins along the coast. Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for birding, wildlife watching and hiking as several trails here are open year-round. Take a drive to the Tillamook Cheese Factory and enjoy ice cream or that big wheel of cheese you’ve been dreaming of! Or, just walk the beach and watch the waves crash against the rocks! Pretty neat weekend getaway for sure.

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

The Natchez Trace Tiny House Village is about a five-hour drive from major cities like Cincinnati and Indianapolis. That’s not a bad little road trip to find the relaxation of these southern charming glamping accommodations and the southern hospitality found in all the nearby attractions. With Natchez Trace as your home base, you can do big city fun in Nashville or enjoy small town charmers like Leiper’s Fork and Franklin. Nashville highlights include the Country Music Hall of Fame, the classic Ryman Auditorium and the great honky-tonks and eateries found in the city’s Broadway Historic District. Leiper’s Fork has don’t-miss barbeque and biscuits at Fox & Locke and an eclectic assortment of shops, plus the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, featuring Tennessee spirits. Franklin offers a Saturday Farmer’s Market, the Franklin on Foot walking tour, which is a great way to the town’s historical sites and plenty of shopping and eating options.

If you’re lucky enough to call any of the major cities in the Sunshine State home, you are at least blessed with plenty of regular sunshine. But all sun and no play, can make for some dull weekends, so we suggest a getaway to a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee (conveniently located only a mini-road trip away from points like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa/St. Pete and Sarasota.) Because the weather cooperates most days, outdoor fun is definitely doable here. Paddle Shingle Creek in a kayak, swim with the manatees on a guided tour of the Crystal River, or bike the many trails in the area. Shingle Creek in fact has a great trail for pedestrians and cyclists – the Shingle Creek Regional Trail. If kitsch is on the menu – consider visiting Gatorland or Eli’s Orange World, both of which are worthy of some great shots to share on all things social media! Of course, there are the major theme parks if you want to feel like a kid again and upcoming local festivals include EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival (begins March 1) and the Orlando Wine Festival is set for March 24-26.

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Visit These Spots for Love Your Pet Day

While National Love Your Pet Day, celebrated on February 20, is relatively new (dating to the early 2000s), humans’ love of pets goes back thousand and thousands of years, with evidence of humans, dogs, and cats co-existing from more than 12,000 years ago. So, if you have furry friends, the best thing you can do on February 20, or any day for that matter, is to do something special for them.

How about taking them glamping to enjoy the outdoors and see the pet-friendly sights of several cities that are considered some of the best for traveling with pets?  And, while birds, fish, and cats fall among the most popular pets along with dogs, we’ll focus on the canine kind for this feature.

Rent a pet-friendly cabin, cottage, or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver RV Campground and get ready to explore Bend, Oregon, one of the Ten Best Outdoor Towns, according to thediscoverer.com. Fun on this paws-itively great getaway can include shopping (dogs are welcome at the local Patagonia store); cider and brewery visits (Tumalo Cider Company and 10 Barrel Brewing Company Eastside welcomes furry friends) and outdoor adventure on the Deschutes River (Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe offer dog-friendly rentals); hiking trails at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and several pet-friendly trails in the Deschutes National Forest. For a bit of nostalgia, browse the selection of videos available at the last Blockbuster store in North America, which is located in Bend and is pet-friendly.

Vacation Camper at Encore Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

A Florida getaway for Fido is a good idea considering not only is the weather going to cooperate, but there are plenty of hiking trails, parks, and attractions that allow dogs. The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanic Garden welcomes leashed dogs to walk the 15-plus-acre native garden and forest. If a walk on the beach is on your pup’s agenda, check out Anne’s Beach in Islamorada and Key West’s Dog Beach. And should your Key West beach outing last toward evening, head over to Island Dogs, a pet friendly bar that features live music. Other dog-friendly attractions in the Florida Keys include the Key West Aquarium; Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (trails only; no dogs allowed on the beach); and National Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. Rent a fun (and pet-friendly) vacation camper at Encore Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina for this dog-gone great getaway.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

A pet-friendly cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake RV Campground, scenic countryside, and plenty of things to do combine to make a glamping trip with your pet one you’ll both remember fur-ever! Take a history lesson and visit the home of our 36th President and Texas native, Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson’s birthplace can be seen at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and leashed dogs and their humans can enjoy a 1.2-mile trail with glimpses of other historic buildings on site. A scenic trip while riding in the car is an option if you choose to take the 13-mile loop drive, known as the Windy City Loop, or the 85-mile Swiss Alps of Texas, to view some gorgeous Hill Country scenery. Take to the water with the pet-friendly outfitter Whitewater Sports (floattheguadalupe.com) and enjoy water fun on the Guadalupe River. If it’s patio weather, consider a meal true to the German roots of the area at The Auslander in Fredericksburg which has a pet-friendly outdoor patio and some tasty schnitzel.

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2023 National Park Bucket List

With the holidays come and gone, you may have received, or know someone who received, a National Park themed item. Maybe it was socks depicting Yosemite highlights, or a National Parks Scratch Off Poster for tracking park visits. One popular gift item is the token bracelet or keychain fob solely for the purpose of adding a national park token for each park visited. All good reasons to make a National Park 2023 Bucket List.

Combine a glamping adventure with Petite Retreats and visit to a nearby NP and you’ll have one great outdoor adventure. Here are a few National Parks near some of our best Petite Retreat accommodations. And don’t forget there are four days of the year when admission to the National Parks are free – April 11, August 4, September 23, and November 11, so plan ahead:

Yosemite National Park is just a stone’s throw (five miles from the Park’s entrance) from the unique yurt accommodations and cute cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes RV Campground. Enjoy the spacious, cool vibes of your yurt while checking Yosemite off the list. Must-sees include Yosemite Falls, which at 2,425 feet are the tallest falls in North America; the soaring granite peaks of Half Dome and El Capitan; the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove and of course, the miles and miles of hiking trails.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Campground
Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Campground

All the way across the country from sunny California is the rocky coast of Maine and the beautiful Acadia National Park. Book a cozy glamping cabin at one of our Bar Harbor resorts and set a course to explore as much you can of the 48,000 acres of wooded wonderland. Bike the carriage roads, take the Scenic Loop Drive, watch the sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain or watch the stars at Jordon Pond.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

In the beautiful desert outside of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is great spot for rock climbing, stargazing, and an abundance of spring wildflowers. Check out Cholla Cactus Garden for life-sized cacti, take the ultimate selfie at Skull Rock, or visit Keys Ranch, built in 1910 as a family home for a rancher and goldminer. Key Ranch is listed as a National Historic Register site. Check out a colorful cottage in Palm Springs for your California getaway.


If National Parks make you think of a wooded setting, check out Dry Tortugas National Park, an island in the Florida Keys, for something completely different. Book a tiny house at Sunshine Key at take off down the Overseas Highway to see what this island National Park is all about. Actually, seven islands make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Garden Key is home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th century fort. Snorkeling and swimming are big activities here, and a kayak ride to tour the various islands is another suggested activity. Plenty of coral reefs to see here and a great spot for birding.


While in Florida, check out a lesser known national park – Biscayne National Park, just about an hour from a cozy cabin accommodation at Miami Everglades. Accessible only by boat, guided tours are available and canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling activities are also offered here. Of course, one of the most popular national parks, Everglades National Park, is also an option when glamping at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort – it’s only about a half hours’ drive away!

Cabin at Miami Everglades RV Resort
Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort

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3 Great Places to go Off the Beaten Path

If you’re planning to venture somewhere new this year, most likely you’ll either consult friends or family who’ve traveled there before or do a few internet searches to see what’s a not-miss when visiting this destination. But, what if you went off the beaten path (“OTBP”) and shied away from the major draws and reasons the city is appealing? Let’s go off the beaten path in a few of America’s most popular travel destinations.


Nashville: Most visitors to Nashville go for the music. After all, they don’t call it “Music City” for nothing! But what else is there to do in this Tennessee metropolis? First, make your reservation for a tiny house at Natchez Trace and then go OTBP. On the first Saturday of every month, downtown Nashville galleries open their doors, offering free admission, and welcome visitors to shop or just look at the amazing art on display. Hail, Dark Aesthetics bills itself as a gallery of antiques and oddities – whether you’re in the market for a baby octopus in a jar or not, this place is worth a look. Ok, you might as well listen to some music, but do it at The Caverns, a subterranean music venue in nearby Pelham. Visit thecaverns.com for more info about their musical events in a series of caves!

Door County: Goats on the roof, fish boils, and orchards loaded with apples and cherries – that’s the draw of Wisconsin’s Door County, but we found more to do! The Door County Maritime Museum details the maritime history of the area while the Alexander Noble House Museum is the oldest remaining structure in the town of Fish Creek and contains many of the original 19th century furnishings. Take the ferry to Washington Island and join the “Bitters Club” by downing a shot of Angostura bitters at Nelsen’s Hall Bitters Pub. While on the island, don’t miss the Washington Island Stavkirke, an absolutely amazing structure. Plan to glamp at Tranquil Timbers for a Door County adventure.

Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley


Sedona: Just under two hours from Phoenix, Sedona, Arizona, can be called other-worldly with mystical powers and healing vortexes that can even bring calm to the A-plusses of Type A personalities. Sedona is a healing place thanks in part due to the red-orange color of the red rocks that surround it which is considered one of the most neuro-stimulating colors. Book a cabin, cottage or tiny house at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and you’re on our way to restful retreat. Plan hikes to see the vortexes and soak up their healing energy; take a yoga class in the desert; or enjoy some of the spa services offered at one of the numerous spas in town. Plan ahead and enjoy the Sedona Yoga Festival, scheduled for June 2-5. The Verde River is great for relaxing canoe and kayak trips and a wine tasting at nearby Alcantara Vineyards may be just what you need to take the edge off!

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5 Things to Do in Las Vegas

If you think Las Vegas is all bright lights, big city buzzing 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you only need to know the meaning of Las Vegas to know there is more than a concrete jungle here. When the area was discovered by Spanish explorers on their way west, they named it Las Vegas, meaning “the meadows” because of the vast expanse of greenery. And certainly, the 32 million visitors to Las Vegas annually are most likely there for those bright lights and the 24/7 buzz, but we found five different ways to enjoy the area.

While exploring all Las Vegas has to offer, book a stay in our Las Vegas cabins.

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

1. Museums: Just like the variety of shows, Sin City also offers up some pretty varied museums. There’s the Atomic Museum, whose mission is to “tell the story of America’s nuclear weapons testing program at the Nevada Test Site.” Exhibits include the Phoebus 2-A, a real nuclear reactor, several lesser-known atomic weapons and the interesting Pop Culture, which displays artifacts like comic books and toys related to the atomic bomb (atomicmuseum.vegas). The Mob Museum tells the story of organized crime and law enforcement (themobmuseum.org) while the Neon Museum is dedicated to collecting and preserving the iconic neon signs of Las Vegas (neonmuseum.org).

2. Wildlife: The luxurious hotels along the fame Strip are home to more than gambling casinos and entertainment venues; there is also an amazing array of wildlife to be found. The Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay has not only sharks, but giant rays, sea turtles, and piranha. If you drop by the iconic Flamingo Hotel, not only will you see the exotic Chilean flamingos but also other exotic birds, turtles, and fish among a four-acre garden complete with streams and waterfalls at the hotel’s Flamingo Wildlife habitat. The Mirage Hotel is home to Siegfried and Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat where visitors can see white lions, tigers, and leopards amidst a jungle setting while the dolphins can be seen from an underwater viewing area.

3. About 30 minutes outside Las Vegas is the town of Boulder City, which was built for the purpose of housing the workers who helped build the nearby Hoover Dam. Today the city is worth a road trip if want to visit the Nevada State Railroad Museum, walk or bike the Historic Railroad Trail, check out the Bighorn Sheep roaming the green grass at Hemenway Valley Park or enjoy the restaurants, shops, and galleries in the downtown area and glimpse some really cool 1930s architecture. FYI, Boulder City could be a great stop if you’re heading to the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which is about 15 minutes away.

4. The Other Wild Life: As they say, when in Paris…so why not experience a bit of the wild side of Las Vegas? Consider Omega Mart, Meow Wolf’s interactive art installation with secret portals and storytelling to peak the imagination. Omega Mart is just one of several interesting sensory experiences found at AREA15 which also offers non-traditional dining experiences including the space-odyssey inspired LIFTOFF.

5. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Just outside Las Vegas, this desert location has plenty to do. There are 26 different trails to hike and explore, the 13-mile Scenic Drive through the canyonlands, rock climbing options, and plenty of native flora and fauna worthy of an Instagram post or two.

Hiking at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Hiking at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

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