Category: Things To Do

5 Things to Do in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is a great place to visit whether for a few days or an extended stay. There is so much to see and do here from all standpoints – cultural, historic, foodie and outdoor adventures. It’s got the bridge, it’s got the bay, it’s got woodlands and mountains, and landmarks and live entertainment. Come find out your favorite thing about The City by the Bay. A glamping stay at Marina Dunes RV Park s perfect for your day trips to explore San Francisco.

Glamping Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Park
Glamping Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Park

1. Do the Rock: The Rock, also known as Alcatraz or Alcatraz Island, served as a federal prison for 29 years and saw the likes of some pretty serious criminals including famed gangster, Al Capone. The island is now a California Historic Landmark and tours of the prison are available daily, including in the evening. Check out alcatrazislandtickets.com for details.

    2. Do the Stairs: Of course, a hilly city like San Francisco has a lot of staircases but there are two that are of special note. The 16th Avenue Staircase, located in a residential neighborhood, is a colorful set of 163 mosaic tiled stairs that lead climbers to an extraordinary view of the city. Over on Lombard Street, considered the “crookedest street in the world”, each side of the street has a staircase consisting of 250 stairs – again worth the steep climb for fantastic views.

    Aerial straight down over Lombard Street with cars and road running horizontally
    Lombard Street – San Francisco, CA

    3. Do Something Groovy: You may remember the Summer of Love, or heard about it from “older” folks, but San Francisco was the epicenter of this social phenomenon that occurred in the summer of 1967. Visit some of the sites that were the place to be that summer, including Golden Gate Park where the Human Be-In took place and is now home to numerous gardens, windmills and two museums; and Haight-Ashbury, the neighborhood that was home to the Grateful Dead (the house at 710 Ashbury is privately owned but pics of the outside of this lovely Victorian are possible) and many other rockers from the day. The neighborhood has plenty of shops, vintage boutiques and eateries to enjoy too!

    Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park
    Glamping Cottage at Marina Dunes RV Park

    4. Do the Woods: Muir Woods National Monument is 558-acres of towering old-growth redwood trees and one of the last remaining ancient redwood forests in the Bay Area. While everything here is simply awe-inspiring, don’t miss Bohemian Grove and Cathedral Grove. Fun fact – parts of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi were shot in Cathedral Grove.

    5. Do Iconic SF: Must-sees and Must-dos when visiting San Francisco include crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, riding a cable car down Powell Street, Fisherman’s Wharf with its adorable sea lions on the wharf’s Pier 39, Chinatown, which is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia, and enjoying a signature cocktail at The Top of the Mark, the penthouse level bar of the Mark Hopkins hotel that offers 360-degree views of the city.

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    5 Things to Do in Sedona, AZ

    Sedona is a perfect destination for one, two or more than a few. The things to do here can range from solitary hikes and spiritual vortex visits to off-road Jeep group tours, all-in yoga sessions and a lot of shopping opportunities. The weather is nearly always perfect here with average daytime highs of 82 and very low rainfall. The backdrop of the Red Rock State Park makes for perfect Instagram shares and menus here offer fresh fish to locally grown fruits and vegetables for the selective foodie! Consider a food tour to get to know the history and culture of the area and then for something different, consider these 5 things to do and book your stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley:

    Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
    Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley

    1. Oak Creek Canyon: Located in the Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon offers all kinds of activities from hiking to fishing, plus a scenic 14-mile drive. Soaring cliffs and deep canyons plus acres of wooded wonderland make this a destination for hikers, photographers, and picnickers alike.

    Hiking in Sedona, AZ
    Hiking in Sedona, AZ

    2. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: Peace-seekers as well as the curious will enjoy a visit to this spiritual oasis. A stupa is a Buddhist architectural structure that is used as a place of meditation. Come here to see the two stupas and just enjoy the serene feeling the park offers. The mountain views are also amazing as the park sits at the base of Thunder Mountain and a don’t-miss is the giant wooden sculpture of Siddhartha.

    Chapel of the Holy Cross
    Chapel of the Holy Cross

    3. Chapel of the Holy Cross: Considered one of the must-sees when visiting Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural wonder built by a student of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1956, it sits atop a red rock formation between two natural spires. It is one of the most visited attractions in Sedona and can be reached via hiking or drive.

    4. Verde Canyon Railroad: Sit back and enjoy the 4-hour train ride as the history of the area unfolds on your journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. You’ll travel through the Verde Canyon and along the Verde River on a trip that promises amazing glimpses of wildlife and landscape. The train staff provides the history of the area through stories and historical facts about the area. For information visit verdecanyonrr.com.

    5. Festivals: If you’re visiting in October, take note of the Fall Festival at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds (October 25-26). The Fall Festival will feature arts and crafts, a family rodeo, an art show and a scarecrow contest among other fall fun. Or plan ahead for these annual events: Sedona St. Patricks’ Day Parade (March 15, 2025); Sedona Yoga Festival (May 1-4) or Sedona’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration set for May 5.

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    5 Things to Do in Kissimmee, Florida

    What do you get when you combine a colorful glamping cottage, proximity to major theme parks, and plenty of Florida sunshine? Sounds like the perfect glamping adventure to Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee is the result! Kissimmee, once a cowboy town thanks to the more than 300 cattle farms and ranches that were here in the early 1900s, is now a central Florida attraction for several other reasons. We’ve listed five here. And before you get started on your Central Florida adventure, don’t forget to book a colorful glamping cottage at Encore Tropical Palms.

    1. Go Downtown: There are three great options to enjoy downtown experiences – Downtown Kissimmee, Downtown Orlando and Downtown St. Cloud. Downtown Orlando has a unique Instagram experience via its nine contemporary art sculptures scattered throughout the town for photo ops. There are also several outdoor murals to check out. A Downtown Kissimmee must-see would be the Monument of States which was compiled from rocks sent from around the world after the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor to show unity with the United States. Downtown Kissimmee is also the largest independently owned restaurant district in Central Florida so there are plenty of eateries to enjoy. If you want to learn the history of St. Cloud, simply follow the mural walls which depict the town’s history. Downtown St. Cloud also offers culinary bike tours, several restaurants and shops and the scenic Lakefront Park.

    Downtown Kissimmee, FL
    Downtown Kissimmee, FL

    2. Go to Disney: Of course, you should go to Disney, but the one we’re suggesting won’t have rides and attractions. Instead, it will feature over 1000 species of plants and animals as well as forests, grasslands and wetlands. The Disney Wilderness Preserve features all this plus hiking trails and the 540-acre Lake Russell set on more than 12,000 acres managed by the Nature Conservancy. The Preserve is open Monday through Saturday from 9 to 4:30 p.m.

    3. Not the Usual: If you tell someone you’re headed to the Kissimmee/Orlando area for vacay, the expectation is you’re going to the theme parks. Try something different this trip and see something unique. One such “something different” is Gatorland. This attraction of course has plenty of alligators as well as a petting zoo, an aviary, several animal shows, and 1200 feet of ziplines soaring over—you guessed it—alligators. Then there’s Wallaby Ranch which has nothing to do with wallabies but instead offers hang-gliding adventures over Kissimmee.

    Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms
    Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms

    4. Fall Fun at the Theme Parks: Fall events at the big theme parks include SeaWorld Spooktacular (September 12-October 31); EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival (through November 23), and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando (select nights through November.)

    5. Museums: There are all kinds of museums in the area from art to history. Art museums include The Orlando Museum of Art and the Mennello Museum of American Art; history museum options can include the Museum of Military History and the Lake Wales History Museum.

    Encore Tropical Palms RV Resort
    Encore Tropical Palms RV Resort

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    5 Things to Do in Howe, Indiana

    If you’re looking for a bright lights, big city getaway, there are plenty of places to glamp around the country. If you’re looking for a quiet getaway, where simple reigns supreme, then it’s possible Twin Mills Camping Resort, in Howe, Indiana will fit that bill. Situated in the peaceful Amish country of northern Indiana, a trip here is all about enjoying the basics of life – the great outdoors and the peace and quiet that is nature’s cure all. Reserve a glamping cabin or cottage at Twin Mills and explore this midwestern retreat.

    Cabin at Twin Mills Camping Resort
    Cabin at Twin Mills Camping Resort

    1. Visit Shipshewana: Learn all about the simple life of the Amish in Shipshewana. There’s Menno-Hof and the Shipshewana Area Historical Society for starters. The Shipshewana Auction & Flea Market is just the place to find whatever you’re looking for as they have over 700 vendors selling pretty much everything. There are also several buggy ride tours that can take you through the rolling countryside and provide insight into the Amish lifestyle. The Blue Gate Restaurant and Bakery is a great stop to enjoy homestyle Amish food.

    2. Explore the Trails: 17 miles of paved path allows visitors to the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail to bike, walk, or simply stroll while enjoying the beautiful countryside that connects several towns along this lush, wooded walkway. There is also the Heritage Trail, which is a 90-mile drive through several towns including Nappanee, another Amish enclave, that offers shops, markets and antiques. An interesting aspect of the Heritage Trail is the Quilt Gardens that can be found on the route – go to visitelkhartcounty.com to download a map of the Heritage Trail and Quilt Garden locations.

    Wellfield Botanic Gardens
    Wellfield Botanic Gardens

    3. If the beauty of the Quilt Gardens has you looking for more flora, head to Wellfield Botanic Gardens, in Elkhart, with its 36-acres featuring 20 different themed gardens. And if that sparks your desire to try your own hand at gardening, stop by Linton Enchanted Garden, Indiana’s largest home and garden store, to see what goodies you might find at this place whose Garden Center specializes in rare and unusual plants.

    4. Museum Time: If you’re a glamper, you might just find the RV Hall of Fame & Museum in Elkhart of interest. Vintage trailers and a depiction of the history of RVing can be found here (rvmhhalloffame.org). Other interesting museums of note in Elkhart would be the National New York Central Railroad Museum with several vintage locomotives on display or the Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum (hallofheroesmuseum.com) which offers one of the largest collections of superhero memorabilia, art and comics in the US.

    Beach at South Twin Lake
    The Beach at South Twin Lake

    5. Stay at Camp: Remember we said sometimes the best getaway is the simplest one. With all we’ve offered to see and do in the area around Twin Mills, one great idea might just be to stay put. Acres of wood trails can keep you busy or fishing in South Twin Lake, which is right onsite, is another option for days spent in the great outdoors. There are also bike trails, a bocce court, and horseshoes. Pets are welcome here so this could be the trip that makes all the memories for your furry friend.

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    5 Things to Do In/Around Amboy, Illinois

    Of course, if you’re planning to stay at O’Connell’s RV Campground in one of their great glamping accommodations (choose a cabin or cottage), there is plenty to do there without even leaving “home.” From sports courts that include horseshoes, volleyball and basketball to the mini-golf course and plentiful lake activities, you can spend days at the campground doing something different every day. But if the urge strikes and you want to explore the nearby heart of Illinois attractions, we have some ideas:

    Waterfall at Starved Rock State Park
    Waterfall at Starved Rock State Park

    1. Starved Rock State Park: Less than 40 miles from O’Connell’s, Starved Rock State Park is a great place to visit if you want to explore picturesque waterfalls, sandstone canyons and miles of hiking trails at one of Illinois’ main attractions. The Park offers all kinds of guided tours and water cruises while visitors can also explore over 13 miles of well-marked trails on their own. The Lodge was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lodge features a cafe, lounge and a gift shop. The Park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.

    2. Dixon: The town of Dixon may be small, but it has plenty of history. For instance, not only was it the spot where Abraham Lincoln joined the militia to fight in the Black Hawk War in 1832, but it’s also the location of the boyhood home of our 40th president, Ronald Reagan. Public tours of Reagan’s former home are available Thursday through Saturday from April through December (yaf.org/reagan-boyhood-home). The Lincoln Monument State Memorial depicts a bronze statue of Lincoln as a 23-year-old captain during the Black Hawk War. Every Wednesday and Saturday through October, the Farmers Market is held in town’s Haymarket Square. Also, the Riverfront Plaza, which is dog-friendly, is a nice place to view the Rock River and check out the nearby stores.

    Cabin Rentals at O'Connell's RV Campground
    Cabin Rentals at O’Connell’s RV Campground

    3. Ottawa Road Trip: Another charming small town within a short drive from O’Connell’s is the city of Ottawa. Here you can find The Ottawa Historical and Scouting Heritage Museum which is dedicated to preserving the history of scouting in America and the start of the Boy Scouts of America (now known as Scouting America) and The Reddick Mansion (reddickmansion.org), an example of 19th century Italianate architecture and possibly the most expensive and ornate private home built in Illinois before the Civil War. After touring the mansion, make sure to visit Washington Square Park, which is across the street from the mansion. The park features bronze statues of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas to commemorate the site of the first senatorial debate between these two gentlemen in 1858. Another interesting statue in Ottawa is the Radium Dial Girl, which pays homage to the women who were subjected to dangerous radium-laced, glow-in-the-dark paint while working at the Radium Dial Company that was operated in Ottawa in the early part of the 20th century.

    Waterfall at Anderson Japanese Gardens
    Waterfall at Anderson Japanese Gardens

    4. Anderson Japanese Gardens: These beautiful gardens lie about 50 miles from Amboy and are set among 12 acres that include winding pathways, koi ponds, and waterfalls. Tranquility and peace await at this oasis which highlights the three elements of a true Japanese garden – stone, water and plants. Docent-led tours are offered twice daily but visitors are free to also enjoy the gardens on their own. For information visit andersongardens.org.

    5. Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve: A great place to hike, bird-watch and get some great nature shots, the Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve offers plenty of trails, plus wetlands and oak savanna. Shorter loop trails or longer hiking trails are both available here and provide the opportunity to see wildlife including sandhill cranes, turtles, and deer. Prairie flowers, butterflies and dragonflies add to this beautiful mix of nature. For details visit amboymarsh.wixsite.com/amboymarsh.

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    5 Things to Do on Mt. Desert Island

    Rugged! That may be the adjective that comes to mind when describing Mt. Desert Island, the Maine-based island that is home to Acadia National Park as well as the charming resort town of Bar Harbor. Why rugged – maybe it’s the soaring granite cliffs and the crashing waves of the Atlantic against the rocky shore. But for all the ruggedness, there is also gentle nature here including the tide pools and marine life found in Acadia, the rolling lawn of the Village Green and the amazing sunsets. If you’re planning a Maine glamping getaway, definitely consider a visit to Mt. Desert Island and a stay at a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort. Here are five great ways to explore this New England destination.

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

    1. Get in the Garden: There are plenty of beautiful gardens to explore here. The Charlotte Rhoades Park & Butterfly Garden is perfect for a short stroll among beautiful flowers and butterflies while the Asticou Azalea Garden is set among 2.3 acres of historic natural lands, gardens and trails and features something in bloom every month (summer blooms include azaleas and rhododendrons in June, Japanese irises in July and blooming water lilies in August). The Wild Gardens of Acadia can be found within the national park and include more than 300 native species set among the hiking trails.

    2. Learn about the Lumberjacks: Maine has a rich history of logging and even carries the nickname of “The Pine Tree State” so of course a lumberjack show should be on the agenda when visiting. To do that, a trip to Timber Tina’s Great Maine Lumberjack Show is a must. The roughly 75-minute show features events such as log rolling, axe throwing and pole climbing. For more information and tickets visit mainelumberjack.com. BTW, Timber Tina is a world-champion log roller, among other titles!

    Photo Captured from Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort
    Photo Captured from Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort

    3. Acadia Must-Sees: At nearly 50,000 acres, there is a lot to see in Acadia National Park. A few things not to miss include Thunder Hole, where a thunderous sound explodes when waves rush into the small cavern; the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse; Jordan Pond House for tea and popovers and Cadillac Mountain (catch the sunrise here or just boast that you made it to the top of the tallest peak on the eastern coast.

    4. Visit the Museums: Exhibits at the Mt. Desert Oceanarium include a 29-foot authentic lobster boat, rare lobsters including the Cotton Candy and Blue lobster and a touch pool. The Bar Harbor Historical Society is housed in the La Rochelle Mansion, a 1903 estate, and explores the history of the area, including its part in the Gilded Age. The Abbe Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, explores the history and culture of the Wabanaki people, native to Maine.

    Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
    Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort

    5. Take the Land Bridge: For roughly 3 hours a day, a land bridge is available for visitors to cross over the water to Bar Island. The land bridge, technically a sandbar, is only available during low tide so it is a unique experience when visiting here as this is the “bar” in Bar Harbor. Once you’ve crossed over and reached Bar Island, check out the spectacular views of Mt. Desert Island or hike around the island which has about a mile of trails. Make sure to check tide hours so you know when you can go and return via the land bridge.

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    What is…the Best Places to Glamp?

    Since 1964, the game show Jeopardy has been a television viewer favorite and has maintained popularity 60 years later with more than 8000 episodes, 39 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. The category topics remain relevant and cover history, art, television, music, science and more with answers ranging from Actinium (the first chemical element) to Zendaya (Spiderman’s girlfriend and so much more.) We thought we’d have some fun with our own clues, à la Jeopardy, and see if you can guess which glamping location we’re talking about.

    Clue: This Oregon location is home to a tiny house village that makes the perfect glamping spot to explore this part of the Pacific Northwest.

    If you said “What is Mt. Hood Tiny House Village” you’re on the board. Indoors or outdoors, you’re a winner here. Take a ride and enjoy all 105 miles of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (roughly 3–4-hour drive, not including stops). Scenery includes of course the mountains, but also vineyards, farms, and orchards. Be sure to see the historic Timberline Lodge. Or choose to bike, hike, and look for Bigfoot. Yes, that Bigfoot – check out the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring (yes, that’s the town name!). The Center includes Bigfoot evidence and historic artifacts as well as all kinds of Bigfoot-themed merch. The Old Salmon River Trail is great for a short hike and, weather permitting, a dip in the water at the sandy beaches along the trail. Another interesting way to explore the area is the East Gorge Food Trail, which is an interesting mix of orchards, vineyards, farmers markets, eateries, cideries and breweries (eastgorgefoodtrail.com).

    Clue: Nestled in New York’s Adirondacks, this glamping location offers outdoor adventure on the Queen of American Lakes.

    The winning answer here is “What is Lake George Escape Campground”. Pick your favorite glamping cottage or cabin and take on the Adirondacks and all there is to explore here. For some history, check out Fort William Henry to experience life in a British fort, circa 1755, for kitschy, visit the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum with plenty to spook you from waxy monsters to the animatronic ones too! Cruise Lake George, which is known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” on a cruise offered by the Lake George Steamboat Company or hike to Shelving Rock Falls and see the beautiful waterfall. Relax waterside at Million Dollar Beach which is great for swimming and scenic views.

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

    Clue: Located in the Granite State, this tiny house village is less than an hour from Boston and less than 30 minutes to Salsbury-Hampton beaches.

    Call yourself a winner if you answered, “What is Tuxbury Tiny House Village” and keep up the good luck streak by taking a ride into Boston. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, enjoy some cannoli and the other delicious Italian foods available in the city’s North End (Mike’s Pastry is often said to be the best cannoli in town!), take in a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park or experience the vast and varied art collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Massachusetts has plenty of events going on during the summer including the Strawberry Festival set for June 15-16, the Blueberry & Flower Festival scheduled for July 20-21 and July 27-28 and in August plan for the Peach & Sunflower Festival running for two weekends, August 10-11 and August 17-18. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a day at the beach and when you stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village you’re less than 30 minutes from the beach!

    Tuxbury Tiny House Village
    Tuxbury Tiny House Village

    Clue: Awash with southern charm, these six tiny houses provide the perfect Tennessee glamping getaway with access to city and country attractions alike.

    “What is Natchez Trace Tiny House Village?” is what you want to ring in with here. Once you’ve booked the tiny house that best suits you, consider all the options for fun you have here. Those options include the hour drive into Nashville to explore Music City with its lively entertainment scene, great food and plenty of museums; leisurely drives to the charming towns that surround the area, or outdoor adventures on the nearby trails and waterways. For trails near Natchez Trace Tiny House Village consider the Meriwether Lewis Loop, where you can see the grave of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis, or the Fall Hollow Falls Trail to glimpse a 20-foot waterfall. In Nashville, consider a skyline paddle, available through cumberlandkayakadventure.com or visit Harpeth River State Park for canoe and kayak opportunities. Small town visits can include Franklin (don’t miss the Carter House and Carnton Plantation here for Civil War history) and Leiper’s Fork with its distillery, winery, antique stores and shops and the unique Leiper’s Fork Market.

    Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
    Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

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    5 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

    Want to do a mountain glamping getaway that includes a sparkling alpine lake, sunny beaches and lots of fun indoor and outdoor things to do? First book a glamping cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground and then check out our list of five things to do when visiting this great destination nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

    1. Find Hidden Beach: Considered one of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, Hidden Beach can be found just south of Incline Village. A newly installed paved trail is great for hiking and biking while the beach is great for swimming, sunning and water-side picnics. Consider stand-up paddling or kayaking the crystal-clear waters here.

    Kayaking on Lake Tahoe
    Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

    2. Day Trip to Reno: Less than 70 miles from Lake Tahoe, this city is worth a little day trip. Of course, Reno, Nevada is known for its casinos, but there is a lot more than gambling to do in the “Biggest Little City in the World.” One of the reasons Reno has that moniker is because there is so much to do in such a small area. Two museums of note here are the National Automobile Museum where there are historic cars and cars that belonged to the stars (automuseum.org) and the Nevada Museum of Art (nevadaart.org) whose collections range from landscape to contemporary to art of the Great West. Reno’s Riverwalk District is great for walking the boardwalk, shopping and dining.

    3. Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum: While the Donner story is not one of the most pleasant in the history of westward expansion, the tale is still one to be told. The museum documents the story of the ill-fated Donner Party through detailed dioramas as well as other details about the history of the area. Pioneer Monument, located in the State Park, honors all of those who made the trek across the harsh plains to reach California in the 1840s.

    Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground
    Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground

    4. Olympic Museum: With the Olympics set for this summer in Paris, it might be interesting to take a look at the history of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games which were held in Squaw Valley. There is a collection of memorabilia, videos and photographs that exhibit the history and highlights of the events. For details and directions, go to palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/olympic-museum.

    5. Explore a different trail: Yes, there are plenty of trails to walk here in Lake Tahoe, but what about exploring the Craft Beer Trail. For a listing go to visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do/beer-trail. The Hangar offers 30 rotating taps while Cold Water Brewery & Grill brews their all-grain beer right on site. The annual Lake Tahoe Brewfest is scheduled this year for August 24 and will feature beer, cider, spirits and kombucha brewers!

    Lake Tahoe
    Lake Tahoe

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    The Best Ways to Spend Your Summer Days

    Want to have the best summer ever? Of course, start off with some great glamping plans and then see what other uniquely summer activities you can enjoy.

    Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
    Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort

    Go to the Islands: If you’re looking to spend your summer vacation on an island in the sun, check out the Channel Islands. This chain of five islands, known as the “Galapagos Islands of North America,” can be reached via ferry from Santa Barbara and offer hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife watching and more. If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Thunderbird, there is plenty of island hopping to be done just off this area of the Washington coast. Bainbridge Island offers the Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre nature reserve with gardens and walking trails. The charming town of Anacortes can be found on Fidalgo Island – check out the historic waterfront, the plentiful hiking trails and enjoy shopping and delicious seafood at the restaurants here. Of course, a trip to the Florida Keys is like a tropical getaway and there are plenty of islands to explore here from funky Key West to laid-back Key Largo (stay at Encore Sunshine Key or Encore Fiesta Key). Keys highlights include Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Bahia Honda State Park.

    Ride a Roller Coaster: Looking for some thrills this summer? Check out some of these top roller coasters on your next glamping trip: The Giant Dipper on California’s Santa Cruz Boardwalk is not only one of the oldest roller operating rollers coasters in the world but also appeared in several movies, including Lost Boys and Sudden Impact (book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort); one of the newer kids when it comes to the roller coaster block is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Opened in 2021 at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, this newbie reaches top speeds of 70-mph and has four inversions (book a stay at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee); New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure offers El Toro with its 19-story climb only to then descend 176 feet! (book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake).

    Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage
    Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage

    By the Shore: Long days at the shore make for great summer memories. Some of the best beaches in the US are near our campgrounds and include Coronado Beach in San Diego, noted for its sparkling sand thanks to the mica found here (book at stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Pope Beach in Lake Tahoe with towering pine trees, mountain views and plenty of sand (book a stay at Tahoe Valley Campground); Alki Beach with great views of the Olympic Mountains, the Seattle skyline, plus a 2.5 mile path along the beach for running, walking and roller-blading (book a stay at Thousand Trails Thunderbird); a classic New England beach with rocky shores and crashing waves, check out New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach complete with boardwalk and arcade (book a stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village).

    Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico
    Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico

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    5 Things to Do in the Wisconsin Dells

    The Wisconsin Dells provide the perfect mix of fun, activity, history and nature. It’s no wonder this Wisconsin wonderland has been a favorite vacation destination for more than 150 years. Let’s see what we can mix up for the perfect getaway. Before you dive into all the fun found here, make sure to book a stay at the Yukon Trails Tiny House Container Village in Lyndon Station. The fun starts here with these unique container accommodations.

    Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails
    Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails

    1. Spring Green Day Trip: About an hour’s drive from Lyndon Station, Spring Green has a lot to see including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin, the House on the Rock and the seasonal American Players Theatre. House on the Rock is one of Wisconsin’s most famous attractions and it all started as somebody’s idea of a dream house. In 1960, Alex Jordan began construction of his dream home atop a chimney rock here and continued to expand it through the years. The house itself and the exhibits including the amazing Infinity Room, the 200+ animal carousel and over 200 ship model displays, are a must see. Taliesin served as architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, studio and school on this rolling 200-acre estate and visitors have plenty of tour options. The American Players Theater offers both indoor and seasonal outdoor events devoted to performances of the classics.

    Frank Lloyd Wright's Home in Wisconsin, Taliesin
    Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home in Wisconsin, Taliesin

    2. Viroqua Day Trip: Another trip worth the scenic drive is the 60 some miles to Viroqua, a charming town which some consider a “foodie destination.” Check out the Driftless Cafe, where the menu changes seasonally and at the chef’s whim, or Wonderstate Coffee, whose nearby roastery is 100% solar-powered. There’s also Magpie Gelato with homemade, artisan gelato or the Noble Rind Cheese Company with small plate offerings, cheese boards and charcuterie. One of Wisconsin’s largest used bookstores, Driftless Music and Books, can be found here too!

    3. If you want to explore closer to home, check out Downtown Dells which is a mix of all kinds of fun – from history to treats and more. The Dells Fudge Company was the town’s first fudge shop and prides themselves on using Wisconsin butter and whipping cream in their deliciously sweet treats that include brittle, toffee and a variety of fudge flavors. A neat way to see the history of the Dells is a visit to the H.H. Bennett Studio, a Wisconsin historic site where photographer H.H. Benett began snapping pics of the Dells and its residents and visitors in 1875. There’s also the Museum of Root Beer and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, plus countless gift shops and eateries.

    4. Of course, the 20 different waterparks are the main attraction in the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” but there is adventure to be found outside the waterparks as well. From March through November, visitors can ride the historic Wisconsin Ducks, which uses a World War II-era amphibious vehicle to tour the area on land and water. For an interactive experience, check out the Tommy Bartlett Interactive Science Center which offers over 175 mind-boggling experiences. And then there is Land of Natura, the recently opened outdoor “natural” waterpark that has a snorkeling cavern and an inflatable waterpark, among other outdoor activities.

    Barrett Tiny House at Yukon Trails Tiny House Container Village
    Barrett Tiny House

    5. Devil’s Lake State Park: This is a destination you can visit every day and find something different to do. Activities available here include swimming, hiking, biking, rock climbing, bouldering, fishing and swimming. For details on all the how to’s on any of these activities, visit dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/devilslake/recreation. There are 29 miles of hiking trails, two sandy beaches and the lake is stocked with brown trout, walleye and Northern pike. One popular hike is the hike to the rock formation known as Devil’s Doorway, which is a moderate, looped hike.

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