Things To Do | Petite Retreater

Getaway to Boston with Petite Retreats!

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

Eat, see, do it all at Faneuil Hall.

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

Get lost in the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

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

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

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

The Boston Public Garden is the heartbeat of the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spooky Weekends!

Many locations feature on-site activities for the whole family! It’s just another reason why staying in a Petite Retreat is a great way to spend your vacation. Check out where you can go trick-or-treating, paint pumpkins, and get into the Halloween spirit below!

Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort — Rancho Oso Campground

Rancho Oso, Santa Barbara, CA

October 28 – Halloween Fun Party

Paint your own pumpkin, trick-or-treat through Rancho Oso and enjoy punch and cupcakes!

Seaside, Seaside, OR

October 27-28 – Halloween Weekend

Trick-or-treat around Seaside and then join us for a Halloween Party that includes costume contests, games, food, and more.

Bay Landing RV Campground — Bay Landing Campground

Bay Landing, Bridgeport, TX

October 28 – Halloween Costume Party

Kids’ party in the afternoon and adults’ costume party at night. This is the last big hoopla for the season at Bay Landing, and we always do it up right with lots of treats and goodies for all!

Palm Springs, Palm Desert, CA

October 27 – Halloween Weekend

Decorate your site, rig, cart, bike, pet, or yourself. There will also be Halloween-themed movies Friday and Saturday nights.

Circle M, Lancaster, PA

October 27-29- Pumpkin Palooza Weekend

We can’t wait for all the pumpkin-filled activities! There will also be trick-or-treating throughout the campground with a Halloween dance on Saturday night. Don’t forget to pack your Halloween costumes and pumpkin carving materials!

Mount Vernon RV Campground — Mount Vernon Campground

Mount Vernon, Bow, WA

October 28-29 – Halloween

Kids will be making their own trick-or-treat bags, followed by a movie matinee. And then a special Flashlight Candy Hunt on Saturday night!

Book your next Petite Retreat today!

Visiting Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, ME

Vacationers have been going east for decades to experience Bar Harbor, the largest town on Mount Desert Island. Bar Harbor started as an exclusive resort town for famous families like the Vanderbilts, the Rockefellers, and the Astors, though the town has changed a lot since a major fire destroyed most of the town in 1947. Bar Harbor is still a popular place for visitors who come to experience the best that New England has to offer. Whether you’re hiking through Acadia National Park or trekking from the museums to a downtown Bar Harbor lobster bake, the best way to explore this coastal town is on foot. A shuttle bus runs from Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too campgrounds to Downtown Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Whale Watching

From spring until fall, the hosts of Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. take visitors from all over the world into the Gulf of Maine to see humpback, finback and Minke whales, some of the largest mammals on Earth. The Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. also hosts a slew of other tours including sunset whale watching, puffin sightings, and lighthouse tours. You can even fish for your own dinner on the Lobster Fishing and Seal Watching tour aboard the Miss Samantha, Maine’s largest lobster passenger boat. Remember to dress warmly any time you go whale watching – temperatures can drop down to the 40’s ℉ even in the summertime. Whale watching tours with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. take off daily from 1 West Street in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine, just a 20-minute drive from Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too campgrounds.

Acadia National Park

There’s no contest that people come to Bar Harbor to explore Acadia National Park. A hike that visitors of Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too camping resorts may enjoy is a visit to Acadia National park’s deepest and clearest lake, Jordan Pond Path. Whether you decide to explore the perimeter of the lake or take on the more strenuous Pemetic Mountain Loop, the network of trails around the pond are mostly suitable for hikers of all ages. As with all hiking excursions, remember to bring water and always take into consideration your hiking abilities. The Jordan Pond Path trailhead is just a 30-minute drive from Mt. Desert and Narrows Too campgrounds. Jordan Pond is a public water supply and therefore, swimming in and drinking from the pond are prohibited. The Shore Path Trail is also a popular trail in Acadia National Park that wraps around the eastern shore of Mount Desert Island. It is a special treat to get up while it’s still dark and view the colorfully spectacular sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean with views of the Porcupine Islands across the way.

Narrows Too Camping Resort — Narrows Too RV Campground

Downtown Bar Harbor

Downtown Bar Harbor is about a 20-minute drive from the Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too campgrounds. Visitors and locals come to the Village Green for numerous special events, unique museums, and specialty local shops. The Natural History Center is the best stop to get information on exploring Acadia National Park and detailed guides of the area. Through educational exhibitions, activities, and quiet places for reflection, the Abbe Museum shares the history and culture of Maine’s native people, the Wabanaki. The core exhibit here is titled, People of the First Light, and shares the more than 12,000 years of history, conflict, adaptation, and survival in the Wabanaki homeland. The Bar Harbor Town Band performs free concerts at the Village Green from July through mid-August on Monday and Thursday evenings at 8pm. Across the street from the village green is Carmen Verandah, a popular spot in downtown Bar Harbor for the late night crowd. There is live music almost every week and they are open late for dancing. Also special to Bar Harbor is the Acadia Night Sky Festival, “a community celebration to promote the protection and enjoyment of Downeast/Acadia’s stellar night sky as a valuable natural resource through education, science and the arts.” The Acadia Night Sky Festival takes place September 21-24, 2017.

Seeking lobster? Look no further!

For the most authentic Maine lobster experience, head to Stewman’s Lobster Pound in downtown Bar Harbor. This oceanfront lobster pound has two locations and offers up the most authentic Maine grub that one could experience – lobster, steamers, mussels, clam chowder, plus a full menu of imported and local beers and selection of wine. For lunch or dinner, Stewman’s is a classic Maine restaurant that you won’t want to miss. If you’re a foodie who doesn’t mind a bit of travel for great grub, head down to Thurston’s in Bernard, Maine for the freshest New England lobstah-eatin’ experience. As you sit on the restaurant’s dock, you’ll see fishermen on their boats return to the wharf and bring their catch straight up to the restaurant. It doesn’t’ get fresher than that!

Stay in a cozy cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too campgrounds for your next adventure to Maine!

Taking Things Slow in Lancaster, PA

In Lancaster, PA, everything’s just a little bit slower. Here, you share the road with horse-drawn buggies, eat classic Dutch Country fare, and experience the life at a slower pace. It’s the kind of place that will take you down memory lane instantly, even if it’s somewhere you’ve never been before. Lancaster is probably best known for its strong Amish population. On a visit to “Dutch Country” you will surely end up eating at restaurants and shopping in stores run by the Amish. The Amish are known for their plain dress and living without modern technology or electricity. Though it may seem like a novelty for visitors, this is how the Amish choose to live their lives, setting an example to visitors of different, more traditional ways to live in our fast paced-modern world.

Central Market, Lancaster, PA

The Central Market in the heart of Lancaster County is, “reputedly the oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the U.S.” Don’t miss out on their “First Fridays” event, when the market is open late into the evening and features live music, family friendly entertainment, and other special events. The market is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 6AM-4PM, Saturdays from 6AM-2PM, and the first Friday of the month from 6pm-9pm in the alleyway.

Good eatin’ in Lancaster and where to walk it off.

Restaurants in Lancaster often serve farm to table meals and the menus are often comprised of homestyle recipes like fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, gravy, and more. Dienner’s Country Restaurant is one of the most beloved of these restaurants to serve up the classic Dutch country fare. It is family owned and run since 1993. Most establishments are closed on Sundays – so if you find yourself itching for something to do take advantage of the hiking trails around Lancaster. Lake Grubb Nature Park is popular because it is a fairly easy stroll around Lake Grubb with designated fishing areas and Conewago Recreation Trail, a network of recreational trails built over abandoned railroads and popular among both hikers and cyclists. There are a variety of habitats along the trail and goes through wetlands, farms, forests, and a rock field. The trail is popular among bird-watchers and nature enthusiasts as well.

Go above and beyond in a hot air balloon tour.

Visit Lancaster from a different perspective… rather, a bird’s eye view! Reserve your spot to take a hot air balloon tour with the US Hot Air Balloon Team. On your tour, you’ll fly over the Lancaster County farmland plus other towns in the area like Intercourse, Bird in Hand, and Strasburg. From way up there, see if you can spot the horse-drawn buggies and on a clear day, the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay!

Round Out Your Experience By Staying in a Yurt at Circle M!

Why not make your experience totally unique by staying in one of the brand new yurts at Circle M RV & Camping Resort? A yurt is dome-shaped, circular style tent usually made with canvas and wood. The canvas keeps guests warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The yurt is based on an old tried and true design that has been used by nomads for thousands of years; now, glampers and people who are looking to add more space and functionality to their camping experience. Circle M RV Campground is located in Lancaster County in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. This western-style campground has plenty of amenities – from swimming pools to shuffleboard, weekend activities to barbecues and picnics – it’s easy to make Circle M your next destination for relaxation! Plus, Circle M RV Campground is close to activities in Lancaster County including Amish attractions, or nearby shopping and dining. Make a reservation today!

Your Next Perfect Getaway is in Wisconsin!

Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort, Sturgeon Bay WI

Sure you’ve heard of Door County, that oasis in the midwest known for its year-round water parks and five state parks! Nestled along Lake Michigan on the Wisconsin side, there is always something to explore along Door County peninsula’s 300 miles of shoreline and Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay is the perfect home base for your Door County summertime adventures! We’ve got a few of the area’s many unique excursions and activities rounded up here. Check ‘em out and let us know where you plan to retreat this summer in Wisconsin!

Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail

One of the state’s most famous Wisconsinites was Frank Lloyd Wright, often called “America’s greatest architect,” who designed a number of recognizable buildings around the country like the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. He was famous for his “prairie style” of architecture, which is characterized by open floor plans and low pitched roofs. Wright designed all kinds of buildings from churches to single family homes, museums, and a small number of government buildings. If you’re up for a unique experience to complement your vacation, take a self-guided tour along the Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail. This trail stretches 200 miles beginning on the Illinois border on I-94 and takes visitors westward to a number of Wright’s famous structures and ends at his home and studio, “Taliesin,” in Spring Green, WI. For more information about visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright Heritage Trail, visit franklloydwright.org.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

Whitefish Dunes State Park is just one of five incredible state parks in Door County. Open year round, this park is right along the beaches of Lake Michigan. Exploring the dunes is never dull. There is plenty of space to enjoy picnicking on the beach, exploring the dunes, and hiking along its many trails. Be sure to stop by the park’s nature center where there are exhibits on ecology, geology, and human history, plus year-round education programs. Whitefish Dunes State Park is just a short, 30 minute drive on WI-42N from Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort.

Waterfront Mary’s

Hang with the locals and enjoy some down-home Wisconsin cooking and fun at Waterfront Mary’s, a restaurant and bar that is walkable from Tranquil Timbers and sits along the waterfront of Sturgeon Bay. This place also boasts the best fish fry and burgers in Door County, but you’ll have to taste for yourself! Sitting on the deck of this classic local hangout provides panoramic views of the Bay and often, you’ll find yourself here listening to live music and dancing the night away.

Stay at Tranquil Timbers for Your Wisconsin Getaway

Tranquil Timbers is aptly named for the pockets of peaceful atmosphere around the park. Whether you’re enjoying a swim in the lake or exploring the many attractions of Door County, Sturgeon Bay is just one of those places you’ll want to visit over and over again.

Bring your whole crew to Tranquil Timbers and settle up in one of their comfy cabins that can sleep up to six people! Or, try out one of the cozy cottages that can sleep up to five. Staying in the cottages or cabins will make you feel right at home on your vacation – these accommodations have all the same amenities of home including heat and a/c, full sized showers, plus fire rings and picnic tables to enjoy making s’mores and sipping on cold drinks while hanging out with your crew in beautiful Sturgeon Bay.

Looking for something out-of-the-box for your next vacation? Tranquil Timbers in has a way to solve yurt problem… Rent a yurt and enjoy the feeling of being immersed in the beauty of the Wisconsin forest without having to pitch a tent. Yurts blend traditional camping with lodging amenities making for a truly unique vacation experience.

What are your favorite places to visit in Wisconsin? Tell us in the comments! We love to hear about your unique and fun vacations ideas and favorite places.