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
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
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!
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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
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.
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.
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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
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
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
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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!
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.
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.
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).
Feeling like a throwback glamping trip is in order? Consider a trip to the beautiful Adirondacks in upstate New York where the who’s who have been flocking to relax and retreat since the late 1800s. Reserve a cabin or vacation cottage at Lake George Escape and get ready to time travel. BTW, Country Living magazine recently named the town of Lake George to their list of the top small towns in New York. List-making reasons included scenic views, outdoor activity, history, culture, and a lively downtown. Based on that list, we’ve found a few things to do when glamping in Lake George:
Scenic Views: From sunrise (check out Prospect Mountain) to sunset (check out Pilot Knob Preserve), Lake George offers plenty of scenery to be seen. The afore-mentioned sunrise/sunset locations can be added to the list that would include the views from the Lake George lakeside trail with wildflowers and steamboat views and the scenic drive on Route 9N (especially in fall).
Outdoor Activity: Pick your favorite outdoor activity and you can most probably find it here in Lake George. Wild water fun can include whitewater rafting (check out wildwaters.net) or parasailing over Lake George (check out parasailingadventures.com). Hiking trails include Prospect Mountain (a steep climb but great views); Amy’s Park in Bolton’s Landing (great glimpses of wildlife) and Sleeping Beauty Mountain (again, the views will not disappoint).
History: Although it was officially formed as the town of Lake George in 1810, the area has played a major role in history long before then. It was the site of strategic battleground in the French and Indian War and in 1759 it was home to three forts: Fort Gage, Fort George, and Fort William Henry. Visitors today can visit the Fort William Henry Museum. Other historic highlights in the area are Fort Ticonderoga, the Bolton Historical Society Museum for lots of local history, and the Rogers Island Visitor Center which is great for exhibits related to native Americans, the French Indian Wars, and the Revolutionary Era.
Culture: The Hyde Collection is a wonderful art museum in Glen Falls with works that span centuries of American and European art. A special exhibit featuring works by Edgar Degas will run through December 2023. The Lake George Dinner Theater is an option with the current production of Sheer Madness running through August 26 while The Sembrich, in Bolton’s Landing, has a variety of musical events running through the summer season.
Lively Downtown: Beach Road and Canada Street are Lake George’s busy, bustling main streets filled with shops and restaurants. Handmade gifts, candy shops, clothing and souvenir shops, and even dog-friendly restaurants can be found here. If Fido is along, check out the Adirondack Pub & Brewery.
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.
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
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
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).
June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month. We’ve highlighted great zoos before so in this round, we’ll go deep diving to highlight some of the best aquariums in the U.S. Some fun facts – the London Zoo opened the first aquarium in 1853 and the first U.S aquarium was opened in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1873, and was later moved to Washington DC. The home of the aquarium was moved several times within DC and then ultimately, the National Aquarium, as it became known, was closed in 2013 and moved permanently to Baltimore.
Travel + Leisure magazine came out with a list of top U.S. aquariums in December 2022. Plan to glamp nearby and take a look at these underwater marvels.
California: The Monterey Bay Aquarium (montereybayaquarium.org) has the distinction of being the first aquarium to showcase a living kelp forest. Opened in 1984, it welcomes over 2 million visitors annually who can see more than 81,000 animals and plants representing 771 species. T+L gave it a nod for being a leader in ocean conservation and education. Located on Cannery Row in beautiful Monterey, the aquarium can boast many “firsts” and “onlys” – for example, they are the only U.S. aquarium to exhibit bluefin and yellowfin tuna, ocean sunfish, pyjama squid, and salmon snailfish. In addition to being the first when it comes to kelp forests, the aquarium was also the first to successfully exhibit and release great white sharks. Plan to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium when glamping in a fabulous vacation cottage at the amazing Marina Dunes (yurts coming soon!), and stroll through the more than 200 exhibits to see otters, sharks, jellyfish, penguins, and more.
Cottage at Thousand Trails Pine Country
Illinois: The Shedd Aquarium (sheddaquarium.org) on Chicago’s beautiful lakefront Museum Campus is one of the older U.S. aquariums, opening in 1930, but remains the third largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. The five-million-gallon aquarium has 32,000 animals, including Pacific white-sided dolphins, of which the Shedd is one of only three aquariums to showcase this acrobatic water wonder. Rent a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Pine Country in Belvidere and take the roughly 1.5-hour drive into Chicago to visit the Shedd. The centerpiece of the aquarium is the Coral Reef Tank, which is literally in the center of the main floor, houses a giant green sea turtle, angelfish, sharks, and cownose rays. Divers drop in to feed the fish several times a day. The Amazon Rising exhibit has piranhas and anacondas, while the Wild Reef has eels, stingrays, and sharks.
Tuxbury Tiny House Village | South Hampton, NH
Massachusetts: Rent a truly spectacular tiny house at Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire, and plan to spend the day at the New England Aquarium located in Boston Harbor (under an hour’s drive). Boasting the biggest shark and ray tank on the East Coast, the New England Aquarium (neaq.org) opened in 1969 and the museum’s main feature, the Giant Ocean Tank, opened in 1970, and, at the time, was the largest circular ocean tank in the world. Other exhibits include sea jellies, seadragons, penguins and Atlantic harbor seals, which can be viewed without entering the museum as their exhibit is just outside the front doors. Visitors can enjoy special meet and greets with the Atlantic harbor seals and create art with them (these are special events with additional costs and reservations required). The Shark and Ray Touch Tank is a great way to get up close and personal with these creatures!
Oregon: The Oregon Coast Aquarium (aquarium.org) is just minutes from Thousand Trails Whalers Rest where you can choose from glamping cottages and cabins at this Oregon coast retreat. T+L liked this aquarium for several reasons including the giant octopus and the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef. We’re partial to the puffins which make their home on the Oregon coast and have an exhibit in the aquarium. The aquarium has several Ambassador Animals including a Virginia Opossum named Otis, Wilson the Barn Owl, and two Western Pond Turtles named Cuff and Link, who have the special job of educating visitors through presentations and amphitheater talks. Don’t miss the Octopus Cave, which is home to a giant Pacific octopus. Celebrating 31 years in 2023, the aquarium recently welcomed a new sea otter named Earle! Come say hello to Earle and all his friends this summer.
Washington: Book a cozy glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Thunderbird in nearby Monroe to plan to visit to the Seattle Aquarium (seattleaquarium.org), which has daily events such as All About our Otters, All About our Washington Waters, and All About Our Harbor Seals. In addition to the daily events, there are six major permanent exhibits including Pacific Coral Reef; Birds & Shores, and Marine Mammals. T+L likes that the aquarium is very interactive. Visitors point out the Window on Washington Waters tank where divers interact with Pacific Northwest fish while visitors get to watch! Touch pools allow up close and personal experiences with star fish, sea urchins and anemones while the 360-degree Underwater Dome gives the feeling of being right under the water with the fish! The Seattle Aquarium can be found on scenic Elliott Bay.
Rescuing sea turtles at Loggerhead Marine Life Center
And a bonus idea for Florida visitors, check out the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC), located in Juno Beach, Florida. Loggerhead turtles are found in our world’s seas, specifically the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. The LMC is a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education and conservation center. To find details about the best time to visit LMC and what you can expect when you arrive, go to marinelife.org.
If you believe, like Tom Petty does, that you belong among the wildflowers, then the perfect place to plan a glamping trip this summer is Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch in Gunnison, Colorado. Why, you ask? Well, while Gunnison has plenty to see and do (including Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park), Crested Butte, the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, is less than 30 miles away. So, you can glamp among the wildflowers and enjoy everything there is to do in Crested Butte and Gunnison. We found five good ones to get you started. Before you go, make sure to book your cabin or cottage at Blue Mesa.
1. If this was your glamping destination, most likely you plan to spend much of your time outdoors. One great way to see the beautiful countryside here is via scenic drives and there are several to choose from. The Ohio Scenic pass is a 23-mile trek through Gunnison National Forest. Highlights include cool rock formations and wildlife spotting. Another scenic ride, albeit a bit longer, is the Taylor Park Loop. At 90 miles it traverses through several towns, including a few ghost towns, including Quartz and Tincup.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
2. A fascinating museum with 18 different buildings spread out over a 14-acre campus that contain all kinds of exhibits, artifacts, paraphernalia, and what-not that detail the history of the area, the Gunnison Pioneer Museum (gunnisonpioneermuseum.com) is a must-see. To name a few, there is an antique car museum, a blacksmith shop, and a log cabin chapel, plus all kinds of artifacts including toys and household items dating back to the 1800s.
3. The Crested Butte Wildflower Festival is scheduled for July 7-16 and this festival is not just about wildflowers. Yes, there are over 200 workshops, but there are also hikes and walks, Jeep tours, garden tours, and birding events to name a few. Check out crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org.
Cabins at Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch
4. Spirited attractions in the area can include the Montanya Distillers in Crested Butte, a female owned and operated business that focuses on aged rum. A tasting room and distillery tours are available (montanyarum.com). Buckel Family Wine in Gunnison has a tasting room and has several special events each month (buckelfamilywine.com). Craft breweries include High Alpine Brewing Company in Gunnison and the Eldo Brewery in Crested Butte.
5. Festivals and big events are back and there are plenty scheduled for this summer. In addition to #3 above, there is Cattlemens Days, celebrating Gunnison’s ranching heritage and promising all kinds of rodeo events like barrel racing, a horse show, 4-H shows, and a carnival. The event is set for July 13-15 and will be held at Fred Field Center and Fairgrounds in Gunnison; the Crested Butte Arts Festival, scheduled for August 4-6, will feature local artists as well as artists from around the world. For details, visit crestedbutteartsfestival.com.
