Unique Accommodations | Petite Retreater

Palm Springs: A Modern Playground

Palm Springs became a big draw to movie stars in the early 1930s not only because of its proximity to Los Angeles but in just a two-hour drive you’re transported in the serenity of the desert, away from the hustle and bustle of the Hollywood lifestyle. Palm Springs has always offered plenty of sunshine, fresh air, hiking trails, and natural hot springs. Today, Palm Springs continues to draw stars and regular folks alike thanks to its fabulous mix of desert vistas, vibrant arts and culture scene, and plenty of shopping and culinary opportunities.

The Palm Springs Art Museum includes works by Marc Chagall, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Ansel Adams, and even features two outdoor sculpture gardens. It also has major collections of Native American and Western art, photography, and glass, including works by Dale Chilhuly. A special exhibit that runs through August 2019 is Lines in the Sand which explores the history of the desert through our relationship to the land, environment, and community. Admission to the museum is free. For hours and additional information visit psmuseum.org.

For more art, don’t miss the Desert Arts Festival, scheduled for December 8 and 9, 2018, which will feature artwork across all mediums including acrylic, oils, watercolors, clay, stone, wood, etchings, and sculpture.

Of course, you can’t come to the desert and not experience the desert, so some suggestions include a Jeep tour to Joshua Tree National Park, Indian Canyons and the San Andreas Fault. The area has several different companies that offer various tours, so be sure to visit visitgreaterpalmsprings.com to see what your options are. The Living Desert Wilderness Loop Trail is also a great option for hiking the desert – this can be done through admission to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, another must-see when in Palm Springs!

For a double whammy of total tranquility and delicious food, visit The Starlite in the heart of downtown Joshua Tree, where you can take a yoga class at the Instant Karma yoga studio and enjoy an authentic slice of NY style pizza at Pie for the People, right in the middle of the desert!

If shopping is your game, there’s plenty of action in the Palm Springs area, which boasts many distinct shopping districts. There’s the Desert Hills Premium Outlets mall in Cabazon and downtown Palm Springs with its boutiques and antiques. The mod Uptown Design District features 50 unique boutiques, galleries, and shops along several blocks. And if you visit the Corridor, which has shops, cafes, and galleries, don’t miss the Just Fabulous bookstore, where plenty of famous authors like Anne Rice and Lily Tomlin have held books signings. You never know who might be looking for that perfect vacation read!

Speaking of stars, each month the Astronomical Society of the Desert conducts sky tours and observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto National Monument. These Star Parties are free events, but optional donations help support the group’s mission to protect the Coachella Valley desert. For more information or to make a reservation for the next Star Party at the Monument, visit desertmountains.org.

The colorful cottages at Palm Springs RV Resort are the perfect place to stay while you play in and around Palm Springs! The campground is set among 805 date palm trees in the beautiful Coachella Valley with plenty of amenities and activities, and the adorable cottages are the icing on the cake here!

Make your Petite Retreats reservations today!

On an Island in the Sun

There’s a popular song that talks playing and having fun on an island in the sun. We think it’s all about the Florida Keys which actually offers several islands of choice to play and have some fun!

First, a bit of history and some fun facts about this series of islands that extend from the southern tip of Florida down into the deep blue ocean. The Keys are part of an archipelago and there are hundreds and hundreds of islands but a little over 40 of them are actually inhabited. Because there are so many and they stretch over such a long distance, they are divided into groups, the Upper Keys, the Middle Keys, and the Lower Keys. The most famous is Key West thanks to Ernest Hemingway who made his home here from 1931 to 1939. The largest is Key Largo. The populous Keys are connected via the Overseas Highway which links the Keys through a series of 42 bridges.

Temperatures range from hottest in July at an average of 86 degrees and coolest in January at an average temperature of 70 degrees. On average, there are 256 days of sunshine in the Keys which is plenty of time to have some fun in the sun.

In all, if you start at Key Largo and drive south to Key West, it’s a total of 97 miles and roughly a two-hour drive. But take your time and stay awhile, there’s a lot to see and do in the Keys this winter.

The Humphrey Bogart Film Festival happens on Key Largo, of course, and is scheduled this year for October 17-21. It’s a good year to attend this event as it is the 70th anniversary of Bogart’s famous film, Key Largo. Key West will also host the Key West Film Festival from November 14-18.

Celebrate fall island-style at Marathon Key’s Third Annual Fall Harvest at Crane Point Museum that promises a day of family fun with hay rides, trail mazes, lives music and all things autumn on October 28.

Art lovers make note of the Big Pine & The Lowers Keys Island Art Festival on November 24 which features locally produced arts and crafts, plus live music and food.

Other popular Keys activities include snorkeling, deep sea fishing, visiting the key deer at Deer Key, Dry Tortugas National Park, the historic bridge at Bahia Honda State Park and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

From a sheer relaxation perspective, there are the beaches. Some notable and regular best beach list-makers include Sandspur Beach and Calusa Beach on Big Pine Key, Higgs Beach in Key West and the beach at Long Key State Park on Long Key.

Chart your course for a Keys vacation and use the conveniently located Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina or Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina as your place to stay. The cottages offered at both of these resorts add to the perfect island getaway. Imagine…your own private cottage just steps from the beach!

Fiesta Key RV Resort & Marina sits on 28 acres where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and a fabulous Tiki Bar and Cantina. Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina has a marina, fishing opportunities and is just a mile away from Bahia Honda State Park with its historic bridge and great beaches.

Make your reservations to retreat to the Keys, today!

Make Mt. Hood Your Happy Place

If your happy place is nestled among the trees, then there’s nothing better than the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village for your next vacation destination. Five tiny houses, all with their own individual personalities, await you at this Oregon campground in the picturesque landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

There’s Atticus, complete with modern masculine finishes as the name would imply. Atticus is 178 square feet in size with a full bathroom and kitchen and sleeps 3. He’s quite handsome with his cedar plank siding and black trim.

Atticus - Sleek + Rugged + Modern — Atticus

Lincoln may be more of the hipster in this group sporting red trim siding. Lincoln sleeps 5 in 261 square feet and has a full bathroom and kitchen. He’s also pet-friendly, of course.

What can we say about Zoe? She’s boho chic with her blue finish accented by white trim. Zoe sleeps 3 and has a full bathroom and kitchen in her cool 196 square feet.

Savannah is oh so charming with her light yellow cedar plank siding with white trim and red shutters. Savannah’s southern hospitality extends to three guests in her cozy 175 square feet.

Scarlett, at 233 square feet, is of course easily recognized by her farmhouse red cedar plank siding. Five guests can sleep easily with her double loft, complete with full bathroom and kitchen.

Each one of these tiny houses at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village offers the perfect, and unique, place to start and end your day when exploring the beauty of the area. The tiny houses are perfectly designed to make you feel that you’re a part of the natural setting while providing all the comforts and accommodations of home.

Mt. Hood’s must-sees include the Mt. Hood Scenic Loop, historic Timberline Lodge, and the Mt. Hood Skibowl. Mt. Hood must-dos include snowshoeing, winter waterfall hikes, skiing, and snowboarding.

Make your reservations at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village today!

Hygge: All the Comforts of Home

The most important thing about the space you live in, whether it be big or small, is how that space makes you feel. The concept behind the old adage “There’s no place like home” has nothing to do with the dwelling in which you reside or even the place in which that dwelling sits. Instead, it’s all about that home providing a certain feeling to its inhabitants and guests as well – a feeling of belonging, a feeling of well-being and a feeling of being in the right place.

The Danish call that certain feeling hygge (pronounced hue-guh) which can be described as feelings of coziness, charm, happiness, contentedness, security, familiarity, and comfort. The Danish believe that certain things must be present in a home to create hygge and they include little to no clutter, a nook or snuggle spot, an inviting space to gather with friends (a welcoming dining table or seating arrangement), natural light and soft lighting, soft textures, fluffy rugs, and cozy blankets.

Look around your space – do you have any of these? Regardless of the size of your space, all of these are something that can be easily brought in to make your home hygge-worthy.

Whether you’re traveling and staying in cabin or cottage accommodation or taking your own rig on the road, consider making a hygge to-go box that includes things to make your space as comfy and cozy as possible. Pack it all in a handy storage bin (which can double as a clutter holder) and hit the road. Your hygge to-go box should include:

Cozy blankets
Throw pillows in a variety of inviting textures
LED candles for ambient lighting
Family photos and small mementos of favorite trips
A furry throw rug or two
Incense in your favorite memory-evoking scents
Favorite mugs to hold your drink of choice

So there you have it – A simple list to make your space inviting for you and your friends. To read more about hygge, check out “The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living” by Meik Wikiing. Better yet, read it while enjoying your snuggle spot!

Stay in a tiny house or a cozy cabin and be sure to bring your hygge supplies with you! Make your reservations today and visit petiteretreats.com.

Sun-Kissed Fall Fun at Tropical Palms

Color is always in season at Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida thanks to the variety of colorful cottages they offer as the perfect accommodation for a fun fall getaway to the Sunshine State. Come and pick your favorite color and enjoy the resort’s amenities, peaceful vibes, and all the nearby Kissimmee and Orlando attractions.

Tropical Palms Resort | Kissimmee, Florida

Fall is a great time of year to enjoy the Orlando theme parks as they go into Halloween-mode with Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (select evenings through October 31) and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Florida (select nights through November 3).
After getting some culinary inspiration at Epcot’s 23rd International Food and Wine Festival (through November 12) come back and cook up something in your cottage’s full kitchen, another great amenity found in the Tropical Palms unique retreats.

Enjoy an evening movie at Universal Orlando’s Cinematic Celebration, a new nighttime event that shows movies at the theme park’s lagoon. Or stay home and see what’s playing at Tropical Palm’s popular Dive-In movie nights. Whichever you choose, your cottage’s private deck offers the perfect spot for an al-fresco, after-event film discussion.

If sporting events are the motivator for your Florida fall getaway, Tropical Palms is a little over an hour from Tampa Bay, home to the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and just 30 minutes from Amway Center, home to the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Or, get some friendly competition going at Tropical Palms’ horseshoes pits, bocce, and shuffleboard courts.
A variety of colors, a variety of floor plans, a variety of things to do – Tropical Palms is just what you need to add a splash of color and fun to your fall getaway.

Make your reservations for your fall getaway at the colorful cottages at Tropical Palms RV Resort!

Yurts at Yosemite Lakes

When you stay at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground, you’ll experience an authentic outdoor vacation just outside of the iconic Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Lakes RV Campground is 400 acres of majestic natural settings with plenty of woods, water, and mountains to explore. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River runs through the campground and is the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, and even panning for gold!

Yurt at Yosemite Lakes, Oregon House, CA

One of the best ways to experience the adventurous and rugged lifestyle of Yosemite is to stay in a yurt. Yosemite Lakes RV Campground offers three different styles of yurts for guests. So whether you have one person or five people in your group, there is a yurt for you!

The River Yurts sleep five people and have outstanding views of the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. Outfitted with a queen futon, a bunk bed, and a private bathroom and shower, these yurts offer the feeling of being immersed in nature without sacrificing the comforts of home. River Yurts also include gas BBQ grills on the deck, fire rings, and picnic tables.

The Hillside Yurts are set amidst a backdrop of towering trees and comfortably sleep four people in a queen-size bed and double futon. This yurt feels particularly spacious with the inclusion of a three-piece bathroom suite with a shower and a kitchenette that is fully furnished with an apartment sized refrigerator, two-burner gas stove top, and a dining table that seats four. Outside, a porch with a gas grill and nearby picnic table and fire ring will have you wanting to grill out every night!

The Meadow Yurts at Yosemite are just a stone’s throw from the river and can sleep up to 5 people. Each one of our Meadow Yurts has a private bathroom with a shower, so you’ll always have an opportunity to clean up after a long day of adventure at Yosemite National Park! All bedding and linens are included in these yurts, which adds an extra convenience for weary travelers. BBQ grills, fire rings, and picnic tables are also included. Have a pet? Pets are welcome in these yurts for an additional fee. See our policies page for other information about pets in our rentals.

By Dave from San Jose, CA, USA (Vernal Falls @ Yosemite National Park) [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Get inspired to stay with Petite Retreats today!

Summer Cabin Fun

There’s something about a rustic cabin that brings you closer to nature, along with evoking memories of carefree summer camp days gone by. Make it a summer you won’t forget, and experience the joys of nature, by planning a stay in a Petite Retreat cabin.

Enjoy an island getaway in Bar Harbor which is located on Mt. Desert Island in Maine. Both Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort (in Bar Harbor) and Narrows Too Camping Resort (in nearby Trenton) offer summer cabins perfect for your island stay. Both offer wooded locations with views of the oceans, plenty of amenities and are family and pet-friendly. Both camping resorts are close to all that the Bar Harbor area has to offer, including the harbor towns and Acadia National Park.

Acadia National Park offers 47,000 acres of woodland wonderland to explore from hikes and climbs to rocky beachfronts. This park is also home to Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the East Coast. The park offers guided hikes, cruises, and nature programs including birding and creature “meet and greets.” Visit nps.gov/acad for more information.

The town of Bar Harbor offers shopping and dining as well as events on the “Village Green” which serves as the gathering place in the center of town. Summer weeknight concerts are offered free each Monday and Thursday evening from 8 to 9 p.m. There are also several museums that feature the history of the area including the Great Harbor Maritime Museum and Mount Desert Oceanarium. Ocean cruise options include whale-watching, island tours and a chance to learn about the life of a lobsterman on the Lulu Lobsterboat Ride. Speaking of lobster, don’t miss a lobster meal at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, an authentic oceanfront lobster pound.

On the Pacific Coast, Oregon offers multiple cabin retreats, including Seaside RV Resort, South Jetty RV Resort, and Mt. Hood Village RV Resort.

Mt. Hood’s location provides the perfect opportunity for a mountain getaway and the chance to explore Mt. Hood National Forest. Spend the day hiking the trails that include Tamanawas Falls, a five-mile loop along the Hood River complete with waterfall views or the longer Timothy Lake trail that covers 13 miles and offers plenty of swimming spots along the way to cool off! Spend the day fishing or taking in one of several birding trails to see the migratory birds that make their home in the forest. Nearby Portland offers big city fun including the Portland Art Museum (current exhibits include Art from the 1980s, running through August 18) and the Oregon Zoo, which features a set of summer concerts (oregonzoo.org).

Enjoy a cabin stay at Seaside RV Resort and enjoy the town of Seaside’s picturesque 1.5 mile oceanfront Promenade via bicycle or a long stroll. Or get up close and personal and feed the seals at the Seaside Aquarium, also located along the Promenade. Roll into town the weekend of September 6-9 and enjoy the Seaside Wheels and Waves Car Show, Oregon’s premier auto show that showcases cars dating from pre-1965.

Wherever you choose to stay, Petite Retreats has cabins for you! Find out more at petiteretreats.com.

Honeymoon With Petite Retreats!

Honeymoons can be some of the best days of a marriage. That feeling of being brand new and ready to face any adventure together may not last forever, so where do you go to spend that window of unfettered travel and leisure?

The Adirondacks

With majestic mountains, moonlit lakes, and charming towns, the Adirondack region of New York is definitely a romantic destination. From scenic drives and boutique wineries to water sports and hiking and biking trails, the Adirondack region has it all.

Consider the Mohican Trail Historical Driving Tour, self-guided tour that takes you through military sites, historic markers, and the surrounding counties that include Saratoga County and its architectural and cultural offerings.

Parasail with your partner over the beautiful views of the mountains and lakes from high in the sky. The region has several providers of parasail adventures including Lake George Shoreline Parasail Adventures and Pinky’s Parasailing Adventures. As they say, the couple that parasails together stays together.

The Adirondack region is home to several distilleries, wineries, and craft breweries and offers several ways to see these operations. There’s the Adirondack Coast Wine Trail (adkcoastwine.com) or the Adirondack Coast Beverage Trail which combines 28 wineries, cideries, distilleries, and breweries on one bike trail. The trail offers incredible views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

Cabin at Lake George Escape, Lake George, NY

Stay in a cozy cabin with your honey at Lake George Escape in the beautiful Adirondacks!

Santa Barbara, California

From the city’s small-town charm combined with its Mediterranean inspired architecture and miles of sandy beaches, it’s no wonder that Santa Barbara is called the “American Riviera.” There are wine trails, spas, shopping, fine dining, museums, gardens and more to explore in this idyllic coastal town, and it’s more romantic the more you explore it.

The beautiful architecture of the city and surrounding area may inspire you with ideas when you begin setting up your home with your honey. Most notable are the Lobero Theater, the Santa Barbara Courthouse, and the Old Mission Santa Barbara. Take a walking tour of the city and learn the rich history of the Spanish-style buildings or drive into nearby Montecito and tour Casa del Herrero, a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, along with its gardens and grounds (casadelherrero.com). Don’t miss a hike to Knapp’s Castle and explore the ruins of the palatial estate built by industrialist George Knapp in 1920.

Santa Barbara is known for its stunning sunsets and there are several places, both public and somewhat private, to watch the sunset to end a perfect honeymoon day. Enjoy dinner and a sunset at the Shoreline Café or the Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach. For a sandy sunset, try Cabrillo Beach or Butterfly Beach. Stearns Wharf, albeit a bit more touristy, is another option and offers not only sunset views but shopping and dining options.

Stay at one of the unique accommodations at Rancho Oso RV Resort just outside Santa Barbara, CA!

Visit petiteretreats.com to see how you can take your next romantic getaway with Petite Retreats!

Wisconsin Dells – A Classic Family Getaway

Long before it was considered the “waterpark capital of the world,” families flocked to the Wisconsin Dells to spend their summer vacation amidst the beauty of nature. The history of the Dells as a vacation destination dates back to the mid to late 1800s when visitors were attracted by the sandstone bluffs, countless caves, and of course, the Dells.

Derived from the French word, dalles, the actual Wisconsin Dells exist from a melting glacier some 20,000 years ago. Melting waters cut into the sandstone landscape and as the waters receded towering sandstone cliffs emerged and the gorge was created. With the river below and the high bluffs above, it became a place of natural amazement. H.H. Bennett, a Civil War photographer, came to photograph the scenic area and created stereoscopic images that depicted the magnificent dells as multidimensional. Those photographs were eventually turned into postcards and soon the whole country knew about this fantastic place in the Midwest. In 1856, the Wisconsin Mirror wrote this about the Dells – “We conclude that the wild, romantic scenery of the Dells will always make them a place of resort for seekers of pleasure.”

And that’s the way it remains to this day – except now there are waterparks galore (more than 20 as a matter of fact) as well as a few more tourist attractions.

The Wisconsin Ducks, Army surplus vehicles that can travel on land and water, have been a Dells mainstay since they first arrived in 1946. These vehicles provide a unique way to tour the Dells. Today, the Wisconsin Ducks have more than 92 vehicles making it the largest fleet of Duck tours in the country. Duck tours last about an hour and will take you through Lake Delton and the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River.

You can also take a step back in time and see where it all began in a tour of the H.H. Bennett Studio and Museum. See how Bennett was able to capture The Dells in their three-dimensional beauty. Start your Dells visit off with a tour of this piece of history and get an idea of how the Dells became so popular.

Another historic attraction is the Wisconsin Deer Park. Set on 40 acres of land, the park breeds and raises deer and has separate feeding areas where visitors can feed the deer. In addition to the deer, visitors can also see lemurs, bison, elk, goats, llamas, and horses.

And of course, The Dells is famous for its many water parks – Noah’s Ark is the largest in the United States and features two lazy rivers, wave pools and new this year, Raja, a water slide experience with 335 feet of twists and turns ending with a thrilling 37-foot plunge into the mouth of the King Cobra!

There’s plenty for the outdoor adventurer as well – from zip line courses to rock climbing adventures; horseback riding and wineries to explore, visiting the Dells is nonstop fun and adventure.

For more Dells attractions and information, visit wisdells.com.

Cozy Cabin at Yukon Trails, Lyndon Station, WI

Stay at a Petite Retreat in Wisconsin! From rustic log cabins to beautiful yurts, the Petite Retreats in Wisconsin are the perfect way to lodge when you are visiting the Wisconsin Dells. Visit petiteretreats.com for more information.

Center Your Universe in a Yurt

The ancient tribes, who are often credited with the creation of the yurt, believed in creating a balance between the world of people and the world of nature. These nomadic people felt strongly that their moveable dwellings should incorporate that balance. The Mongolians considered their traveling shelters, called gers, to be the center of their universe. The orientation of the dwelling had the door opening to the south and the interior space divided into four directions, north, south, east and west. The space to the north was considered sacred; if the family was religious that is where the altar sat, otherwise it was reserved for guests of honor. In keeping with the Yin and Yang theory, the eastern half of the yurt was the female space while the western portion was male. Traditionally, one moved around the inside space in a clockwise direction. Most importantly, it was a space for a family that provided a comfortable shelter from the elements.

Yurt at Lake of the Springs, Oregon House, CA

Gers or yurts (the Russian’s word for them which roughly translates to the word “home”) became a popular living space option in the US thanks to Dr. William Coperthwaite, a Maine-born, Harvard-educated professor who took an interest in yurts in the early 1960s for its simpler living space. While the nomadic tribes constructed their dwellings with felted mats of sheep’s wool, Coperthwaite’s design incorporated wood and canvas. Coperthwaite’s designs become popular and in 1993, Oregon became the first state to offer yurts in their state parks as an option to tent camping.

Yurts took a while to catch on, but are now one of the more popular alternatives to the tent or RV, for many reasons. The domed roofs allow sunlight and starlight in the structure and people have reported a feeling of serenity when occupying a yurt, which experts say has something to do with the circular enclosure. Yurts are well insulated and provide, as they did for the nomads, a comfy spot away from the cold and rain. They are spacious, too – you don’t have to divide your space like the ancients did, but if you choose to, there is plenty to go around.

Yurt Interior at Tranquil Timbers, Sturgeon Bay, WI

So why not find your center of the universe in a yurt and choose one for your next outdoor adventure? Petite Retreats offers yurts at several beautiful locations in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Visit petiteretreats.com to learn about our yurts and other unique accommodations at Petite Retreats.