Petite Retreater

Colorful Cottages at Tropical Palms RV Resort

You’re bound to have an unforgettable resort experience when you stay in one of the colorful cottages at Tropical Palms. These bright colored cottages boast Instagram-worthy hues, inside and out all year round. With easy access to the beach, amusement parks, and all kinds of activities, you’ll find that your colorful cottage is the perfect retreat for a siesta in style. The palm-tree lined streets of Tropical Palms greet you around every corner and the Florida sunshine generously warms the guests of this tropical paradise in Kissimmee. There is plenty to do nearby! Whether you spend your days sunning and surfing at Daytona Beach or stroll down the brick-lined streets of Old Town, where there are plenty of shops and restaurants and family-friendly activities at every turn, you’re sure to fill your days with a plethora of fun. Tropical Palms is just a short distance from all the major theme parks like Disney World, Universal Theme Parks, and Sea World.

Though close to the heart of Orlando, Tropical Palms boasts its own special activities and features- watch a classic movie from the pool at the “dive-in movie,” learn a new dance or perfect your steps at our on-site dance classes, gather your team for a shuffleboard tournament, or impress your friends with your best recipe at a potluck. You’ll see that Tropical Palms is the perfect home base for your Orlando vacation!

Make your next vacation unforgettably colorful and sunny – book a reservation at Tropical Palms today!

Glamping Gear Guide

Glamping is all about the atmosphere and accommodations. Check out some of our favorite items to add to a more glamorous camping experience!

Glamp Up Your Atmosphere

Canvas Tent

With a bell-shaped canvas tent like this one, you’ll be on your way to glamping in no time. The canvas is waterproof too, so you’ll stay dry and comfortable.

Fabric Bunting

Add cute and colorful decor to your space by hanging fabric bunting in the doorway of your tent or from the porch of your cabin to give a pop of cheer to your camping space.

Fairy Lights

These fairy lights add a whimsical element to your campsite and are made with a flexible wire so you can hang them up and around wherever you want a bit of extra light. Find a set of lights that are battery powered or opt for solar powered, like these!

Lanterns

Light up your campsite with a vintage feel with these vintage-style lanterns. They may look like classic lanterns, but the LED lights are 21st century and have handles that allow you to hang them wherever you please.

Add soft light

Take your camp lighting to the next level when you add a colorful soft light to the inside of your tent, cabin, or yurt. These battery powered ones give off a soft illumination and last for about 8 hours.

Don’t sacrifice your gourmet meals and stellar place settings with these glamorous campsite kitchen must-haves.

Complete cutlery backpack

Take your campsite barbecue to the next level with a cutlery backpack. Neatly packed, this pack is stocked with everything you need to set up a gourmet meal anywhere you like!

Adventure Cooler

You’ve committed to the cuteness of glamping, but sometimes, you just need something that is sleek and functional to keep your food cold and the pests out. This cooler from Stanley has a sleek style, is easy to carry, and will keep ice frozen for 36 hours! Pretty cool.

Camp Vibes Enamel Mug

Enamel mugs are great for camping because they are lightweight and durable – perfect for roughing it in the woods. But grab an enamel mug with a cute design and bold colors and you’ll elevate your glamping vibes.

Tablecloth

Pop this durable tablecloth on your picnic table and instantly elevate your barbecue! Set up the plates and silverware from your cutlery backpack and you’ve got a gourmet table setting at your glampsite.

Cutting Board

This cutting board does triple duty! With its own knife and fine wood, this cutting board also works as a platter to present your meats and cheeses.

Utensil Set

Cut down on clutter and plastic when you bring along a multi-use utensil set that has its own carrying case. Easy to pack, easy to clean, and easy to use! Each utensil has additional functions like a can opener hook on the end of the fork and a measuring tool on the handle of the spoon.

Keeping Things Cozy

Mystical Fire Packets

Turn up the volume on your typical campfire by adding these special color packets to the fire. Just remember to save this party for after you roast your marshmallows!

Wool Roll-Up Blanket

Keep warm in style when you bring along a patterned blanket. This one is extra functional and features a waterproof side plus straps and handle for easy carrying.

Tapestry or Rug

A lightweight rug or tapestry can create a cozy atmosphere when hung above your head or laid on the ground to give your feet something soft to step on. A tapestry infuses your glamping site with some of your own personality and a pop of color.

Lightweight Chairs

These fold up chairs are lightweight and give off the glamping vibes with their gold color and sleek design.

Boho Style Hammock
If you love a good portable hammock for lounging with a book at your campsite but don’t like the feel of a standard nylon hammock, opt for a contemporary style that has some bohemian character to it, like this one that has a lovely fringe and inviting camel color.

What are your favorite ways to give your campsite something extra? Share your style tips with us in the comments!

Tuxbury Tiny House Village – Opening Spring 2018

Introducing… Henry, Clara, Emerson, Murphy, and Riley, the newest additions to Petite Retreats! These five tiny houses live at the Tuxbury Pond RV Resort. Wickedly clever and full of character, these tiny houses all have their own personalities, catering to every kind of adventurer who walks through their doors.

Emerson

“A modern innovator, Emerson is a creator in every sense of the word. As a child, he gravitated toward activities that involved building and learning how things worked. Truth be told, not much has changed. He’s a professional tinkerer and hasn’t met something he couldn’t fix. In his free time, he enjoys fixing up vintage appliances and selling them in his shop and online store. His goal each day is to make what’s old new again!”

Murphy

“Murphy makes the ultimate buddy. He remains by his friends’ side through thick and thin and consistently puts others before himself. His true passion in life is anything and everything to do with sports, and he hosts the best viewing parties. Because of this, he is the best person to have on your sports themed trivia team. Murphy is someone you can grab a drink and chat with for hours, preferably while sailing or fishing.”

Riley

“A modern day Rosie the Riveter, Riley is a go-getter in all aspects of life. She stands up for what she believes in and does so gracefully. She is involved in local politics and specializes in civil rights. To unwind, she travels and explores whatever city she finds herself in. She prefers to go off the beaten path and always finds the extraordinary in the ordinary. A lesser-known fact about Riley is that she loves karaoke and does a killer rendition of ‘Born in the U.S.A.’”

Henry

“Henry is an inventor with a vision ahead of his time. While he’s a true industrialist, he has his roots in engineering. Henry loves racing, and his interest in cars is one of a kind. In time, he hopes to combine his love for engineering with his love of racing. However, with all of the races he’s attended, he still believes the greatest day of his life is the one he married his wife, Clara.”

Clara

“Clara is the friend you can count on to cheer you on as you chase your wildest ambitions. She is never too far from her partner in crime, her husband, Henry, as they lived down the road from each other and have been married for years. After growing up on a farm, Clara became a wonderful cook and gardener. When she’s not spending time with her family or tending to the garden, Clara is dancing through life, taking on one adventure after another.”

Vacation tiny just outside of Boston along Tuxbury Pond

The Tuxbury Tiny House Village offers vacationers a unique way to experience the Northeast. A respite from the hustle-bustle of everyday life, the tiny house village allows guests to rest up and recharge, all while experiencing a one-of-a-kind vacation. The tiny houses at the village are full of character and personality, and range from 180 – 300 square feet.

Tuxbury Pond allows you to relax along the tranquil shores of Tuxbury Pond, lounge by the pool, or enjoy a variety of fun-filled activities. Located in South Hampton, home of two of the area’s favorite vineyards and wineries, Tuxbury Pond puts you within reach of popular attractions, including apple orchards, farms, and one-of-a-kind restaurants. If you’re looking to be a go-getter, Tuxbury Pond is located within 30 minutes of the Salisbury-Hampton beaches, museums, and outlet malls. It’s just the Petite Retreat™ you’ve been looking for!

Reserve your stay at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village today!

Thinking About Winter in Leavenworth, Washington?

Not sure if you’re a snowbird? Try out the opposite and spend winter where the snow is plentiful!

If you’re looking to plan a snow-filled getaway, Thousand Trails Leavenworth RV Campground is the perfect spot. The beautiful Cascade Mountains provide the perfect backdrop to relax or enjoy numerous recreational activities in the alpine setting of Thousand Trails Leavenworth RV Campground. Enjoy 300 acres of beautiful forests and meadows await. During the winter months, you’ll be able to ride your snowmobile on over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails located directly across the street. You can cross-country ski, snowshoe, and sled down hills that are all located right here!

When you stay at the Tiny House Village at Leavenworth RV Campground, your Bavarian themed-vacation becomes even more festive! Rudolf, Adeline, Belle, Hanna, and Otto, the tiny houses, each has their own unique personality. Each house features special Bavarian touches, charming colors, and clever space-saving design within 180-300 square feet.

Easily one of the most beautiful and quaint towns in the Pacific Northwest, Leavenworth is the ideal spot to spend some time this winter if you’re a lover of all things that celebrate the season. The downtown area is lovingly referred to as “Little Bavaria,” complete with standard German architecture and countless Christmas celebrations, including over half a million Christmas lights and carolers galore! Visitors can look forward to a number of fun events put on by the town of Leavenworth including Alpenfolk in the Gazebo, a special showcase of alpine folk music; the Bavarian Boondocker’s Snowfest, a snowmobile winter power sports event; and the famous Christmas Lighting Festival, where this quaint Bavarian village lights up in millions of Christmas lights and the sounds of caroling drifts through the air!

Leavenworth RV Campground is located just 29 miles from Steven’s Pass Ski Resort, and just four miles from Fish Lake, a popular spot for ice fishing. The campground is also 17 miles from the Bavarian Village of Leavenworth where two to three million people visit each year. The village is world famous for its Bavarian architecture, seasonal festivals, unique German restaurants, specialty shops and art galleries.

Book your winter getaway at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village and tell us about your winter adventure plans in the comments!

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!

Mommy’s Dressing Room Visits Petite Retreats

This summer, Tata of Mommy’s Dressing Room, visited Appalachian campground in Pennsylvania and stayed in one of the log cabins with her family. Check out photos from their weekend stay and watch a very special video tour of the cabin!

video courtesy of Mommy’s Dress Room

Themed Cabins at Natchez Trace RV Campground

Tennessee is a special place to visit almost any time of the year. Tennessee is famous for its barbecued comfort food that sticks to your ribs like an Elvis song can stick in your head; for its Great Smoky Mountains and endless opportunities for fishing and hunting; for Memphis and Nashville, two cities built on the blues and rock n’ roll; for Route 66, “the main street of America” that runs through Tennessee as roadtrippers traverse this land-locked state.

Immerse yourself in the charm, the culture, and the nature of the “Volunteer State” when you stay in a themed cabin at Natchez Trace RV Campground in Hohenwald, TN. These cabins are situated near the water among the trees on this beautiful forested property and each one celebrates a different facet of the Tennessee experience. There’s a cabin for the fishermen, the hunters, the Music City lovers; Tennessee Volunteer fans and Crimson Tide rivals; and for those who love the road, an ode to Route 66. Each cabin is ready for you to move right in- linens, flat screen TVs, fully stocked kitchens, coffee makers, and much more to make your stay feel just like home. At Natchez Trace, you’ll disconnect and relax – there’s no wifi connection here, but you’ll be too busy taking in the beauty of Tennessee and sleeping soundly in your cabin to notice anyway. No matter which cabin you choose, you’ll have the best view of the Tennessee sunset from your screened in porch.

Book your stay in a themed cabin at Natchez Trace RV Campground or another 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!

Clever Packing Tips for a Tiny Vacation

Somewhere, someone wise probably said that too much stuff ruins vacations. Well, we couldn’t say exactly who that person is but we’re sure that someone said it at some point. The notion probably originated from standing in a messy hotel room surrounded by too many unworn outfits and souvenirs spilling out from an overstuffed suitcase. Now that Petite Retreats offers a variety of tiny unique accommodations, some of you may be thinking about how to downsize your vacation in other ways. Check out some space saving tips that will help you cut down on the stuff and experience more from your vacation!

Roll up your clothes to save space.

Roll your clothes up into little clothing burritos and stack them inside zip lock bags. Close the lock almost all the way to the end and either suck out or push out the excess air, essentially vacuum sealing your clothing. This will allow you to bring more outfits and take up less space in your luggage.

Bring one less pair of shoes than you think you need.

How many pairs of shoes do you really need to bring? Unless you have a different kind of event every single day – like, a wedding one day and then a climb up a mountain the next – you probably will only need one to three pairs of shoes to get you through your tiny vacation. Sneakers, a pair of flip flops, and hiking boots should suffice. Wear your biggest and bulkiest shoes while you’re traveling. Bring extra zip lock bags to keep everything clean.

Download whatever you can to your smartphone, tablet, or e-reader before you leave.

Petite Retreats is all about getting away from the hustle and bustle of city-life and retreating to beautiful forests and sandy beaches to recharge and immerse yourself in nature. There will be times when you’ll want to listen to your favorite podcast or fall asleep reading a good book. Instead of lugging a whole bunch of books and magazines or burning CDs to bring along, download everything you’ll want for entertainment onto one smart device. This way you can curl up with a good book and leave some space in your luggage for other essentials.

All the travel-sized-things

Don’t get tied up using full-sized shower stuff. Fill up travel sized 3 oz. bottles of your favorite shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Snag a packet of face and body wipes to easily freshen up on-the-go without adding more bulk to your bag. Even if your trip doesn’t require a full TSA security check, their guidelines for liquids will help you from overfilling your luggage.

Bring only what you need.

The Petite Retreat Tiny House Villages are fully stocked with all the things you would need in your own home like pots, pans, linens, flatware, and even fixings for coffee and tea. Relax knowing that all you really need to vacation tiny is your suitcase of clothes, shoes, and a really good book (on your e-reader or smartphone, of course!)

Pick lightweight clothing that is also functional.

Merino wool clothes are lightweight, keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and don’t wrinkle. Look for this fabric if and when you’re shopping for any additional clothes that you may need for your getaway.

Learn how you can vacation tiny with Petite Retreats!

Share your small space packing tips in the comments!