Tag: acadia national park

Baby, Just Say “Yes!”

Sadly, the Disney parks have banned proposals as of 2023, but there are plenty of great locations to ask that big question if the new year or the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday has you thinking of making things permanent with your S.O. Take advantage of these great proposal locations near your next glamping trip.

Las Vegas: Because no one can get engaged these days with making it a photo op, Las Vegas is a great place to consider when question-popping time nears. Why Vegas? There are so many photo-worthy backdrops like the fountain at Bellagio, or the “Eiffel Tower” at Paris Las Vegas or perhaps on a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian. And, if you want a really short engagement, there are a multitude of wedding chapels ready to make it official. Book a cozy cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas for this romantic getaway.

Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort

Big Sur: Does your love take your breath away just like a Big Sur hike might? Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach at sunset is a very popular proposal spot. Maybe the beach’s Keyhole Rock formation signifies this person has the key to your heart forever? Does your love take you to soaring heights? Consider the Bixby Bridge Vista Point. This iconic bridge is famous and your proposal will be, too! You may have to share the trail with others, but the proposal will be all your own. Pick a glamping accommodation at Marina Dunes to get set for the big day.

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

Bar Harbor: If you’re heading to a romantic getaway in quaint Bar Harbor, Maine, just google “where can I get engaged in Bar Harbor” and a bunch of places here will pop up. One location that makes the lists is Acadia National Park, and more specifically, atop the park’s Cadillac Mountain at sunrise. Another hot spot is Jordan Pond, under a blanket of stars, which are very visible from this spot in the park. The Village Green in town is another great spot with a beautiful landscape and a charming gazebo ala your favorite rom-com. We have two great Bar Harbor resorts with adorable cottages and cabins, Mount Desert Narrows and Narrows Too, for your memorable glamping trip.


Miami: This city has so many options at which to stage a proposal from romantic to eclectic. If your true love is your beacon, consider the backdrop of the Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The Italian Renaissance gardens found at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is another great spot – romantic with an old world feel and the Tea House on the grounds is a perfect spot. Choose a cabin, lodge, or bunkhouse at our Encore Miami Everglades location for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River
Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River

Wine Country: Whisk your love to wine country and take advantage of the beautiful natural settings. We’ve got great glamping near California’s Sonoma County and Oregon’s Willamette Valley – both romantic wine country locations. Book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River in Cloverdale to do a Cali proposal or a tiny house at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches to pop the question in Oregon. Maybe the grounds of the Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, California, are appropriate since the bubbly’s already there! In Oregon, consider popping the questions, and the bubbly, at Domaine Willamette, Oregon’s first sparkling wine facility.

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Retreat Ideas for Friends, Couples, and History Buffs!

This is the year of “the trip,” so take note of these ideas if 2024 is when you finally take the long overdue trip with your friends, or with your someone special, or the year you take the trip where you immerse yourself in culture or history.

Friends-Only Trips
Las Vegas-bound guys should book a cabin, or cabins, at Thousand Trails Las Vegas where the cabin selections can sleep 4, 5, or 6 for a great guys’ getaway. Activities can include the Richard Petty Driving Experience for a NASCAR ride that will not be forgotten. Kinda pricey but worth the thrill – check out drivepetty.com/lasvegas for info. Or, for a free, nature-driven, thrill, hike the 2-mile Calico Tanks Trail with its red, yellow, and orange sandstone formations in Red Rock Canyon. The Mob Museum (themobmuseum.org) takes a look into organized crime in the U.S. while the Neon Museum takes visitors through the Neon Boneyard, which is the resting place for the old neon signs that lit the famed Las Vegas Strip (neonmuseum.org).

Girls trips need to have plenty of time for shopping, pampering, and outdoor activity for good measure, so why not plan your next girls trip around Sedona, Arizona. Book a cabin, cottage or one of the two tiny houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and let the fun begin. Sedona has several healing vortexes, all of which can be reached via scenic hikes. For a map, visit sedona.net/vortex-map. These energy centers promote healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Self-care can also revolve around massages, spa treatments, and the like, so for a list of options check out visitsedona.com/spiritual-wellness/spas-salons. Downtown Sedona is great for shopping and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a great spot to buy gifts – for yourself or others!

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort
Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort

History and Culture
Miami, Florida, is often referred to as the Latin Capital of America in part due to its large population of Latin-American and Cuban-Americans. The culture of these ethnicities is prevalent throughout Miami so this is a great destination for a cultural immersion. Book a cabin at Encore Miami Everglades to get your trip off to a good start. Head to Little Havana and walk down Calle Ocho to see the colorful murals and enjoy the iconic Cubano Sandwich. A Cuban food tour is an option – visit miamiculinarytours.com to book one.

Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod
Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod

For an immersion in history, check out Boston. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a fabulous self-guided walking tour of the city that takes you past 16 historically significant locations. Then there’s Harvard, the first college in the American colonies founded in 1636, which welcomes visitors to walk the campus. The city of Cambridge itself is quite historic and several self-guided walking tours are available for download at https://historycambridge.org/self-guided-tours. Book a cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod or a tiny house at Tuxbury Tiny House Village for a Boston day trip.

The Romantic Gesture
Palm Springs is great for couples – there’s the sun, the scenery and lots of fun stuff to do for shared interests. Book a colorful cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and hit the desert with your honey. Take the Mod Squad Tour to learn about the architecture and modern design homes throughout Palm Springs (psmodsquad.com). Another architecture-based option would be to tour Sunnylands, in nearby Rancho Mirage, the former estate of Walter and Lee Annenberg, who hosted political, business, entertainment, and educational leaders on their 200-acre winter estate for decades. Sunnylands (sunnylands.org) offers a variety of interesting tours. Or, take the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway up to the of Mount San Jacinto and choose to hike, enjoy the views, or dine at the restaurant.

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

What’s more romantic than the changing colors of autumn? Book a cabin at Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too this fall and leaf-peep to your heart’s content in Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park provides the opportunity to see the colors up close as well as enjoy some great hiking and biking trails. Stargaze at night at the Park’s Jordan Pond and wish upon a few for a happy life with your true love. Stroll across the water to Bar Island during low tide or enjoy a waterfront lobster bake at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, a Bar Harbor gem.

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A Guide to Hiking Hotspots Near our Glamping Vacation Rentals

If you google “hiking challenge,” you will find all kinds of opportunities to sign up with a group or organization that has you accept the preset goal they have established for hiking in 2024. Some are based on mileage while others are based on number of days. They are all good to take advantage of, but we’ve got another one where you just do it without paying, joining, or reporting on an app. All you have to do is glamp with us and hit the nearby hiking trails. We have plenty of hiking opportunities – some onsite and some nearby our glamping locations, so let’s take a look at a few places where you can rack up some hiking miles. We’ve identified mileage and the glamping accommodations below – the rest is up to you.

Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and check out these two trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: The Icicle Gorge Trail is an easy, 4.1-mile trail (pass required) and the Eightmile Lake Trail is a moderate 6.7-mile uphill hike ending at an alpine lake.

Rent a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows and tackle the trails in Maine’s Acadia National Park. Jordan Path Pond is an easy 3.1-mile loop that also welcomes leashed dogs while Ocean Path is a popular, flat path, easily walked with great views, especially Thunder Hole.

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

Heading to Lake George Escape in upstate New York? After renting a glamping cabin, check out Berry Pond Trail, a moderate 5-mile round trail that leads to a woodland pond, which is home to a busy beaver community. For an easy hike, the Shelving Rock Summit Trail (3.4 miles out and back) has great scenery including some waterfalls.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach
Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach

Rent an ultra-cool yurt at Washington’s Thousand Trails Long Beach and check out the hiking trails in Beards Hollow which are great for birding, cliff views, and tide pools. The Discovery Trail is another option with an 8.5 mile asphalt trail that features several art installments dedicated to Lewis and Clark along the way.

Plan a glamping experience in the latest trend – the storage container! Book a stay at the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails and check out the 29 miles of trails in Wisconsin’s beautiful Devil’s Lake State Park. Devil’s Doorway is a less than 1-mile loop – an easy hike with scenic views from atop the bluff you hike to! Easy Bluff Trail is an uphill climb with lake views and the rock formation, Elephant Rock.

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Squeeze in the Sunshine: Best Beaches for a Late-Summer Getaway

If you didn’t have enough beach time this summer or want to make that last grab at fun in the sun, head to the beach. They’re less crowded and not so hot this time of year, but they remain the ultimate slice of summer. Here are some late-summer beach trips to consider:

Cabin at Mays Landing Campground
Cabin at Mays Landing Campground

Atlantic City, New Jersey: Back in the day, and we mean way back, from the late 1800s to the roaring ‘20s, Atlantic City was the beach. Come September, the beach is less crowded and offers gentle daytime temperatures ranging between the high 60s and low 70s with ocean breezes. The water temperature is a lovely 72 degrees – perfect for the activities you can enjoy here including surfing, kayaking and fishing. Take a break from the beach and stroll the iconic Boardwalk for shopping, eating, and salt water taffy opportunities. Book a glamping cottage or cabin at Mays Landing Campground to enjoy AC Beach!

Bar Harbor, Maine: Book a stay in a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too to enjoy September in the charming coastal town of Bar Harbor and take advantage of several beaches here. Sand Beach, located within Acadia National Park, is a great little beach set between the mountains and the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy swimming and the views but stay for the sunset and the night sky show as this is a great spot for stargazing. Another beach to check out within Acadia is Echo Lake Beach – again, a small beach that is great for swimming, picnicking, and spectacular scenery in the form of the soaring cliffs of Beach Mountain.

Coronado, California: On a peninsula in the San Diego Bay sits Coronado, a beautiful resort town home to the historic Hotel Del Coronado and several beaches. Coronado Central Beach has glimmering golden sand, the Hotel Del as a backdrop, and is a great beach for swimming, boogie boarding, walking, and tide pooling. North Beach is dog friendly so if you’re traveling with your furry bestie, this is the place to get that last bit of summer sun in. Swimming, walking the beach and, of course, a good game of frisbee or fetch are best done here. Silver Strand State Beach offers two beaches as it’s split – spend some time on the oceanside stretch of beach and then head over to the strip of beach along San Diego Bay. Activities here include shelling, fishing (with permit), kayaking, and swimming. Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Pio Pico to check out Coronado beaches.

Rockaway Beach, Oregon: Rent a glamping cottage, cabin, or ultra-cool yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City and experience one of Oregon’s best beaches at nearby Rockaway Beach. Of course, Cloverdale has plenty of beaches to enjoy so close to home, but we thought a day trip to Rockaway might be fun. Rockaway offers seven miles of sandy beach with several access points along the way. This beach is great for rock hounding and tide pooling. Swimming is an option in September but the water temps are around 62 degrees, so wetsuits are a good idea. While you’re here, grab an original Pronto Pup – considered the original corn dog since 1941. Rockaway Pronto Pup is open on weekends year-round. In Cloverdale, beaches to explore include Green Acres Beach (for a horseback ride along the beach experience, visit beach-rides.com) or Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area with its soaring sand dune and oceanside stretch of beach.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pacific City
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pacific City

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5 of The Most Beautiful Places in America

There are all kinds of lists when it comes to the most beautiful places in America. Some are based simply on the natural scenery (think the Texas Hill Country during the bluebonnets bloom time or the colorful fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway come autumn) while others focus on the charm a specific place exudes like the Bavarian-styled Leavenworth, Washington, or the iconic New England villages dotting the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Whatever the reason, it cannot be disputed that America is indeed America the Beautiful. We’ve listed a few to check out when glamping with Petite Retreats.

Lake Tahoe (California): Lake Tahoe made busytourist.com’s list which cites the sheer beauty of this freshwater lake as the reason. The waters of this 22-mile long lake are crystal clear and because of the roughly 1,600-foot depth, the colors of the water range from green-blue to dark navy blue. Surrounded by the snow-capped Sierras, the lake is a sight to behold. Book a cozy cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley and explore the area. Emerald Bay is said to be the most beautiful spot within this beautiful location.

Thor’s Well (Oregon): Can a sinkhole be beautiful? Oregon’s Thor’s Well certainly proves the possibility. This 20-foot deep sinkhole that is believed to be a collapsed sea cave is a sight to be seen. Not only are the ocean views amazing, but come high tide, waves cause a violent spray to come out of the top. Stay in your choice of a cottage or cabin at nearby Thousand Trails Whalers Rest and take a drive south down the coast to see this natural phenomenon.

Skagit Valley Tulips (Washington): Come spring, the Skagit Valley in Washington State comes alive with color as more than 300 acres of tulips are in bloom. There is an annual Tulip Festival that runs from April to early May (tulipfestival.org). Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails La Conner to take in this beautiful blooming location.

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

Acadia National Park (Maine): The rocky shores, the granite peaks, soaring trees, several ponds, and wildlife combine to make this New England national park one of the most beautiful places in the country. Stay in a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too in our Bar Harbor location and enjoy the scenic Acadia National Park.

Hamilton Pool Preserve (Texas): An historic watering hole in Texas makes the list thanks to the emerald green waters of Hamilton Pool Preserve which is fed by a 50-foot waterfall and nested at the basin of a limestone grotto. Definitely worth a visit – so plan to check it out and reserve a cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake which is about 40 miles away.

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2023 National Park Bucket List

With the holidays come and gone, you may have received, or know someone who received, a National Park themed item. Maybe it was socks depicting Yosemite highlights, or a National Parks Scratch Off Poster for tracking park visits. One popular gift item is the token bracelet or keychain fob solely for the purpose of adding a national park token for each park visited. All good reasons to make a National Park 2023 Bucket List.

Combine a glamping adventure with Petite Retreats and visit to a nearby NP and you’ll have one great outdoor adventure. Here are a few National Parks near some of our best Petite Retreat accommodations. And don’t forget there are four days of the year when admission to the National Parks are free – April 11, August 4, September 23, and November 11, so plan ahead:

Yosemite National Park is just a stone’s throw (five miles from the Park’s entrance) from the unique yurt accommodations and cute cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes RV Campground. Enjoy the spacious, cool vibes of your yurt while checking Yosemite off the list. Must-sees include Yosemite Falls, which at 2,425 feet are the tallest falls in North America; the soaring granite peaks of Half Dome and El Capitan; the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove and of course, the miles and miles of hiking trails.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Campground
Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes Campground

All the way across the country from sunny California is the rocky coast of Maine and the beautiful Acadia National Park. Book a cozy glamping cabin at one of our Bar Harbor resorts and set a course to explore as much you can of the 48,000 acres of wooded wonderland. Bike the carriage roads, take the Scenic Loop Drive, watch the sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain or watch the stars at Jordon Pond.

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

In the beautiful desert outside of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is great spot for rock climbing, stargazing, and an abundance of spring wildflowers. Check out Cholla Cactus Garden for life-sized cacti, take the ultimate selfie at Skull Rock, or visit Keys Ranch, built in 1910 as a family home for a rancher and goldminer. Key Ranch is listed as a National Historic Register site. Check out a colorful cottage in Palm Springs for your California getaway.


If National Parks make you think of a wooded setting, check out Dry Tortugas National Park, an island in the Florida Keys, for something completely different. Book a tiny house at Sunshine Key at take off down the Overseas Highway to see what this island National Park is all about. Actually, seven islands make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Garden Key is home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th century fort. Snorkeling and swimming are big activities here, and a kayak ride to tour the various islands is another suggested activity. Plenty of coral reefs to see here and a great spot for birding.


While in Florida, check out a lesser known national park – Biscayne National Park, just about an hour from a cozy cabin accommodation at Miami Everglades. Accessible only by boat, guided tours are available and canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling activities are also offered here. Of course, one of the most popular national parks, Everglades National Park, is also an option when glamping at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort – it’s only about a half hours’ drive away!

Cabin at Miami Everglades RV Resort
Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort

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5 Great July Getaways

According to globalgrasshopper.com (a blog team that consists of “self-confessed travel snobs), the locations listed below are some of the best places to travel to in July. Luckily, the fabulous Petite Retreats glamping accommodations in these locations provide the perfect complement to have one of the best July trips you’ve ever taken!

Citing the idyllic back drop of Frenchman’s Bay, the top-notch eateries and the charm of the downtown area, Bar Harbor, Maine made the list. Make a reservation at either Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too and get set for a New England destination full of food, fun, and outdoor activity. Highlights of a Bar Harbor getaway include Acadia National Park; whale-watching excursions; several history museums and lots of shopping. For something different, consider Diver Ed’s Dive-in Theater (diveintheater.com), which offers a great way to learn about the sea creatures that reside here.

On the other coast – Pacific, that is – the “travel snobs” believe Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a great July pick for a trip due to the stunning scenery and sea life that can be seen here at this time. Toss in the great pics you can take of Haystack Rock with a summer sky backdrop and that’s reason enough. If you need more, there’s the Cannon Beach Farmers Market, which runs every Tuesday; the “BUSKERS in the Park” Thursday night concerts in the City Park, craft brews from Cannon Beach brewpubs, Pelican Brewing Company and Public Coast Brewing, plus outdoor activities that include surfing, fishing, hiking, and plenty of nature walks. Reserve a cabin at Seaside and explore this Pacific Coast gem.

Cabin at Seaside RV Campround
Cabin at Seaside RV Campround

Is there a bad time to visit Monterey, California? We doubt it, but according to globalgrasshopper, Monterey is great in July thanks to the temperature and al fresco dining opportunities. Renting the glamping tent or cottage at Marina Dunes is also perfect in July, so stay with us while you explore July in Monterey. The Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is set for the weekend of July 16-17 and the 19th Monterey Beer Festival is set for Saturday, July 30. More fun in Monterey includes visits to the charming seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea; the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the stunningly scenic 17-Mile-Drive. Oh, and by the way, al fresco dining options can include Abalonetti Bar & Grill and Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle.

Looking to go lakeside? Book a cottage complete with a screened-in porch at Kenisee Lake and head to charming Geneva-on-the-Lake. The lake here is Lake Erie and the quaint town is billed as “Ohio’s First Summer Resort.” The blogging travel snobs like this location because of the numerous lakeside beaches, the zip lines and adventure courses, and the local breweries and wineries. The Vines and Wines Trail has over 30 wineries and vineyards and details can be found at ohiowines.org. The Strip, the town’s version of a boardwalk, is home to shops and restaurants, and other fun attractions like a mini-golf course. Breakwater Beach is great for beach lovers and Geneva State Park will provide a great fix for hiking enthusiasts. Lake Erie Canopy Tours (lakeeriecanopytours.com) receives high praise from users for its patient and professional guides as well as the variety of course options.

Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground
Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground

Historic Boston makes the list and that’s fitting since they really know how to celebrate Independence Day. Aside from the big party on the 4th, Boston is noted for the concerts at the Hatch Shell and Shakespeare on the Common, both free events in July, whale watching and the food and craft beer scene. There are also baseball games at Fenway Park, the historic and very walkable Freedom Trail, harbor cruises, and some of the best Italian dining to be found in the North End (don’t miss the cannoli from Mike’s Pastry)! The Rose Kennedy Greenway is another place where you can always find something going on, including Greenway Food Trucks where over 35 food trucks offer all kinds of specialties from seafood to Korean options daily; a farmer’s market each Tuesday and Thursday and a beer and wine garden. Book a stay at either Sturbridge or Gateway to Cape Cod and head into Boston to discover a great summertime city.

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See You Outside!

Great Outdoors Month turns 23 this month. It initially began as Great Outdoors Week, designated by President Bill Clinton in 1998, but continued to grow under each Administration and became Great Outdoors Month. So, you have to ask – haven’t we always celebrated our great outdoors? Or was it only after the advent of computers, video games, and cable and streaming services that serve as major forms of recreation, albeit indoors, that the call came to remind people to get outside?  

The premise behind Great Outdoors month is to remind Americans about the abundance of great outdoors that exist in our country as well as to re-educate them (or in some cases, educate) them about the importance of conservation and preserving our beautiful woodlands and waters. So, how do you celebrate Great Outdoors Month? Well, the whole month of June has specific days dedicated to outdoor activities, like National Trails Day (June 1); National Fishing and Boating Week (June 5-13) and the Great American Campout (June 26). We say, start with a glamping trip and go from there. Here are a few ideas:

Hiking:  While the events of National Trails Day have come and gone this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t take to the trails any other day this month. Hiking has been proven to improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, strengthen your core and improve your balance. It’s one of the greatest outdoor activities and requires the least amount of skill. You just walk – a lot! Rent one of the great new tiny homes at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village just outside Nashville and hike the Narrows of the Harpeth Trail – an easy 1.1-mile trail with great views of Tennessee’s Harpeth Valley. Another tiny house and trail is what you’ll find if you visit Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and tackle the nearby Salmon River Trailhead – tackle being the operative word here as it is 7.8 miles, yet still considered a moderate trail that winds through an old growth forest and has great views of the Salmon River.

Cottage at Marina Dunes in Marina, CA

Birding:  According to James Morgan of BirdwatchingBuzz, some the of the best summer birding spots can be found in Maine’s Acadia National Park; Pennsylvania’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and California’s Monterey Bay. Birding may seem like a somewhat sedentary activity but there are plenty of benefits – findings show that birding can benefit our overall well-being, mental health, and cognitive functioning. So, grab your binoculars and bird guides and plan a stay with us in a cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows in Maine, a glamping tent at Marina Dunes in California or a cozy cabin at Appalachian RV Campground in Pennsylvania and get into the birds! Maine birders can expect to see warblers, eagles, and puffins while Cali birders might spy a Black-footed Albatross, plenty of seabirds and hummingbirds, too. Visitors to PA’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary can enjoy the birds as well as hiking trails and native gardens.

Cozy Cabin at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Fishing: Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week by either learning to fish or adding to your collection of “fish stories.” We’ve got great accommodations near some of the best fishing locations, so grab your tackle box and gear, wish for some good luck, and drop a line. The waters that surround our cabins and yurts at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, are teeming with fish, including walleye, northern pike, trout, and bass. You’re bound to get lucky here so rent a yurt and fish away (don’t forget to check out the fishing license requirements). Or book a charter and let the pros show you how it’s done – for specific info, visit travelwisconsin.com/things-to-do/outdoor-fun/fishing. Do you remember the beauty of the fly-fishing scenes from the movie “A River Runs Through It”? Fly fishing not only gives you a total body workout thanks to all the wading, casting, and reeling it requires, but is also known to lower cortisol levels, which means you are de-stressing while wading, casting, and reeling! Head to Leavenworth, Washington, where some of the most scenic fly fishing can be found. Rent one of the great tiny houses at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village and try your hand at wading, casting, and reeling in nearby Fish Lake which is great for yellow perch and largemouth bass in summer.

And don’t forget to make sure to participate in the Great American Campout on June 26. We’ve got plenty of great glamping spots for you– check out www.PetiteRetreats.com for locations!

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Not your Average Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has been traditionally celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday of May since 1914 but the tradition to honor Mothers dates to Ancient Greece. Here are a few things to think about when considering what to gift Mom with this year – Mother’s Day is the busiest day for restaurants; it’s the third highest selling holiday for plants and flowers; and more phone calls are made on this day than any other in the year. So, if you want your celebration to be like everyone else, by all means buy the flowers, book the restaurant, and give Mom a call. But, if you think your honoree is extra special and want the celebration to be unique, just like her, check out these options. And remember, whether you celebrate on May 9, or choose another day – these are all still good ideas!

Cabin at Spring Gulch in New Holland, PA.

Take in a Farmer’s Market: Plan a stay in an oh, so tranquil yurt at Tall Chief and head into Seattle to explore the iconic, and always entertaining, Pike Place Market. If you’re there during Mother’s Day Weekend, check out the Market’s 13th Annual Flower Festival that runs May 8-9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you book a cabin at Pennsylvania’s Appalachian or Spring Gulch, you’re about an hour’s drive from Philadelphia’s Headhouse Farmer’s Market which is open on Sundays and features 50 rotating vendors. Taking in Santa Barbara for a Mother’s Day holiday? Book your stay at Rancho Oso and then consider a Sunday drive down the sunny California coast to Santa Monica to explore the city’s Downtown Farmer’s Market that runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Waterfall in Portland Japanese Garden.

Walk Through a Garden: Reserve a charming tiny house at Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and then spend the day in nearby Portland taking in the views at the city’s Japanese Garden. Spread over 5.5 acres, the garden is serene and tranquil with several different gardens including the Tea Garden and the Natural Garden. For information and reservations for timed visits, go to japanesegarden.org. The Wild Gardens of Acadia can be found in Maine’s Acadia National Park and feature over 400 species of flowers, shrubs, trees and other plants native to the area. For more details visit acadiamagic.com. For the perfect accommodation when visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, book a colorful cottage at Narrows Too in nearby Trenton.

Botanical gardens of Acadia National Park in Maine.

Get Active (sort of): Try an e-bike (pedal-assisted) and enjoy the scenery of Leavenworth, Washington. The Leavenworth Mountain Tour explores downtown Leavenworth as well as Icicle Creek Canyon and the historic Leavenworth Ski Hill. Visit bavarianebiketours.com for more details. Book one of the five tiny houses at Leavenworth Tiny House Village for your stay. Or try something a bit out of the ordinary, but very trendy, and take a goat yoga class. Check out Legacy Lane Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire, which offers goat yoga classes every Sunday, and also has a Country Home Store onsite that sells handmade lotions and soaps made from goat’s milk. To continue your Namaste kind of day, book a tiny house accommodation at Tuxbury Tiny House Village and relax after a day at the farm.

Tiny House Emerson at Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, NH.

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Women’s History Month

March is the month to celebrate the role of women in American history and their contributions. All around the country, there are heritage sites including monuments, homesteads, works of art, and more that represent these women and their efforts in all areas from nursing and politics to civil rights, women’s rights and in the arts. We’ve listed just a few here and whether you visit now or later, it’s never too late to honor the efforts of these women.

“Gettysburg Civil War Women-s Memorial – Elizabeth Masser Thorn 1” by Amaury Laporte is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Gettysburg Civil War Women’s Memorial: This seven-foot bronze sculpture of Elizabeth Thorn is located in Gettysburg’s Evergreen Cemetery. Thorn was six months pregnant at the time of the Battle of Gettysburg. Prior to the war, her husband was the caretaker of the cemetery but when he enlisted in the Union Army, the caretaking tasks fell to Elizabeth and her father. After the battle, the heavily pregnant Thorn buried 91 soldiers and 14 civilians killed in the siege.  The memorial is a tribute to all women who served, and suffered, due to the war.

Cozy cabin at Drummer Boy in Gettysburg, PA.

Stay with us in a cabin at Drummer Boy to explore Gettysburg and see the memorial.

Buildings by Julia Morgan: San Francisco native, Julia Morgan was the first woman to graduate UC Berkeley’s Civil Engineering program in 1894 and went on to become the first licensed woman architect in California. During her career, she designed more than 700 buildings throughout California, most notably Hearst Castle in San Simeon. For a listing of sites and locations of Morgan’s works, visit sf.curbed.com/maps/julia-morgan-buildings-best-sf.

“Sunset at Hearst Castle” by Trey Ratcliff is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Stay with us in a glamping tent at Marina Dunes and enjoy a ride up the California coast to see Morgan’s works in the San Francisco area or down the coast to tour Hearst’s Castle.

Glamping tent at Marina Dunes in Marina, CA.

National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum: According to their website, the museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to honoring the women of the West. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, the museum has archival footage as well as artifacts from these trailblazing women. Hall of Fame inductees include Sacagawea, Annie Oakley, Dale Evans, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. For information, visit cowgirl.net.

Stay with us in a cabin at Bay Landing in nearby Bridgeport while you explore the Cowgirl Museum.

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, Maine: Why is a national park on the list of women’s history heritage sites? Because Beatrix Farrand, a noted landscape gardener, designed the carriage roads in this beautiful national treasure. Also, Farrand created the rock-walled reflections rooms at the garden at the College of the Atlantic in nearby Bar Harbor in 1928. Born in New York in 1872, Farrand preferred to be called a landscape architect. She also designed First Lady Gardens at the White House during the Wilson Administration.

Cozy cabins at Narrows Too RV Resort in Trenton, ME.

Stay at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too RV Resort while visiting Acadia NP.

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