Tag: Arizona

5 Things to Do in Sedona, AZ

Sedona is a perfect destination for one, two or more than a few. The things to do here can range from solitary hikes and spiritual vortex visits to off-road Jeep group tours, all-in yoga sessions and a lot of shopping opportunities. The weather is nearly always perfect here with average daytime highs of 82 and very low rainfall. The backdrop of the Red Rock State Park makes for perfect Instagram shares and menus here offer fresh fish to locally grown fruits and vegetables for the selective foodie! Consider a food tour to get to know the history and culture of the area and then for something different, consider these 5 things to do and book your stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley:

Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley

1. Oak Creek Canyon: Located in the Coconino National Forest, Oak Creek Canyon offers all kinds of activities from hiking to fishing, plus a scenic 14-mile drive. Soaring cliffs and deep canyons plus acres of wooded wonderland make this a destination for hikers, photographers, and picnickers alike.

Hiking in Sedona, AZ
Hiking in Sedona, AZ

2. Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park: Peace-seekers as well as the curious will enjoy a visit to this spiritual oasis. A stupa is a Buddhist architectural structure that is used as a place of meditation. Come here to see the two stupas and just enjoy the serene feeling the park offers. The mountain views are also amazing as the park sits at the base of Thunder Mountain and a don’t-miss is the giant wooden sculpture of Siddhartha.

Chapel of the Holy Cross
Chapel of the Holy Cross

3. Chapel of the Holy Cross: Considered one of the must-sees when visiting Sedona, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is an architectural wonder built by a student of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Completed in 1956, it sits atop a red rock formation between two natural spires. It is one of the most visited attractions in Sedona and can be reached via hiking or drive.

4. Verde Canyon Railroad: Sit back and enjoy the 4-hour train ride as the history of the area unfolds on your journey aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad. You’ll travel through the Verde Canyon and along the Verde River on a trip that promises amazing glimpses of wildlife and landscape. The train staff provides the history of the area through stories and historical facts about the area. For information visit verdecanyonrr.com.

5. Festivals: If you’re visiting in October, take note of the Fall Festival at the Verde Valley Fairgrounds (October 25-26). The Fall Festival will feature arts and crafts, a family rodeo, an art show and a scarecrow contest among other fall fun. Or plan ahead for these annual events: Sedona St. Patricks’ Day Parade (March 15, 2025); Sedona Yoga Festival (May 1-4) or Sedona’s Cinco de Mayo Celebration set for May 5.

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Good Things Come in Small Packages

The meaning of the saying “good things come in small packages” is basically that things don’t need to be large to be good. In the case of our Petite Retreat accommodations, that saying is spot on. Take our tiny houses for example, they are small but they are mighty when you consider they are full of amenities like kitchens and full bathrooms, and have plenty of indoor and outdoor space for fun. Not to mention how cute they are inside and out! The same goes for our cabins, yurts, and cottages. While the amenities may vary here, they all provide just the right amount of space you need to have a great glamping adventure. When it comes to our tiny homes, we say “go tiny or go home,” and when it comes to all of our Petite Retreats we think a good adage may be “go small and go glamping.” You just cannot lose with these small packages! So, in the spirit of the holiday, consider some of these “good things in small packages” when planning your upcoming glamping trips!


These small packages come with the added bonus of location. And to use another well known phrase, location is everything. The Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, Washington, has five great tiny homes to choose from and is in a stunning Pacific Northwest location near the super charming Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth. Plus this destination offers some of the best outdoor activities in the area that include fishing, skiing, hiking, and biking. Then there’s the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, with seven tiny homes, in the beautiful Mt. Hood area of Oregon. Mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are your playground when staying at Mt. Hood and there’s a lot of unique festivals to check out like the Annual Salmon, Mushroom, and Bigfoot Festival or the Huckleberry Festival that features all kinds of foods centered around the local huckleberry like pancakes and jams. Arizona’s tiny house offerings include those at Thousand Trails Verde Valley that are set among the backdrop of the healing Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona. East coast options include Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire. Close to Boston and the beaches of the Atlantic, it provides a great glamping place to enjoy a New England adventure and there are five tiny homes to choose from here.

Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley


Looking for some southern hospitality? Check out Natchez Trace Tiny House Village nestled in the woodlands of Tennessee and yet just about an hour’s drive from all the fun of Nashville. There are six tiny homes here. The charming southern towns of Franklin and Leipers Fork are also nearby. Then there’s the fab five, equally colorful, tiny houses at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village in the Florida Keys. Explore Key West, Key Largo and all the other don’t-miss attractions The Keys have to offer.

Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails
Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails

How about staying in the newest trend when it comes to glamping? Plan a trip this summer to Wisconsin, specifically the famed summer vacation playland known as The Wisconsin Dells and book a stay at our Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails. Yes, storage containers are experiencing a renaissance and they have become the hottest glamping accommodation around. Five storage containers, all of them featuring a kitchen and full bath, are roomy and colorful and so on-trend, everyone will be jealous of your glamping trip. These units are upcycled, giving the shipping containers a second life as a one-of-a-kind rental accommodation.

Beyond the fabulous tiny homes, Petite Retreats also include cabins, cottages, and yurts. Couple these unique accommodations with their locations, like Palm Springs, near Yosemite National Park, New York’s Adirondack Region, Maine’s charming Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, around the Pacific Northwest, loads of Florida spots including Orlando, as well as the Midwest, we can say for sure these glamping options are definitely the epitome of “good things in small packages.”

Go ahead and give yourself a gift this holiday and book a stay at one, or all, of these great glamping locations!

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5 Things to Do in Sedona

There are all kinds of words used to describe Sedona, Arizona: magical, stunning, scenic, peaceful. And every single one of these descriptors is spot on. Sedona is, all at once, all of these things and more. Plan a visit to this Arizona gem and see what words come to mind to describe your perfect Sedona glamping getaway.

First off, book a stay Thousand Trails Verde Valley RV & Camping Resort choosing glamping accommodations that range from two adorable tiny houses to comfy cabins and cottages. Then, check out the five things we found to do and get started on finding out just what Sedona has in store for you!

  1. Blaze the Trails: There are all kinds of hiking trails in and around Sedona. Options can include Broken Arrow Trail, a 2.8 mile trail with beautiful wildflowers; Oak Creek Canyon’s West Fork Trail, which is considered one of the best hikes in the area, with a moderate 3.1-mile trek crossing 13 creeks; Devil’s Bridge Trail with the reward being the view of Devil’s Bridge, the largest sandstone arch in Sedona; and Boynton Canyon Trail, with views of the canyon floor and plenty of desert landscape.

  2. Shopping: Plenty of interesting items to be found in this area, rich in Native American history and culture. Kachina House is the largest distributor of Native American art and artifacts in Arizona. Visitors here can find carvings, pottery, jewelry as well as Zuni Fetishes and Navajo Kachina dolls. Son Silver West Gallery is considered “eclectic” which means there is something of interest here. Art, jewelry, antiques, garden décor, and handmade soaps are just some of the things to find here. Talquepaque Arts & Shopping Village is a lovely outdoor market with plenty of art galleries and craft shops.

  3. Animal Antics: Bearizona Wildlife Park is a 160-acre, drive-through, wildlife park in nearby Williams where visitors can see bears, bison, and wolves in their natural habitat. There are also education programs offered and the park can be seen via car, on foot or on a shuttle (bearizona.com). Out of Africa is another unique up-close animal experience offered in Camp Verde, Arizona. Visitors can take a “safari,” feed predators, see a snake show, and check out the wide variety of animals, which include a two-toed sloth named Bart, a Southern White Rhinoceros, a Black Leopard, camels, and bears (outofafricapark.com).

Pictograph rock art at the Palatki Heritage Site
    1. Palatki Ruins: Head to the Coconino National Forest to check out the largest cliff dwellings found in the area that date back 3000-6000 years. The Palatki Heritage Site (and sister site, Honanki Heritage Site) offer the amazing cliff dwellings plus rock art (pictographs and petroglyphs). They are accessible via three trails, one of which is wheelchair accessible. Dwelling and grotto tours are available, but reservations must be made in advance. For more details on visiting, check out fs.usda.gov/recarea/coconino/recarea/?recid=55368.

    2. Festivals: Maybe it’s the year-round moderate climate, maybe it’s the super cool vibe but it seems like there is always a fun festival to check out when visiting in Sedona. For starters there’s the Sedona International Film Festival, scheduled this year for February 18-26. This event features some of the best independent films from around the world. March has the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival and April is time for the Yoga Festival. Fall brings the Sedona Winefest (September 23-24), the Sedona Arts Festival (October 8-9), a Food Truck Festival (first weekend of November) and winter has all kinds of holiday festivals including the Festival of Lights (December 3). For more information, go to visitsedona.com.

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5 Things to Do in…Phoenix

Phoenix is a definitely a “go-to” when it comes to winter getaways thanks to the abundance of blues skies and its temperate winter climate (daytime temps average around 68-76 degrees). That kind of weather makes it fun to hike, bike, and enjoy the sites in and around Arizona’s capital city. Book a stay at one of the cottages at any of our age-qualified resorts in Mesa and get ready to take on all the area has to offer.

  1. If you want to get in the holiday spirit, check out the events of Merry Main Street in downtown Mesa. There’s an ice-skating rink, a four-story tree decorated with twinkling lights, musical performances, Jack Frost’s Food Truck Forest and a holiday market, perfect for grabbing those last-minute gifts. The ice rink is open daily while other events run Friday and Saturday evenings through January 2, 2022. For more details and a time schedule, visit merrymainst.com.

2. The story behind Arizona’s Mystery Castle is full of joy and sadness – upon hearing he had tuberculosis, the castle’s architect and builder, Boyd Gulley, left his family in Seattle and moved to Arizona. However, the memories of the sandcastles he built with his daughter on the Seattle shores stayed with him as did his daughter’s wish to have him build her a castle one day that wouldn’t wash away when the tide came in. Gulley did just that using found items, including salvaged auto parts and discarded telephone poles, to build an 18-room, three story castle. Sadly, he died before he could move his family into the castle, but his daughter and wife did move in after his death. Tours of the castle are offered daily Thursday through Sunday from October to May. For information, visit mymysterycastle.com.

"taliesin west" by eschipul is licensed with CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
“taliesin west” by eschipul is licensed with CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

3. Another famous home in the area is Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West, the architect’s winter home and studio, which is listed on the U.S. Register of National Historic Places. According to franklloydwright.org, Taliesin West resulted from Wright’s experiment with camping in the Arizona desert in 1937. Obviously, it was a success as Wright then began to build his “desert utopia” and wintered there until his death in 1959 at age 91. Located in Scottdale, Taliesin West is now open to the public for daily tours. As an added bonus to this beautiful desert experience, visitors to the site between December 3 and May 31, 2022 can enjoy Chihuly in the Desert, an art installation featuring the amazing works of American glass artist Dale Chihuly. 

4. To learn about the indigenous people who lived in this area of Arizona visit the 1500-year-old archaeological site that is the Pueblo Grande Museum. The largest preserved archaeological site in the area, visitors can walk along a 2/3-mile, accessible trail among the prehistoric dwellings inhabited by the Hohokam people. The site also has three galleries that house artifacts from the Hohokam culture.

5. This and That: A perfect Phoenix agenda could include hikes along Tom Thumb’s Trail or Pinnacle Peak, both top-rated AZ hikes; the RoRo Street Art Tour, which is a guided walk around Phoenix’s to discover the city’s street art scene (tours are available through both viator.com and azingtours.com); a taste of authentic Navajo Fry Bread (check out The Fry Bread House or Maria’s Frybread, both in Phoenix or Angelina’s Fry Bread in nearby Glendale); and a visit to the 140-acre Desert Botanical Garden, which is a great way to take in the amazing landscape of the Sonoran Desert.

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5 Things to Do in Sedona, Arizona

There’s nothing like a good trip that mixes fantastic scenery, fresh air, desert hikes, great weather, and plenty of fun both indoor and out. To get started on this great trip that guarantees fun for all involved, reserve your tiny house stay at Verde Valley and the rest will fall into place. Select from Tiny House Finn or Tiny House Rose, equally adorable in their accommodations that sleep three and include all the amenities you could ask for when exploring Sedona and Cottonwood. Need a little more space? Check out the cozy cabins at Verde Valley and consider booking one for your home base while exploring the area.

1. Scenic Byways: While the hiking is fantastic here, another option for taking in the views is a quick road trip along the scenic byways. The Red Rock Scenic Byway is one route to take that can include stops to explore two famous vortexes, Bell Rock and Cathedral Rock, and a visit to the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, a picturesque spot with galleries, eateries, and shops. Another driving opportunity could be the Oak Creek Canyon Scenic Drive, a winding, twisty way to see the countryside that can include stops for picnics, quick hikes, and the opportunity to check out Native American jewelry and crafts at the displays along the route.

Sedona Jeep Tour
Sedona Jeep Tour

2. Jeep Tour: Again, another opportunity to motor through the area, but this time the vehicle is a pretty cool pink Jeep, designed to handle the rugged terrain and equipped with a guide who knows it all when it comes to the area. Check out the tour options at pinkadventuretours.com and decide which one works best for your travel crew. Another option is the Jeep tours offered by A Day in the West (adayinthewest.com) – this time the Jeep is a sunny yellow, but the adventure is equally good. Both tour companies are consistently rated 4.5 stars.

Verde Valley Wine Trail
Verde Valley Wine Trail

3. Verde Valley Wine Trail: The only passport required here is the one that you can download from vvwinetrail.com and take along to receive a stamp from each winery you visit along the trail. Check out the site to see which wineries and tasting rooms are open and head off to an adventure where the only whining allowed is “how far to the next fantastic winery!” Specialty tours like Date Night with Wine & Dinner or the Rock Star Wine Tour are available from winetoursofsedona.com if you don’t want to tackle the tour on your own. Aside from the great tiny house or glamping adventure when you stay at Verde Valley, visitors should note that the resort is located just five minutes from Alcantara Vineyards, where the tasting room is open daily (with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) and tours are complimentary.

4. Learn the History: There are plenty of sites in the area where you learn about the Native American tribes that inhabited the land as well as the history of the area. National monuments nearby include both the Tuzigoot and Wupatki National Monuments, each of which have trails to walk while exploring. Montezuma Castle National Monument is another option where visitors can see the well-preserved dwellings of the Sinagua people. The Sedona Heritage Museum, with its exhibits dedicated to pioneers and cowboys, as well other exhibits, is another great place for a history lesson. A visit to nearby Jerome is good for a lesson about the copper mining history of the area. The Mine Museum has artifacts dating to the time when Jerome was a thriving mining town. The town today is full of artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants.

5. Feel the Spirit: Sedona is a very spiritual place thanks to the vortexes. Two great places to feel the healing and spiritual powers of the valley are the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park. The Chapel of the Holy Cross is stunning to see as the structure protrudes from the red rocks. The vortex located here is said to provide a sense of gratitude. The Chapel can be reached via a hike on the Chapel Trail. Sitting at the base of Thunder Mountain, the Amitabha Stupa & Peace Park is a must-see. The 14-acre location contains the 36-foot Amitabha Stupa, named for the Buddha of Limitless Light, another stupa dedicated to White Tara, the female Buddha who embodies long life and compassion, and a Native American Medicine Wheel.

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Best Desert Vacations

Plan a trip to the desert or a desert town for your next vacation getaway. There are several located in the western part of the U.S. and typically, the towns are not crazy crowded with tourists and tend to enjoy a quieter lifestyle, while the desert landscape is a sight to see.

Book a stay in a cottage at Palm Springs and you’re in prime desert country. Located in the town of Palm Desert, which is situated in the Coachella Valley, the north-western extension of the Sonoran Desert, trips to nearby Joshua Tree National Park, desert excursions with Red Jeep Tours (red-jeep.com), and a visit to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens are all possibilities when you stay here. Instagram memories can be made with a hike to the Palm Desert Cross via the Cross Trail. Hiking through classic desert terrain, you’ll be rewarded with the view of the 30-foot cross.

Yakima Valley Washington

A desert town in Washington State? Doesn’t sound likely, but in fact Yakima, Washington, presented plenty of tumbling tumbleweeds and sagebrush when early pioneers came upon this area of the Pacific Northwest. In fact, the surrounding Yakima Valley is considered a semi-arid desert. Through ingenuity and hard work, the town was transformed to the city it is today and the area is one of the world’s leading producers of apples and produces a whopping 75% of all the hops grown in the U.S. Not bad for a desert climate! Plan a stay at Leavenworth Tiny House village and take a day trip to Yakima. The Yakima Valley Museum, a hike or bike ride on the Cowiche Canyon Trail, or a tour of the Hop County Craft Beer Trail (putting all the hops to good use) are itinerary options.

Situated in Arizona’s High Desert, part of the Sonoran Desert, Sedona is a great destination any time thanks to its year-round mild climate. Make a tiny house or cabin at Verde Valley your home base as you hike, bike, or horseback ride through the scenic Red Rock State Park. Or maybe take a day trip to the Grand Canyon, which is just over 100 miles from Sedona. Or stay local and visit a spa, enjoy a round of golf, ride the Verde Canyon Railroad, or simply stroll Sedona’s Main Street. Make your friends jealous with your Insta-worth shots from a Boynton Canyon Trail excursion which includes spectacular Subway Cave.

Oddly, an area that is known for its bright lights and late nights is also home to the driest, and smallest, of the four American deserts. Las Vegas is surrounded by the Mojave Desert, which is named after the Mojave Indians. To experience this part of the Mojave, which actually extends through four states, check out Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, home to 4000-year-old petroglyphs, to start. The Petroglyph Trail presents the easiest of the trails to tackle in order to view the petroglyphs. The Valley of Fire is another great spot for petroglyphs and petrified trees dating back some 2000 years. Another Mojave experience could be a visit to Red Rock Canyon, which features a 13-mile, one-way driving option, which can also be enjoyed on bike. Additionally, there are several hiking trails here. Reserve a cozy cabin at Las Vegas RV and you’re all set for a memorable Mohave adventure.

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Winter Plans?

Just as surely as the sun rises, you can guarantee winter comes knocking each year in late-December. And for some who are fortunate to live year-round in areas that don’t really experience winter, it’s just another date on the calendar. But for others, it’s time to head towards the sunshine. And, even if you are lucky enough to live where the sun always shines warmly, a change of scenery is always good to chase away the winter doldrums. Here are a few ideas for fun in the sun winter escapes.

Arizona: If Sedona is your home base, day trips to the Grand Canyon (about a 2-hour drive north), the Phoenix/Scottsdale area (about a 2-hour drive south) and the Petrified Forest National Park (about a 2-hour drive east) are all possibilities. Of course, the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon, but there are other things to do here. There is the 22-mile Desert View scenic drive, wildlife to glimpse, and the Grand Canyon Railway Adventure which is a scenic train ride to the Grand Canyon that originates in Sedona. If you’re a baseball fan, then you’ll be happy come winter when Major League Baseball’s Cactus League begins their games in stadiums in the Phoenix metro area. If you’re not a baseball fan, Scottsdale has plenty of hiking opportunities including Camelback and Pinnacle Peak. Plus, there’s shopping, arts and entertainment, and plenty of good eating to be had here. The Petrified Forest, named for the large amounts of petrified wood found here, is home to the Rainbow Forest Museum and the petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock and may also seem familiar to Clint Eastwood fans as parts of his famous film, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” were shot here. Verde Valley is the place to reserve your winter accommodation where you can choose to day trip or just enjoy the local scene.

California: Rarely, if ever, do California beaches post “Closed for the Season” signs. The ocean water may be colder than most prefer, but the warm California sun is pretty plentiful and of course, anything but mountain snow is rare. Yosemite National Park is less crowded but still just as breathtaking in the winter months, so consider a stay in an ultra-cool yurt at Yosemite Lakes. The Park’s Badger Pass Ski Area offers winter skiing opportunities. Cross off your bucket list item to “stay in a tipi or covered wagon” this winter with reservations for these unique accommodations at Rancho Oso and then explore winter in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Zoo, a mission tour, a visit to the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, or a tour of the local wineries can all add up to winter fun.

Tropical Palms RV Resort
Tropical Palms RV Resort

Florida: Warm days and cool nights give the Florida-bound winter vacationer the best of both worlds. Days are sunny with temps averaging around 70 degrees while nights are sweater-weather worthy with average lows in the ‘50s. The only shovels required during a Florida getaway are those used to build sandcastles on the fabulous beaches around the state that include Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and St. Pete Beach. Consider a trip to the Keys and a stay at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage right on the water at Fiesta Key. On the Atlantic side, visit historic Flagler Beach or enjoy the sights and sounds of Miami. Accommodations at Bulow Village RV Resort and Miami Everglades are great locations for these. Wanna do Disney? Book a stay at Tropical Palms, Lake Magic, or Orlando RV for all things Disney and beyond. Check out petiteretreats.com to find your ideal Florida location.

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Getting Outdoors with Outdoorsy!

One good thing to come out of the crazy year of 2020 was the return of the road trip. Adulting means putting away our childish things and for many of us, that meant saying goodbye to the road trips of summer vacations long past. Too busy, not enough vacation time, and the list goes on. But with social bubbles and social distancing, the road trip has become the best way to get away, whether for a short jaunt or a long expedition. Take the ultimate road trip to the next level when it comes to “beyond” and considering renting an RV.

We’ve partnered with Outdoorsy.com, considered one of the most trusted RV rental marketplaces in the country, to highlight some of the coolest rentals around when it comes to RVs.

Cathedral Rock in Sedona, AZ.

Camper Van! Anyone watch Nomadland? Camper vans played a major role in the movie where life on the road was the way to be. Consider the rental from PHX VAN LIFE and road trip from the pick-up point in Gilbert, Arizona, down to Sedona. Book a stay at Verde Valley RV Resort in Cottonwood and along the way enjoy Montezuma’s Castle National Monument, the splish-splash fun of Slide Rock State Park and of course, the beauty and tranquility of Sedona and the Red Rocks.

Bambi

Check out Bambi, a towable camper with sleeping space, a kitchen, sink, and fridge! Hook up with Bambi in Austin, Texas, and enjoy a 239-mile road trip to our Bay Landing RV Resort.  From Austin to Bridgeport, the road trip itinerary can include a stop along the way in Waco to see Magnolia Market, the Dr. Pepper Museum, and take a hike on the Cotton Belt Trail, an 11-mile paved route, accessible for all levels of hikers.

Fiesta Key in Long Key, FL.

A VW Vanagon sounds like a great option for being a road trip vagabond while exploring Florida. This iconic wagon sleeps two and can be picked up in Gulfport located on, of course, the Gulf Coast. From there, why not drive leisurely down south to take the mother of all road trips tackling the Overseas Highways and the fabulous Florida Keys. Plan to stay at one of our great Keys locations, Sunshine Key or Fiesta Key and explore the Keys with its water sports, nature preserves and plenty of fun found in Key West.

VW Vanagon

How about a California Coast trip? Pick up the well-equipped Fleetwood Tioga Arrow just outside LA. Take a day or so and stay at the Palm Springs RV Resort to check out Palm Springs – think Joshua Tree and great desert hikes – and then hit the coast and head to Santa Barbara and plan a stay at Rancho Oso RV Resort. SB fun includes breathtaking sunsets, plenty of beach time, and all the SB attractions including architectural tours, winery visits, shopping, and great waterfront restaurants.

Fleetwood Tioga Arrow

Heading to the Midwest? Get hip and rent this retro-style 2015 Shasta. Meet up with your new digs in Indianapolis and then settle in for an extended Midwestern road trip. Stops could include Indiana’s Amish Village of Shipshewana (and a stay at Twin Mills RV Resort), Michigan’s Harbor Country (and a stay at Bear Cave RV Resort in Buchanan), and a beautiful drive around Lake Michigan into Wisconsin. Make reservations at our Wisconsin RV resorts, including locations in the Wisconsin Dells, outside the capital city of Madison and in beautiful Door County. Wisconsin highlights could include Dells attractions like the Ishnala Supper Club, a magical dining establishment nestled among the pines with great views, or water tours of Lake Delton aboard the iconic Ducks; charming Door County with its kayaking, biking and hiking opportunities; and Madison and its fabulous Saturday Farmers Market, Olbrich Botanical Gardens and a trip to nearby Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s 800-acre estate that includes his home and studio.

2015 Shasta

Doesn’t it seem like the iconic Airstream and road trips go hand in hand? Consider renting the one that’s available in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and then exploring PA Dutch Country and staying at any of our locations sprinkled throughout the area. Amish culture, craft breweries and distilleries, rolling fields and serene landscapes, farmer’s markets, and more are part of this PA adventure. Or, trek into Philadelphia for some history lessons and a Philly Cheesesteak!

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Warmest Wishes

Hiking at sunset in Sedona, AZ

‘Tis the season….to seek out the sun. Why not give yourself the gift of sunshine this season and head toward the warm weather where the skies are sunny and coats are not required! Here are a few places to consider where you can let the sunshine in.

Palm Springs, California: Palm Springs is the perfect place to soak up some of that warm California sun thanks to its great location to all the nearby hotspots including Joshua Tree National Park, the hiking trails in Indian Canyons, and the Living Desert Zoo and Garden. Rental accommodations at Palm Springs include three cottages that have plenty of the comforts of home including TVs, microwaves, and plenty of space to relax in. Downtown Palm Springs has a celebrity Walk of Fame, shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Cottages at Palm Springs in Palm Desert, CA.

Santa Barbara, California: Enjoy beautiful Santa Barbara and plan a stay in some the coolest, and most unique accommodations you’ll find at Rancho Oso. In addition to its fabulous location, the resort offers cabins, cottages, covered wagons, and a tipi. You can’t beat that when it comes to something different. If you ride horses, or maybe that activity is on your bucket list, then Rancho Oso is the place to be. They have horses and guided horseback rides for groups. Visit nearby Solvang, a charming Danish-style town with plenty of shops and eateries as well as opportunities for wine and craft beer tastings. Of course, there is also beautiful Santa Barbara that offers beaches, architecture, wineries, and more.

Florida Keys: Sunshine Key Tiny House Village has five brightly colored tiny homes that are yours to choose from at this resort located on the 75-acre Ohio Key in the Florida Keys. Take the holidays to the tropics and spend some time exploring The Keys. The resort itself is quite the playground with opportunities for pickleball, fishing, and tennis. Plus, Key Boat Tours, a Blue Star Operator, is onsite for rentals of kayaks, stand up paddle boards and bikes, and also to arrange fishing charters and snorkeling tours. If snorkeling floats your boat, then a Keys vacation is the perfect trip since the first underwater state park in the US, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, is located on Key Largo and has some of the best snorkeling around the area.

Tiny House Lucy at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village in Big Pine Key, FL.

Sedona: Head for the sun and take the mountains as the added bonus when you plan a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Book your cozy cabin or tiny house at Verde Valley and set off to explore the very walkable downtown Sedona, the beauty and vortexes of Red Rock State Park, the abandoned mining town turned artist colony of Jerome, and some of the prettiest desert landscape you’ll find. There’s also a Verde Valley Wine Trail where you can toast the new year or ride the rails on the Verde Valley Canyon Railroad Adventure. All aboard for fun in the Arizona sun!

Cabin under a starry night at Verde Valley in Cottonwood, AZ.

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Smile for the Holidays

This may be the year that you see an influx of holiday cards, specifically the photo kind, because the friends and family you may see regularly throughout the year, may not have seen you in at least six months! #2020 Those cards will bring a smile to many faces, so make sure that your photo is spectacular. Check out these photo-worthy spots for Holiday 2020 cards!

Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA

Leavenworth, Washington: While just about everywhere in Leavenworth is worthy of a photo, the opportunity to pose with a real live reindeer just may be the key here. Head to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm for a holiday pic that will let your friends and family see who the holiday VIPS are! For details check out leavenworthreindeer.com. Another option is to have a traditional holiday character front and center in your photo – Karl, the mascot of Leavenworth’s Nutcracker Museum, stands ready and waiting for any and all photo ops (nutcrackermuseum.com). And sadly, while the annual Christmas Lighting Festival has been cancelled for this year, Leavenworth will still shine. The plans for the installation of more than 50,000 sparkling lights are still a go and what a backdrop for any holiday photo they will make!

Book a tiny house at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village while you create your 2020 holiday masterpiece.

Tiny House Otto at Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA

Santa Barbara, California: Let the Chromatic Gate provide the perfect frame for your holiday photo. Take a trip to the city’s Cabrillo Park and this multi-colored art installation by famed artist Herbert Bayer sets up the shot perfectly. Or, wish everyone luck in the new year with a photo of the gang (or just a selfie!) outside the Lucky Penny restaurant – the exterior wall is literally thousands of pennies! While you’re here, enjoy a slice of pizza! One last option that may bring on the figgy pudding comments – check out what is believed to be the largest fig tree in the U.S. The Moreton Bay Fig Tree, located at Chapala and Montecito Streets, has a circumference of 486 inches and is believed to have been planted over 140 years ago.

Prep for your photo ops while staying in one of our unique rentals at Rancho Oso.

Cathedral Rock near Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona: After a crazy year like 2020, you may want to convey healing vibes to friends and family in your holiday message. Choose one of the spectacular rock formations like Bell Rock or Cathedral Rock in Sedona’s Red Rock State Park to send season’s greeting with a healthy dose of good vibrations from these vortexes. Have your pic taken while on horseback and sign up for one of the scenic rides from Wild Western Horseback Adventures (wildwesternhorseback.com) that takes you through the Verde Valley itself. How about an ancient pueblo in the background of your photo? Explore the ruins of a Sinagua pueblo at Tuzigoot National Monument which is part of the National Park Service.

Tuzigoot National Monument near Verde Valley in Cottonwood, AZ.

Relax and recharge while staying in a cozy cabin or tiny house at Verde Valley.

Florida Keys: Send warm wishes of the Florida kind and take a pic with Key West’s iconic landmark, the Southernmost Point Buoy. Add a palm tree to the shot by heading to Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key or send your “deer-est” wishes by snapping some pics while visiting the National Key Deer Refuge National Center, also located on Big Pine Key. As always, the beaches of the Keys are great for building snowmen of the sand variety to appear in your shot and who can’t resist a beautiful sunset or brightly colored tiny house as a backdrop?

Rent a colorful tiny home from Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage at Fiesta Key while you explore the Keys for the best holiday photo shoot!

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