Circle M | Petite Retreater

Dog Days of Glamping

August is a great time to take that glamping trip with your furry friend because it’s National Dog Month! In fact, dog lovers have been known to call the eighth month of the year “Dogust!” We’ve rounded up some dog-friendly glamping locations with nearby beaches, hikes, and other places that roll out the red carpet for the doggies. And, as always, please keep your pets cool and safe when traveling – don’t leave them in cars, keep in mind how hot pavement can be, and know the signs of heat stroke.

Austin: Austin is a super friendly town, so it’s no wonder the hospitality extends to dogs, as well. Book the pet-friendly glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Colorado River and see for yourself why Austin is on the list of pet-friendly vacation destinations. Lots of places to see with your pet in tow here – for example, Zilker Botanical Garden welcomes leashed pets to stroll the 28 acres of gardens that include the Mabel Davis Rose Garden, the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden with its wonderful waterfalls. For more outdoor fun, head over to Barkin’ Springs, which is literally a water park for pups! The waterhole is great for wading and fun dog-watching as all kinds of canines freely frolic in the water here. Red Bud Isle is another option for outdoor water fun and allows dogs off-leash. Dogs are also welcome at the Barton Creek Farmers Market held on Saturdays in Austin. The list of dog-friendly eateries and breweries is too long to list here, so check out bringfido.com/restaurant/beer/city/austin_tx_us for some options.

Sonoma, California: Has your pet expressed a desire to explore wine country with you? If a resounding woof is the response, then book a pet-friendly cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River and take in the beautiful countryside with your pup in tow. Several wineries are welcoming and include Kunde Family Winery, which offers dog-friendly (albeit somewhat strenuous) hikes through the estate; and Mutt Lynch Winery, which was voted “Most Pet Friendly Winery in Sonoma County” by Bay Woof magazine. Check out the monthly “Yappy Hour” here held in the winery’s Hound Lounge! More hiking with your furry pal is an option at Bartholomew Estate Winery, which has a 3-mile hiking trail with shaded paths. After the hike, the dogs are welcome to join you in the tasting room – you taste the wine, they enjoy some complimentary treats. For eats, check out the Sausage Emporium where dogs are welcome on the patio or the outdoor patio at HopMonk Tavern in historic downtown Sonoma.

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Pennsylvania Dutch Country: All are welcome in the scenic spot of Pennsylvania. Book a stay at one of the pet-friendly accommodations at Thousand Trails Circle M and hike, shop, and frolic with your loyal companion. The Amish Farm and House welcomes dogs on the house tour and the buggy tour so they can soak up Amish culture and history along with you. Another ride-along would be the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway which welcomes dogs for the 16-mile ride that offers insight into the area’s coal-mining history (the roughly one-hour ride to the depot is worth it). For outdoor fun, don’t miss Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park in Lancaster. This is a doggie’s dream destination with plenty of open space, a few splash pads, and a tennis ball tree, which launches tennis balls. Dalton’s Doggie Deck, located at the Spring House Brewing Company, is a great place for outdoor relaxation and some cool brews, to boot.

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5 Things to Do in… Lancaster County and Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Cool weather walks and hikes, delicious apple and pumpkin treats, wildlife, different cultures and simple fall adventures can be found in and around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Here are just five ideas for exploring this pretty part of Pennsylvania.

*The Pinetown Covered Bridge spans Conestoga Creek in Lancaster County, PA.*

Explore Covered Bridges: A perfect way to enjoy the fall colors and stay socially distanced is to explore the more than 25 covered bridges in Lancaster County. There are so many to see from the oldest (Neff’s Mill Bridge, built in 1824 and reconstructed in 1875) to the newest (Willow Hill Covered Bridge built in 1962). Most photogenic? We’ll let you decide. Visit discoverlancaster.com/things-to-do/covered-bridges to download a list of the bridges and driving tour routes.

*The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge over the Susquehanna River in Lancaster, PA*.

Fall Foliage Views: There are plenty of ways to experience the fall foliage in Lancaster County from hiking to biking and even aboard a train. The Strasburg Rail Road (strasburgrailroad.com), America’s oldest operating railroad, will take you on a 45-minute trip through the beautiful rolling countryside (Note: advance reservations and masks are required). Hikers and bikers should check out the Conewago Recreation Trail which has a 5-mile trail ideal for hiking and biking that runs along the old Cornwall-Lebanon railroad corridor. Another great outdoor experience is the Garden of Five Senses in Lancaster County’s Central Park. Designed to appeal to all five senses, you can smell the flowers, hear the birds, and see the beauty of autumn and this lovely garden.

Visit a Wolf Sanctuary: Learn about The Wolves of Speedwell at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA in Lititz, an 80-plus acre refuge for gray wolves and wolf-dogs. The wolves can be viewed in the natural wooded habitat during an outside tour on walking trails. During COVID-19, tours are available by reservation only so please visit the Sanctuary’s website to make reservations (wolfsanctuarypa.org).

Experience the Amish Culture: The Amish settlement in Lancaster County is the second largest in the U.S. While the Amish are “plain” (so named because they choose a modest lifestyle) and private people, their lifestyle can be glimpsed in many ways here. Take an Amish Buggy Ride through the countryside (amishbuggyrides.com), enjoy an Amish meal in the home of an Amish family (there are several but since they don’t have websites, google “Amish family meal in Lancaster” and you’ll get plenty of hits), or visit The Amish Village (amishvillage.com) for an up close look at the Amish culture.

Pumpkins, Mazes, and Haunted Happenings: Another great outdoor activity is to visit the many pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the area. Country Barn Farm hosts Fall Harvest Days through October with plenty of pumpkin fun including pig races and a pumpkin patch. Explore the corn maze at Oregon Dairy in Lititz along with other fall fun like tractor rides, a corn launcher and all kinds of food. How about a Haunted Hayride? Check out Jason’s Woods (jasonswoods.com) for some spooky fun.

*Cabins and yurts at Circle M in Lancaster, PA.*

To be in perfect proximity to all this autumn fun, book a reservation with us at the Circle M, Hershey, PA Dutch, or Spring Gulch resorts, and choose between a cozy cabin, cottage, or yurt. Visit petiteretreats.com for more details on the resorts or to make reservations.

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2020 Views

Photo from Devils Bridge Trail 40 minutes from the tiny houses at Verde Valley in AZ.

Get a new perspective in 2020 and check out these amazing views around the country.

Arizona

If you’re visiting Sedona, Arizona, Red Rock State Park provides some of the most breathtaking scenery you may ever see. Simply strolling through this rugged valley with its startling sandstone formations is a sight for the eyes, but if you choose to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, you’ll add to the magnificent spectacle. Built into the buttes of the Red Rocks, the Chapel of the Holy Cross is considered an architectural wonder.

Plan a stay at Verde Valley when exploring Red Rock State Park.

California

Any way you slice it, Yosemite National Park is one of the most scenic spots on Earth. To get a spectacular view of the Park’s highlights, including Half Dome and Yosemite Falls, take in the scenery from Glacier Point. With a commanding elevation of 7,214 feet, this popular overlook is a great way to see all the beauty of the Yosemite Valley.

Yosemite Lakes provides a perfect base camp while visiting the Yosemite Valley and the National Park.

Maine

Thunder Hole, in Acadia National Park, is named due to the thundering sound that occurs when the waves of the Atlantic roll into the cavern on this inlet at Acadia. The water can splash as high as 40 feet! Thunder Hole also offers fabulous views of Otter Cliff and the Great Head from the safety of an observation deck.

Narrows Too in Trenton is a great place to stay for a visit to Acadia, as well as the charming town of Bar Harbor.

New Hampshire

Pick your favorite vista when you visit Odiorne State Park, in Rye. There are beautiful views of the woodlands, the rocky coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. On a clear day you can see the Isles of Shoals, a small group of six islands, located about six miles off the coast. In addition to the views, there is also the Seacoast Science Center and the remains of Fort Dearborn, established during World War II to help protect the Portsmouth Harbor.

Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village is a little over a half hour drive from Rye.

Pennsylvania

One of the most scenic spots in Lancaster County is Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve. Lake and river views, as well as streams, creeks, and waterfalls are just a few of the scenic details here. The rugged terrain of the woodlands provides possible glimpses of the preserve’s wildlife inhabitants, including coyotes, fox, and deer. Several well-marked trails lead the way as you explore the amazing scenery here.

Circle M is about 22 minutes from Tucquan Glen Nature Preserve.

Washington

Kerry Park, in Seattle, is the perfect spot to grab a panoramic view of the Emerald City. If you’ve seen such a shot in a magazine or movie, it was most likely taken from Kerry Park. There are so many pluses to visiting this location. Not only is the view of the city skyline spectacular, two bonus views include Mt. Rainier and Elliot Bay. Also, the charming neighborhood of Queen Anne provides views of 19^th century homes in Upper Queen Anne, and another one of Seattle’s best locations for amazing views, the Space Needle, in Lower Queen Anne.

Seattle is a perfect day trip when you stay at Leavenworth Tiny House Village or a quick trip from Tall Chief, in Fall City.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village • Otto — Otto, the tiny house, from Leavenworth Tiny House Village

The Year of the Yurt

*Interior yurt photo from Tranquil Timbers in WI.*

If yurt camping has been on your travel bucket list for a while, why not make 2020 the Year of the Yurt? Luckily, Petite Retreats has more than enough yurt locations so you can choose a different spot to yurt every month of the year!

If you’re not familiar with yurts, there are a few things to keep in mind. Our yurts typically feature either two double futons and one set of bunk beds or one double futon and two sets of bunk beds. Some also have a functional kitchenette with a stovetop and microwave (no oven), upright refrigerator with small freezer, and a dining table. Kitchen amenities include an electric coffeepot, a toaster, pots and pans, as well as dishes, glasses, and utensils. Oh, and also a private restroom with shower! They also feature satellite television, a propane fireplace and gas barbeque on the outdoor deck. If you’re looking to rough it a bit more, we do also feature a few yurts that are much more rustic, without a restroom or kitchen, at Snowflower, Mt. Hood, Long Beach, Paradise, Tall Chief, Grandy Creek, and Tranquil Timbers.

*Yurt so good! Check out these cozy yurts at Circle M in PA.*

California yurt options include Lake of the Springs, in Oregon House; Snowflower in Emigrant Gap and Yosemite Lakes in Groveland. Lake of the Springs is nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains and nearby attractions include the New Leaf Llama Farm, home to 30 friendly llamas. Snowflower puts you near Tahoe National Forest and all its activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, climbing and bicycling. Yosemite Lakes is of course the perfect spot to stay when exploring Yosemite National Park as the entrance to the Park is just five miles down the road. The campground itself offers fishing, swimming and panning for gold thanks to the Tuolumne River that runs right through Yosemite Lakes.

Heading north from California to Oregon, there are four yurt opportunities – two along the Oregon coast, one in beautiful Bend and one in Mt. Hood Territory in Welches. South Jetty (Florence) and Pacific City (Cloverdale) provide great locations for coastal excursions that could include Florence’s Heceta Head Lighthouse with its beautiful coastal views or wine tours of Cloverdale’s many vineyards. Bend-Sunriver is great year-round and Bend is always full of activity, indoors and out. Bend’s Oregon Winter Fest is set for February 16, 2020, and summer brings the Bend Summer Festival, set for July. Mt. Hood in Welches is a great place to stay when catching the area’s most famous festivals, including the Mount Hood Huckleberry Festival in August and the Mount Hood Salmon and Mushroom Festival in September. Worth noting, the yurts at Mt. Hood are rustic and don’t have a restroom or a kitchen. That said, they’re conveniently located near a bathhouse. Both Bend and Welches offers skiing and sledding fun in winter and plenty of hiking, biking and fishing come summer.

*Photo by @three_amigos_x from the yurts at Yosemite Lakes in CA.*

On to Washington State, where five locations offers yurt accommodations. Starting in southern Washington, there is Long Beach, located on the scenic peninsula with its boardwalk and beaches, and the world Kite Museum (because kite flying is excellent here), which features our more rustic yurt offering. Paradise is in Silver Creek and is surrounded by the mountains, including Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier. The campground has two stocked fishing lakes, too! The yurts at Paradise are rustic, and located near a restroom facility. Tall Chief is just outside Seattle and is the perfect spot to explore Seattle’s offerings, including the towering Space Needle, the lively, and historic, Pike Place Market and the offbeat Museum of Pop Culture. (The yurts at Tall Chief are also rustic.) Mt. Vernon and Grandy Creek, both located in northern Washington, complete the yurt options in Washington and each offer different opportunities. Mt. Vernon, located in Washington’s picturesque Skagit Valley, is a wooded wonderland with activities like hiking and fishing topping the list. The San Juan Islands are just a ferry ride away. Grandy Creek is in Concrete, in Mt. Baker territory, making the North Cascades National Park your playground. Plus, Baker Lake is great for fishing and swimming.

Tranquil Timbers is located on the beautiful Door County Peninsula of Wisconsin in Sturgeon Bay, which was voted one of the Top 10 Happiest Seaside Towns in the U.S. by Coastal Living magazine. Summer is the best time to enjoy yurt camping here as well as the world-famous bass fishing for which the bay is known. The charming towns dotting Door County are another plus to summer in Wisconsin.

Make 2020 the year of the yurt at Yosemite Lakes in CA.

Finally, the rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County are home to Circle M and their yurt accommodations. Lancaster County offers plenty of Pennsylvania Dutch hospitality from authentic Amish dining experiences and buggy rides to interesting museums (check out the York Barbell Weightlifting Museum and Hall of Fame or the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania). All kinds of family fun, including loads of chocolate, are available at nearby Hershey Park.

Yurt So Good at Circle M!

Last summer, our Yurt Village at the Circle M RV Campground opened! There’s so much to love about this Pennsylvania Amish country gem and staying in a yurt will make your experience totally unique!

What’s a yurt, you say? A yurt is a dome-shaped, circular tent-style structure that has been used for thousands of years as a shelter for nomadic peoples. Yurts have become a popular and fun way for modern vacationers to immerse themselves in the outdoors while maintaining the comforts of home.

Though our yurts boast a shape that harkens back to an ancient time, a time when nomads needed a portable and durable shelter, the yurts at Circle M will include all of the modern amenities that you’d expect – a functional kitchenette, space to sleep up to six people, and private restrooms with showers.

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.

Visit petiteretreats.com to make your reservations today! Want to learn more about what to do in Lancaster County? Click here!

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!

Circle M Yurt Village Grand Opening!

Yurt at Mt. Hood RV Resort — Yurt at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort

A yurt village is coming to the Circle M RV Campground this summer!

Circle M yurts on their way to completion!

Though our yurts boast a shape that harkens back to an ancient time where nomads needed a portable and durable shelter, the yurts at Circle M will include all of the modern amenities that you’d expect – a functional kitchenette, space to sleep up to 6 people, and private restrooms with showers.

Enter “Fort Fun” AKA, Circle M RV Campground

Make your reservations today for a unique vacation yurt whole family will enjoy!