Tag: glamping

5 Things to Do around Mt. Desert Island

Did you know that Maine’s nickname is “Vacationland”?  If you think about an idyllic vacation spot, Maine just may have it all. Long stretches of iconic rocky beaches, ocean views, woodlands and water, good food, history, and the list goes on. Add amazing glamping accommodations to that list and you know where you’re headed this summer – Maine! Choose from glamping cottages or cabins at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort and come see just why Maine is definitely vacationland!  

1. On Land: Head into Bar Harbor to visit this charming seaside community. There are trolley tours, foodie walking tours, ghost tours at night, and live music every Monday and Thursday evening on the Village Green. You can also choose to walk the land bridge from Bar Harbor over to Bar Island during low-tide for some stunning views.  

Downtown Bar Harbor, ME

2. On Water: From whale-watching cruises to a sunset cruise on Frenchman Bay, there are definitely plenty of things to do on the water. From a personal standpoint, you can kayak and canoe (check out Jordan Pond or Seal Cove in Acadia).  

3. Into the Woods: If you’re looking for a wooded wonderland, then Maine is certainly the place as roughly 89% of the state is covered by forestland. The gem of all that forestland is Acadia National Park. Over 35,000 acres of the land in Acadia National Park belongs to the National Park Service and breaks down to roughly 27 miles of historic motor roads, 158 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads. Plus, there’s Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the eastern seaboard; Jordan Pond with its crystal clear waters; and Thunder Hole, a V-shaped inlet that naturally creates a thunderous sound as air escapes the inlet. Activities here include kayaking, bicycling, tidepooling and hiking.  

Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Vacation Cottage at Narrows Too Camping Resort

4. Back in Time: Learn about the history and culture of the Wabanaki tribes when visiting the Abbe Museum, which is located on Mt. Desert Island; to learn about the history of the island of Bar Harbor, which was founded in 1604, head to the Bar Harbor Historical Society, which is housed in an old convent and features Civil War memorabilia and more; the Great Harbor Maritime Museum offers maritime history and paraphernalia as well as changing exhibits.  

5. Out of the Ordinary: Have you ever been to a lumberjack show? If you want to see axe throwing, log rolling and all kinds of chopping and sawing competitions, check out the Great Maine Lumberjack Show. For details visit mainelumberjackshow.com. 

Mt Desert Narrows Camping Resort

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Discover the Joy of Townsizing Your Vacation

One of the latest travel trends is known as townsizing, which involves seeking out travel destinations that are smaller, less touristy, and almost naturally have a more relaxed vibe. They don’t necessarily have to be beach towns, but some of the less populated may fit the bill. The trend values charm over bustle, slow over go-go 

Lake George, New York

Lake George, New York

While Lake George, located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains in New York, is definitely a summer tourist destination, its main draw is the lake and the mountains. So, you won’t find theme park lines here or crowds waiting to get into the main attraction since the main attraction is free. Take to the lake to kayak, canoe, swim or fish and for a sentimental journey, consider a dinner or sunset cruise. Hike during the day on the trails (consider Pilot Knob or Black Mountain), read a book at the beach (Million Dollar Beach is the most popular while Hague Town Beach Park is considered more peaceful). If you want more small town charm, take a day trip to Saratoga Springs. 

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at Lake George Escape Campground) 

Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Slow pace is the theme here, and the rolling hills of the scenic countryside just may lull you to sleep or at least into a more relaxed version of yourself. Fish, hike, take a pretzel rolling class, stroll the Central Market, America’s oldest, continuously operating farmers market, or enjoy an authentic Amish meal. For all things Lancaster County, go to visitlancasterpa.com. 

Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort
Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at Spring Gulch Resort Campground) 

Franklin, Tennessee

While it’s less than 30 miles from the neon lights and bustle of downtown Nashville, Franklin, Tennessee seems like a world away. Stroll Main Street and visit the shops and boutiques, or grab a bite to eat. Take a walking ghost tour at night. Ride the Franklin Hop for a guided tour or enjoy a night of open-mic live entertainment.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

(your glamping rental is waiting for you at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village) 

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Happy Places at Top Glamping Destinations

You’ve got a whole month to find and go to your happy place because August is Happiness Happens Month. By definition, a Happy Place is something or somewhere that provides comfort, joy or fulfillment. It could be the woods, it could be the oceanside, it could be the mountains, and it could just be your glamping accommodations surrounded by your favorite people.  

Could you be happy in a yurt in the woods? Yurts, by design, are a tranquil space. The circular design symbolizes harmony with nature and spiritual connection. That sure sounds happy. We have plenty of different locations for you to enjoy a yurt getaway, thereby creating a happy place. Check out the yurts at several of our campgrounds across Washington, Oregon, California, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania! 

Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt
Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt

Research has shown that scenic beauty creates a sense of happiness. According to Travel + Leisure, some of the most scenic places in the US include Yosemite National Park (book at stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes or Yosemite RV Resort); Everglades National Park (book a stay at Encore Miami Everglades); Indiana’s Hoosier National Forest (book a stay at Thousand Trails Indian Lakes); Maine’s Acadia National Park (book a stay at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort); Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts (book a stay at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod); Nevada’s Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (book a stay Thousand Trails Las Vegas); and New Jersey’s Cape May (book a stay at our Cape May resorts). 

Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes
Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes

There is a saying that a happy place can be found in the company of loved ones. So, that means glamping with people that mean the most to you creates a happy place. A gathering of loved ones equals a group, whether it be family or friends or friends that feel like family. Either way, some of the top group destinations in the US include Nashville (book a stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village; Lake Tahoe (book at stay at Tahoe Valley Campground); Sedona, Arizona (book a stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley); and Orlando, Florida (book a stay at Encore Tropical Palms). 

Hattie Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Hattie Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Both playing and watching sports have proven to release endorphins which promote the feeling of happiness and well-being. If you’re a watcher, consider trips to take in sporting events like Major League Baseball (consider glamping at Thousand Trails Wilmington to see the Cincinnati Reds; Thousand Trails Lake Tawakoni to see the Texas Rangers; Encore Miami Everglades to see the Marlins; or Tall Chief Campground to see the Seattle Mariners).  

If you are a participant, consider fishing at some of the best lakes around including fishing for bass at Lake Conroe (glamp at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe or Lake Conroe/Houston North KOA Holiday) or fishing the Rappahannock River for pickerel or blue catfish (glamp at Bethpage Camp-Resort) or biking along some of the best trails including The Florida Keys Overland Heritage Trail (glamp at Fiesta Key RV Resort or Sunshine Key RV Resort) or the Bell Rock Trail in Sedona (glamp at Thousand Trails Verde Valley). 

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

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5 Things to Do in Indianapolis

Did you know that Indiana is considered “the crossroads of America”? Or that it not only produces 20% of the US popcorn supply but has also produced six US Vice Presidents? Come see what this smack dab in the middle state has to offer. We’ll focus on what to do in and around the state capital of Indianapolis but make note that an Indiana summer glamping trip should be on repeat! First book a glamping accommodation at Thousand Trails Indian Lakes and then start your engines to explore the Hoosier State. 

1. Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum: The well-known phrase, “start your engines” is a nod to one of the state’s biggest draws – the annual Indianapolis 500 automobile race. If you want to learn all about this thrilling race that first ran in 1911, visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Visit Gasoline Alley, see cars dating back over one hundred years, or find out if you are made of the same stuff as the infamous racers with an Indy Racing Experience (indyracingexperience.com). For museum hours and more details, visit imsmuseum.org.

2. Monon Trail: There is no better way to explore the area than on this wonderful 28.5-mile paved greenway that links parks, neighborhoods, landmarks and more. Restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops, antiques shops, and breweries dot the path as do gardens and greenspace. The Kawachinagano Japanese Garden is a great place for a picnic among the gardens created in a traditional Japanese design. Both the Broad Ripple neighborhood and the Factory Arts District will introduce you to local artisans while the Grand Park Sports District has more trails and zip-lining adventures. Go to visithamiltoncounty.com for more info on the Monon Trail.

3. Conner Prairie: This is Indiana’s Living History Museum spread over 1000 wooded acres that tells the story of the land and people tracing back to when it was just a development along the White River some 15000 years ago. Both interactive and immersive with historical reenactments, this Smithsonian Affiliated Museum is worth the visit. For more details visit connerprairie.org.  

House at Conner Prairie

4. Day Trip to Cincinnati: With less than a 50-minute drive, you can head into Cincinnati for some of that famous chili, see the sights and be back in time to relax glamp-side. Cincinnati must-sees include Findlay Market, Ohio’s continuously operated public market which opened in 1855; and the Cincinnati Zoo which features such attractions as Hippo Cove, Roo Valley with its hopping kangaroos and Gorilla World, which is considered one of the best gorilla habitats in the nation. If the Reds are in town, take in a baseball game at the Great American Ball Park and if they aren’t playing, you can still visit the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.

5. A Bit of Nostalgia: 2026 marks 40 years since the film “Hoosiers” the classic underdog basketball film premiered. Just 20 minutes from Thousand Trails Indian Lakes is the town of Milan, home to the basketball team on which the film was loosely based. Here you will find a small museum that details the historic team along with some “Hoosiers” merch. If you head over to Versailles State Park, you can see the Busching Covered Bridge, which was built in 1885 and offers some beautiful photo ops. If you’re really looking for a piece of the past, don’t miss a trip to RomWeber Marketplace in Batesville which offers antiques, hand-crafted goods and home decor in a massive 25,000 square foot shop!

Thousand Trails Indian Lakes

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Your Television-Inspired Itinerary

Ditch the screen this summer and head out on an adventure “as seen on tv”! Using the themes and settings for many popular streaming shows, we’ve found some great glamping destinations.  

Stranger Things

While this ghost town in Arizona may not have any parallel dimensions like The Upside Down, a visit to Jerome may have you feeling a bit spooked at times. Book a tiny house or cottage at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and head up to this once-booming copper mining town. Some of the stranger things here include the Sliding Jail and the Jerome Grand Hotel which was originally the United Verde Hospital and is said to be haunted by the patients that didn’t quite make it to discharge. If you’re spending your summer days enjoying the fun and sun of the Jersey Shore, keep in mind that the dense forestlands that surround the area, also known as the Pine Barrens, are considered haunted are also home to the Jersey Devil, a legendary creature complete with hooves, horns, wings and a forked tail! Stay safe and glamp at Thousand Trails Sea Pines. 

Cabin at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Off Campus

You may not find the Briar College hockey team hunks at these top college towns, but you will find great glamping spots and fun things to do. Madison, Wisconsin, home to the University of Wisconsin, has plenty of fun things to do. Book a glamping cabin or cottage at Lakeland Camping Resort and check out the famous Dane County Farmers Market (every Saturday until November), Olbrich Botanical Gardens, or take a scenic 2-hour bike ride on the Monona Loop Trail which takes you around Lake Monona. Corvallis, Oregon is home to Oregon State University. Don’t miss the stunning architecture on campus, charming downtown Corvallis for shopping and restaurants, and the Peavy Arboretum and McDonald-Dunn Research Forest for beautiful biking and hiking trails. Book a stay at nearby Thousand Trails Whalers Rest. 

Cottage at Lakeland Camping Resort
The Waterfront

While the focus of this Netflix series is a North Carolina family fishing dynasty and their bad deeds, the real star just may be the beautiful waterfront setting. If you want to get in on the waterfront scene, visit some of these beautiful waterfront towns while glamping nearby. Book a stay at Carolina Shores RV Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and enjoy the 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk with shops, restaurants and the soaring ferris wheel, the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Consistently voted one of the best waterfront towns in the US, is California’s ultra-charming Carmel-By-the-Sea. Book a glamping accommodation at Marina Dunes RV Resort, take the scenic 17-Mile Drive and explore boutiques and art galleries, enjoy ocean views and overall vibe in this gem on the Central California Coast.

Cabins at Carolina Shores RV Resort

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An All-American Glamping Trip

When the popular travel blog, discoverer.com listed travel destinations that embodied the All-American Summer Vacation we got a bit excited since so many of them were near our glamping locations! We’ve spotlighted a few of their list-makers below and our corresponding glamping spots. 

National Parks:

Yosemite National Park

A visit to any one of our national parks is a great way to celebrate our beautiful country and with 63 officially designated around the country, you can guarantee we’ve got some great glamping spots near many of them. Yosemite National Park in California is home to Yosemite Falls, the astonishing 3,000-foot vertical rock formation known as El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall and so much more. Glamp in a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes which is just down the road from the national park. A glamping cabin at Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort will provide perfect proximity to Acadia National Park whose highlights include Cadillac Mountain, the natural phenomena known as Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and miles upon miles of carriage roads to bike.   

Narrows Too Camping Resort
Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

Disney/Space Coast:

Kennedy Space Center in  in Cape Canaveral Florida

Calling a trip to Florida’s Walt Disney World, “a rite of passage” for American children, the discoverer.com goes on to note that for some adult fun consider Florida’s Space Coast as well for an all-American vacation. Book a colorful glamping cabin at Encore Tropical Palms to enjoy all things Disney. From there, you can easily take a day trip to Florida’s Space Coast, which is about 60 miles, to experience the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and surfing at Cocoa Beach! 

Tiny House Village at Encore Tropical Palms
Walt Disney World

Lighthouses:

Lighthouse off the Oregon Coast

Noting America’s lighthouses for their cultural and historical significance, discoverer.com suggests visiting some of the country’s most iconic and scenic lighthouses. Standing roughly 200 feet above the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Heceta Head Light House projects the strongest light on the Oregon Coast. Book a glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at nearby Thousand Trails South Jetty and explore the lighthouse which is open to the public March through October. On the Atlantic side, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine was commissioned by George Washington, and while the lighthouse is only open to visitors one day per year, you can still walk the beautiful grounds of Fort Williams Park and take plenty of pictures. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Moody Beach to be near this Maine wonder.

Cabin at Thousand Trails South Jetty
Cottage at Thousand Trails Moody Beach

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Outdoor Trends Gen Z Loves—and Boomers Too

In recent years, birdwatching has become not just an outdoor activity that appeals to the Baby Boomers. Of course, once you get the “screen generation” involved, a whole host of apps become available like eBird and Birdata, which opens a whole new world for the sport. So, what else is trending with the younger generation that adults enjoy once they reach “a certain age?” Check these out: 

Tidepooling 

The actual activity, now popularly known as tidepooling, has been around for as long as water and humans have co-existed. Tidepooling involves exploring marine habitats on rocky shores that can be found only during low tide. It’s a great way to see starfish, mussels, crabs and sea anemones. The only equipment required is waterproof footwear and possibly a backpack. You can go tidepooling when glamping with us at a few different locations! 

California: In Monterey, check out Point Lobos State Natural Reserve (book a glamping stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort) and in San Diego, head to Cabrillo National Monument (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico). 

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

Maine: Two spots in this great New England glamping destination (choose your favorite glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows Campground, Narrows Too Campground, or Patten Pond Campground) for tidepooling include the Bar Island Land Bridge and several spots within Acadia National Park.

Narrows Too Campground

Oregon: Cannon Beach (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Seaside) or Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Whalers Rest).

Forest Bathing 

The term forest bathing or “shinrin-yoku” as the Japanese call it, was coined in 1982, but the act itself, which involves spending mindful time in nature connecting with the earth, has been around for ages. Another trending outdoor activity that requires no equipment except an open mind, forest bathing when glamping with us is a must-do for mind, body and soul!  

New Hampshire: A tiny house glamping accommodation at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village puts in prime forest bathing space with a trip to nearby Odiorne Point State Park where you can get in touch among the maple trees. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village 

Tennessee: You don’t have to find a full-fledged forest to enjoy the benefits of forest bathing – consider a tiny house stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and head to Cheekwood Estate and Gardens which has more than 2100 trees among this 55-acre estate. We’re sure you can find the perfect “bath time” along the 1.5-mile wooded trail.  

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Wisconsin: If you’re glamping at Tranquil Timbers Campground in Wisconsin’s Door County, forest bathing should probably be listed as an amenity as it’s a beautiful place to do so. If you want to venture further off-site to experience heavy duty forest bathing, head to Peninsula State Park and relax among the cedar forests here. 

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5 Things to Do in Lake George, NY

The Lake George area in the Adirondack region of upstate New York is a favorite vacation destination regardless of the season. Come summer, though, it’s easy to see why it has been a number one vacation destination since it first became a “hot-spot” in the mid-1800s. With the crystal blue waters of Lake George, known as the Queen of American Lakes, and surrounded by the majestic Adirondack mountains, the area has plenty to do and see. Plan a glamping trip to Alpine Lake RV Resort or Lake George Escape Campground and get ready to find out why this has been a number one vacation destination for over 150 years! 

1. Enjoy the View: There are many, many hiking trails here but if you want to get some of the best views, consider these: Pilot Knob Ridge, with stone staircases, wildflowers and a gazebo all combining for one of the best views of Lake George; Spruce Mountain Trail (in Corinth), a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike, leads to a restored fire tower and expansive views of the mountains, or Sleeping Beauty Mountain with stunning summit views.  

Lake George

2. Day Trips: You won’t want to leave during your stay, but if you feel like exploring a bit further from this fantastic area consider a day trip to: Lake Placid with its Olympic Museum, waterfall hikes and beautiful Mirror Lake; or Saratoga Springs with its beautiful Victorian architecture; Yaddo – the National Historic Landmark with its beautiful gardens; and beautiful Congress Park with its charming carousel and mineral springs.  

3. Historic Sites: There are plenty in the area! Don’t miss the Ulysses S. Grant National Cottage Historic Landmark, which was the final home of President Grant; Fort Ticonderoga – the site of the US Revolutionary War victory over the British with US troops led by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys; Fort William Henry which was a major site during the French Indian Wars; and the Saratoga National Historical Park, the site of the Battles of Saratoga during the Revolutionary War.  

4. Go for the Thrill: In addition to the thrill rides at Six Flags Great Escape in nearby Queensbury, which include Sasquatch, a 192-foot drop tower, the high-flying Adirondack Outlaw and the Bobcat Wooden Roller Coaster, other adrenaline pumpers can include parasailing over Lake George (parasailingadventrues.com), a helicopter ride (northcountryheliflite.com), ziplining through the trees (adirondackextreme.com) and whitewater rafting (adirondack-adventures.com). 

5. Plan Ahead: The 10th Annual Food & Wine Festival is scheduled for June 27-28 and promises offerings from area wineries, breweries, distilleries, artisan food vendors, crafters and everyone’s favorite – food trucks! Horse racing season begins at the historic Saratoga Race Course, the oldest thoroughbred racecourse in the US and runs July 3-September 7. The Adirondack Theater Festival opens its season June 17 and the Saratoga County Fair is scheduled for July 21-26.  

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5 Things to Do In and Around Clermont, Florida

Quick – name five fun facts about Clermont, Florida! OK, we’ll do it for you – it is nicknamed the “Choice of Champions” as many Olympic athletes train here; it is named after a French town which was the birthplace of the town’s founder; it is home to the Citrus Tower, an iconic Florida landmark; it’s located less than 20 miles from Orlando; and unlike the majority of Florida’s terrain, Clermont is hilly making it great for challenging bike rides! Here’s a bonus fun fact – it is home to three fabulous glamping locations – Thousand Trails Orlando, Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort and Encore Lake Magic! So, make a rezzie and come explore this interesting little city in Central Florida and check out these five things we found to do here. 

Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando
Elite Cottage at Thousand Trails Orlando

1. The Presidents Hall of Fame: Long before the Magic Kingdom was the big draw in the Orlando area, the Presidents Hall of Fame drew tourists in. This interesting attraction features life-sized wax figures of all the US Presidents in a setting designed to mimic the White House. In addition to the presidents, there is also campaign memorabilia, lots of history facts and even a mini replica of Mount Rushmore. For details, visit https://www.thehistorycenter.org/the-presidents-hall-of-fame/. 

2. The Citrus Tower: Another attraction that pre-dates the theme parks in Central Florida is the Citrus Tower, a 226-foot-tall tower with an observation deck with panoramic views that was built in 1956 to provide visitors a birds-eye view of the vast citrus fields below. Check out citrustower.com for more information.  

Villa at Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort
Villa at Encore Clerbrook RV & Golf Resort

3. Lake Louisa State Park: If you’re here for the outdoor adventure, then you’ll love Lake Louisa State Park which offers three lakes for water fun including fishing, kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding; seven miles of paved bike trails; plus another 20 miles of unpaved trails for hiking, walking and wildlife viewing which can include deer, bobcats, and raccoons while birders can enjoy the chance to glimpse bald eagles, ospreys, sandhill cranes and wild turkeys.  

Vacation Cottage at Encore Lake Magic
Vacation Cottage at Encore Lake Magic

4. Libation Look-sees: There are breweries to visit here as well as the Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards. Billed as Florida’s largest winery, Lakeridge (lakeridgewinery.com) is open daily for guided tours and tastings and offers “Weekends at the Winery” with live music, food and wines by the glass at their outdoor bar. For a brewery vibe, check out Suncreek Brewery, located in the historic downtown area of Clermont, which in addition to their craft brews, has three restaurants and a merch store! 

Manatees in Crystal River, FL
Manatees in Crystal River, FL

5. Nearby of Note: Of course, Clermont is less than 30 miles from Orlando, so all the fun of the theme parks is a short distance away. Options for small town charm include Winter Garden, with its historic downtown and access to the West Orange Trail, a 22-mile, paved multi-use trail; or Mt. Dora, which is home to the Sydonie Mansion, a national historic landmark built in 1883. For a bit of a longer drive, consider heading west to Crystal River, known as Florida’s “Manatee Capital”, which is about 65 miles away.  

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5 Things to Do in the Florida Keys  

People often ask which of the Florida Keys they should visit. Well, the answer is all of them. Each of the islands offers something a bit different from the always party time atmosphere of Key West to Key Largo which is known for great snorkeling and is home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. If you’re planning a glamping getaway to The Keys, you’re lucky because we have two great glamping locations: stay in a totally hip tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or enjoy a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key. Below we offer just a few suggestions for things to do when visiting: 

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village
Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

1. The Lara Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is worth the visit to see 30 different species of birds that make this sanctuary their permanent home after having been rescued and rehabilitated but are considered non-releasable for their safety. The sanctuary is open 365 days each year from sunrise to sunset and offers guided tours as well. For more details go to the sanctuary’s website keepthemflying.org. 

2. With so many islands and coral reefs, of course diving is a big deal here. Check out the History of Diving Museum on Islamorada and explore their multiple exhibits that details the history of diving, the advent of equipment from early dive helmets to the most modern-day apparatus, and the diving equipment from many nations around the world. There’s also a tribute to Jules Verne (have you read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea yet?) and a 50-gallon aquarium full of tropical reef fish. For information visit divingmuseum.org.  

Christ of the Abyss
Christ of the Abyss

3. So many islands, so many excursions! From land to sea, there are plenty of exciting things to do in The Keys when it comes to excursions. Christ of the Abyss is not your typical statue – this one is located roughly 25 feet under the waters that surround John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The best way to see it is via a snorkeling excursion – check out silentworld.com to book a dive tour. Movie buffs will appreciate the excursion aboard The African Queen – the storied steamboat from the movie of the same name starring Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. To enjoy one of the daily canal cruises, visit africanqueenflkeys.com. Get to know Key West with a “Southernmost Food and Cultural Walking Tour”, offered by viator.com that takes you around the island’s historic district with stops along the way to enjoy the great food here including Cuban cuisine and of course, Key Lime pie! 

4. Sunrise/Sunset – make sure you get the best of both when glamping in The Keys. Some of the best places to catch the sunrise include Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key (perfect if you’re staying at Encore Sunshine Key); the aptly named Sunrise Beach in Key Largo and Higgs Beach in Key West. For a spectacular sunset, consider Mallory Beach in Key West which hosts a nightly sunset celebration; or from aboard a catamaran cruise that departs from Islamorada (check out robbies.com for details); or back to Bahia Honda State Park to end a perfect day!  

Sunset at Bahia Honda State Park
Sunset at Bahia Honda State Park

5. Aside from the sun, sand and snorkeling, The Florida Keys have a lot of noteworthy sites to visit. They include The Little White House (Key West), which served as President Harry Truman’s winter getaway; the Caribbean Club (Key Largo), the oldest bar in the Upper Keys where portions of the film Key Largo were shot; the Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson National Park, which is the largest all-masonry fort in the Western Hemisphere; and Hemingway House (Key West); which was home for many years to famous author Ernest Hemingway. 

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