Tag: medina lake

Visit These Spots for Love Your Pet Day

While National Love Your Pet Day, celebrated on February 20, is relatively new (dating to the early 2000s), humans’ love of pets goes back thousand and thousands of years, with evidence of humans, dogs, and cats co-existing from more than 12,000 years ago. So, if you have furry friends, the best thing you can do on February 20, or any day for that matter, is to do something special for them.

How about taking them glamping to enjoy the outdoors and see the pet-friendly sights of several cities that are considered some of the best for traveling with pets?  And, while birds, fish, and cats fall among the most popular pets along with dogs, we’ll focus on the canine kind for this feature.

Rent a pet-friendly cabin, cottage, or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver RV Campground and get ready to explore Bend, Oregon, one of the Ten Best Outdoor Towns, according to thediscoverer.com. Fun on this paws-itively great getaway can include shopping (dogs are welcome at the local Patagonia store); cider and brewery visits (Tumalo Cider Company and 10 Barrel Brewing Company Eastside welcomes furry friends) and outdoor adventure on the Deschutes River (Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe offer dog-friendly rentals); hiking trails at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort and several pet-friendly trails in the Deschutes National Forest. For a bit of nostalgia, browse the selection of videos available at the last Blockbuster store in North America, which is located in Bend and is pet-friendly.

Vacation Camper at Encore Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina

A Florida getaway for Fido is a good idea considering not only is the weather going to cooperate, but there are plenty of hiking trails, parks, and attractions that allow dogs. The Key West Tropical Forest and Botanic Garden welcomes leashed dogs to walk the 15-plus-acre native garden and forest. If a walk on the beach is on your pup’s agenda, check out Anne’s Beach in Islamorada and Key West’s Dog Beach. And should your Key West beach outing last toward evening, head over to Island Dogs, a pet friendly bar that features live music. Other dog-friendly attractions in the Florida Keys include the Key West Aquarium; Key Largo’s John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (trails only; no dogs allowed on the beach); and National Deer Refuge on Big Pine Key. Rent a fun (and pet-friendly) vacation camper at Encore Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina for this dog-gone great getaway.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

A pet-friendly cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake RV Campground, scenic countryside, and plenty of things to do combine to make a glamping trip with your pet one you’ll both remember fur-ever! Take a history lesson and visit the home of our 36th President and Texas native, Lyndon B. Johnson. Johnson’s birthplace can be seen at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and leashed dogs and their humans can enjoy a 1.2-mile trail with glimpses of other historic buildings on site. A scenic trip while riding in the car is an option if you choose to take the 13-mile loop drive, known as the Windy City Loop, or the 85-mile Swiss Alps of Texas, to view some gorgeous Hill Country scenery. Take to the water with the pet-friendly outfitter Whitewater Sports (floattheguadalupe.com) and enjoy water fun on the Guadalupe River. If it’s patio weather, consider a meal true to the German roots of the area at The Auslander in Fredericksburg which has a pet-friendly outdoor patio and some tasty schnitzel.

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Best Destinations for November Getaways

While some people’s plans for November travel involves an “over the river and through the woods” kind of journey, others are seeking out destinations to round out a year of adventure. Roamingtheusa.com, a travel site that bills itself as “the unofficial guide to America,” created a list of great destinations for November travel and luckily, we have glamping accommodations nearby to most! Based on weather, things to do, and holiday events, roamingusa.com, suggests the following:

Bend, Oregon: One reason Bend made the list is that the typical crowds of summer have all but disappeared come November.If you’re early in the month, you might still catch the last of the fall foliage color show. But, if the leaves are gone, the outdoor adventures are still here. Bend is great for hiking! Hike Tumalo Falls or check out the views at Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint. The Bend Christmas Parade is set for Saturday, December 4, and for last-minute unique gifts, check out The Happy Campers Last-Minute Shopping Event featuring locally made gifts from pottery to jewelry. For your glamping consideration, try a yurt or cabin at Bend-Sunriver.

Cabin at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground
Cabin at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Key West, Florida: The waters are warm, the daytime temps range between 74 and 80 degrees, and there’s plenty to do in November here. November 12 promises to be a day of fun at the MOTE Marine Laboratory’s Ocean Fest (on Islamorada) that will feature touch tanks, animal experiences, live music, food, games, and other fun. Another great November event is The Big Pine and Lower Keys Island Art Festival, set for November 26. Of course, all the Keys have their own special island magic to offer so book a tiny house stay at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a waterfront colorful cottage at Fiesta Key and explore them all. Snorkel, stand-up paddle, take a ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park, enjoy quirky Key West, the beauty of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, or just soak up the sun on the beach at Sunshine Key.

Palm Springs, California: Palm Springs in November couldn’t be more perfect when it comes to weather – average rainfall is zero and the average daytime temperature a sunny 79 degrees with evening temps falling to a still-pleasant mid-60s. So, it’s no wonder there are plenty of special events planned during this time of year. For starters, there’s Village Fest, a regularly scheduled Thursday night street fair in downtown Palm Springs that features shopping, dining, and live music opportunities. Magic Lights of Coachella Valley, a drive-through holiday-themed light display, begins November 18 and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens hosts their amazing holiday lights display beginning November 23. Other things not to be missed in the area include hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and a visit to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Book a colorful cottage at Palm Springs in Palm Desert to be in the swing of all things Palm Springs.

Cottages at Palm Springs RV Resort
Cottages at Palm Springs RV Resort

San Antonio, Texas: Weather-wise, San Antonio enjoys daytime highs of 74 degrees in November, so that’s one reason to head to this Texas treasure. Things to do here include exploring the amazing River Walk, where you can shop, eat, and just enjoy walking along the river. There’s also the historic Alamo as well as several other missions you can tour, including Mission San Jose. Special events can include the Wurstfest, in nearby New Braunfels, which runs through November 13 and pays tribute to the area’s German culture, the Ford Holiday River Parade, scheduled for November 25, and underground caroling at Natural Bridge Caverns. Reserve a glamping cabin at Medina Lake to be near all the fun in San Antonio.

For a full list of roamingtheusa.com’s suggested November travel destinations, visit roamingtheusa.com and then visit petiteretreats.com to find the perfect glamping accommodation to go along with your November adventure.

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The Ultimate Creepies

We have to ask, “do you wanna see something really scary?” Fans of the 1983 movie “Twilight Zone” will remember that’s what Dan Akroyd’s character asks his travelling companion while driving down a dark desert highway. To not spoil it for those who have not seen the film, we won’t tell you what happens, but we can assure you, you will jump in your seat or be extremely startled. Kind of like what might happen when you visit some of these hauntingly good locations near some of our favorite glamping spots.

Jerome Grand Hotel (Jerome, Arizona): Who wouldn’t expect a hotel in a ghost town to be a bit more spirited than other hotels? Book a tiny house accommodation at Verde Valley RV Resort and find out what makes the Jerome Grand so spooky. One reason may be that in its former life, the structure was a hospital where more than 9000 people passed away. Have a drink in the bar or dine in the hotel’s restaurant and see if you feel (or see) the spirits. Or better yet, take one of Jerome’s famous haunted tours.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort

Fort East Martello Museum (Key West, FL): There’s plenty of scary doll stories out there from Chuckie to Annabelle, but if you want to get up close and personal, visit the Fort East Martello Museum and take a look at a doll called Robert, who is apparently the main reason the museum is one of the most haunted locations in Florida. He looks harmless enough with his cute little sailor suit and pet dog, but visitors are urged to introduce themselves and ask his permission before they take a picture of him. If not, bad things may happen! Book a stay at one of our Florida Keys locations, Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or Fiesta Key, and say hi to Robert!

Gettysburg (Pennsylvania): Again, as a site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War where more than 50,000 souls were lost it’s not a surprise that the town of Gettysburg and the battlefield itself are super haunted. Some people have said the ghost of Robert E. Lee appears in pictures they have taken when visiting while others hear phantom sounds coming from the battlefield which include screams and cannon fire. There are all kinds of tours to take to see for yourself. Check out getyourguide.com/gettysburg-l32570. Spend a night or two glamping in Gettysburg and make a reservation at Drummer Boy or Gettysburg Farm and brave the nights in Gettysburg if you dare.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

San Fernando Cathedral (San Antonio, TX): Swirling orbs, scary shadows and an apparition of a charging white stallion are some of the things visitors to this haunted Texas location have reported. Conde Nast Traveler named San Fernando Cathedral as one of the 30 Most Haunted Places in the U.S. in 2019. One woman reportedly followed a man who was part of her tour group who she said suddenly disappeared into thin air. Yikes! Book a cozy cabin at Medina Lake and take the 40-mile drive into San Antonio to check out the Cathedral. Watch out for charging horses!

Edgefield Hotel (Troutdale, OR): If you’re looking for a great place to stay outside of Portland, we suggest you book a tiny house at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in nearby Welches. Other options could include the Edgefield Hotel, but you might want to rethink that considering it’s haunted! Opt for the comfort of your tiny house at Mt. Hood Village but check out the Edgefield if you wanna see something really scary. Guests have said to have felt hands on their shoulders, seen ghost children running the halls at night, and heard a woman yelling “get out.” This place is so scary the developers did a “spirit cleansing” while rehabbing and developing the building that once served as a county poor house (thus the sadness and death associated with the structure).

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Great Fall Getaways

Toss the summer bucket list (hopefully, everything’s been crossed off), grab a pen and paper and start your Fall Bucket List which should include the following must-do fall activities.

Tailgate or College Town Visit

There’s something about a college campus in the fall that makes anybody feel young again. Whatever it is, why not check out some of these great college towns near our glamping accommodations.

Yurt at Tall Chief Campground
Yurt at Tall Chief Campground

University of Washington – a couple cool things to check out here. First off, the beautiful campus trees ablaze with fall color and also the Brockman Memorial Tree Tour, a virtual tour that identifies roughly 60 of the 480 trees found on this wooded campus. Information for the tour, which is dedicated to the memory of former UW Professor Frank Brockman, can be found at depts.washington.edu/treetour. Another fun thing – instead of tailgating, fans of the UW Huskies football team “sailgate” in nearby Union Bay’s Husky Harbor. It’s really a sight to see and most likely, one-of-a-kind when it comes to college football fun. (Rent a yurt at Tall Chief to visit UW).

University of Wisconsin – Again foliage and football are the draw here. Badger football is basically a religion in Madison. On gameday when the Badgers are at home, the Badger Bash, a family friendly event for more than 50 years, has live music, a performance by the UW-Madison Marching Band, plus food and drink. The trees on Bascom Hill are worth a look and there’s also a self-guided tour of the trees on Bascom Hill as well those on Observatory Hill. The Memorial Union, with its views of picturesque Lake Mendota is another photo-worthy spot. (Rent a cabin or cottage at Yukon Trails for Badger fun.)

Fall Festivals

Pumpkins, oom-pah bands, and the best of the best Oktoberfests should be part of your fall to-do list.

Leavenworth, Washington, hosts one of the most authentic Oktoberfests, according to travelmag.org. Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village to experience this bash complete with imported German beer, live entertainment, oom-pah and polka music, contests (try your luck at the stein holding contest!) and don’t miss the Keg Tapping Ceremony on Saturdays. Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest will be held over three weekends (September 30-October 1; October 7-8; and October 14-15.)

Another noteworthy Oktoberfest is the one held in Fredericksburg, Texas. The 42nd Oktoberfest is set for September 30-October 2 this year and highlights will include the Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance featuring 400 dancers, the Family Dirndle and Lederhosen Contest, and a Yodel Contest. Come celebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage with plenty of German food and drink. Don’t miss this one – book a cozy cabin at Medina Lake.

The Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum displays more than 90,000 colorful pumpkins and other assorted gourds to create a color show of its own. The special event, Autumn at the Arboretum, runs from September 17-October 31 and has a fairy tale theme this year. A Fall Fairytale will of course feature Cinderella’s Carriage as well as pumpkin houses and other favorite fairy tales brought to life through gourd displays. Book a cabin at nearby Bay Landing while enjoying the Pumpkin Village.

Cabins at Yosemite Lakes
Cabins at Yosemite Lakes

Fall Hikes

Fall hikes are not only great for your health, but also provide you the opportunity to bask in the fall colors as you take care of your body and mind. Some notable trails include the Cook’s Meadow Loop in Yosemite National Park (book a yurt at Yosemite Lakes), a great flat trail that offers views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome; Pennsylvania’s Bushkill Falls (near Robin Hill with cottage and cabin rentals) promises a great color show as the leaves begin to turn in early October and last through November. Plus, there are eight waterfalls to see along the 2-mile trail. If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge Landing, you can explore the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and get a two-fer when it comes to fall colors. You can drive the 5.5-mile auto tour portion through the forest or opt to hike the 2.5-mile scenic trail to Grotto Falls.

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June is Great Outdoors Month

June is Great Outdoors Month and while the event was designed to get people outside, if you love to glamp, most likely your focus on the great outdoors is a year-round thing. Still, it’s always a great idea to enjoy the outdoors and glamping in June is a great start. We found a few more motivators for some solid outdoor adventure this June.

Glamping in Chehalis, Washington
Glamping in Chehalis, Washington

Camping has been a popular outdoor activity for ages (after all, it was the only way to live for millions of years). As for recreational camping, the early 1920s seem to be the start as Americans ventured out from their neighborhoods and found camping a wonderful way to see the world. After World War II, camping became much more popular and camping equipment became much more accessible. Recently, the term glamping has been making waves and it’s the perfect combination of living the outdoor lifestyle surrounded by beautiful scenery, while still having the creature comforts of the great indoors. Our resorts offer unique rental accommodations like tiny homes and cabins, have plenty of amenities, are in great locations, and many are pet friendly. No “roughing it” required. Visit petiteretreats.com to see where you want to glamp during Great Outdoors Month.

According to statista.com, in 2020, approximately 63 million Americans hiked, making hiking the second most popular outdoor activity, second only to running. Hiking has great benefits for both mind and spirit. Why not book a Petite Retreats glamping accommodation and hit the hiking trails this June? Consider a tiny house in Leavenworth, a cozy cabin in Wisconsin at Yukon Trails, or a colorful cottage by the water in the Florida Keys. Hikes can include Bygone Byways in Leavenworth, Witches Gulch in Wisconsin’s Upper Dells, or the Hammock Trail in The Keys’ Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park.

Dark Sky at Joshua Tree National Park
Dark Sky at Joshua Tree National Park

Enjoy the great outdoors under the cover of night at a Dark Sky Park. Certified Dark Sky Parks can be found in Florida at the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (stay at colorful cottage at Tropical Palms); Joshua Tree National Park in California (book a cabin or cottage rental at Palm Springs RV Resort); Lyndon B. Johnson State Park (book a cabin rental at Medina Lake in Lakehills, Texas or a tiny house at Verde Valley near Sedona, Arizona). Dark Sky Parks are known to have exceptional quality when it comes to starry nights so here’s to happy stargazing! More ideas for outdoor fun include marathon outdoor scavenger hunts, biking, birding, volunteering for outdoor cleanups, fishing, boating, swimming, paddling, canoeing – the list proves there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy Great Outdoors Month. Don’t waste a minute of your June indoors – book your stay, go glamping, and enjoy the great outdoors!

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Top 5 Galentine’s Getaways

If you’re a fan of TV’s Parks & Recreation, you know that we have the character Leslie Knope to thank for making Galentine’s Day a thing. Celebrated on February 13, the day is designated for “ladies recognizing ladies.” Show your gal pals all the love you feel for them this year and enjoy a Galentine’s Getaway to these top spots.

Nashville, Tennessee: Book a glamping stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and get ready to experience Nashville and the surrounding neighborhoods with some of your best gal pals! Head into Nashville to experience the one-of-a-kind honky tonks that line the city’s world famous “Lower Broadway.” More musical fun can be found at the Ryman Auditorium whether you’re taking in a concert or just a guided tour of this historic music venue. What’s a girl’s trip without a few Instagram shots so make sure you check out the murals around town that provide the perfect backdrop for these photo opps (visitmusiccity.com/trip-ideas/nashville-murals). Nashville’s neighborhoods provide another option for interesting things to do – check out The Gulch, SoBro and Capital View for all kinds of fun. Need more space than a tiny house affords? Natchez Trace also features a gorgeous lodge which sleeps up to 15 and a number of cozy cabins!

Miami Everglades RV Resort Cabin
Miami Everglades RV Resort Cabin

Miami, Florida: There’s more than the beaches to enjoy when the gals gather for Galentine’s Day in Miami. Of course, if you’re looking for prime beach time, the best beaches in Miami include Lummus Park (said to have postcard worthy views), the iconic South Beach (SoBe to the locals), and Crandon Park, when you’re really there for the beach. Then there’s Coconut Grove (mark your February calendars for the 19-21 which is the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival) – an historic Miami neighborhood with dining, shopping, and the occasional live peacock strutting your way. Located in Coconut Grove, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark that offers 34 rooms on view at the estate as well as 10 acres of formal gardens, is another must-see when taking in Miami.

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village - Scarlett Tiny House
Scarlett Tiny House at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

Portland, Oregon: Portland is for Pittock Mansion, Powell’s City of Books, and plenty of Instagram worthy pics. It’s also a great destination for pals – as in gal pals this Galentine’s Day. The aforementioned Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style chateau built in 1914 as the home of publisher Henry Pittock. Visitors can choose from guided or self-guided tours of the mansion, the Gate Lodge, and the grounds (pittockmansion.org).  A Portland landmark, Powell’s City of Books is billed as the world’s largest new and used bookstore. Plenty of choices for that book group discussion can be found here! As for the photo opps – check out the marquee at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall for a very large “Portland” backdrop, the Old Town Portland sign (another historic landmark), and underneath the St. John’s Bridge at Cathedral Park. A great place to stay is in an adorable tiny house at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, which is about 45 minutes from the city.  

Santa Barbara, California: Pick from cabins, cottages, or the unique tipi or western cabins at Santa Barbara’s Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort to get your sunny Cali Galentine’s Getaway off to a great start. Without even leaving the resort, the fun begins with horseback rides and a look-see at the resort’s Western Village complete with stables, Conestoga wagons and a welcoming stone lodge. Off-site excursions can include a trip into the Danish-style city of Solvang where you can enjoy a trolley ride around town, visit the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, and try some tasty Danish baked goods. Another option is Montecito where must-sees include Butterfly Beach and Casa del Herrero, a 1925 Spanish Colonial Revival estate open for tours. Keep your eyes open when you’re out and about in Montecito as a few well-knowns call Montecito home including Oprah and Harry and Meghan. There are also opportunities for wine tours in Santa Barbara, a visit to the Santa Barbara Zoo, and plenty of shopping, dining, and sunsets to be experienced.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

San Antonio, Texas: A girl’s trip to San Antonio is a perfect trip if you’re looking to combine history, culture, great food, and some fun on the river. Book a cozy cabin at Medina Lake and you’re less than an hour’s drive to San Antonio. For history, there’s the Alamo – there is no admission fee, and you can choose to take a self-guided or guided tour at this historic location where you can learn about the Texas Revolution. The famed River Walk offers all kinds of fun including eating, shopping, and getting your steps in on this 15-mile scenic walk along the San Antonio River. There’s also nightlife options and river cruises here. Viator offers a San Antonio Food Tour as well as a Ghost Walking tour (viator.com).

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Last Minute Trips for Your 2021 Bucket List

It’s been awhile, but think back to early January 2021. What resolutions did you make then? What about that 2021 Bucket List? Is everything crossed off? If not, we’ve got a few ideas on how to clear the slate to get ready for your 2022 list. 

  1. See a National Landmark: In a list of the Top 10 National Landmarks compiled by flightcentre.com, two are nearby to our locations that enjoy year-round visitors. Those include Hoover Dam (less than 35 miles from cozy cabins at our Las Vegas location); and the iconic Space Needle in Seattle (less than 30 miles from the yurts and cabins at Tall Chief RV & Camping Resort). Another must-see landmark is the historic Alamo, in San Antonio, Texas, which is less than an hour from the cabins at Medina Lake.

2. Drive an Iconic Highway: A drive on the 100-mile-plus engineering marvel known as Florida’s Overseas Highway will take you from the southern tip of Florida down to the Florida Keys with the beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico all around you. Choose to stay two hours north of the road’s starting point in a cabin at our Miami Everglades Resort or stay at one of our Keys locations, Sunshine Key or Fiesta Key. Enjoy a glamping experience in a cottage or glamping tent at California’s Marina Dunes and enjoy an equally glamorous experience along the 17-Mile Drive that includes charming towns, woodlands, and ocean views along the Monterey Peninsula. 

3. Learn a new skill: ‘Tis the season to don a pair of snowshoes and tackle this winter sport. Consider a stay in a snow covered cabin at Tahoe Valley in California’s Lake Tahoe area and learn how to traverse and glissade with the best of them. Stalk the striper and try your hand at catching hybrid striper bass in the winter waters of Texas’ Lake Conroe. Book a stay in a cabin at Lake Conroe RV & Camping Resort in Willis and see what you can catch. How about hopping on a “fat bike” and tooling around the snowy trails available near Leavenworth, Washington. Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village to go along with your fat bike experience!

Family Trip at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe Campground
Family Trip at Lake Conroe Camping & RV Resort

4. Girls’ Trip, Guys’ Trip, Family Trip, Couples’ Trip: Whichever one remains on your list unchecked, Petite Retreats has locations that can satisfy any of them (or all if you’ve got the time). Perfect family trip locations can include Orlando and all the theme park fun (book a stay in a colorful cottage at Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Florida) or Yosemite National Park in winter with all its activities (try a yurt at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort in Groveland, California); California’s wine country and a girl’s trip are a perfect match and a cabin or cottage accommodation at Russian River is the perfect wine country girl’s getaway home base. Nashville is great for girls, guys, and family fun depending on the activities you choose – there are bars and honky tonks, historic sites, museums, and outdoor adventure to be found here – and any of the rental cabins at nearby Natchez Trace work for all of these groups. Guys trip options could include the casinos and nightlife of Las Vegas (stay in a cabin or cottage at our Las Vegas location) or deep-sea fishing charters in the Florida Keys (Sunshine Key Tiny House Village is a great option as they run charters from the resort). Looking for romance? Check out the tiny house and cabin accommodations at Verde Valley in Arizona’s scenic and transformative Red Rocks country or a cozy cabin at Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort in Santa Barbara and explore this charming California oceanside town with its wineries, architectural tours, and romantic sunsets. 

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