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.
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.
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.
Since 1964, the game show Jeopardy has been a television viewer favorite and has maintained popularity 60 years later with more than 8000 episodes, 39 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. The category topics remain relevant and cover history, art, television, music, science and more with answers ranging from Actinium (the first chemical element) to Zendaya (Spiderman’s girlfriend and so much more.) We thought we’d have some fun with our own clues, à la Jeopardy, and see if you can guess which glamping location we’re talking about.
Clue: This Oregon location is home to a tiny house village that makes the perfect glamping spot to explore this part of the Pacific Northwest.
If you said “What is Mt. Hood Tiny House Village” you’re on the board. Indoors or outdoors, you’re a winner here. Take a ride and enjoy all 105 miles of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (roughly 3–4-hour drive, not including stops). Scenery includes of course the mountains, but also vineyards, farms, and orchards. Be sure to see the historic Timberline Lodge. Or choose to bike, hike, and look for Bigfoot. Yes, that Bigfoot – check out the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring (yes, that’s the town name!). The Center includes Bigfoot evidence and historic artifacts as well as all kinds of Bigfoot-themed merch. The Old Salmon River Trail is great for a short hike and, weather permitting, a dip in the water at the sandy beaches along the trail. Another interesting way to explore the area is the East Gorge Food Trail, which is an interesting mix of orchards, vineyards, farmers markets, eateries, cideries and breweries (eastgorgefoodtrail.com).
Clue: Nestled in New York’s Adirondacks, this glamping location offers outdoor adventure on the Queen of American Lakes.
The winning answer here is “What is Lake George Escape Campground”. Pick your favorite glamping cottage or cabin and take on the Adirondacks and all there is to explore here. For some history, check out Fort William Henry to experience life in a British fort, circa 1755, for kitschy, visit the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum with plenty to spook you from waxy monsters to the animatronic ones too! Cruise Lake George, which is known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” on a cruise offered by the Lake George Steamboat Company or hike to Shelving Rock Falls and see the beautiful waterfall. Relax waterside at Million Dollar Beach which is great for swimming and scenic views.
Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
Clue: Located in the Granite State, this tiny house village is less than an hour from Boston and less than 30 minutes to Salsbury-Hampton beaches.
Call yourself a winner if you answered, “What is Tuxbury Tiny House Village” and keep up the good luck streak by taking a ride into Boston. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, enjoy some cannoli and the other delicious Italian foods available in the city’s North End (Mike’s Pastry is often said to be the best cannoli in town!), take in a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park or experience the vast and varied art collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Massachusetts has plenty of events going on during the summer including the Strawberry Festival set for June 15-16, the Blueberry & Flower Festival scheduled for July 20-21 and July 27-28 and in August plan for the Peach & Sunflower Festival running for two weekends, August 10-11 and August 17-18. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a day at the beach and when you stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village you’re less than 30 minutes from the beach!
Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Clue: Awash with southern charm, these six tiny houses provide the perfect Tennessee glamping getaway with access to city and country attractions alike.
“What is Natchez Trace Tiny House Village?” is what you want to ring in with here. Once you’ve booked the tiny house that best suits you, consider all the options for fun you have here. Those options include the hour drive into Nashville to explore Music City with its lively entertainment scene, great food and plenty of museums; leisurely drives to the charming towns that surround the area, or outdoor adventures on the nearby trails and waterways. For trails near Natchez Trace Tiny House Village consider the Meriwether Lewis Loop, where you can see the grave of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis, or the Fall Hollow Falls Trail to glimpse a 20-foot waterfall. In Nashville, consider a skyline paddle, available through cumberlandkayakadventure.com or visit Harpeth River State Park for canoe and kayak opportunities. Small town visits can include Franklin (don’t miss the Carter House and Carnton Plantation here for Civil War history) and Leiper’s Fork with its distillery, winery, antique stores and shops and the unique Leiper’s Fork Market.
