Tag: Narrows Too

Find Your Perfect Cabin Retreat This Year

Amongst the woods, there lies a cabin from where we watched the sunset…This lovely poem by Jihal Sharma goes on to count the ways a cabin stay can be cozy and charming and relaxing and more. In fact, cabin camping is up 101% according to industry reports so why not take a cue and plan some cabin stays when glamping with us.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pacific City
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pacific City

In the Pacific Northwest consider a glamping cabin at Mt. Hood Village Resort, Thousand Trails Pacific City or Thousand Trails Seaside. Of course, the Mt. Hood area is a natural playground all year round so skiing in winter at the iconic Skibowl, the blooming fields of flowers along the hiking trails come spring, stand-up paddling and kayaking on the Hood River come summer and the beautiful palette of autumn as the trees change colors. Pacific City and Seaside are both great for exploring the rugged Oregon coastline with activities like clamming, fishing and water sports.

Cabin at Tranquil Timbers Campground
Cabin at Tranquil Timbers Campground

Come summer, head to Wisconsin and enjoy the six different locations that offer glamping in cozy cabins. Tranquil Timbers Campground puts you in proximity to all things Door County which include activities at Peninsula State Park, the quaint shops of the downtown areas, plus the cherry and apple orchards, wineries and art galleries. If you’re looking to explore the Wisconsin Dells area, book a glamping cabin at Yukon Trails Camping Resort or Arrowhead RV Campground to take in the outdoor activities at Mirror Lake State Park, an iconic Dells Duck Tour or the unique shops and attractions in the downtown Dells. For a glamping trip with a side of onsite fishing, consider Fremont RV Campground, which is set on Partridge Lake, Neshonoc Lakeside Campground, which is set on Neshonoc Lake which is a great place for fishing and boating or Plymouth Rock Camping Resort, which has plenty of onsite activities including kayaking.

Cabins at Alpine Lake RV Resort
Cabins at Alpine Lake RV Resort

Heading east, cabin time is available in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Pennsylvania. The picturesque coastal town of Bar Harbor has two options for a Maine cabin glamping gateway, camping resorts Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too. Both are conveniently located to the stunning Acadia National Park and downtown Bar Harbor. New Hampshire’s Tuxbury Pond RV Campground offers glamping cabins and is less than an hour from all the fun of Boston but also offers the quiet tranquility of Tuxbury Pond and nearby apple orchards. If you’re in a New York state of mind when it comes to a glamping getaway, look to Alpine Lake RV Resort or Lake George Escape Campground. Both offer the beauty of the Adirondacks as your backdrop with plenty of outdoor activities nearby like fishing, biking and hiking. The rolling hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country offer glamping opportunities at both Appalachian Camping Resort and Spring Gulch Resort Campground. Both provide proximity to all things PA Dutch including the Amish Country experience, horseback riding, bicycling and the historic covered bridges of Lancaster County.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace
Cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace

Southern-style cabin glamping can be found in the T states – Tennessee and Texas and both are, dare we say, terrific places to settle in a glamping cabin while you explore the area. Thousand Trails Natchez Trace in Hohenwald, Tennessee is a great home base for being a “tourist” in Nashville or getting in some good fishing at the onsite 3-acre lake teeming with bass, crappie and shellcracker. Just outside the Big D (Dallas), a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing offers proximity to all the Dallas highlights including the Dallas Arts District and the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden or Fort Worth with the historic Fort Worth Stockyards and the Fort Worth Zoo.

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Top Glamping Spots for 2025 Adventures

A fresh slate, a blank calendar and a new year of glamping! Here are some ideas to have you glamping all year long:

Winter:

The beautiful Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth, Washington is always worth a visit, but from late November to late February, the lights come on and by lights we mean over half a million twinkling lights from sunup to sundown. Book a tiny house at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village and explore all the fun things to do here including the Nutcracker Museum, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm and all the great shops and wine tasting rooms in downtown Leavenworth.

The benefits of Florida in the winter include the mild winter temperatures that top out in the upper 70s and of course, the lack of snow! Florida glamping locations can include the always fabulous Florida Keys (book a tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or glamping cottage at Encore Fiesta Key); a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee so close to the Orlando theme parks, or a cabin at Encore Miami Everglades.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach
Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach

Spring:

The March winds certainly come in handy if you want to fly a kite and Long Beach, Washington is considered the kite flying capital of the world. Check out the World Kite Museum in Long Beach for some ideas and then go fly a kite while staying at a glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach.

April is bluebonnet time in Texas and the Willow City Loop in Fredericksburg is a great place to enjoy the blooming Texas State flower. Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake and head into Fredericksburg to start the 13-mile loop. Another highlight here is Bandera, which is billed as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” – located less than 30 minutes from Medina Lake, this little town is worth a look-see.

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

Summer:

June is one of the best times of year to visit this part of Arizona before the heat of the summer sun makes hiking the beautiful Red Rock State Park a little too steamy! Book a tiny house stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and explore the gorgeous scenery with don’t miss highlights like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.

Head to the Jersey Shore for a summer vacation you’ll always remember. The Jersey Shore is great for sandy beaches, fun-and-games filled boardwalks and the rolling tide of the Atlantic Ocean where you can fish, jet ski and paddle board. There are several Jersey Shore options to glamp at – check out rentals at https://thousandtrails.com/atlantic-city-cape-may-rv-resorts.

Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort

Maine in late summer is a good time because the water is warm and the weather is not too hot. Book a cabin at camping resorts Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too and explore picturesque Bar Harbor and the stunning Acadia National Park with plenty of hiking trails. Enjoy the seafood, see the sunrise for Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain, or take in an outdoor concert on the Village Green.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

Autumn:

We like to think glamping and leaf-peeping pair well together in autumn. The Tuxbury Tiny House Village might be the perfect glamping spot to take in the beautiful foliage of New Hampshire. Nearby Odiorne State Park is one spot for great leaf-peeping and the Little Boar’s Head Seaside Trail is another option for a color show worth seeing!

If you want to explore the Florida Everglades, the best time just might be in November. This time of year is drier, which means less humidity and of course, less of those pesky mosquitoes. Choose from a glamping lodge cabin or bunkhouse at Encore Miami Everglades Resort and you’re less than 10 minutes from Everglades National Park.

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Retreat Ideas for Friends, Couples, and History Buffs!

This is the year of “the trip,” so take note of these ideas if 2024 is when you finally take the long overdue trip with your friends, or with your someone special, or the year you take the trip where you immerse yourself in culture or history.

Friends-Only Trips
Las Vegas-bound guys should book a cabin, or cabins, at Thousand Trails Las Vegas where the cabin selections can sleep 4, 5, or 6 for a great guys’ getaway. Activities can include the Richard Petty Driving Experience for a NASCAR ride that will not be forgotten. Kinda pricey but worth the thrill – check out drivepetty.com/lasvegas for info. Or, for a free, nature-driven, thrill, hike the 2-mile Calico Tanks Trail with its red, yellow, and orange sandstone formations in Red Rock Canyon. The Mob Museum (themobmuseum.org) takes a look into organized crime in the U.S. while the Neon Museum takes visitors through the Neon Boneyard, which is the resting place for the old neon signs that lit the famed Las Vegas Strip (neonmuseum.org).

Girls trips need to have plenty of time for shopping, pampering, and outdoor activity for good measure, so why not plan your next girls trip around Sedona, Arizona. Book a cabin, cottage or one of the two tiny houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and let the fun begin. Sedona has several healing vortexes, all of which can be reached via scenic hikes. For a map, visit sedona.net/vortex-map. These energy centers promote healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Self-care can also revolve around massages, spa treatments, and the like, so for a list of options check out visitsedona.com/spiritual-wellness/spas-salons. Downtown Sedona is great for shopping and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a great spot to buy gifts – for yourself or others!

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort
Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort

History and Culture
Miami, Florida, is often referred to as the Latin Capital of America in part due to its large population of Latin-American and Cuban-Americans. The culture of these ethnicities is prevalent throughout Miami so this is a great destination for a cultural immersion. Book a cabin at Encore Miami Everglades to get your trip off to a good start. Head to Little Havana and walk down Calle Ocho to see the colorful murals and enjoy the iconic Cubano Sandwich. A Cuban food tour is an option – visit miamiculinarytours.com to book one.

Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod
Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod

For an immersion in history, check out Boston. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a fabulous self-guided walking tour of the city that takes you past 16 historically significant locations. Then there’s Harvard, the first college in the American colonies founded in 1636, which welcomes visitors to walk the campus. The city of Cambridge itself is quite historic and several self-guided walking tours are available for download at https://historycambridge.org/self-guided-tours. Book a cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod or a tiny house at Tuxbury Tiny House Village for a Boston day trip.

The Romantic Gesture
Palm Springs is great for couples – there’s the sun, the scenery and lots of fun stuff to do for shared interests. Book a colorful cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and hit the desert with your honey. Take the Mod Squad Tour to learn about the architecture and modern design homes throughout Palm Springs (psmodsquad.com). Another architecture-based option would be to tour Sunnylands, in nearby Rancho Mirage, the former estate of Walter and Lee Annenberg, who hosted political, business, entertainment, and educational leaders on their 200-acre winter estate for decades. Sunnylands (sunnylands.org) offers a variety of interesting tours. Or, take the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway up to the of Mount San Jacinto and choose to hike, enjoy the views, or dine at the restaurant.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

What’s more romantic than the changing colors of autumn? Book a cabin at Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too this fall and leaf-peep to your heart’s content in Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park provides the opportunity to see the colors up close as well as enjoy some great hiking and biking trails. Stargaze at night at the Park’s Jordan Pond and wish upon a few for a happy life with your true love. Stroll across the water to Bar Island during low tide or enjoy a waterfront lobster bake at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, a Bar Harbor gem.

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Stay Cool With These Great Water Retreats

Door County – WI

The perfect mix for summer fun in the sun is some glamping with a side of water! And when we say water we mean the rivers, lakes, and oceans just waiting for you to enjoy near your favorite glamping spot. Here’s a water-based itinerary to keep in mind:

Wisconsin Water: Like its northern neighbor, Minnesota, Wisconsin has plenty of lakes and waterways to explore via canoe and kayak as well as for fishing fun. A few glamping options include Tranquil Timbers in Door County. Up here on this beautiful Wisconsin peninsula, you’re surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay. There are also several lakes in Door County including Kangaroo Lake in Baileys Harbor and Little Lake (named because it is the smallest) on Washington Island. Rent a cabin, cottage or yurt at Tranquil Timbers and explore the waters of Door County. Another fun Badger State glamping location with a lakeside location is Neshonoc Lakeside. Located on one of Wisconsin’s best fishing lakes for walleye, bass, northern pike, and perch, there are several glamping cabin rentals available here if you’re angling to fish this summer! And, you can’t forget the waterpark variety found in the Wisconsin Dells, aptly considered the water park capital of the world. The Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails is about 10 minutes from the action, and are a great choice for a unique and sustainable Dells getaway!

Neshonoc Lakeside – WI

Oceanside: If you’re wanting to spend your summer glamping oceanside, there are several options to choose from. The waters of the Atlantic can be easily accessed with a visit to our East Coast locations including Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too (rent a glamping cabin at these great Bar Harbor spots); with a tiny house rental at Tuxbury Pond Tiny House Village in New Hampshire; and the idyllic resort towns of Cape Cod (check out the cottage rentals at Gateway to Cape Cod). Heading south for warmer Atlantic waters? Check out the Florida glamping cabin rentals at Miami Everglades and Sunshine Key Tiny House Village in Big Pine Key. Pacific Coast options include  Oregon’s Pacific City or Seaside (rentals include glamping cabins and cottages), where the beach is just steps from the campground.

Encore Sunshine Key

Running the Rivers: Can we really divide people into ocean, lake, and river people? If you feel more in tune with rivers, then consider these glamping locations, including the one where a river literally runs through it. That one is California’s Ponderosa, which has the South Fork of the American river running through it. A great place for rafting, tubing, and canoeing with great glamping cabin rentals. Head to Bend, Oregon to explore all the Little Deschutes River has to offer. Rent a glamping cabin, cottage, or yurt at Bend-Sunriver and paddle, tube, or canoe the scenic waterway and enjoy the view.

Thousand Trails Ponderosa

Lake Life: When you glamp with Petite Retreats, living the lake life while glamping is one sure thing. Countless glamping locations are located lakeside. So, if your mantra for your next glamping trip is “Sorry can’t. Lake. Bye.” then we have some choices for you. Lake Minden, located in California’s Sacramento Valley, has a 41-acre private lake onsite that is perfect for boating or fishing for catfish or largemouth bass. Lake life in the foothills of the Sierras? Texas has lake offerings too including Lake Conroe with its 22,000-acre lake world-famous for fishing and great glamping cabin rentals. Speaking of rentals, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes are also available for rent. Alabama’s Hidden Cove sits on Smith Lake known for its crystal clear waters and great fishing. Rent a glamping cottage or cabin and see for yourself.

Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

So much water, so little time! Check out petiteretreats.com and see what body of water can be found at your favorite glamping location.

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Take the Ultimate Road Trip with These Two Scenic Coastal Drives

Let’s face it, we’ve got some great coastlines in this country. There’s the Pacific Coast that stretches from way up north in Washington down south to San Diego, California; there’s the rugged coastline of New England, the Florida Coast, the Gulf Coast, and on and on. And that means lots of choices for coastal drives. If you’re looking to glamp and do a coastal drive, consider these two options:

California 1 (Monterey to Santa Barbara): Spend a few days glamping in a cottage or yurt at Marina Dunes and prep for your scenic drive to your next destination in Santa Barbara. The distance between Monterey and Santa Barbara is approximately 250 miles and there is plenty to see along the way. While in Monterey, don’t miss historic Cannery Row, Monterey State Historic Park, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Heading out, you may want to start the day right with a quick morning hike at Pfeiffer Falls in Big Sur and then head south. If you’re interested in how the mega-rich lived back in the day, stop at San Simeon, and take an early tour of the Hearst Castle (plan ahead by visiting hearstcastle.org). Hop back on the road and plan a stop at Morro Bay to see a simpler life as the harbor seals frolic just offshore. A shot of Morro Rock is definitely an Instagram-must. Lunch in the hip San Luis Obispo where possibilities include High Street Deli & Market or the Madonna Inn Copper Café and on to Santa Barbara – unless you want to make a stop in Solvang – an absolutely delightful town oozing Danish charm with its shops, architecture, Danish cuisine, and wineries. Now settle in for a few days and enjoy Santa Barbara attractions including the Santa Barbara Zoo, at least one sunset from Stearns Wharf, and possibly a tour of the Santa Barbara missions.

Route 1 (Wells, Maine to Bar Harbor, Maine): Start your trip with a few well-spent days in a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Moody Beach in Wells, which should be all about Ogunquit Beach. The expansive beach with scenic views was voted a top-25 beach in 2021 by TripAdvisor Travelers. When you’re beached-out, get set for charming Bar Harbor, approximately 221 miles north. OK, so the first stop is almost immediate, but Kennebunkport is worth a look-see. The rustic stone St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, dating back to 1887, is one don’t miss, while the Goat Island Lighthouse on Cape Porpoise is another. Further up the road apiece is the state’s first lighthouse, Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park. Don’t miss the opportunity to try a potato donut (an invention during the Depression) at The Holy Donut, with two locations in Portland. Now, settle in for about two hours before you reach Bangor and get ready to snap a pic or two of the 31-foot statue of Paul Bunyan, the lumberjack hero of both American and Canadian folklore. While in Bangor, check out the Victorian mansion that is home to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation – pay special attention to the front gate with its wrought iron bats and spider web. King is a Bangor native and did live in the house at one time but does not any longer. Charming Bar Harbor awaits for your next glamping destination (glamping rentals at Mount Desert Narrows and Narrows Too are perfect for this trip) and things to do include a visit to Acadia National Park, a whale-watching cruise, the Land Bridge to Bar Island, and maybe a Savor Bar Harbor Culinary tour (mainedayadventeures.com).

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5 of The Most Beautiful Places in America

There are all kinds of lists when it comes to the most beautiful places in America. Some are based simply on the natural scenery (think the Texas Hill Country during the bluebonnets bloom time or the colorful fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway come autumn) while others focus on the charm a specific place exudes like the Bavarian-styled Leavenworth, Washington, or the iconic New England villages dotting the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Whatever the reason, it cannot be disputed that America is indeed America the Beautiful. We’ve listed a few to check out when glamping with Petite Retreats.

Lake Tahoe (California): Lake Tahoe made busytourist.com’s list which cites the sheer beauty of this freshwater lake as the reason. The waters of this 22-mile long lake are crystal clear and because of the roughly 1,600-foot depth, the colors of the water range from green-blue to dark navy blue. Surrounded by the snow-capped Sierras, the lake is a sight to behold. Book a cozy cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley and explore the area. Emerald Bay is said to be the most beautiful spot within this beautiful location.

Thor’s Well (Oregon): Can a sinkhole be beautiful? Oregon’s Thor’s Well certainly proves the possibility. This 20-foot deep sinkhole that is believed to be a collapsed sea cave is a sight to be seen. Not only are the ocean views amazing, but come high tide, waves cause a violent spray to come out of the top. Stay in your choice of a cottage or cabin at nearby Thousand Trails Whalers Rest and take a drive south down the coast to see this natural phenomenon.

Skagit Valley Tulips (Washington): Come spring, the Skagit Valley in Washington State comes alive with color as more than 300 acres of tulips are in bloom. There is an annual Tulip Festival that runs from April to early May (tulipfestival.org). Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails La Conner to take in this beautiful blooming location.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

Acadia National Park (Maine): The rocky shores, the granite peaks, soaring trees, several ponds, and wildlife combine to make this New England national park one of the most beautiful places in the country. Stay in a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too in our Bar Harbor location and enjoy the scenic Acadia National Park.

Hamilton Pool Preserve (Texas): An historic watering hole in Texas makes the list thanks to the emerald green waters of Hamilton Pool Preserve which is fed by a 50-foot waterfall and nested at the basin of a limestone grotto. Definitely worth a visit – so plan to check it out and reserve a cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake which is about 40 miles away.

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5 Great July Getaways

According to globalgrasshopper.com (a blog team that consists of “self-confessed travel snobs), the locations listed below are some of the best places to travel to in July. Luckily, the fabulous Petite Retreats glamping accommodations in these locations provide the perfect complement to have one of the best July trips you’ve ever taken!

Citing the idyllic back drop of Frenchman’s Bay, the top-notch eateries and the charm of the downtown area, Bar Harbor, Maine made the list. Make a reservation at either Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too and get set for a New England destination full of food, fun, and outdoor activity. Highlights of a Bar Harbor getaway include Acadia National Park; whale-watching excursions; several history museums and lots of shopping. For something different, consider Diver Ed’s Dive-in Theater (diveintheater.com), which offers a great way to learn about the sea creatures that reside here.

On the other coast – Pacific, that is – the “travel snobs” believe Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a great July pick for a trip due to the stunning scenery and sea life that can be seen here at this time. Toss in the great pics you can take of Haystack Rock with a summer sky backdrop and that’s reason enough. If you need more, there’s the Cannon Beach Farmers Market, which runs every Tuesday; the “BUSKERS in the Park” Thursday night concerts in the City Park, craft brews from Cannon Beach brewpubs, Pelican Brewing Company and Public Coast Brewing, plus outdoor activities that include surfing, fishing, hiking, and plenty of nature walks. Reserve a cabin at Seaside and explore this Pacific Coast gem.

Cabin at Seaside RV Campround
Cabin at Seaside RV Campround

Is there a bad time to visit Monterey, California? We doubt it, but according to globalgrasshopper, Monterey is great in July thanks to the temperature and al fresco dining opportunities. Renting the glamping tent or cottage at Marina Dunes is also perfect in July, so stay with us while you explore July in Monterey. The Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival is set for the weekend of July 16-17 and the 19th Monterey Beer Festival is set for Saturday, July 30. More fun in Monterey includes visits to the charming seaside village of Carmel-by-the-Sea; the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the stunningly scenic 17-Mile-Drive. Oh, and by the way, al fresco dining options can include Abalonetti Bar & Grill and Loulou’s Griddle in the Middle.

Looking to go lakeside? Book a cottage complete with a screened-in porch at Kenisee Lake and head to charming Geneva-on-the-Lake. The lake here is Lake Erie and the quaint town is billed as “Ohio’s First Summer Resort.” The blogging travel snobs like this location because of the numerous lakeside beaches, the zip lines and adventure courses, and the local breweries and wineries. The Vines and Wines Trail has over 30 wineries and vineyards and details can be found at ohiowines.org. The Strip, the town’s version of a boardwalk, is home to shops and restaurants, and other fun attractions like a mini-golf course. Breakwater Beach is great for beach lovers and Geneva State Park will provide a great fix for hiking enthusiasts. Lake Erie Canopy Tours (lakeeriecanopytours.com) receives high praise from users for its patient and professional guides as well as the variety of course options.

Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground
Cottage at Kenisee Lake RV Campground

Historic Boston makes the list and that’s fitting since they really know how to celebrate Independence Day. Aside from the big party on the 4th, Boston is noted for the concerts at the Hatch Shell and Shakespeare on the Common, both free events in July, whale watching and the food and craft beer scene. There are also baseball games at Fenway Park, the historic and very walkable Freedom Trail, harbor cruises, and some of the best Italian dining to be found in the North End (don’t miss the cannoli from Mike’s Pastry)! The Rose Kennedy Greenway is another place where you can always find something going on, including Greenway Food Trucks where over 35 food trucks offer all kinds of specialties from seafood to Korean options daily; a farmer’s market each Tuesday and Thursday and a beer and wine garden. Book a stay at either Sturbridge or Gateway to Cape Cod and head into Boston to discover a great summertime city.

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Best Photo Op Spots

Sam Abell, a photographer well-known for his amazing photos for National Geographic through the years said, “Essentially what photography is is life lit up.” Light up your life this month and get outdoors and take some amazing pics of your life’s adventures. After all, it is National Photography Month. Back in the day, excellence in photography required all kinds of gear. Now it’s simply using your ever-present smartphone to capture the people and scenery experienced during your travels. Here are a few spots to visit for some guaranteed spectacular shots.

California: The varied landscape of California makes for plenty of great photos (not to mention all kinds of outdoor fun). Consider a stay in a cabin or cottage at Russian River and head to nearby Guerneville to capture the majestic giant redwoods; or book at yurt at Yosemite Lakes and try your luck at photographing a moonbow at Yosemite Falls. Late May and early June are prime time for this opportunity and for specific times and details, check out yosemitemoonbow.com.

Florida: The Sunshine State is full of all kinds of great photo ops, from the crocodiles in the Everglades to the characters of Disney World. But one off the beaten path location that makes for great photos is Kelly Park, home to the amazing Rock Springs. Book a colorful cottage at Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee and spend the day photographing the natural beauty of Kelly Park/Rock Springs.

Maine: According to goxplr.com, there are at least 17 great photo opportunities in Maine’s Acadia National Park. Those include the view from atop the Park’s Cadillac Mountain, Schoodic Point, Jordan Pond, and the Park’s wild gardens. Choose your basecamp from either Mount Desert Narrows or Narrows Too, book a cozy cabin, and see if you can capture all 17. For a complete list, go to www.goxplr.com/maine/guide-to-acadia-national-park.

Photo Captured from Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort
Photo Captured from Mount Desert Narrows Camping Resort

Oregon: May is said to be a great time to capture the rushing waters of Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. The melting snows of winter make a May visit to the falls worth the trip. Plus, the budding wildflowers are an added bonus. Book a tiny house at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and get set to capture plenty of breathtaking images in this area, including majestic Mt. Hood of course.

Pennsylvania: Although the covered bridges found throughout Lancaster County are man-made, they still provide some pretty unique opportunities for great photos if you’re planning to spend some time in this beautiful area of Pennsylvania. With 29 covered bridges sprinkled throughout the County, there are plenty of choices. Some of the most popular include Pine Grove Covered Bridge and Zook’s Mill Covered Bridge. For a list of bridges and covered bridge tour opportunities, visit discoverlancaster.com/things-to-do/covered-bridges. A cottage or yurt rental at Circle M makes for a great stay while snapping the bridges.

Bay Landing • Bridgeport, TX
Bay Landing • Bridgeport, TX

Texas: Are you a fan of Bridgerton? If so, you might want to plan a visit for you and your camera to the Rose Garden at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. The garden rivals anything you might see on the popular Netflix series, and you can make-believe you’re waiting for Lady Whistledown to write you into the story. Book a cabin at nearby Bay Landing and explore the gardens. The months of May and June promise plenty of blooms from the Garden’s jasmines, hydrangeas, dogwoods, and southern magnolias.

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Not your Average Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day has been traditionally celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday of May since 1914 but the tradition to honor Mothers dates to Ancient Greece. Here are a few things to think about when considering what to gift Mom with this year – Mother’s Day is the busiest day for restaurants; it’s the third highest selling holiday for plants and flowers; and more phone calls are made on this day than any other in the year. So, if you want your celebration to be like everyone else, by all means buy the flowers, book the restaurant, and give Mom a call. But, if you think your honoree is extra special and want the celebration to be unique, just like her, check out these options. And remember, whether you celebrate on May 9, or choose another day – these are all still good ideas!

Cabin at Spring Gulch in New Holland, PA.

Take in a Farmer’s Market: Plan a stay in an oh, so tranquil yurt at Tall Chief and head into Seattle to explore the iconic, and always entertaining, Pike Place Market. If you’re there during Mother’s Day Weekend, check out the Market’s 13th Annual Flower Festival that runs May 8-9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you book a cabin at Pennsylvania’s Appalachian or Spring Gulch, you’re about an hour’s drive from Philadelphia’s Headhouse Farmer’s Market which is open on Sundays and features 50 rotating vendors. Taking in Santa Barbara for a Mother’s Day holiday? Book your stay at Rancho Oso and then consider a Sunday drive down the sunny California coast to Santa Monica to explore the city’s Downtown Farmer’s Market that runs from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Waterfall in Portland Japanese Garden.

Walk Through a Garden: Reserve a charming tiny house at Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and then spend the day in nearby Portland taking in the views at the city’s Japanese Garden. Spread over 5.5 acres, the garden is serene and tranquil with several different gardens including the Tea Garden and the Natural Garden. For information and reservations for timed visits, go to japanesegarden.org. The Wild Gardens of Acadia can be found in Maine’s Acadia National Park and feature over 400 species of flowers, shrubs, trees and other plants native to the area. For more details visit acadiamagic.com. For the perfect accommodation when visiting Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, book a colorful cottage at Narrows Too in nearby Trenton.

Botanical gardens of Acadia National Park in Maine.

Get Active (sort of): Try an e-bike (pedal-assisted) and enjoy the scenery of Leavenworth, Washington. The Leavenworth Mountain Tour explores downtown Leavenworth as well as Icicle Creek Canyon and the historic Leavenworth Ski Hill. Visit bavarianebiketours.com for more details. Book one of the five tiny houses at Leavenworth Tiny House Village for your stay. Or try something a bit out of the ordinary, but very trendy, and take a goat yoga class. Check out Legacy Lane Farm in Stratham, New Hampshire, which offers goat yoga classes every Sunday, and also has a Country Home Store onsite that sells handmade lotions and soaps made from goat’s milk. To continue your Namaste kind of day, book a tiny house accommodation at Tuxbury Tiny House Village and relax after a day at the farm.

Tiny House Emerson at Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, NH.

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Book Tour

Exeter, New Hampshire, birthplace of John Irving, the novelist.

National Read A Book Day is observed annually on September 6. We’re feeling a little bookish this month and are ready for an adventure that’s one for the books!

Take a page from our Book Tour travel guide, and head to these cities that were either the setting for a famous book or the hometown and/or inspiration for some of the most famous authors in the US.

Cozy cabins at Narrows Too in Bar Harbor, Maine.

One of the most prolific writers of horror and supernatural fiction, Stephen King was born in Portland, Maine. Plan a trip to Maine and stay with us in a cozy cabin at our Bar Harbor resorts, Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too, and then head about an hour northwest and explore the town of Bangor. In addition to seeing King’s current residence, you can check out some sites related to King’s novels in Bangor that include the Paul Bunyan Statue located in Bass Park that was featured in It, and Mount Hope Cemetery which was featured in Pet Sematary.

Fisherman’s wharf in Monterey, California.

John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, and the area became the inspiration for so many of his classic novels. Book a stay in a cabin, cottage, or ultra-unique safari tent at Morgan Hill RV Resort and you’re less than 50 miles from Steinbeck’s California. Visit Monterey, the setting for his acclaimed Depression-era novel Cannery Row, which depicted life in the town known as the Sardine Capital of the World. Don’t miss the Cannery Row tour. The town was also the setting for Tortilla Flat, the novel that earned both commercial and critical success for the author. Steinbeck’s home and the National Steinbeck Center can be found in Salinas.

The town of Exeter, New Hampshire.

John Irving, author of many novels including The World According to Garp and Hotel New Hampshire, is a native of New Hampshire and attended the University of New Hampshire. If you’re considering a stay with us at the Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, you’ll be less than 10 miles from Exeter, which is not only Irving’s birthplace, but also the model for the town of Gravesend, featured in the bestseller, A Prayer for Owen Meany. Fans of the movie Cider House Rules, which was based on Irving’s novel of the same name, will be interested to know that three scenes from the movie were filmed at the Northfield Drive-In in Hinsdale, which is still in operation and is about 100 miles from the Tuxbury Tiny House Village.

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

Ernest Hemingway and Key West, Florida, pretty much go hand in hand. Not only did he write about Key West in his novel To Have and Have Not, but he also spent many years living on the island. Undoubtably one of Key West’s most famous residents, the town honors Hemingway every July during Hemingway Days. Book a stay with us at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village (where we have a tiny house named after him!) and head down to explore Hemingway’s Key West. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, which is located in the house in which Hemingway lived for over 10 years, offers tours of the home and garden. The Blue Heaven saloon was a favorite of the authors and visitors today can enjoy breakfast or lunch here. Another favorite Hemingway haunt was Sloppy Joe’s. Famous for its sandwich of the same name, the bar pays tribute to Papa with an annual look-alike contest.