Tag: outdoor recreation

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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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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