Tag: Pacific Northwest

Where to Stay in a Yurt for an Unforgettable Trip

Aside from being the ultra-hip accommodation as the glamping trend continues to gain popularity, a yurt offers so much for a glamping getaway. If you’re new to glamping, or a tried-and-true camper looking for something different, you will quickly find out that the yurt offers a very unique space that has all the amenities you could imagine. Cable TV, bathroom accommodations within the space, comfy bunks, a kitchenette, electricity and plenty of room for activities! Plus, you don’t have to duck when you stand up. This all goes without even mentioning the sense of well-being that is associated with the modern versions of these age-old dwellings. The circular shape of the yurt is said to provide a sense of connection as well as relaxation. So, booking a yurt for your next glamping trip would be an ideal way to get back to being connected with family, friends, nature and your well-being. Here are some options:

Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

California: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs in Oregon House has three yurt accommodations, one of which is pet friendly. Located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this location is excellent for hiking and trail-riding, plus there are onsite activities provided by the 120-acre private lake including boating, fishing and swimming. If you’re looking to get in some white-water rafting, consider a yurt stay at one of the two yurt options at Thousand Trails Snowflower in Emigrant Gap which is nearby to the Truckee River. The town of Truckee has some great historical museums, as well as dining and shopping opportunities. Planning to explore Yosemite National Park? If that’s on your getaway list, book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes. With 5 yurts, choose your location of a meadow setting, hillside setting or riverside setting.

Yurts at Mt. Hood Village
Yurts at Mt. Hood Village

Oregon: Yurt accommodations in Oregon include coastal locations (Thousand Trails Pacific City and Thousand Trails South Jetty), near Portland in the beautiful Mt. Hood area (Mt. Hood Village Campground) and in the town of Bend, considered the “outdoor playground of the West” (Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver). Bend offers four yurt options, with one being pet-friendly; Mt. Hood has two, both of which are pet-friendly, while coastal locations Pacific City and South Jetty offer two and four, respectively. While Bend offers hiking, biking and craft breweries, the Mt. Hood area is known for the Timberline Lodge and outdoor activities as well as annual festivals like the Huckleberry Festival and Sasquatch Festival. Coastal adventures at both Pacific City and South Jetty include lighthouse tours, beachcombing and countless dune trails to explore.

Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt
Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt

Pennsylvania: The beautiful rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, combined with a yurt accommodation at Thousand Trails Circle M sounds like a perfectly peaceful glamping getaway. Choose from one of the two yurts located here and explore Lancaster County. Bike trails range from easy rides (the Conestoga Greenway is 1.3 miles) to more strenuous (the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is 14 miles), while hiking trails are numerous and varied as well. Of course, there is the option to immerse yourself in the Amish culture with traditional dinners and tours or take a ghost tour, shop the Lancaster Central Market, which has been operating for over 300 years or take a cool covered bridge tour of the 30 surviving covered bridges in the area.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Mt. Vernon
Yurt at Thousand Trails Mount Vernon

Washington: With five different glamping locations with yurt accommodations in Washington State, you can “yurt” your way through this fabulous Pacific Northwest destination feeling super connected to nature all along the way. Thousand Trails Grandy Creek is your gateway to Puget Sound and all things Mt. Baker while Thousand Trails Mount Vernon is great for nearby hiking trails and day trips to the San Juan Islands. Thousand Trails Long Beach is perfect for a glamping beach getaway and a stroll on the town’s historic boardwalk while Thousand Trails Paradise puts you in Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens territory. Looking to visit Seattle, consider a yurt accommodation at Tall Chief Campground and you’re less than 30 miles from Seattle attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Wisconsin: “Explore the Door” as they say when you visit the 75-mile-long peninsula known as Door County. The yurt accommodations at Tranquil Timbers Campground sleep five and are the perfect place to call home while you do all the exploring of this great area that has outdoor activities, art galleries, quaint towns, plenty of shopping and dining experiences, and “uniquely Door County” experiences like fish boils and goats on restaurant roofs (Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant). Peninsula State Park is great for hiking and biking while those in the know say the villages of Egg Harbor and Fish Creek are best for shopping. Take the ferry over to Washington Island for a change-up in the beautiful scenery and visit Nelsen’s Hall for a traditional shot of bitters!

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5 Things to Do in Leavenworth, WA

If you’re heading to the ultra-charming Pacific Northwest city of Leavenworth to get in the holiday spirit, you’re in for a holiday treat. If you’re heading there for outdoor experiences, you’re still in for a treat. To start this wonderful getaway, book a cabin or a tiny house at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village, pack your snow gear and your holiday best and head to the Pacific Northwest! There’s plenty to see and do here, but we picked five things to get you started:

Leavenworth Tiny House Villlage at Christmas
Leavenworth Tiny House Village at Christmastime

1. However you celebrate the holiday season, you have to admit that reindeer, nutcrackers and snow play into any holiday theme and Leavenworth has all of that. The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum (nutcrackermuseum.com) located in town displays nutcrackers from the 12th and 13th centuries to modern day. After you’ve explored, pick up your own souvenir nutcracker at the Nutcracker Lady Gift Shop. The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is a great experience as well, but book soon if you’re visiting in December, because they are kinda busy in December doing reindeer stuff! With this interesting experience, you will learn about reindeer and have a chance to feed them and take pics with them. For hours and more info, visit leavenworthreindeerfarm.com.

2. A stroll through downtown Leavenworth during the holiday season will have you thinking you’ve been transported to the set of a holiday movie. Pinch yourself, this beautiful Bavarian-style city is very real, and you can experience the half a million twinkling lights, the carolers, the hot cocoa and even Mr. & Mrs. Claus! On weekends, there are strolling carolers, photos with Santa, and live performances from the Sugar Plums, an award-winning holiday choir, in the town’s gazebo. The Leavenworth Festhalle has a gingerbread house exhibition, Santa costumes from around the world, photo ops and hot cocoa and snacks.

Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth, WA

3. Outdoor experiences here are as plentiful as the snowflakes that fall annually. Head to Lake Wenatchee State Park that offers over 30 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, 12 miles of marked snowshoe trails, and a sled hill. For downhill skiing and snowboarding, check out Leavenworth Ski Hill. Other outdoor fun here includes fat biking, sledding and ski hill jumping. For details on Ski Hill, visit skileavenworth.com. Or sit back and let someone else do the work as you explore the outdoors on a sleigh ride – yep, you can dash through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh that accommodates 6 passengers and comes complete with hot cider to be enjoyed around the fire in the barn at the end of your unique sleigh ride. For details and reservations, visit leavenworthsleighrides.com.

4. Knowing your cozy tiny house is waiting for you at the end of the day, a day trip to Seattle can be fun coming and going! In a little over two hours, you can be in the Emerald City and enjoy the attractions including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Winter Brilliance at the Chihuly Garden and Glass House, which has a special light and music installation running through February 2025. There’s also the Seattle Christmas Market, which runs through December 24, and has holiday displays, live entertainment and artisan shops to find that perfect holiday gift!

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

5. Toast the holidays in a variety of ways with a visit to Leavenworth’s Icicle Brewing Company’s taproom, located on Front Street in the downtown – drop in for Thursday Night Trivia or the special Holiday Market from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11. If you want a wine toast, there are several tasting rooms on Front Street including Icicle Ridge Winery and the WooHoo Winery Tasting Room.

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The 12 Ways of Glamping

Everyone has their own ways to kick off the fun of the holidays, but our preferred method is through glamping! Here are 12 places to consider for a holiday season glamp.

1. Bend, Oregon: Book a glamping cottage, cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver to start. Bend is great for outdoor winter activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. You can ice skate at The Pavillion, which even has night skating, or for foodie fun, visit The Podski, which offers a variety of local food trucks and live music.

2. Mt. Hood, Oregon: Another great Pacific Northwest location for snow fun. Of course, a tiny house at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect spot to stay when exploring the great outdoors in Mt. Hood. Don’t miss the historic Timberline Lodge and the iconic Mt. Hood Skibowl, which is great for night skiing.

3. Nashville, Tennessee: The Natchez Trace Tiny House Village is a perfect home base for exploring the sights and sounds of Nashville and the surrounding area. For holiday lights, check out the 10th Annual Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Gardens or Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo. For an all-out holiday extravaganza head to Gaylord Opryland to experience Christmas at Gaylord Opryland with all kinds of festivities, light displays, ice carvings, holiday treats, gingerbread competitions and more.

Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

4. Orlando, Florida: The colorful cottages at Encore Tropical Palms are the glamping accommodation to book when planning a trip to the Orlando area during the holiday season. The Magic Kingdom holiday events include EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays (through December 30) while Universal Orlando has Christmas at Hogwarts and Celebrate Grinchmas, and of course all the local downtown areas including Kissimmee and St. Cloud will have festive lights, holiday décor and a variety of holiday events.

5. Palm Springs, California: How about a desert holiday countdown? A sunny cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs in Palm Desert puts you in perfect proximity to enjoy the special Holiday Market which is part of the regular Thursday evening VillageFest, Wildlights at the Living Desert (through December 30) and Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum that will feature 60 tons of real snow, plus Santa and hot cocoa and is scheduled for December 20-22.

6. Monterey, California: A cool yurt at Marina Dunes RV Resort can host you during a holiday getaway to explore California’s Monterey Bay area. Holiday events include Christmas on the Wharf, which runs weekends through December 22 and Ice Skating on the Bay, which features an outdoor ice rink open through January 5.

7. Key West, Florida: Spend several days ringing in the holidays in the sunny Florida Keys and consider these events to get you in the spirit: The Key West Artisan Market (December 15, 22 and 29); the Key West Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours (evenings through December 23); the Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat parade on Big Pine Key (December 13) and Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade on Marathon (December 14). Take your pick from a tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Encore Fiesta Key

8. Lake Tahoe, California: Head to Tahoe Valley Campground and rent a glamping cottage or cabin to enjoy the events at this gorgeous location which include the Northern Lights Festival at Incline Village (through December 25) and the spectacular Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Granlibakken Tahoe where skiers illuminate the ski hill with torches followed by the arrival of Santa and his elves.

9. San Diego, California: If holiday parades are your things, consider a getaway to San Diego which has at least 5 different holiday-themed parades running through December including the Gaslamp Pet Parade (December 14) and the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (December 27). Holiday light shows include the All that Jazz Light Show Spectacular on Coronado Island (through January 5) and the Old Town Trolley Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour, which runs through December (note: does not run on December 24 and 25). For your accommodation, Thousand Trails Pio Pico in Jamul has you covered with cabins and cottages!

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico

10. Miami, Florida: Choose from a variety of glamping accommodations at Encore Miami Everglades and take in the holiday events planned in the area. Night at the Garden, which runs through January 2025, is a neon wonderland at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden while Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, is billed as a “Candyland-inspired spectacle” that features thousands of lights, amusement rides and several immersive installations that promise to provide the perfect backdrop for a photo (through January 5); and Zoo Lights Miami which runs through December 30.

11. Dallas, Texas: Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing to be near the holiday fun in the Big D which includes the “12 Days of Christmas” exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; Dallas Zoo Lights (through January 4) and SNOWDAY at Galleria Dallas which is winter wonderland of 20 different holiday-themed rooms, including a 1970s Christmas-themed RV.

Bay Landing RV Campground
Thousand Trails Bay Landing Cabins

12. Yosemite National Park: In addition to the beautiful scenery and the outdoor activity, Yosemite National Park also offers several holiday events including a Gingerbread Workshop (book soon; this event sells out fast) on December 21 or December 23 or ice skating at the Curry Village Rink, with great views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. If you still have gifts to buy, consider something from the Ansel Adams Gallery which offers several gift collections. Book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and you’re less than 15 minutes from the Park’s entrance.

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Good Things Come in Small Packages

The meaning of the saying “good things come in small packages” is basically that things don’t need to be large to be good. In the case of our Petite Retreat accommodations, that saying is spot on. Take our tiny houses for example, they are small but they are mighty when you consider they are full of amenities like kitchens and full bathrooms, and have plenty of indoor and outdoor space for fun. Not to mention how cute they are inside and out! The same goes for our cabins, yurts, and cottages. While the amenities may vary here, they all provide just the right amount of space you need to have a great glamping adventure. When it comes to our tiny homes, we say “go tiny or go home,” and when it comes to all of our Petite Retreats we think a good adage may be “go small and go glamping.” You just cannot lose with these small packages! So, in the spirit of the holiday, consider some of these “good things in small packages” when planning your upcoming glamping trips!


These small packages come with the added bonus of location. And to use another well known phrase, location is everything. The Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, Washington, has five great tiny homes to choose from and is in a stunning Pacific Northwest location near the super charming Bavarian-style village of Leavenworth. Plus this destination offers some of the best outdoor activities in the area that include fishing, skiing, hiking, and biking. Then there’s the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, with seven tiny homes, in the beautiful Mt. Hood area of Oregon. Mountains, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are your playground when staying at Mt. Hood and there’s a lot of unique festivals to check out like the Annual Salmon, Mushroom, and Bigfoot Festival or the Huckleberry Festival that features all kinds of foods centered around the local huckleberry like pancakes and jams. Arizona’s tiny house offerings include those at Thousand Trails Verde Valley that are set among the backdrop of the healing Red Rocks in Sedona, Arizona. East coast options include Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire. Close to Boston and the beaches of the Atlantic, it provides a great glamping place to enjoy a New England adventure and there are five tiny homes to choose from here.

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


Looking for some southern hospitality? Check out Natchez Trace Tiny House Village nestled in the woodlands of Tennessee and yet just about an hour’s drive from all the fun of Nashville. There are six tiny homes here. The charming southern towns of Franklin and Leipers Fork are also nearby. Then there’s the fab five, equally colorful, tiny houses at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village in the Florida Keys. Explore Key West, Key Largo and all the other don’t-miss attractions The Keys have to offer.

Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails
Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails

How about staying in the newest trend when it comes to glamping? Plan a trip this summer to Wisconsin, specifically the famed summer vacation playland known as The Wisconsin Dells and book a stay at our Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails. Yes, storage containers are experiencing a renaissance and they have become the hottest glamping accommodation around. Five storage containers, all of them featuring a kitchen and full bath, are roomy and colorful and so on-trend, everyone will be jealous of your glamping trip. These units are upcycled, giving the shipping containers a second life as a one-of-a-kind rental accommodation.

Beyond the fabulous tiny homes, Petite Retreats also include cabins, cottages, and yurts. Couple these unique accommodations with their locations, like Palm Springs, near Yosemite National Park, New York’s Adirondack Region, Maine’s charming Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, around the Pacific Northwest, loads of Florida spots including Orlando, as well as the Midwest, we can say for sure these glamping options are definitely the epitome of “good things in small packages.”

Go ahead and give yourself a gift this holiday and book a stay at one, or all, of these great glamping locations!

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5 Things to Do In Portland

Rip City, Stumptown, City of Roses, Bridgetown, Portlandia. Whatever you want to call Portland, which does in fact carry the nicknames mentioned here for a variety of reasons, Oregon’s largest city is a great one to visit for many reasons. While exploring the area, stay in a tiny house, cabin, or yurt at Mt. Hood Village to get the best of both worlds: a little bit of nature while keeping Portland weird. Here are five things to do while visiting the area:

  1. As green as Portland is (it was named the third greenest city in 2021 in a Wallethub study), spending lots of your own personal “green” doesn’t have to be first and foremost here. There are so many things to do in Portland that are free, and we mean absolute zero cost to enjoy these things. The Saturday Market featuring 350 artisans is free (what you buy is up to you); browsing through the books at Powell’s City of Books, considered the world’s largest independent book store, is free (again, avid readers may have a different outcome); Elk Rock Gardens, a hidden gem of a botanical garden, is free; and access to Forest Park, Portland’s 5200-acre urban forest, is absolutely free and visitors can hike, bike, or simply stroll along the trails to see wildlife and beautiful greenery.
  2. Eat, drink and be weird! Another slogan associated with the city is “Keep Portland Weird” which came about when a blog compared Austin and Portland to see which city was “weirder.” One of the reasons Portland took top billing was the Voodoo Doughnut shop, which after opening in 2003 wedged between two nightclubs, quickly became the hippest spot to enjoy sweet treats. To enjoy a Voodoo Bubble (a donut topped with a piece of Double Bubble gum) or a chocolate-iced Voodoo Doll, visit the original in Old Town, or the second Portland location on Davis Street. Of course, coffee and doughnuts go together, so consider a tour with Third Wave Coffee Tours, which offers a variety of tours to taste Portland’s coffee offerings and are said to have had a following all their own long before that other Pacific Northwest based coffee place! For tour info, visit thirdwavecoffeetours.com.
Hiking around Portland
  1. Portland outdoor adventure has several options from on the waters to in the mountains. Consider a kayak ride on the Willamette River that takes you through the downtown area with great skyline views. Take a trip to Sauvie Island (about 30 minutes outside the city) which has several trails for hiking and biking as well as Sauvie Island Farms (sauvieislandfarms.com) which offers u-pick opportunities for seasonal fruits and veggies. Don’t miss Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall, located along the historic Columbia River Highway. Several viewing platforms are available along the route and the falls can also be seen via a moderate hike.
  2. Eating and Drinking – Part Two: A visit to Portland must include a stop in the city’s Pearl District, home to breweries, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. The galleries host First Thursdays on the first Thursday of each month where art galleries stay open late and live music and other entertainment are often featured. Wine tours of the nearby Willamette wineries are an option (check out willamettewines.com) and City Brew Tours have options for tours to taste some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest beers (citybrewtours.com). For foodie options, consider checking out many of the “food carts” in the city, especially The Cart Blocks in Ankeny Square. Just south of the Pearl District is 1927 S’mores, a gourmet s’mores shop that will have you falling in love with this campfire taste treat. Appropriately themed like a cabin, visitors can choose from s’mores flavors such as coco raspberry, moose tracks, whiskey salted caramel, seasonal options, and more, including the classic chocolate and marshmallow combo.
  3. Whatever the nickname you prefer, to find out the history of Portland, visit some of these interesting museums that tell the story of the area – the World Forestry Center, located in Washington Park; the Oregon Rail Heritage Center; the Oregon Maritime Museum, housed in an historic steam-powered tug on the Willamette River and the Oregon Historical Society Museum, home to the Portland Penny which was flipped in 1845 to determine the city’s name – it was Portland or Boston!
Cabin at Mt. Hood Village Resort
Cabin at Mt. Hood Village Resort

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5 Things to Do on the Oregon Coast

What makes a visit to the Oregon Coast so great is that there’s so much to see and do and it’s pretty easy to see it all on one memorable road trip thanks to the easy coastal route from the tip top of the Beaver State down to southern Oregon.

From a glamping standpoint, there are several stops along the Oregon Coast road trip route that allow you to take the time to drive the coast and stop off for a night or two to explore the quaint towns and great beaches and all there is to see and do there. Pacific City in Cloverdale would be the northern most spot for accommodations, followed by South Jetty, in Florence; Seaside in Seaside; with Whalers Rest in South Beach being the southernmost spot to stay. All are conveniently located to the area highlights and offer a mix of cozy cabins and yurts.  

After settling in to your glamping accommodation, check out these 5 things to do on the Oregon Coast.

Cabin at Pacific City RV & Camping Resort, Cloverdale, OR
Cabin at Pacific City RV & Camping Resort, Cloverdale, OR

Lighthouse Tours: There are 11 remaining lighthouses along the rugged Pacific coastline in Oregon and several allow tours. One great way to see these structures is a drive along the Oregon coast, taking photos when you can and visiting where allowed.  A great map of the lighthouse’s locations can be found at theoregoncoast.info/Lighthouse/Map.html. A click on each pin provides location details and whether the lighthouse is open for visitors.

Cape Perpetua: This scenic area is like a quick primer on all things Oregon. There are the rugged cliffs, the waters of the Pacific, tide pools, and marine life. Don’t miss Thor’s Well, an old collapsed sea cave that is continually thrashing and spewing the ocean waters. Heading about 15 miles south of Cape Perpetua, another must-see is the privately-owned Sea Lion Caves that serves as a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary. In winter, hundreds of sea lions shelter in the cave and when spring arrives, they move outside to the rock ledges.

Yurts at South Jetty RV Campground
Yurts at South Jetty RV Campground

Three Capes Scenic Route: This route connects three of Oregon’s famed capes, Cape Meares, Cape Lookout, and Cape Kiwanda and provides road-trippers an off-the-highway path full of all kinds of delights, including beach views, forestlands and dairy pastures, plus the little towns and sights along the way. In total, it is a 40-mile loop and downtown Tillamook is the best place to start this scenic drive.

Culinary Fun: Seafood is the name of the game here, but there are also opportunities for some cheese and ice cream to fill out the culinary adventures when you’re driving the Oregon coast. The Tillamook Creamery in Tillamook is a great place to start the dairy adventure and is open 7 days a week. Did you know Oregon is the only state to grow marionberries, which are considered the king of blackberries? According to onlyinyourstate.com, one of the best places to enjoy a piece of marionberry pie while in Oregon is in Newport at the Chalet Restaurant and Bakery. From a seafood perspective, oysters, salmon, and crab are just of few of the fresh fish found here. If you’re visiting Cannon Beach, check out Ecola Seafood, which has proudly served up seafood to the community since 1933.

History and Highlights: Starting north in Astoria, there is the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, which commemorates the historic expedition of these two explorers, as well as the Fort Clatsop National Memorial. The Heceta Head Lighthouse, standing since 1894 and Oregon’s most photographed lighthouse, is just north of Florence. The charming town of Seaside has both the Lewis and Clark Memorial statue and the historic Seaside Promenade, which provides a great place to stroll along the ocean and view the town. And Cannon Beach has the iconic Haystack Rock, the photo worthy 235-foot sea stack.

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5 Things to Do in… Seattle

Just like the fictional Emerald City discovered by Dorothy Gale when she was blown there by a Kansas tornado, America’s Emerald City is full of wonderous things to see and do. We’re talking about Seattle, Washington, and while you may not find the Wizard, you will find some memorable, one-of-a-kind things. If you’re planning to head to Seattle, book a stay in a nearby cozy cabin or yurt at Chehalis, La Conner, Mt. Vernon, and Tall Chief.

  1. Observe the Absurd: Seattle has plenty of museums, gardens, and parklands, the iconic Space Needle and shopping and eateries, but consider a trip on the wild side and observe these absurd Emerald City attractions. The Fremont Troll, which can be found under the Aurora Bridge, is an 18-foot-high sculpture of a troll made of concrete and wire. Pike Place Market is not only home to the odd tradition of flinging fish, but is also home to the Giant Shoe Museum, which houses a collection of giant shoes, including one worn by Robert Wadlow, considered the tallest man in the world standing at 8’ 11”.
Aurora Bridge in Seattle, WA
  1. Exhibits, Exhibits: Now that museums and other public venues have begun to reopen, see what’s new in Seattle. The Museum of Pop Culture debuted Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume on June 5. The exhibit includes more than 70 original pieces from a sorcerer’s cape to ballgowns to tiaras and one famous glass slipper. The Seattle Art Museum will host “Monet at Etretat” through October 17, which displays works created by Monet when he retreated to the seaside town of Etretat. There are 10 works by Monet as well as 12 works by his contemporaries of the era. An exhibit that “brings to life the genius of Leonardo DaVinci” will be on display at Seattle’s Museum of History and Industry through January 2022. A great lesson for all ages as the display is interactive and has life-sized replicas and animated presentations of some of DaVinci’s greatest works.
  1. Outdoor Adventures: There’s hiking, beachcombing, paddling, and more in and around the Seattle area. How about whale watching? Alki Beach is a good spot (note: winter, spring, and fall are the best times to glimpse a whale) and is also known for its great scenic views and the occasional seal pups. Alki Beach is also home to Alki Point Lighthouse which offers tours on Sundays during summer. Hiking at Discovery Park, a 534-acre city park or at Mt. Si, which is considered great for casual hikers, are two options for an outdoor trek. Rent a kayak from the Agua Verde Paddle Club, or opt to take a tour with them, and discover Seattle’s unique houseboat community.
Alki Point Lighthouse in Seattle, WA
  1. Seattle Spirits: Seattle offers several spirits to experience, including those of the paranormal kind. Check out viator.com for several brewery tour options that take you through two of Seattle’s neighborhoods known for brewing including Ballard and Georgetown. Follow the Woodinville Wine Trail that explores four distinct districts in the Sammamish River Valley. There are more than 130 wineries in the area. As for the other-worldly spirits, Seattle offers several ghost tours including the Haunted History Ghost Tours of Seattle, which is owned and operated by experts in the paranormal and occult. Boo!
  1. Chihuly Garden and Glass: Simply put, do not miss this! Featuring the works of famed American glass sculptor Dale Chihuly, visitors can view eight galleries of his work as well as marvel at the stunning Glasshouse with its centerpiece – a 100-foot-long suspended glass sculpture that resembles a serpent or an alien. Then there’s the garden with its lush plantings interspersed with more of Chihuly’s amazing pieces.

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Black History Month

With the events of this past summer, now more than ever may be not only the time to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of Black Americans throughout our history, but perhaps to also honor their history by taking the time to learn more about the experiences of Black Americans. The month of February has officially been recognized as Black History Month since President Gerald Ford declared it so in 1976. Visit museums and heritage sites, support Black-owned businesses, and read a few books to learn more. And, with some of these locations temporarily closed or operating on shortened hours due to the pandemic, keep in mind our list is not a to-do list for February, but instead a to-do list for all time.

“File:Seattle – Northwest African American Museum from Mount Baker Ridge Viewpoint 01.jpg” by Joe Mabel is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Museums and Heritage Sights

The Northwest African American Museum, Seattle, Washington: If you’re planning a trip to Leavenworth Tiny House Village, a good field trip to consider would be a trip to the Northwest African American Museum in Seattle (about a two-hour drive). The mission of the museum includes presenting and preserving the connections between the Pacific Northwest and people of African descent and is accomplished though exhibits and educational programs. Currently closed due to COVID-19, check out their virtual exhibits at www.naanmw.org. If you plan to visit once the museum reopens, don’t miss the nearby Jimi Hendrix Park, named for the one of the greatest and most innovative African-American guitarists of all time.

California African American Museum (CAAM), Los Angeles, California: Highlighting the important role African Americans have played in the development of the American West through over 4000 pieces that include art, historic objects and printed materials, the Museum was one of the first African American museums fully supported by any US state. CAAM also offers lectures and workshops. (The museum is a little over 100 miles from our colorful cottages in Palm Springs.)

Abyssinian Meeting House, Portland, Maine: Located about 72 miles from the Tuxbury Tiny House Village, the Abyssinian Meeting House is Maine’s oldest African-American church building and the third oldest in the country. Construction began in 1828 and was completed in 1831 and all construction was done by free African Americans. The Abyssinian Meeting House served not only as a house of worship, but also as the center of social and political life for Portland’s African American community. The church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“Milton House in Milton Wisconsin” by royal_broil is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Milton House, Milton, Wisconsin: Milton House served as a stop on the Underground Railroad in part due to its location to the Rock River, a tributary to the Mississippi, which may have served as a route to Canada for escaping slaves. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1998 and visitors can take a guided tour of the building, the nearby cabin and the original tunnel used by the freedom seekers. Milton is about 84 miles from the cabins at Arrowhead.

“The Lorraine Motel in Memphis” by Kees Wielemaker (pedaal) is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0

National Civil Rights Museum:  The museum, located in Memphis, Tennessee, explores the history of the Civil Rights Movement and houses more than 260 artifacts. Through these artifacts, films, and other multi-media exhibits, visitors can trace the history of the movement beginning with the 17th century. The museum is built around the Lorraine Motel, which was the site of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memphis is approximately 68 miles from Cherokee Landing.

Books to Read

“Between the World and Me” by CCAC North Library is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson: The stories of the Great Migration of Black citizens fleeing the South for northern and western American cities.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A New York Times bestseller, this book is written as a letter to the author’s son to explain what it is to be Black in America.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead: This historical fiction story details the story of the fight for freedom by two Southern slaves.

So You Want to Talk about Race by Ijeoma Oluo: An examination of race in America with each chapter addressing an issue about race in our contemporary society.

Black-Owned Outdoor Gear Shop:

Lastly, if you’re looking for some camping and outdoor gear, check out slimpickensoutfitters.com. Recognized as the first Black-owned outdoor gear shop in the country, the business is owned by Jahmicah Dawes, who said in an article with Men’s Journal that his initial experiences with outdoor life through the Boy Scouts was “terrible” but that later in college he learned to love the outdoors. Dawes has said outdoor activities brings people together and believes “change happens around a campfire.” Shop from the website, or if you’re visiting Lake Whitney, the brick-and-mortar store is located in Stephenville, which is about 70 miles from the campground.

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Five Things to Do in…..La Conner

Swinomish Channel, La Conner Washington.

Settled in the late 1860s, La Conner, Washington, was originally known by the name Swinomish, as the area was home to the Swinomish Indians. In 1869, the town was deeded to John Conner for a whopping $500. Conner went on to name the town in honor of his wife, Louisa Ann Conner, which then became LA Conner, and finally, La Conner.

Other notable things to know about La Conner include that it consistently makes the Top 10 of travel lists when it comes to small, quaint and charming towns; it is located on the edge of the largest tulip-growing region in the world, which means come spring, the tulip explosion in the valley outside La Conner is a sight to behold. And, it is considered a four-season attraction, meaning no matter when you visit, there’s always something going on! From beautiful fall hikes to skiing in winter and the burst of spring flowers and summers on the waterfront, La Conner is a year-round destination.

La Conner RV Resort in La Conner, WA

In short, if you’re looking for a charming, waterfront town, complete with boardwalk, art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and even a gastropub, plus a vibe that will calm even the most hyper of travelers, then La Conner should be put on your destination list!

Here are five things to do when visiting this Pacific-Northwest charmer.

  1. Museum of Northwest Art: With a mission to collect, preserve and interpret art created in the Pacific Northwest, MoNa, as it is called, has contemporary art exhibits from artists hailing from Alaska, British Columbia, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. MoNa displays both permanent and traveling exhibits and admission is free. For information and hours of operation, visit monamuseum.org.

    Beautiful and colorful tulip fields by the mountains of Skagit Valley at sunrise
  2. Drive or Bike the Valley: As mentioned above, the Skagit Valley is not only home to the beautiful blooms of spring’s tulips, daffodils and more, but it is also a charming countryside dotted with farms, fields, wildlife and charming towns to explore via bike or on the road. Check out visitskagitvalley.com for a bike map.
  3. Visit the Islands: If you’re up to it, a three-mile kayak or canoe paddle across the Swinomish Channel will get you to Goat Island, where you can explore the remains of century-old Fort Whitman. A quick drive across the iconic Rainbow Bridge brings you to Fidalgo Island, home to Washington Park which has a beach and hiking trails. Kiket Island, which is another short drive from La Conner, offers hiking, pebble beaches, and amazing views.

    View from Mt. Erie
  4. Photo Ops Galore: With Mt. Baker as a backdrop, most likely anywhere you take a picture in La Conner will prove a worthy photo op but we’ve found some other worthy backdrops as well in the area. Set your sights on Magnus Anderson’s hand-split log cabin, dating back to 1869 (near the Town Hall); the Swinomish totem pole, which is a replica of the original built in 1939 as a Works Project Administration project (across from the ball fields); La Conner Rainbow Bridge, a deck arch bridge built in 1957 that connects La Conner to Fidalgo island.
  5. Skagit County Historical Museum: Learn all about the history of Skagit County in this unique museum whose exhibits range from Native American artifacts to Shirley Temple dolls. Current exhibits include Hometown Teams, which explores how hometown sports teams play a role in American society.

A cozy cabin at LaConner RV Campground.

Go Big in Bend

Kayaking • Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Bend, Oregon is one big playground regardless of the season. But come summer, Bend is bursting with things to do under the sunny skies of the Pacific Northwest. There are all kinds of adventures to be had from rustic to urban, and from relaxing to exhilarating. There is music, art, a rodeo, theater, fishing, hiking, and the list goes on and on. No matter what your fancy, you’ll find something to tickle it when you visit Bend.

Fishing opportunities in Bend are about as abundant as the fish you can catch when you cast your line here. Consider fly fishing, and if you’re new to this sport, River Borne Outfitters offers a 2.5-hour class that covers the basics regarding terminology, casting, and knot tying. If you feel like you’re beyond beginner but still need some fishing tips, they also offer a 6-hour course that has you fishing the Crooked River. Check out www.riverborneoutfitters.com for more information.

Fishing • Deschutes River

Of course, if you’re a seasoned fisherman, just head down to the Lower Deschutes River which is one of the most popular and prolific places to fish in Oregon. Statistics show that more than 3,500 trout run per mile of water in this area. Make sure to obey all the state rules and regulations, and that you have a license to fish. For licensing information, visit www.odfw.com.

If you prefer dry land to water, and art to fishing, then the Roundabout Art Route might be of interest to you. The Roundabout Art Route is a collection of 20 pieces of art that are on display throughout the city. Stop by the Bend Visitor Center to pick up a map, then get rolling on your art adventure. The name of the route should give you a hint as to where the art installations are located, but we are going to give away the secret. Just head into downtown Bend and get ready to glimpse a bronze logger, a bronze grizzly, the Sunrise Spirit Column, and the High Desert Spiral, which at 39 feet is the tallest public art sculpture in Bend, to name a few.

Take a hike up Pilot Butte and you’re guaranteed a breathtaking vista no matter which of the three trails you choose. Pilot Butte is visible from downtown Bend and is a 500-foot high lava dome created from an extinct volcano. Visit www.oregonstateparks.org for information about the state park and the trails.

Cabin • Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Tour-wise, there’s plenty of ways to see Bend while eating and drinking some of the city’s offerings. There is the Bend Ale Trail, which offers a do-it-yourself way to visit Bend’s 18 breweries at your leisure. If you want someone else to do the heavy lifting when it comes to touring the breweries, check out the offerings of The Bend Tour Company, which not only offers a craft beer, wine and spirit tasting tour, but also other adventure tours such as an arts and cultural tour of Bend, and a stunning Cascade Sunset tour. Check out what they offer at www.thebendtourcompany.com.

Special summer events in Bend include the Bend Summer Festival, July 12th-14th that will feature food, music, an art fair, and plenty of family fun. July 26th-28th brings Balloons Over Bend to the city as hot air balloon fun takes center stage. Help celebrate a milestone at the 100th Deschutes County Fair and Rodeo scheduled for July 31st-August 4th. This year’s theme is “100 Years of Fun Since Day One.” Bend Brewfest is scheduled for August 15th-17th and features craft brewers, wineries, and cideries set on the banks of the Deschutes River.

Sunset • Bend-Sunriver RV Campground

Of course, when the day’s fun is done, you’ll need a place to bunk in until the next adventure, so consider adding to the experience by staying in a yurt, cabin, or cottage at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground. Situated on the banks of the Little Deschutes River, this 283-acre campground has plenty of onsite fun including fishing opportunities, swimming, pickleball, tennis, and mini-golf.

Plan your time to Go Big in Bend, visit www.RVontheGo.com and reserve your stay today!