Tag: santa barbara

Top Fall Destinations to Visit This Season

Whether you’re a leaf peeper, a cool weather hiker or fall-festival goer, traveling in fall has so many pluses. Lots of places are less crowded, most of the US is enjoying moderate weather (think sweater weather, if you will) and of course the fall colors are in bloom, even in Florida! According to US News and World and Travel + Leisure, these are some of the best places to head this fall:

Cabins at Thousand Trails Sturbridge
Cabins at Thousand Trails Sturbridge

The Berkshires: While Thousand Trails Sturbridge is not technically in The Berkshires, it’s close enough that your glamping cottage accommodation here is the perfect home base when exploring this part of New England. And of course, the driving in the area is going to be as picture perfect as a postcard. There are also plenty of biking and hiking trails, farm stands, and scenic drive opportunities. The town of Sturbridge hosts a Harvest Festival on the town common each year with crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm fresh items on hand.

Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch
Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch

Santa Barbara: Any time of year sounds good for a trip to this beautiful California destination, but according to Travel + Leisure, fall is great thanks to the weather and the wineries! From farmers markets with an abundance of fall’s best to a variety of events, Santa Barbara is hopping this time of year. One worthwhile event is the Boo at the Zoo October 18-27 hosted by the Santa Barbara Zoo. Pick up a pumpkin to decorate (two patch options include Lane Farms and Big Wave Dave’s), tour the local wineries or enjoy the Urban Wine Trail which is comprised of the tasting rooms located within the downtown SB area. Book a cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch and enjoy day trips to “America’s Riviera” this autumn.

Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage
Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage

Palm Springs: When it comes to fall getaways, Palm Springs offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and vibrant seasonal events. Nestled against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, Thousand Trails Palm Springs provides the perfect home base for exploring this desert gem. Enjoy the warm days and cooler evenings as you hike through picturesque trails in the nearby Coachella Valley Preserve, where the desert flora puts on a dazzling display. Don’t miss the chance to experience the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers breathtaking views and a chance to see the fall foliage from above. After a day of adventure, unwind at one of the resorts’ inviting pools or soak in the spa, surrounded by the stunning desert vistas. Whether you’re savoring local cuisine in downtown Palm Springs or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the vibrant art scene, this destination is a true autumn escape unlike any other!


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The Best Ways to Spend Your Summer Days

Want to have the best summer ever? Of course, start off with some great glamping plans and then see what other uniquely summer activities you can enjoy.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort

Go to the Islands: If you’re looking to spend your summer vacation on an island in the sun, check out the Channel Islands. This chain of five islands, known as the “Galapagos Islands of North America,” can be reached via ferry from Santa Barbara and offer hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife watching and more. If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Thunderbird, there is plenty of island hopping to be done just off this area of the Washington coast. Bainbridge Island offers the Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre nature reserve with gardens and walking trails. The charming town of Anacortes can be found on Fidalgo Island – check out the historic waterfront, the plentiful hiking trails and enjoy shopping and delicious seafood at the restaurants here. Of course, a trip to the Florida Keys is like a tropical getaway and there are plenty of islands to explore here from funky Key West to laid-back Key Largo (stay at Encore Sunshine Key or Encore Fiesta Key). Keys highlights include Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Bahia Honda State Park.

Ride a Roller Coaster: Looking for some thrills this summer? Check out some of these top roller coasters on your next glamping trip: The Giant Dipper on California’s Santa Cruz Boardwalk is not only one of the oldest roller operating rollers coasters in the world but also appeared in several movies, including Lost Boys and Sudden Impact (book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort); one of the newer kids when it comes to the roller coaster block is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Opened in 2021 at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, this newbie reaches top speeds of 70-mph and has four inversions (book a stay at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee); New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure offers El Toro with its 19-story climb only to then descend 176 feet! (book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake).

Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage
Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage

By the Shore: Long days at the shore make for great summer memories. Some of the best beaches in the US are near our campgrounds and include Coronado Beach in San Diego, noted for its sparkling sand thanks to the mica found here (book at stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Pope Beach in Lake Tahoe with towering pine trees, mountain views and plenty of sand (book a stay at Tahoe Valley Campground); Alki Beach with great views of the Olympic Mountains, the Seattle skyline, plus a 2.5 mile path along the beach for running, walking and roller-blading (book a stay at Thousand Trails Thunderbird); a classic New England beach with rocky shores and crashing waves, check out New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach complete with boardwalk and arcade (book a stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village).

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

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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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3 Great Places to go Off the Beaten Path

If you’re planning to venture somewhere new this year, most likely you’ll either consult friends or family who’ve traveled there before or do a few internet searches to see what’s a not-miss when visiting this destination. But, what if you went off the beaten path (“OTBP”) and shied away from the major draws and reasons the city is appealing? Let’s go off the beaten path in a few of America’s most popular travel destinations.


Nashville: Most visitors to Nashville go for the music. After all, they don’t call it “Music City” for nothing! But what else is there to do in this Tennessee metropolis? First, make your reservation for a tiny house at Natchez Trace and then go OTBP. On the first Saturday of every month, downtown Nashville galleries open their doors, offering free admission, and welcome visitors to shop or just look at the amazing art on display. Hail, Dark Aesthetics bills itself as a gallery of antiques and oddities – whether you’re in the market for a baby octopus in a jar or not, this place is worth a look. Ok, you might as well listen to some music, but do it at The Caverns, a subterranean music venue in nearby Pelham. Visit thecaverns.com for more info about their musical events in a series of caves!

Door County: Goats on the roof, fish boils, and orchards loaded with apples and cherries – that’s the draw of Wisconsin’s Door County, but we found more to do! The Door County Maritime Museum details the maritime history of the area while the Alexander Noble House Museum is the oldest remaining structure in the town of Fish Creek and contains many of the original 19th century furnishings. Take the ferry to Washington Island and join the “Bitters Club” by downing a shot of Angostura bitters at Nelsen’s Hall Bitters Pub. While on the island, don’t miss the Washington Island Stavkirke, an absolutely amazing structure. Plan to glamp at Tranquil Timbers for a Door County adventure.

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


Sedona: Just under two hours from Phoenix, Sedona, Arizona, can be called other-worldly with mystical powers and healing vortexes that can even bring calm to the A-plusses of Type A personalities. Sedona is a healing place thanks in part due to the red-orange color of the red rocks that surround it which is considered one of the most neuro-stimulating colors. Book a cabin, cottage or tiny house at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and you’re on our way to restful retreat. Plan hikes to see the vortexes and soak up their healing energy; take a yoga class in the desert; or enjoy some of the spa services offered at one of the numerous spas in town. Plan ahead and enjoy the Sedona Yoga Festival, scheduled for June 2-5. The Verde River is great for relaxing canoe and kayak trips and a wine tasting at nearby Alcantara Vineyards may be just what you need to take the edge off!

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Holiday Glamping – How Festive!

Give yourself the gift of glamping this winter and take a trip to a location that offers plenty of holiday festivities as well as winter fun. Consider these glamping spots:

Leavenworth, Washington: This charming town in Washington State ranked as one of the top 25 Festive Christmas Towns in America, according to House Beautiful magazine. First thing on the holiday to-do list is make a reservation for one of the charming tiny houses at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and get set to make merry. One unique holiday experience would be a visit to the Nutcracker Museum that displays 7000 nutcrackers from over 50 countries. And of course, a visit to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm puts you up close and personal with distant kin of Dancer, Prancer, and the whole team that guides Santa’s sleigh. To enjoy all the fluffy white stuff (Leavenworth averages 89 inches of snow in winter), consider snowshoeing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, sledding, and skiing. Check out Leavenworth.org for more info on outdoor sports. Downtown Leavenworth does not disappoint with its twinkling lights and perfect setting for browsing the shops and wine tasting, among the snow-capped mountain backdrop.

St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida: According to travelawaits.com, St. Augustine, Florida, is a great place to spend the holidays. The reasons include plenty of twinkling lights (more than 3 million!), festive decorations and all kinds of special events. Starting with the Nights of Lights, which runs through January 31, 2023, and offers great selfie opportunities so you can be the centerpiece of the all the dazzle. Two of the best spots for the shots include the Bridge of Lions and the Plaza de la Constitucion. Rent a cabin or cottage at Bulow and enjoy the Florida sun in winter, holiday shopping in St. Augustine or the nearby St. Augustine Premium Outlets, and the Lighthouse Illuminations exhibit at the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, which runs through January 14.

Santa Barbara, California: ZooLights, the Santa Barbara Zoo’s holiday lights display features more than 50,000 LED bulbs lighting up a spectacular animal adventure, holiday-style. Illuminated lanterns showcase the animals and nature scenes representing wild places from around the world. The 36th Annual Parade of Lights at The Harbor takes place on December 11 and several holiday pop-up markets will be open throughout the month where you can find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. Makers & Wares Market in downtown Santa Barbara and Yes Store at the La Arcada Shopping Center are just two of these great markets to browse. Check out the glamping accommodations at Rancho Oso and get set for some great glamping to kickoff the holiday season.

Rancho Oso Cabin
Rancho Oso Cabin

Dallas, Texas: If everything is bigger in Texas, then it stands to reason that holiday events are crazy big, too. Book a glamping cabin at Bay Landing and check out how the Big D does the holidays. Enchant Christmas Dallas seems like one-stop shopping for holiday fun. In addition to the interactive light maze adventure, there is also ice-skating, a holiday marketplace, live entertainment, and the Tipsy Tree Lounge with all kinds of holiday spirits (the drinking kind, that is)! What’s a holiday celebration without food? If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy the Downtown Lights Holiday Foodie Tour, a curated food tour through downtown Dallas. You can eat, drink, and enjoy the “Merry Everything” holiday lights and displays.

Cabins at Bay Landing RV Campground
Bay Landing RV Campground

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8 Great Trails for National Bike Month

Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month was established in 1956 to highlight the benefits of bicycling and to get Americans outdoors and riding high on two wheels. Some of the benefits of bicycling include increased cardiovascular fitness, strengthened bones, improved posture and coordination, and decreased stress levels.

So, while a bike ride is great anytime, May is the designated month to roll out your bicycle and see where it will take you. If you’re lucky enough to be camping anytime this month, check out these trails. Or anytime you’re out and about atop two wheels.

Sedona (AZ)
Ride among the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on the Bell Rock Pathway, an easy 3.7-mile hard dirt trail. The grand prize on this ride is the view of Bell Rock, one of the most photographed spots in the country and also one of Sedona’s natural healing vortexes. Book a stay in a cabin or tiny house at beautiful Verde Valley and bike the Bell Rock Pathway as well as several others in this gorgeous valley.

Santa Barbara (CA)
The Atascadero Creek Trail is a 3.5-mile asphalt trail that begins in Goleta State Beach Park and takes riders to the center of beautiful Santa Barbara. Rent one of the unique accommodations (cabin, cottage, or tipi) at Rancho Oso and enjoy this lovely ride.

Rancho Oso Cabin
Rancho Oso Cabin

Orlando (FL)
The bike ride at Shingle Creek Regional Trail is just as magical as a day spent at the Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Glimpse some of Florida’s wildlife, including river otters, egrets, and Great Blue herons as you ride along this 8-plus-mile nature trail set amid cypress trees. Plan a colorful cottage stay at Tropical Palms and hit this beautiful trail.

Exeter (NH)
Just under 20 miles from the Tuxbury Tiny House Village is Henderson-Swasey Town Forest which offers several mountain-biking trails, with almost all of them designated as “easy” and highly rated by users. Glimpses of wildlife and scenic forest views provide for a beautiful, natural ride! Book a tiny house and enjoy the ride.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

Lake George (NY)
The Warren County Bikeway makes for a lovely paved 9-mile ride through this lovely upstate New York location. Ride among the towering trees and foliage and learn about the history of the area from the historical markers along the way. Plan a stay at Lake George Escape and tool your way around the historic Lake George area.

Bend (OR)
Book a stay in a relaxing yurt at Bend-Sunriver and enjoy one of the trails offered at nearby Shevlin Park. One trail runs along the waters of Tumalo Creek while another 6-mile Loop Trail runs through old growth Ponderosa pine, has a few hills and crosses Tumalo Creek several times.

Leavenworth (WA)
There are plenty of bike trails in and around the Leavenworth area if you’re planning a stay at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village. The Apple Capital Recreation Loop is a 10-mile round trip, paved loop along the both the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers. Another fun way to explore Leavenworth atop a bike is to take one of the Bavarian E-Bike tours offered. For more info on this unique adventure, visit chm.ee2.myftpupload.com.

Cabins at Arrowhead RV Campground
Cabins at Arrowhead RV Campground

Mirror Lake State Park (WI)
This picturesque Wisconsin state park with sandstone bluffs offers five different bike trails including Pinecone Pass (0.4 miles); the Turtleville Trail (2.5 miles); and the three-mile Fern Dell Trail. Mirror Lake State Park is just 20 miles from great cabin, cottage, and vacation rentals at Arrowhead RV Campground.

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Top 5 Galentine’s Getaways

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

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

Miami Everglades RV Resort Cabin
Miami Everglades RV Resort Cabin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Winter Plans?

Just as surely as the sun rises, you can guarantee winter comes knocking each year in late-December. And for some who are fortunate to live year-round in areas that don’t really experience winter, it’s just another date on the calendar. But for others, it’s time to head towards the sunshine. And, even if you are lucky enough to live where the sun always shines warmly, a change of scenery is always good to chase away the winter doldrums. Here are a few ideas for fun in the sun winter escapes.

Arizona: If Sedona is your home base, day trips to the Grand Canyon (about a 2-hour drive north), the Phoenix/Scottsdale area (about a 2-hour drive south) and the Petrified Forest National Park (about a 2-hour drive east) are all possibilities. Of course, the Grand Canyon is the Grand Canyon, but there are other things to do here. There is the 22-mile Desert View scenic drive, wildlife to glimpse, and the Grand Canyon Railway Adventure which is a scenic train ride to the Grand Canyon that originates in Sedona. If you’re a baseball fan, then you’ll be happy come winter when Major League Baseball’s Cactus League begins their games in stadiums in the Phoenix metro area. If you’re not a baseball fan, Scottsdale has plenty of hiking opportunities including Camelback and Pinnacle Peak. Plus, there’s shopping, arts and entertainment, and plenty of good eating to be had here. The Petrified Forest, named for the large amounts of petrified wood found here, is home to the Rainbow Forest Museum and the petroglyphs on Newspaper Rock and may also seem familiar to Clint Eastwood fans as parts of his famous film, “The Outlaw Josey Wales” were shot here. Verde Valley is the place to reserve your winter accommodation where you can choose to day trip or just enjoy the local scene.

California: Rarely, if ever, do California beaches post “Closed for the Season” signs. The ocean water may be colder than most prefer, but the warm California sun is pretty plentiful and of course, anything but mountain snow is rare. Yosemite National Park is less crowded but still just as breathtaking in the winter months, so consider a stay in an ultra-cool yurt at Yosemite Lakes. The Park’s Badger Pass Ski Area offers winter skiing opportunities. Cross off your bucket list item to “stay in a tipi or covered wagon” this winter with reservations for these unique accommodations at Rancho Oso and then explore winter in Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara Zoo, a mission tour, a visit to the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, or a tour of the local wineries can all add up to winter fun.

Tropical Palms RV Resort
Tropical Palms RV Resort

Florida: Warm days and cool nights give the Florida-bound winter vacationer the best of both worlds. Days are sunny with temps averaging around 70 degrees while nights are sweater-weather worthy with average lows in the ‘50s. The only shovels required during a Florida getaway are those used to build sandcastles on the fabulous beaches around the state that include Daytona, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and St. Pete Beach. Consider a trip to the Keys and a stay at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage right on the water at Fiesta Key. On the Atlantic side, visit historic Flagler Beach or enjoy the sights and sounds of Miami. Accommodations at Bulow Village RV Resort and Miami Everglades are great locations for these. Wanna do Disney? Book a stay at Tropical Palms, Lake Magic, or Orlando RV for all things Disney and beyond. Check out petiteretreats.com to find your ideal Florida location.

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Day Trippin’

Book at stay at one of our fabulous Petite Retreats and get ready to day trip around these areas where we offer our unique accommodations.

If you’re planning a stay at a cozy cabin at New York’s Lake George Escape or Alpine Lake, day trips can include a visit to Cooperstown or a trip to the state capital, Albany. Cooperstown, which is just about 2 hours from either location, is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Fenimore Art Museum and spectacular Glimmerglass State Park which overlooks beautiful Lake Otsego. Albany, which is less than an hour from either location, offers the grandeur that is the State Capitol building – which was completed in 1899 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historic location is the Schuyler Mansion, a Georgian mansion built for Philip Schuyler, a general in the Revolutionary War and a state senator. The home was also the site of the wedding of Schuyler’s daughter Eliza to Alexander Hamilton. Albany is also home to the Irish American Heritage Museum and the Albany County Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail.

Lake George Escape in Lake George, NY.

Take your pick from cottages and cabins to an ultra-cool tipi or covered wagon accommodation at Rancho Oso and get set to explore beautiful Santa Barbara and the nearby areas. One option for a day trip is Ojai, a lovely laid-back California small town. Less than 40 miles from Santa Barbara, Ojai is a great destination for a little bit of everything. Shopping, dining, mountain trails, and wine tasting are all options for the day. And come sunset – do not miss this experience in Ojai, which is known for its pink sunsets, or as the locals call it, the Pink Moment. A bit further afield, about 2 hours away, is Anaheim. Of course, Anaheim is home to Disneyland Park, the original Disney theme park that opened in 1955, but there’s more than flying elephants and spinning teacups to be found here. The Center Street Promenade is the place to be – if you’re looking to shop, eat, sample craft beer, and browse a farmer’s market. Speaking of eating, the hip Anaheim Packing House Food Hall, located in a former citrus packing facility, has plenty to eat. The Packing District also has merchants and live music events. 

Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire puts you in the perfect location for two very different road trips. Rent a tiny house at Tuxbury and go city or go country with a day trip to Boston or the Canterbury Shaker Village, respectively. Boston is about a 50-minute drive from Tuxbury and provides all the excitement a big city day trip should. Walk the historic Freedom Trail, shop the markets at Faneuil Hall, or enjoy some Italian fare and delicious cannolis in the city’s North End. Stroll through the beauty of the Boston Public Gardens, America’s first botanical garden, or walk through the Boston Common, America’s oldest public park. Canterbury Shaker Village, a National Historic Landmark, has restored Shaker buildings, gardens, ponds, and plenty of history. Stroll the grounds, learn about Shaker life, and immerse yourself in this bit of past. There is also a picnic area and hiking trail here. Canterbury is about an hour’s drive from Tuxbury.

George Washington statue (c. 1859) in the public gardens in Boston, MA

Here’s an interesting way to get a few shots in front of the Eiffel Tower without going all the way to Paris, France. Why not go to Paris, Texas instead? If you’re planning a stay in one of the great cabins at Bay Landing, a day trip to Paris, Texas can definitely happen! In just under two hours, you can be taking plenty of Insta-worthy shots standing in front of the Texas version of the famed tower – except this one is topped with a cowboy hat. Only in Texas, right! And of course, when in Paris, wine should be on the menu. While Paris Vineyards is located outside of town, there is a quaint tasting room on the Paris Square offering several wines, including Chardonnay, Vin Blanc, and Tex Red. The Trail de Paris, a three-mile paved trail, is a great place to bike or walk and features a unique hummingbird/butterfly garden.

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2021 Travel Trends

Cabins at Miami Everglades in Miami, FL

The new year may not yet be ready for the big trips abroad or group tours to exotic locales, but there are several travel trends emerging and we think they fit in just fine with Petite Retreats and all we have to offer in the way of ideal travel.

Winter getaways: According to a November 2020 survey by forbes.com, over 40% of Americans have a winter getaway already planned with beach destinations heading the list, followed by skiing locations. With roughly 10 weeks or so left until spring arrives, you can choose one of each. Beach-wise and Petite Retreats-wise, sandy destinations to consider include Rancho Oso in Santa Barbara, Fiesta Key and Sunshine Key in the Florida Keys, Miami Everglades near the fabulous beaches of Miami and several Gulf and Atlantic coast choices in Florida.

Ski trips destinations can include California’s Yosemite Lakes, Washington’s Leavenworth Tiny House Village and Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village – all within perfect proximity to the powder. 

Take the scenic route! Road trips are perfect for a 2021 getaway.

Road Trips: No surprise here! As social distancing remains one of the more popular activities these days, road trips provide the ultimate when it comes to keeping to yourself, or within your social bubble. Drive your own car or RV, or consider renting one from Outdoorsy.com, considered one of the most trusted RV rental marketplaces in the country. Take a leisurely trip and head far from home or plan a quick weekend getaway to see if road-tripping is your thing. You can do big city and stay with us near Boston, Nashville, Orlando, or Philadelphia or try a coastal road trip from Washington down through California, staying at Petite Retreats all along the way. Looking for mountains? Consider Yosemite Lakes, which is just down the road from Yosemite National Park, or Mt. Desert Narrows, which is near Maine’s Acadia National Park. Looking for water? We’ve got locations near both the Atlantic and Pacific with plenty of lake locations in between. Near, far, wherever you are, Petite Retreats has the perfect respite for the weary road-trip warrior.

Cabins at Yosemite Lakes in Groveland, CA

Cabins: The cabin is where it’s at. At least that’s what popsugar.com, one of the biggest go-to sites for what’s trending, says. Cabin rentals were a popular choice for travel accommodations in 2020 as evidenced by the huge increase in Instagram posts of this super cozy retreat (as well as the rise in cabin rentals) and remains on track to maintain popularity in 2021. Maybe it’s the social distancing, maybe it’s the cool cabin vibe – whatever it is, plan your 2021 cabin stay and check out some of our cabins in these popular locations: Tuxbury Pond in New Hampshire – a perfect New England location near the beach and a short drive from Boston; Upstate New York in the heart of the Adirondacks (Lake George Escape and Alpine Lake); Maine has two cabin-ready resorts (Mt. Desert Narrows and Narrows Too) near Acadia National Park and the charming seaside town of Bar Harbor, plus we’ve got cabin options in the Midwest (Wisconsin), the sunny south just outside Dallas and Nashville; and in the charming Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Cabins at Narrows Too in Trenton, ME

Small Towns: With all the craziness that 2020 brought, it makes sense that people are seeking simplicity in 2021 and that means small towns are trending as getaway go-tos.  The afore-mentioned Bar Harbor is a perfect example where strolling the main street and taking in live music in the town square are as crazy as it gets. Leavenworth, Washington is another perfect charmer where most everything to see and do can be found right in town. Florence, Oregon gets a nod when it comes to small-town appeal thanks to its historic Old Town while the California’s Solvang, just outside Santa Barbara, gives a European twist to small-town charm.  Visit PetiteRetreats.com to find the perfect location near your small-town getaway.

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