Tag: Tennessee

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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What is…the Best Places to Glamp?

Since 1964, the game show Jeopardy has been a television viewer favorite and has maintained popularity 60 years later with more than 8000 episodes, 39 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. The category topics remain relevant and cover history, art, television, music, science and more with answers ranging from Actinium (the first chemical element) to Zendaya (Spiderman’s girlfriend and so much more.) We thought we’d have some fun with our own clues, à la Jeopardy, and see if you can guess which glamping location we’re talking about.

Clue: This Oregon location is home to a tiny house village that makes the perfect glamping spot to explore this part of the Pacific Northwest.

If you said “What is Mt. Hood Tiny House Village” you’re on the board. Indoors or outdoors, you’re a winner here. Take a ride and enjoy all 105 miles of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (roughly 3–4-hour drive, not including stops). Scenery includes of course the mountains, but also vineyards, farms, and orchards. Be sure to see the historic Timberline Lodge. Or choose to bike, hike, and look for Bigfoot. Yes, that Bigfoot – check out the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring (yes, that’s the town name!). The Center includes Bigfoot evidence and historic artifacts as well as all kinds of Bigfoot-themed merch. The Old Salmon River Trail is great for a short hike and, weather permitting, a dip in the water at the sandy beaches along the trail. Another interesting way to explore the area is the East Gorge Food Trail, which is an interesting mix of orchards, vineyards, farmers markets, eateries, cideries and breweries (eastgorgefoodtrail.com).

Clue: Nestled in New York’s Adirondacks, this glamping location offers outdoor adventure on the Queen of American Lakes.

The winning answer here is “What is Lake George Escape Campground”. Pick your favorite glamping cottage or cabin and take on the Adirondacks and all there is to explore here. For some history, check out Fort William Henry to experience life in a British fort, circa 1755, for kitschy, visit the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum with plenty to spook you from waxy monsters to the animatronic ones too! Cruise Lake George, which is known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” on a cruise offered by the Lake George Steamboat Company or hike to Shelving Rock Falls and see the beautiful waterfall. Relax waterside at Million Dollar Beach which is great for swimming and scenic views.

Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

Clue: Located in the Granite State, this tiny house village is less than an hour from Boston and less than 30 minutes to Salsbury-Hampton beaches.

Call yourself a winner if you answered, “What is Tuxbury Tiny House Village” and keep up the good luck streak by taking a ride into Boston. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, enjoy some cannoli and the other delicious Italian foods available in the city’s North End (Mike’s Pastry is often said to be the best cannoli in town!), take in a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park or experience the vast and varied art collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Massachusetts has plenty of events going on during the summer including the Strawberry Festival set for June 15-16, the Blueberry & Flower Festival scheduled for July 20-21 and July 27-28 and in August plan for the Peach & Sunflower Festival running for two weekends, August 10-11 and August 17-18. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a day at the beach and when you stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village you’re less than 30 minutes from the beach!

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

Clue: Awash with southern charm, these six tiny houses provide the perfect Tennessee glamping getaway with access to city and country attractions alike.

“What is Natchez Trace Tiny House Village?” is what you want to ring in with here. Once you’ve booked the tiny house that best suits you, consider all the options for fun you have here. Those options include the hour drive into Nashville to explore Music City with its lively entertainment scene, great food and plenty of museums; leisurely drives to the charming towns that surround the area, or outdoor adventures on the nearby trails and waterways. For trails near Natchez Trace Tiny House Village consider the Meriwether Lewis Loop, where you can see the grave of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis, or the Fall Hollow Falls Trail to glimpse a 20-foot waterfall. In Nashville, consider a skyline paddle, available through cumberlandkayakadventure.com or visit Harpeth River State Park for canoe and kayak opportunities. Small town visits can include Franklin (don’t miss the Carter House and Carnton Plantation here for Civil War history) and Leiper’s Fork with its distillery, winery, antique stores and shops and the unique Leiper’s Fork Market.

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

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The Best Weekend Getaways to Take This Year

Think about this – as of February 1, summer is still roughly 140 days away. Spring break is closer but it seems like everyone is traveling at the same during spring break getaways so fighting crowds could be a downside there. Ok…so what do you do? Enjoy the weekend getaway, as often as you like! These quick trip options may just be the travel fix you need after a long work week and before you can take a long extended getaway that, as we figure, is still about 20-plus weeks away!

Pacific City RV & Camping Resort Yurt
Thousand Trails Pacific City RV & Camping Resort

Leave the city behind and head to the beach with a quick getaway from Portland to Thousand Trails Pacific City RV & Camping Resort. Glamp in a relaxing yurt accommodation here and plan to commune with the nature found in this great Oregon Coast setting. Wanna whale watch? Mark your calendar for the week of March 24 which is when Whale Watching Week 2023 begins along the coast. Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge is a great spot for birding, wildlife watching and hiking as several trails here are open year-round. Take a drive to the Tillamook Cheese Factory and enjoy ice cream or that big wheel of cheese you’ve been dreaming of! Or, just walk the beach and watch the waves crash against the rocks! Pretty neat weekend getaway for sure.

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

The Natchez Trace Tiny House Village is about a five-hour drive from major cities like Cincinnati and Indianapolis. That’s not a bad little road trip to find the relaxation of these southern charming glamping accommodations and the southern hospitality found in all the nearby attractions. With Natchez Trace as your home base, you can do big city fun in Nashville or enjoy small town charmers like Leiper’s Fork and Franklin. Nashville highlights include the Country Music Hall of Fame, the classic Ryman Auditorium and the great honky-tonks and eateries found in the city’s Broadway Historic District. Leiper’s Fork has don’t-miss barbeque and biscuits at Fox & Locke and an eclectic assortment of shops, plus the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, featuring Tennessee spirits. Franklin offers a Saturday Farmer’s Market, the Franklin on Foot walking tour, which is a great way to the town’s historical sites and plenty of shopping and eating options.

If you’re lucky enough to call any of the major cities in the Sunshine State home, you are at least blessed with plenty of regular sunshine. But all sun and no play, can make for some dull weekends, so we suggest a getaway to a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee (conveniently located only a mini-road trip away from points like Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa/St. Pete and Sarasota.) Because the weather cooperates most days, outdoor fun is definitely doable here. Paddle Shingle Creek in a kayak, swim with the manatees on a guided tour of the Crystal River, or bike the many trails in the area. Shingle Creek in fact has a great trail for pedestrians and cyclists – the Shingle Creek Regional Trail. If kitsch is on the menu – consider visiting Gatorland or Eli’s Orange World, both of which are worthy of some great shots to share on all things social media! Of course, there are the major theme parks if you want to feel like a kid again and upcoming local festivals include EPCOT’s International Flower and Garden Festival (begins March 1) and the Orlando Wine Festival is set for March 24-26.

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Celebrate The Girls with a Getaway

National Girlfriends Day is celebrated August 1 annually. And to be clear, it’s not a celebration of the romantic type, but one for the woman, or women, in your life who are there for you through thick and thin. The ones who show up, the ones who’ve known you since before you were you, and the ones who you may go a long time without seeing and then pick up right where you left off.  If you’re lucky enough to have these kinds of girlfriends in your life, why not celebrate with a girlfriends getaway?

Franklin, Tennessee: While nearby Nashville is also well-suited for a girls trip, Franklin might be a good idea, as well. A little lower key than the neon lights of Nashville, Franklin is great for girl-focused fun, like eating, shopping, cocktailing, and maybe even a walking ghost tour! Book a stay at nearby Natchez Trace RV Campground and you’ll have quick access to Franklin, Nashville, and the surrounding areas. Franklin highlights include the Lotz House Museum, the Franklin Glassblowing Studio, and brunch at The Honeysuckle where you can experience the Biscuit Board, like only the South can offer! More shopping and eating can be found in nearby Leiper’s Fork, anther quaint southern town considered “Nashville’s Backyard,” which is also home to a few celebs. Check out Puckett’s Grocery for great burgers and live music.

Potawatomi State Park

Door County, Wisconsin: Not only is this a great destination because of all the shopping, but the area also offers plenty of outdoor activity to indulge in so everybody gets a little something on a girls getaway here. Get the girls all settled into a cozy cabin at Tranquil Timbers Camping Resort and prepare to explore the Door. Take in a tasting at Hatch Distilling in Egg Harbor which features a craft cocktail menu that changes daily, or hike, bike, or stroll through Potawatomi State Park, which has roughly 20 miles of trails. Speaking of trails, the Door County Wine Trail is also an option. A few don’t miss items are the goats on the roof at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant and an iconic Door County fish boil.

Tuolumne County, California: Tuolumne County is home to Yosemite National Park, which is in and of itself, an adventure. But there’s also whitewater rafting opportunities, shops, and eateries to try in the area’s several small towns, plus wineries and hiking trails. Start off with a yurt rental at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort and get ready for indoor and outdoor fun, girlfriend-style. Enjoy a two-fer when you visit Gianelli Vineyards Winery that offers fabulous wines as well as live music on Friday and Saturday evenings in a tented venue among the vines! Spend a day or two touring the historic Gold Rush towns that include Groveland, Sonora, and Jamestown. Outdoor fun includes horseback riding, whitewater rafting, panning for gold and exploring the wonders of Yosemite.

Cozy cabin at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort in Groveland, CA

The Adirondacks, New York: Imagine the great photo ops when you gather the girls in the beauty of New York’s Adirondack Region for a getaway. Mountain backdrop: check. Lake backdrop: check! With a vacation cottage rental at Lake George Escape, you’re in the perfect location to see why the Adirondacks are a great place to celebrate girlfriends. Toast to friendship at the Adirondack Winery (there are two tasting rooms – the Lake George Tasting Room and the Bolton Tasting Room). Or, head to Million Dollar Beach, one of the largest beaches in Lake George, and take a few beach shots for the ‘gram. Although it is also the most popular beach, there’s plenty of space at this beautiful 51-acre beach. Girlfriends can appreciate history so head to Fort William Henry, a British fort dating to 1755 or the Chapman Museum in Glen Falls which details the history of the area. End the days with a relaxing sunset or dinner cruise on Lake George.

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5 Things to Do in… Nashville

Nashville, Tennessee, is known as Music City U.S.A. As home to the historic Ryman Auditorium, the iconic Grand Ole Opry and a stretch of honky tonks offering plenty of country music, the moniker is a no-brainer. And while many people visit Nashville to hear the music, visit these iconic places and learn about country music’s history with a visit to the city’s County Music Hall of Fame and Museum, we’ve found a few more reasons to visit this southern town that’s always humming with something to do.

  1. Where the Wild Things Are: Nashville is home to all kinds of wild animals – but don’t be afraid of the ones we’re talking about. Polar Bear fan? Head over to the Edgehill neighborhood of Nashville to see two very large polar bears engaged in a snowball fight. At the corner of Edgehill Avenue and 12th Avenue South, the two polar bears, originally created as an advertisement for a frozen custard shop, each hold an armful of “snowballs” and appear ready for battle. More wild animals can be found in the Bellevue neighborhood and the menagerie here includes several dinosaurs, a lion, a tiger, and a bear. While the property on which the animals “reside” is private, the very large figures can be seen from a drive down Poplar Creek Road.
  1. Civil Rights History: A portion of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail can be found in Nashville and it includes the Woolworth on 5th location (now closed) which was the site of a 1960s lunch counter sit-in. The city’s public library houses the Civil Rights Room (open to the public when the library is open) which details the history of the movement through exhibits and displays. Check out civilrightstrail.com for more Nashville sites on this trail.
Hiking trail in the forest in Nashville, TN.
  1. Explore the Greenways: Nashville has roughly 100 miles of greenways that are great for walking, biking and taking in the scenery. There are short stretches and long stretches, parts that run along rivers and streams and parts that feature native flora, fauna and historic areas. For a downloadable map, visit greenwaysfornashville.org.
Fried Bologna, Grilled Cheese Sandwich
  1. Foodie Adventures: Certainly, you can take one of the many organized food tours – check out nashvillefoodtours.com to see what’s cooking, or you can go solo and see what we have on the menu: Try a fried bologna sandwich at Robert’s Western World on Broadway; experience what Southerners call “meat and three” at Monell’s, a Nashville staple for great food; or enjoy the fried chicken and biscuits at the Loveless Café, which has been serving up this southern favorite for over 65 years. For desserts, consider a Unicorn Milkshake from the Legendairy Milkshake Bar or throw back to the 1950s and enjoy a dipped cone from Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, which has been serving ice cream and shakes (as well as burgers) in the same location since 1951.
Giraffe at the Nashville, TN Zoo.
  1. Where the Wild Things Are: Part 2: Nashville isn’t even in the Top 10 of U.S. cities when it comes to population (it ranks 23rd) and yet, they do fall into the Top 10 when it come to largest zoos in the country (based on landmass)! Go figure! What the Nashville Zoo offers over its 188 acres, of which only 90 have been developed, is nearly 3,000 animals representing more than 350 different species. The unique Kangaroo Kickabout gives visitors the opportunity to interact with red kangaroos – yep, walk around in their habitat – with them! Another unique feature about this zoo is the historic Grassmere Home. Built in 1810, the home is the centerpiece of the Zoo and is open for guided tours. New at the Zoo this year is the Tiger Crossroads exhibit; Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear exhibit and several baby kangaroos and two caracals recently born. Visit nashvillezoo.org for hours of operation and ticket information. 
Nashville themed cabin at Natchez Trace in Hohenwald, TN.

While checking out music city, plan to stay in an adorably themed cozy cabin at Natchez Trace. Or, be one of the first to stay at the Natchez Trace Tiny House Village, coming soon!

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Themed Cabins at Natchez Trace RV Campground

Nashville, TN
Nashville, TN

Tennessee is a special place to visit almost any time of the year. Tennessee is famous for its barbecued comfort food that sticks to your ribs like an Elvis song can stick in your head; for its Great Smoky Mountains and endless opportunities for fishing and hunting; for Memphis and Nashville, two cities built on the blues and rock n’ roll; for Route 66, “the main street of America” that runs through Tennessee as roadtrippers traverse this land-locked state.

Natchez Trace RV Campground
Natchez Trace RV Campground – University of Alabama Themed Cabin

Immerse yourself in the charm, the culture, and the nature of the “Volunteer State” when you stay in a themed cabin at Natchez Trace RV Campground in Hohenwald, TN. These cabins are situated near the water among the trees on this beautiful forested property and each one celebrates a different facet of the Tennessee experience. There’s a cabin for the fishermen, the hunters, the Music City lovers; Tennessee Volunteer fans and Crimson Tide rivals; and for those who love the road, an ode to Route 66. Each cabin is ready for you to move right in- linens, flat screen TVs, fully stocked kitchens, coffee makers, and much more to make your stay feel just like home. At Natchez Trace, you’ll disconnect and relax – there’s no wifi connection here, but you’ll be too busy taking in the beauty of Tennessee and sleeping soundly in your cabin to notice anyway. No matter which cabin you choose, you’ll have the best view of the Tennessee sunset from your screened in porch.

Natchez Trace RV Campground
Natchez Trace RV Campground – Fishing Themed Cabin

Book your stay in a themed cabin at Natchez Trace RV Campground or another Petite Retreat today!