Tag: tranquil timbers

Stay Cool With These Great Water Retreats

Door County – WI

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

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

Neshonoc Lakeside – WI

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

Encore Sunshine Key

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

Thousand Trails Ponderosa

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

Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

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

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Celebrate the Great Outdoors This Month

Like clockwork, Great Outdoors Month comes around every year in June and reminds us to celebrate exactly that: the Great Outdoors. You can go wild and crazy and hike the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail, climb a mountain, or deep-sea dive. Or you can just do some regular stuff outside, with a thrill or two tossed in. We’ve got some ideas. Of course, the precursor to these activities is to get out and glamp this month which in itself is celebrating the Great Outdoors.

Tropical Palms RV Resort
Cottage at Encore Tropical Palms Resort

Outdoor Activity: Just being outdoors can check the box, but there are plenty of activities that we do on a regular basis that we can do in June to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Bike riding is one and there are plenty of bike trails around our glamping locations. If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Verde Valley, check out the Bell Rock Pathway which is an easy 3.7-mile, hard dirt trail around the Red Rock Canyon area in Arizona. Rent a cabin at Spring Gulch and ride through the Pennsylvania countryside on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, a 14.5-mile trail. Plan a stay in a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee, Florida, and ride the Shingle Creek Regional Trail, an 8.43-mile stretch with views of cypress and gum trees and glimpses of wildlife including egrets and Great Blue herons.

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

Outdoor Adventure: Do something adventurous this month and get out of your comfort zone. One activity that falls under the thrilling headline includes whitewater rafting. Plan a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and whitewater raft the Truckee River (gowhitewater.com) or through Yosemite National Park which offers rafting just outside the park on the Tuolumne and Merced rivers. Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Washington and check out the rafting adventures offered through Blue Sky Outfitters (blueskyoutfitters.com). New York’s Adirondack region is great for whitewater rafting. A stay at Lake George Escape and a trip booked through wildwaters.net is an option for whitewater thrills this month.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing

Outdoor Entertainment: From iconic drive-in movies to outdoor theater, there are several ways to enjoy entertainment in the great outdoors this month. Sit back and enjoy a good old drive-in movie at one of these operating drive-ins near our glamping locations: Westwind Las Vegas 6 (near Thousand Trails Las Vegas); Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth, Texas (near Thousand Trails Bay Landing); and Highway 18 Outdoor Theater in Jefferson, Wisconsin (near Blackhawk Campground). Outdoor theater can be enjoyed at The Old Globe in San Diego, California (near Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Fest in Lake Tahoe, California (near Tahoe Valley Campground); and Northern Sky Theater in Fish Creek, Wisconsin (near Tranquil Timbers).

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The Cherry Orchards

It’s cherry time! If the cherry trees aren’t blossoming, then they are just about ready for picking! If you are planning to make some cherry delights this summer and are looking for the freshest of the fresh, check out these cherry orchards near some of our great glamping locations.

Mt. Hood, Oregon: Rent a tiny home at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village or a larger cabin for extra space and enjoy an Oregon cherry orchard (note that Oregon cherry harvest times runs approximately July 1-August 7). Draper Girls’ Country Farm, open since 1962, is an option for U-pick beginning in July. They also have a country store and cidery onsite which is open daily (Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.) For information, visit drapergirlsfarm.com. Packer Orchards and Farm Place (packerorchards.com) has all kinds of U-pick goodies available come summer and promises cherries for eating in June and pie cherries in July. They also have a bakery and farm store, plus events like Baby Animal Days. For an organic option, check out Hood River U-Pick Organic. Check the website in June (hoodriverupick.com) for details but know that cherry varieties including Bing and Rainier (for eating) and Montgomery (for pie baking) will be available. There’s also a fun petting zoo, alpacas roaming, and picnic tables with splendid views of Mount Hood while picnicking!

Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground
Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground

Door County, Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Peninsula where the fun never ends is great for cherries, too. The blossoms are in full force through May and the sight is amazing as Door County has 2500 acres of cherry orchards. So, this must be the place for cherry picking. Book a cabin at Tranquil Timbers and explore the Door’s cherry orchards. Again, July and August are picking time while the month of May promises the beautiful blossoms. Lautenbach Orchard Country Winery & Market has tart cherries for picking and sweet cherries (and all kinds of cherry goodies like cherry salsa and chocolate covered cherries) available in the indoor market. In addition to the cherries, Lautenbach offers wine and cider tastings and live music. For details, go to orchardcountry.com.

Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort
Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort

Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Pennsylvania: Kissell Hill Fruit Farm (kissellhillfruitfarm.com) has been around for about 100 years and is planning on a pick-your-own cherry season from mid-June to early July this year. On Saturdays, from late April to mid-November, the farm serves up a BBQ Chicken Dinner, beginning at 10 a.m., that is considered some of the best in the area. Weaver’s Orchard is another u-pick option and it’s not only cherries. While cherry picking runs from late June to early July for sweet and early July for tart, there are also strawberries (late May to late June), apricots in mid-July, red raspberries (early June through July), and apples come August (through October). There’s also a farm market, garden center, tours, and special events. Visit weaversorchard.com for details. Glamping options for these orchards include cabins at either Robin Hill or Spring Gulch.

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3 of the Best Glamping Accommodations for Summer

We all know the popularity of camping has taken off in the past few years and more people are camping than ever before. And of course, glamping has gone from a little know activity to being the “only way to camp” for some. So, what’s the difference? In reality, you’re still camping but glamping notches up the accommodations for sure. Check out some of the best glamping accommodations offered by Petite Retreats.

Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground
Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground
  1. Yurts: These circular domed tents date back to the 5th century and the word yurt actually translates to “home” in many languages. Yurts are spacious yet cozy and the yurts at Petite Retreat locations have kitchens and TVs –  just like home! Yurt glamping opportunities can be found in California, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin. Make it a beach experience and rent a yurt at Oregon’s Pacific City or a wooded wilderness adventure at Wisconsin’s Tranquil Timbers, on the state’s magnificent Door County Peninsula.

  2. Tiny Homes: Tiny homes are exactly that – all the comforts of home but just consolidated into 200 to 350 square feet! The tinies at Petite Retreats locations are decorated straight out of a magazine, located in some of the most popular vacation destinations, and really provide one of the best glamping experiences you may ever have. Our tiny homes have kitchens, bathrooms and sleeping lofts as well as plenty of space for indoor living when you’re done with outdoor adventure. From a location standpoint, renting a tiny home near Nashville, Tennessee, the beaches of New Hampshire or the Florida Keys, the woodsy Pacific Northwest, or the gorgeous Arizona Red Rock Canyon are all possibilities.

  1. Completely Unique: Have you ever camped in a covered wagon? Or a real glamping tent? Check out these unique accommodations at Petite Retreats.

The Glamping Tents, located at beautiful Marina Dunes, have queen-sized beds, two bedside tables with lamps, and cozy outdoor spaces, too. With a glamping tent, it’s like spending the night in your own bedroom. No need to pitch a tent or blow up the air mattress. When you’re done with the day, settle into bed, switch off the lamp and enjoy a comfortable sleep with the moon and stars as nightlights. Marina Dunes is adjacent to the Marina Dunes Preserve and a short drive to Monterey, where attractions include Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Old Fisherman’s Wharf.

The Covered Wagon option is the perfect accommodation when you choose to glamp at Rancho Oso in Santa Barbara. Bedding down in the Covered Wagon at this western-ranch style campground will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time, except you have electricity. The Covered Wagon has camping cots and plenty of outdoor space for activities, including the glamping favorite: a campfire. Other unique accommodations at Rancho Oso include a tipi and western-style cabins. This is a fantastic location if you want to go to the beach, explore the wine country here, or beautiful downtown Santa Barbara. The campground itself offers a Western Village and horseback riding.

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See You Outside!

Great Outdoors Month turns 23 this month. It initially began as Great Outdoors Week, designated by President Bill Clinton in 1998, but continued to grow under each Administration and became Great Outdoors Month. So, you have to ask – haven’t we always celebrated our great outdoors? Or was it only after the advent of computers, video games, and cable and streaming services that serve as major forms of recreation, albeit indoors, that the call came to remind people to get outside?  

The premise behind Great Outdoors month is to remind Americans about the abundance of great outdoors that exist in our country as well as to re-educate them (or in some cases, educate) them about the importance of conservation and preserving our beautiful woodlands and waters. So, how do you celebrate Great Outdoors Month? Well, the whole month of June has specific days dedicated to outdoor activities, like National Trails Day (June 1); National Fishing and Boating Week (June 5-13) and the Great American Campout (June 26). We say, start with a glamping trip and go from there. Here are a few ideas:

Hiking:  While the events of National Trails Day have come and gone this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t take to the trails any other day this month. Hiking has been proven to improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels, strengthen your core and improve your balance. It’s one of the greatest outdoor activities and requires the least amount of skill. You just walk – a lot! Rent one of the great new tiny homes at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village just outside Nashville and hike the Narrows of the Harpeth Trail – an easy 1.1-mile trail with great views of Tennessee’s Harpeth Valley. Another tiny house and trail is what you’ll find if you visit Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and tackle the nearby Salmon River Trailhead – tackle being the operative word here as it is 7.8 miles, yet still considered a moderate trail that winds through an old growth forest and has great views of the Salmon River.

Cottage at Marina Dunes in Marina, CA

Birding:  According to James Morgan of BirdwatchingBuzz, some the of the best summer birding spots can be found in Maine’s Acadia National Park; Pennsylvania’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and California’s Monterey Bay. Birding may seem like a somewhat sedentary activity but there are plenty of benefits – findings show that birding can benefit our overall well-being, mental health, and cognitive functioning. So, grab your binoculars and bird guides and plan a stay with us in a cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows in Maine, a glamping tent at Marina Dunes in California or a cozy cabin at Appalachian RV Campground in Pennsylvania and get into the birds! Maine birders can expect to see warblers, eagles, and puffins while Cali birders might spy a Black-footed Albatross, plenty of seabirds and hummingbirds, too. Visitors to PA’s Hawk Mountain Sanctuary can enjoy the birds as well as hiking trails and native gardens.

Cozy Cabin at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Fishing: Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week by either learning to fish or adding to your collection of “fish stories.” We’ve got great accommodations near some of the best fishing locations, so grab your tackle box and gear, wish for some good luck, and drop a line. The waters that surround our cabins and yurts at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, are teeming with fish, including walleye, northern pike, trout, and bass. You’re bound to get lucky here so rent a yurt and fish away (don’t forget to check out the fishing license requirements). Or book a charter and let the pros show you how it’s done – for specific info, visit travelwisconsin.com/things-to-do/outdoor-fun/fishing. Do you remember the beauty of the fly-fishing scenes from the movie “A River Runs Through It”? Fly fishing not only gives you a total body workout thanks to all the wading, casting, and reeling it requires, but is also known to lower cortisol levels, which means you are de-stressing while wading, casting, and reeling! Head to Leavenworth, Washington, where some of the most scenic fly fishing can be found. Rent one of the great tiny houses at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village and try your hand at wading, casting, and reeling in nearby Fish Lake which is great for yellow perch and largemouth bass in summer.

And don’t forget to make sure to participate in the Great American Campout on June 26. We’ve got plenty of great glamping spots for you– check out www.PetiteRetreats.com for locations!

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Fall Foliage Hikes

North Falls at Silver Falls State Park near Silverton, Oregon.

This fall, make it your goal to be an active leaf peeper. Yes, you heard that right. Leaf peeper – which by definition is someone who visits wooded areas in autumn to check out the changing colors of the foliage. Most everyone is a leaf peeper in some form or another. Maybe you don’t check websites for peak color dates or plan an annual trip around the changing colors but you most likely revel in the beautiful color show put on by Mother Nature and her children of the leafy kind come fall.

Now, we’re asking you to be an active leaf peeper, but we don’t mean just checking out the leaves. We think tossing in a hike – mild, moderate, strenuous, whatever a good hike means to you – while taking in this free, socially-distanced show is a great idea. These hikes are both good for your body and for your psyche.  We did some research and found some of the most popular fall foliage hikes around.

Silver Falls State Park (Silverton, Oregon): A moderate hike at almost 9 miles is well worth the effort as Silver Falls State Park offers hikers the opportunity to see waterfalls in addition to the gorgeous fall foliage. Ten waterfalls in fact, thus the name of the trail, Trail of Ten Falls, can be seen on this great fall hike.

(Plan a stay at one of the cozy cabins at nearby Pacific City while hiking Silver Falls.)

Washington Park Arboretum (Seattle, Washington): The Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle is possibly one of the best color shows contained in one location that you may find. In fact, according to the Arboretum’s website, fall in the Arboretum’s Woodland Garden section may possibly offer the most stunning display of fall colors in the region thanks to having one of the largest collection of Japanese maples in North America. All this beauty can be experienced on nearly one mile of winding stone pathways. How’s that for one-stop peeping? 

Japanese Garden at Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle, Washington.

(A great idea is to book a tiny home at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and drive into Seattle. This is a two-fer since fall in Leavenworth is another spectacular show.)

Franconia Ridge Trail (Lincoln, New Hampshire): Waterfalls, a running stream, fantastic views, and plenty of fall foliage can be found on this New Hampshire trail. At just about eight miles and definitely a “hike,” the scenic rewards are plentiful. It’s no wonder this loop was named one of the 10 best hiking trails by National Geographic in 2017.

Tiny House Murphy at Tuxbury Tiny House Village

(Book a tiny home at nearby Tuxbury Tiny House Village for the perfect complement to your fall getaway.)

Potawatomi State Park (Door County, Wisconsin): Driving into Potawatomi State Park in the fall is almost a color show in itself. The contrast between the deep black of the roadway and the yellows and golds of the branches overhead is pretty cool, but wait there’s more! The trails are a carpet of beautifully colored fallen leaves and the views are some of fall’s best. Check out the portion of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail that runs through the Park.

Tranquil Timbers in nearby Sturgeon Bay has the perfect cabin accommodations for your visit to Door County’s color-fall wonderland.

Ocean Path Trail, Acadia National Park (Bar Harbor, Maine): This trail, which stretches along the rugged Maine coastline, is postcard perfect in fall. With the rocky shores of the Atlantic on one side and the Acadia’s beautiful foliage on the other, it’s the perfect mix. Check out the fall leaves at Thunder Hole. Ocean Path is approximately 4.5 miles round trip.

Hiking in Acadia National Park

(Book a cozy cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or choose from a cozy cottage or colorful cabin at Narrows Too for your fall foliage experience.)

The Thrill of It

Hiking trail at Red Rock State Park in Sedona, Arizona.

Are you a thrill-seeker? Are you always challenging yourself to try something new? Do you love the adrenaline rush and the sense of accomplishment after you’ve done something your friends or family say you were crazy to try?

Well you’re not crazy – and, according to some studies, you’re possibly managing life better than your more sedate friends. Tackling your fear of these thrilling sports can provide you with coping mechanisms that you can use in other parts of your life. Another benefit is the boost to your self-confidence. You did it! Hooray for you! Who doesn’t feel good about themselves after accomplishing these feats?

Cabins at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground in Groveland, CA

If you’re ready to get your thrill on, consider these sports:

  1. Whitewater Rafting: Book a stay at one of the cool yurts at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground in Groveland and ride the whitewaters of the Tuolumne River, which is considered one of the best rivers for such an adventure. Plenty of outfitters are waiting to help you tackle the Class III rapids of the Wenatchee River in Leavenworth, Washington. Visit www.leavenworth.org to find the one that fits your idea of thrills. Plan to stay with us at Leavenworth Tiny House Village in your own tiny house where you can relax after a thrilling day on the water!
Yurt at Yosemite Lakes RV Campground in Groveland, CA
  • Rock Climbing: If you’re heading to Maine, check out rock climbing at Maine’s Acadia National Park which offers all kinds of climbing options through the Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School. Solo efforts can range from four to seven-hour jaunts, plus there are family climbs and evening climbs. Make a reservation at our nearby locations, Narrows Too (cabin and cottage options) or Mt. Desert Narrows (cabin accommodations) to be where the climbing action is. 
Cabins at Narrows Too in Trenton, ME
  • Zip-lining: Want to soar across the treetops of the amazing Adirondack forest? Book a comfy cabin at Lake George Escape and then find the zip-line adventure for you. There are plenty here including Adirondack Extreme Adventure Course or the Adirondack Adventure Center. Crazy views of Wisconsin’s Door County Peninsula as you fly over towering pine trees are what’s in store when you zip-line in this Wisconsin wonderland. Book a cabin at Tranquil Timbers and plan your adventure. Check out Door County Adventure Center or Lakeshore Adventures for their zip-lining courses.
Inside a yurt at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, WI
  • Snorkeling: No better place to dive deep than the Florida Keys. Reserve a colorful cottage at Fiesta Key or a super cool tiny home at Sunshine Key and explore the underwater kingdom of The Keys. The warm shallow waters off the Dry Tortugas are said to be best for snorkelers of all ages while John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first undersea park in the US, is great for viewing the various coral species, plus turtles, parrot fish and butterfly fish.
Colorful cottages at Fiesta Key in Long Key, FL
  • Ultimate Hiking: While hiking is a great activity for both body and spirit, the thrill on these hikes is the view. These are ultimate when it comes to the unparalleled beauty of nature (not to mention majorly Instagram-worthy photo ops).

Fay Canyon, Arizona: An easy 2.4-mile trail in the scenic Fay Canyon of Sedona’s Red Rock State Park. Rent a tiny home at Verde Valley and hike the park everyday for a different point of view.

Joshua Tree National Park, California: All levels of hiking trails are available here and most come with views of the Park’s namesake, the Joshua Tree. Find Heart Rock within the Park and you’re guaranteed an insta-shot you will love! A cottage accommodation at Palm Springs is the perfect companion to this hiking trek.

Atticus the Tiny House at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches, OR

Mirror Lake Loop Trail, Oregon: The Mt. Hood area of Oregon is full of opportunities for great hikes and great pics. One of the most popular, and amazing, is the view of Mt. Hood from the Mirror Lake Trail, a 3.7-mile loop. A tiny house at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is perfect for the after-trail relax.

June is Great Outdoors Month

Cabins at Yosemite Lakes Campground in Groveland, CA

In 1998, President Bill Clinton declared that seven days in the month of June should be set aside to “celebrate our relationship with nature.” That concept resonated so soundly with Americans that successive administrations morphed those seven days into a whole month of celebrating and communing with nature.

June is upon us again and we probably all feel the need to get outside and commune! So, whether you hike, bike, fish, boat or just plain sit in it, get outside, breath the air, and become one with nature.

June in the great outdoors can include:

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches, OR

Hiking: Hiking doesn’t really require much equipment or any particular level of skill – just some strong legs and lungs, and you’ve got it. Trails abound around the country and we’ve found a few you places you might like to hike. Yosemite National Park has 800 miles of trails to choose from and the scenery is unparalleled! Enjoy the alpine hikes of Mt. Hood, Oregon’s 11,240-foot volcano – two popular hikes are the Tamanawas Falls Trail and the Old Salmon River Trail. Then, relax after a long day on the trails in one of our yurt accommodations at Yosemite Lakes Campground (CA) or Mt. Hood Village (OR).

Cottages in Palm Springs RV Resort in Palm Desert, CA

Biking: Take a seat and use pedal power to enjoy the great outdoors on a bike ride. Some great rides could include the 13-mile city-wide tour of Palm Springs, California, which gives you an idea what the town is all about. Or, pedal around Maine’s Acadia National Park on the 45 miles of carriage roads or the 27-mile Park Loop Road. Add to the fun of your great outdoors experience with a stay in a cute cottage at Narrows Too (ME) or Palm Springs RV Resort (CA).

Cabins at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, WI

Fishing: Reel in the big one during Great Outdoors Month.  Try your luck with some deep-sea fishing in the Florida Keys or see what’s biting in the waters of Wisconsin’s Door County. Our cozy cabins at Tranquil Timbers (WI) or a colorful cottage or tiny house in the Keys can serve as your “fishing lodge” while you write your big fish story!

Fishing at Pacific City in Cloverdale, OR

Taking in the View: Sometimes it’s enough to just be outdoors to enjoy the view, the fresh air, and the magic of nature. Take in the sunsets from Santa Barbara’s Stearns Wharf; feel the effects of the healing vortexes in Sedona’s Red Rock State Park; enjoy the charm of Leavenworth, Washington, a quaint-as-can-be Bavarian-styled village or marvel at Haystack Rock, nature’s sea stack creation that rises 235 from the Pacific Ocean at Cannon Beach, Oregon. You can also enjoy the view from our cozy cabins in Santa Barbara (Rancho Oso) or Oregon (Pacific City), or from our adorable tiny homes in Leavenworth, Washington, or Sedona’s Verde Valley Resort.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA

Camping: Of course, there is no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than with a good camping trip. Writer Alice Walker said, “In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect.” Find your perfection and stay with us in one of our Petite Retreats. If you want mountains, we’ve got you covered with locations near Seattle, Maine’s Acadia National Park, beautiful Mt. Hood, and the Adirondacks. If you want seashore, we’ve got you covered with locations in Santa Barbara, the Oregon coast, New Hampshire, and Florida. And if your “perfect” is just gathering friends and family in the great outdoors, we’ve definitely got you covered there!

Forest Bathing – No Water Required!

Forest Bathing is the latest way to go off grid and absorb the benefits of nature.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, there was a boom in technology that plunged the average, everyday person into the digital world, resulting in what could be called screen-time addiction. During that time, the use of home computers, hand-held video games, and portable pocket-sized devices for our viewing and listening pleasures became the norm rather than the exception.

So, it’s no wonder that in the early 1980s, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries began to promote the practice of shinrin-yoku to encourage people to spend time in nature. Shinrin-yoku translates to “forest bathing,” which is fast becoming a popular way to go off grid and absorb the benefits of nature.  ­

Studies have shown plenty of positive health benefits of forest bathing. It reduces levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone. It also has been proven to lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, boost energy levels, and provide more sound sleep.  Plus, you don’t necessarily need to do anything strenuous – simply bathe in the natural surroundings and be present in the very moment!

Come stay with us and enjoy the nearby forests and take the plunge (no bathtub necessary) to see why forest bathing is making such a big splash these days.

The Deschutes National Forest is just minutes from the yurts and cabins at Bend-Sunriver. Bask in the beauty of the soaring trees, which include Douglas firs, Ponderosa pines, Western larch, and White pines. There are roughly 76 moderate trails in the 1.8 million acres that comprise the forest. Waterfalls, wildlife, and mountain views add to your bathing pleasure!

Safari Tents at Rancho Oso in Santa Barbara, CA.

If you’re planning a trip to Santa Barbara to stay in a teepee, tent, covered wagon, or cabin at Rancho Oso, you’ll be happy to know California’s Los Padres National Forest is conveniently less than 10 miles away and provides the perfect forest bathing venue. Coming in at approximately 1.9 million acres, Los Padres has over 1000 miles of trails and is home to magnificent coastal redwoods, pine and fir trees as well a variety of oak tree species, including Blue Oak and California Black Oak. Oh, and Pfeiffer Beach is also located within the forest so you can actually get wet while forest bathing here!

The Tuxbury Tiny House Village

The Tuxbury Tiny House Village in South Hampton, New Hampshire, has two nearby options for forest bathing: Cowden State Forest and Powwow River State Forest. While a short drive away, about an hour and a half to be exact, this puts you smack dab in the middle of the White Mountain Forest with plenty of hemlock, pines, and spruce trees to bathe in. Fun fact, the state of New Hampshire is the second most forested state in the US with roughly 81 percent of forest land, so everywhere you look, there’s an option to forest bathe!

Cabins at Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

Take a trip to Wisconsin’s Door County and you’ll find yourself surrounded by forest lands, including Baileys Harbor Boreal Forest and Wetlands. A stay at Tranquil Timbers is a great way to get your daily dose of forest bathing. Baileys is home to spruce, cedar, birch, and hemlock trees as well as a bevy of birds including warblers and merlins who can add the soundtrack to bath time.

Cider Sippin’ Spots

Cider Sippin’ Spots

When they say everything old is new again, they may very well be talking about cider. Did you know cider was America’s beverage of choice during Colonial times? In fact, the Mayflower possibly carried the first cider press to be used in America aboard the ship that also brought the Pilgrims to our shores. Of course, they couldn’t do anything with it until the apples were harvested from the first apple trees planted here after they first landed. Fast forward some 500 years, and cider is again very popular. To clarify, that’s hard cider versus soft cider. The difference here being that hard cider has an alcohol content while soft cider can be enjoyed by all ages! And, while Americans may not be drinking the 35 gallons of hard cider they apparently averaged annually during Colonial days, they are certainly taking it up once again, as evidenced by the popularity of cideries sprouting up across the country. To produce cider, according to ciderscene.com, there are four steps. Pick, press, punish, and produce. Again, a differentiation is required. The apples used for cider are typically not the same apples that you would eat or cook with. Cider apples tend to be dryer and less sweet. The four-step result is a crisp, refreshing alternative to other spirits, including beer and wine. Here are some cideries to check out this fall season:

Bishop Cider (Dallas, Texas):  Gluten-free and vegan friendly, the people behind Bishop Cider began making their own cider at home because they felt the commercially available cider in Texas was “trash” because it was too sweet. Started in 2014, Bishop Cider Co. now offers a variety of ciders and has a tasting room that typically offers six different ciders on tap. For more information, and to check out the unique Cidercade, visit www.bishopcider.com.

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

(Nearest Petite Retreat option is Bay Landing in Bridgeport, about 80 miles away)

Cider Bite (Portland, Oregon): Another cidery that grew from the idea that there was just no place to get good cider, the Cider Bite bills itself as a Cider House and focuses not only on making exceptional cider, but also on the history and production of cider. In fact, founder Jeff Hanneson’s great-grandfather was a cider-maker. Offering 32 ciders on tap, cider flights, and nibbles, the Cider Bite is the place to get your cider cravings satisfied. Visit www.ciderbite.com for more information.

Mt Hood • Welches, OR
Mt Hood • Welches, OR

 (Nearest Petite Retreat option is Mt. Hood in Welches, about 36 miles away)

Santa Barbara Cider Company (Santa Barbara, California): Come visit and see what’s on tap for the day as they offer 12 rotating taps of their delicious cider varieties which may include a coffee-based cider, a tea-infused cider, or one of several fruit ciders. All ciders are gluten-free and the cider makers say the majority of the ingredients they use can be found in your own kitchen cabinets, like cinnamon and brown sugar. They do have a tasting room and food trucks and other food providers are on hand during the weekends for nourishment while enjoying the cider offerings. For more information, visit www.sbcider.com.

Rancho Oso • Santa Barbara, CA
Rancho Oso • Santa Barbara, CA

 (Nearest Petite Retreat option is Rancho Oso, about 30 miles away)

Island Orchard Cider (Ellison Bay, Wisconsin): Visit the Tasting Room and Cider Pub in beautiful Door County, Wisconsin, where you can see the cider making process as well as enjoy the flavors of Island Orchard. Visit www.islandorchardcider.com for more information.

(Nearest Petite Retreat option is Tranquil Timbers in Sturgeon Bay, about 36 miles away)