Tag: wisconsin

Best Glamping Cabins to Stay Cozy in this Autumn

It’s autumn and that means cozy cabins are the must-have for your fall glamping adventures. Think rustic, wooded and perfect fall vibes. Check out some of our great cabins that are the perfect accessory to your fall-fun agenda.

A Cabin in the Woods: Head to Door County, Wisconsin’s popular peninsula for a glamping cabin in the woods experience at Tranquil Timbers Campground. The cabins here are set on 50 acres of wooded wonderland and offer the perfect place to enjoy fall colors. Outdoor opportunities here include exploring Peninsula State Park with its fishing, biking and hiking opportunities, apple-picking in the numerous orchards and strolling the charming towns. The Door County Fall Lighthouse Festival is set for October 4 when all 11 of the historic lighthouses will be open for visitors.

Cabin at Seaside RV Campround
Cabin at Seaside RV Campround

A Cabin by the Sea: You can’t get much closer to a cabin by the sea than with a glamping cabin accommodation at Thousand Trails Seaside on Oregon’s picturesque coast. Fall is the perfect time for spotting migrating gray whales while you stroll the beach. For guaranteed marine life views, head over to the Seaside Aquarium which has several touch tanks and underwater exhibits. It’s also a great place to feed the seals! A visit to Seaside is not complete without a walk on “the Prom,” Seaside’s historic 1.5-mile historic promenade along the shore which also has access to several restaurants and shops.

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

A Cabin in the Mountains: Lucky, lucky glampers – there are two choices if the mountains are calling you. The East Coast option is Lake George Escape Campground in the amazing Adirondacks. Late September in the Lake George area is a leaf-peepers dream as the colors are typically in their glory. Enjoy the fall air and the color show by hiking the numerous trails that range from easy to challenging. For a list of trail ideas, head to visitlakegeorge.com/outdoors/recreation/hiking. If you want a seat for the color show, consider a scenic drive on Route 9N or a drive to the top of Prospect Mountain. Fall events in Lake George include the Adirondack Balloon Festival scheduled for September 19-22 or the Lake George Oktoberfest and Fall Festival set for October 11-13. For a Pacific Northwest mountain adventure, rent a cozy cabin at Mt. Hood Village Resort and hop aboard the Fall Harvest Train, which is considered one of the most scenic rides that goes through the Hood River Valley (mthoodrr.com). Another fun fall experience would be to take the 35-mile self-guided Hood River Fruit Loop and visit the orchards in the area. Fall hikes could include the 3.3-mile hike to Tamanawas Falls, the Trillium Lake Loop, an easy hike that could include a lakeside picnic and the more aggressive hike at a little over 8 miles at Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain which offers great views of Mt. Hood.

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

A Cabin in the South: Again, two choices for the lucky fall glamper. There’s a cozy cabin waiting in Bridgeport, Texas at Thousand Trails Bay Landing. Once you’re settled in here explore the area which includes Fort Worth attractions including the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens which will be in full fall color bloom come September and the 138th State Fair of Texas which runs September 27 to October 20. Canoe or kayak the nearby Trinity River or hike Eagle Mountain Park which has 10 miles of trails. If you’re Tennessee-bound, reserve a cozy cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace and drive into Nashville to enjoy the art and music scene that is Music City USA. Or take to the great outdoors and hike trails in the area which include the moderate Meriwether Lewis Loop Trail or the easy Old Trace Trail.

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Good Things Come in Small Packages

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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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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Contain Yourself (in a tiny house container village, that is!)

In the days of reduce, reuse, and recycle, the concept of repurposing just about anything you can is definitely a priority. If you glamp, you must love the outdoors so the idea of lessening your carbon footprint is probably something you look to do as often as you can. When tiny homes came on the scene as glamping options, they made perfect sense to an outdoor lover who also embraced the minimalist lifestyle. The tiny home lifestyle takes advantage of every possible square inch of space in these unique glamping accommodations – from horizontal to vertical, everything had a purpose. Plus, the settings were pretty great, too!

Enter the tiny house container village as the newest trend (and one that makes perfect eco-sense) in glamping accommodations. Shipping containers are rugged and durable and are finding a new purpose after “retirement” as the latest in accommodations for the outdoor and sustainability enthusiast. Shipping containers are often single use, meaning once they arrive, it’s not economical to ship them across the ocean for a second voyage. These shipping containers are looking for a second life, and being repurposed as a tiny house is a great way to bring them to life…again. And just like our tiny homes, they’re perfectly appointed with all the amenities you can ask for including kitchens, bathrooms, cozy sleeping spaces, and living areas. They are now an option when you choose to glamp at Wisconsin’s Yukon Trails.

Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails

Welcome our very first container clan, the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails. Introducing Barrett, Brooks, Sienna, Wren, and Sylvan. All have kitchens and full bathrooms and all but Barrett, sleep 4 while Barrett comfortably sleeps 2. Rentals begin May 23 so come check out our newest, coolest, containers at the open house event on May 20, 2023.

The wooded wonderland that is Yukon Trails is near all the fun of the Wisconsin Dells, the award-wining Driftless Glen Distillery in Baraboo, and Mirror Lake State Park, which is great for hiking, fishing, and biking. Yukon Trails itself features a fish fry every Friday, and a jam packed activity schedule all season long.

Meet our newest accommodations below!

Meet Sienna - Sunset Chaser - A Petite Retreat


Meet Sienna: A bit of a night owl, Sienna comes alive as the sun begins to set. She has a bright personality and a warm demeanor, making everyone she comes across feel seen and heard. She has a penchant for color and design, and incorporates this into both her wardrobe and her home, as well as her friends’ through giving them little gifts and decorative items for their own spaces. Her favorite time of day is dusk, and in the summertime, she makes it a habit to watch the sun set, and the fireflies come out to light up the sky. To Sienna, dusk marks the end of the work day and the beginning of her time to live life on her own terms. As soon as the sun is set and the stars are out, you can often find her putting a record on her old record player, flipping through design books and websites, and rearranging furniture in her home. This cozy charmer sleeps 4. Book your stay in Sienna.

Meet Brooks - Water Lover - A Petite Retreat


Meet Brooks: From kayaking, canoeing, and swimming, to the adventurous rafting and wakeboarding, a day out on the water is a day well spent for Brooks. His love affair with water sports began as soon as he started taking swim lessons and shortly thereafter began begging to go to the pool and water parks every day, even in the rain. He kicks off each day with a swim to wake himself up and start the day off on the right foot. Brooks is a goal setter and is likely training for his next big race, and his ambitions have taken him far in life. He is a determined leader who knows how to motivate his team and bring people from all walks of life together. Brooks’ demeanor has a quiet confidence, making him both trustworthy and easy to be around. When he’s not out on the water, he’s likely playing intramural sports with his friends, or planning his next trip to coincide with a race. Brooks sleeps 4. Book your stay in Brooks.

Meet Barrett - Curious Explorer - A Petite Retreat


Meet Barrett: Fiercely protective of his friends and family, Barrett is strong, thoughtful, and courageous. He enjoys hiking and going off the beaten path both in life and in his travels. Though he can be hardheaded in some aspects of life, those closest to Barrett know he makes decisions with his heart and is a real softie when it comes to his family (including his dog). Barrett is extremely intelligent and introspective, which has treated him well in life, specifically when he takes the road less traveled. He believes there is always something to learn, and his natural curiosity has served him well in his travels, explorations, and relationships. Barrett welcomes challenges in his life and views them as an opportunity to grow. His courage knows no bounds and many turn to him when they need inspiration or a reminder of their own strength. The tiniest of the containers, Barrett sleeps 2. Book your stay in Barrett.

Meet Wren - Plant Enthusiast - A Petite Retreat


Meet Wren: Wren is a true songbird, always singing her favorite song or making one up as she goes about her day. Her friends and family often let her know she’s humming out loud before she’s even realized she’s doing it. Aside from singing, Wren has a love for flowers and the outdoors. She is constantly trying to figure out ways to bring the outdoors in. Taking full advantage of the natural light in her home, Wren fills shelves and nooks with her favorite plants, nurturing them and helping them thrive, and always keeps a centerpiece of fresh flowers on her kitchen table. Her maternal instincts are second to none and she forever knows just the right thing to say, whether someone needs a judgement-free listening ear or a touch of tough love. She is a busy body and chooses movement over stillness, flitting from one responsibility to the next, filling her calendar with friend catch ups, volunteering opportunities, or gardening. Wren can accommodate 4 guests. Book your stay in Wren.

Meet Sylvan - Loyal Friend - A Petite Retreat


Meet Sylvan: Sylvan is stoic and loyal. He is someone who can be called on in a moment’s notice and not just arrive, but truly show up in every sense of the word. He is patient and grounded, which serves him well and has allowed him to make his hobby of woodworking and carpentry into a full-time job. Sylvan prides himself on staying connected with nature, through regular hikes and familiarizing himself with the various species of wood he’s working with. He strives to give a second life to the trees and turns them into pieces and fixtures that will live on for centuries to come. Sylvan is steadfast in his passion for the great outdoors and aims to respect nature through the food he eats and the lifestyle he lives. His goal in life is to limit his footprint while he forges his own path, and to breathe in as much fresh air as he can each day. This tiny house vacation rental sleeps 4. Book your stay in Sylvan.

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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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Green City Getaways

With April having two dates that recognize the importance of taking care of our Earth (Earth Day and Arbor Day), it makes sense to plan a trip to visit a Green City this month (or in the future).

Cherry tree blossoms on the waterfront in Portland, OR.

According to treehugger.com, there are several things to take into consideration in determining how “green” a city is. Those include efficient public transportation, quality public space, plentiful parks, and the availability of bike lanes as well as composting and recycling programs. One other interesting item is whether a city offers “good green fun,” which means farmer’s markets, plenty of organic fare served up in the local eating and drinking establishments and music festivals and outdoor events that feature solar-powered stages and valet parking for bicycles. There are several more “green definers” and combined that’s a lot for a city to tackle, yet slowly but surely, more and more of our urban areas around the country are hitting the mark when it comes to being green. Additionally, there are many different groups providing different rankings for these cities, but some consistently make the grade across the board.

  1. San Diego, California: San Diego’s nickname is “America’s Finest City”, but it can also boast being one of America’s greenest cities. San Diego is home to Balboa Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Other green things about this southern California city include dozens of weekly farmer’s markets, a major “Farm to Fork” movement in the dining industry, a variety of public transportation including trolleys, shuttles, and pedi-cabs, and plenty of opportunities for green fun including kayaking, mountain biking, and surfing.

Book a cabin or cottage stay at Pio Pico or Oakzanita Springs for a San Diego Green Getaway.

Tiny House Savannah at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches, OR.
  1. Portland, Oregon: With over 90,000 acres of green space and a top-notch biking/walking trail system, Portland is definitely eco-friendly. In fact, they have the highest rate of workers biking to the office than any other U.S. city. They were also one of the first cities to ban the use of plastic bags. For green space, visitors and residents alike need to look no further than the city’s Forest Park, a 5200-acre urban forest, featuring hiking and biking trails, waterfalls, and plenty of greenery!

Book a stay at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village for a Portland Green Getaway.

Cozy cabin Yukon Trails in Lyndon Station, WI.
  1. Madison, Wisconsin: Did you know that the man behind Earth Day was from Wisconsin? Gaylord Nelson, who served as both governor and senator of the state was not only a politician, but also an avid environmentalist, calling upon the citizens of America to bring awareness to problems with the environment. So naturally, it makes sense that Madison would be a green city – it’s in the genes! Madison consistently ranks as a green city thanks to its abundance of green space – from plenty of city parks to acres of lakes and miles of biking and hiking trails. Madison is home to more bikes than cars and the city is very walkable. The city has more farmer’s markets than you can shake a cucumber at, and in fact, Saturday on the Square, an event that features more than 250 vendors, is a popular destination for visitors and Mad-Town residents like.

Book a cabin stay at Yukon Trails for a Madison Green Getaway.

Lake Eola Park in Orlando, FL.
  1. Orlando, Florida: While green space is not as abundant as in some of the other green cities, Orlando makes the green grade thanks to its continued efforts and eye to the future when it comes to being, and staying, green. With goals like a 40% city-wide tree canopy coverage by 2040, the One Person One Tree initiative to help expand the urban forest, and a host of programs to protect the ecosystems found here, Orlando is definitely putting a green foot forward. And to clarify, they have plenty of green space to the tune of more than 100 parks, plus plenty of lakes and wetlands.
Colorful cottage stay at Tropical Palms in Kissimmee, FL.

Book a colorful cottage stay at Tropical Palms for an Orlando Green Getaway.

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Black History Month

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

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

Museums and Heritage Sights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Books to Read

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

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

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

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

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

Black-Owned Outdoor Gear Shop:

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

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Cheers to National Lager Day

Friends toasting with beer glasses in the brewery.

Did you know the third most widely consumed beverage in the world is beer? With water and tea being number one and two, respectively, beer comes in at number three most likely due to the fact that cultures around the world have their own version of their favorite brew. December 10 is National Lager Day so why not raise a glass of lager and toast this popular drink? If you’re planning to continue to celebrate National Lager Day well past the December date, consider these popular lagers when you’re on the road to your next outdoor adventure.

BTW – what makes a lager different from other beers, you ask? Becoming a lager is all about the bottom-fermenting technique and using younger hops, a main ingredient in beer. Also, lager yeast can withstand lower temperatures, unlike ale yeasts, and that is where it gets its name. Lager comes from the German word “lagern” which means to store and lager is in cold storage while it ages. Some examples of lagers include Corona, Budweiser, and Miller Lite. We came up with a round of lagers from some of the smaller U.S. brewers conveniently located near our great Petite Retreat accommodations.

New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, WI.

New Glarus Brewing Company, New Glarus, Wisconsin: Check out the Two Women lager at this Wisconsin brewery in the Swiss-style village of New Glarus. This lager is aptly named because it is the result of a collaboration between two craft breweries both run by women. Book a cozy cabin or a cottage at Yukon Trails and visit New Glarus to sample Two Women as well as the other brews made here, including the pretty popular Spotted Cow. Forget about the beer that “made Milwaukee famous” – New Glarus and Yukon Trails is where it’s at!

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches, OR.

Deschutes Brewery, Bend, Oregon: The perfect tasting trip could combine a tiny home accommodation at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and a visit to Deschutes Brewery in nearby Bend. Deschutes has been craft brewing since 1988 and has two really great lagers in their repertoire of beer – Pacific Wonderland and Rip City Lager, whose interesting name has ties to the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team. Want to be even closer to the brewery? Try staying in a yurt or snug cabin at Bend-Sunriver.

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Pottsville, PA.

D.G. Yuengling & Son, Pottsville, Pennsylvania: Reputed to be America’s Oldest Brewery, Yuengling (pronounced ying-ling) offers a traditional amber lager that comes in in a “light” version as well for those watching their waists! Plan a stay at Appalachian RV Campground in a cozy cabin or cottage and head to Pottsville to explore Yuengling’s brewing facilities, which features hand dug caves for fermenting. It’s just about a 25-minute drive through the lovely Pennsylvania Dutch countryside from the campground.

Doghaus Brewery, Leavenworth, Washington: Proving you don’t have to be big to be good, Doghaus Brewery bills itself as a nano-craft brewery with a micro-sized taproom, but nevertheless offers the German Pointer Lager (get the dog reference?). Based on an original blue-ribbon recipe, this one is described as a helles lager, helles being German for “pale in color.” That’s it for this small brewery when it comes to lagers, but they also offer IPAs, stouts, and ales. This is a good place to visit because the Leavenworth Tiny House Village is just 30 minutes away and who wouldn’t want to enjoy some beer in this beautiful spot in the Pacific Northwest?

Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA.

If you are looking for a craft brewery near your favorite Petite Retreat, visit www.craftbeer.com for a listing of breweries across the country. Cheers!

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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.)

Going “Abroad” Stateside

The charming Danish-themed city of Solvang, CA

Big summer vacations are looking a little different this year. Summer has typically been the time when big trips to Europe and other countries are planned, thanks in part to long school vacations and cooperating weather. Graduates head off for one last trip before starting the 9-5 grind and many honeymooners make plans for a trip abroad after a June wedding, which is a popular month for marriages.

However, for most of us, trips abroad are definitely off the table this summer but that doesn’t mean you can’t experience the different cultures offered in a trip to a foreign country. We found a few places right here in the US that will provide you the opportunity to enjoy a bit of Europe while never leaving the country!

Solvang, California:

The solvangusa.com website describes this California town as “A little slice of Denmark in Southern California.” Solvang, which means “sunny field” in Danish, was founded by three Danish immigrants in 1911, after purchasing 9000 acres of land in the Santa Ynez Valley. The town features Danish-style architecture, four wooden windmills and even has a replica of Copenhagen’s famed The Little Mermaid statue. The Elverhoj Museum of History and Art is a great place to learn the history of the town. Visit one of the authentic Danish bakeries and sample some aebleskiver, a sweet Danish pastry akin to a doughnut hole. Plan to stay at Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort, which is about 45 minutes from Solvang, and book one of our unique accomodations choosing from cabins, cottages, a tipi, or covered wagon.

St. Augustine, Florida:

St. Augustine, Florida at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.

Not only is historic St. Augustine the oldest city in America, dating to the mid-1500s, but it might also give you the feeling that you’re in Spain. Founded by a Spanish expedition, the Spanish influence on the town remains with the town’s grand plaza, the narrow streets and the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the US. Don’t miss Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, a 15-acre waterfront park on the site where it is said the city was orignally founded. Make sure you sample some Minorcan Clam Chowder while here – it’s a specialty of St. Augustine featuring the datil chile pepper said to have been brought over from Minorca, an island off Spain. Book a stay at a colorful cottage at Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee and you’re just 2 hours from historic St. Augustine.

Cottages at Tropical Palms Resort in Kissimmee, FL 

West, Texas:

Plan a cozy cabin stay at at Bay Landing RV Campground in Bridgeport, Texas, and then plan a day to drive the “Kolache Trail.” The what, you say? The Kolache Trail is actually quite long, stretching from West, Texas, which is about an hour and a half from the campground to Shulenberg, which is a good four and a half hours away. The trail hits some of the best Czech bakeries that serve up these tasty pastries with all kinds of fillings – poppyseed, apricot, prune, and more. If you don’t want to make the whole drive, definitely plan a day trip to West, Texas, which is recognized as the Czech Heritage Capital of Texas. There are plenty of bakeries, restaurants, and shops that pay homage to the Czech heritage here.

New Glarus, Wisconsin:

Cabin at Yukon Trails RV & Camping Resort just 90 minutes from New Glarus, WI.

In 1845, representatives of the Emigration Society of Canton Glarus, Switzerland, were to sent to find land in America’s midwest. The result of their efforts was an  establishment on more than 1200 acres of land in Wisconsin’s Green County, which became “New Glarus.” More Swiss settlers followed and the communtiy remains today true to its Swiss heritage.  Swiss-style architecture set among the rolling hills of the area will have you feeling you’re really in the Alps. Specialty shops, a brewery, and eateries serving authentic Swiss cuisine add to the charm of this little town. Nearby New Glarus Woods State Park is great for biking and hiking. Spend the day in New Glarus and then spend the night at Yukon Trails RV & Camping Resort, in Lyndon Station, which is approximately 75 miles away.