Tag: Yosemite National Park

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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Join in these 6 June Jubilations

There are 30 days in June and every one of them has something to celebrate – especially June 20 which is the Summer Solstice. Here are a few more days of note to celebrate and the perfect location to celebrate at:

National Moonshine Day (June 5): The official celebration may have passed, but you can still learn the history of bootleggers and “hooch” at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas.  Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas and enjoy a “Journey through Prohibition” at the museum’s Distillery where visitors will sample house-made distilled spirits and learn the history of prohibition and the drinking culture in the US before the 1920s. For details visit themobmuseum.com.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River
Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River

National Rosé Day (June 8): The second Saturday in June is National Rosé Day and what better place to celebrate this special day than in Sonoma County, California. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Russian River in Cloverdale and explore the wineries in the area known for their rosé. Enjoy a sparkling rosé in the outdoor tasting room at Iron Horse Vineyards or take lunch in the garden with your rosé at Lynmar Estate which offers a farm-to-table option (reservations required – lynmarestate.com). Both wineries are located in Sebastopol. Visit sonomawine.com for a listing of wineries in the area that have rosé.

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

National Fudge Day (June 16): Wisconsin Dells Fudge has been making fudge using Wisconsin cream and butter since 1962 and ranked 11th on the dailymeal.com’s listing of America’s 25 Best Fudge Shops. Glamp in the sweet and unique camping containers at Yukon Trails Tiny House Container Village and head into Downtown Dells for some delicious fudge.

Cabin Porch at Neshonoc Lakeside Campground
Cabin Porch at Neshonoc Lakeside Campground

National Go Fishing Day (June 18): No explanation needed here. This special day is all about encouraging you to get out and fish – in a lake, river, pond or stream. Some glamping ideas include Thousand Trails Lake Conroe in Texas or Neshonoc Lakeside Campground in Wisconsin. Lake Conroe, with glamping cabins, puts you right on Lake Conroe, a top destination for fishing enthusiasts, especially for largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Neshonoc Lakeside is the perfect place to glamp and fish to your heart’s delight with the lake right onsite. Take the bait here and book a glamping cabin to celebrate National Go Fishing Day!

Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

National Selfie Day (June 21): According to touramerica.ie, one of the most amazing spots for selfies in the US is Yosemite National Park thanks to the simply gorgeous backdrops that you can find anywhere in the Park. Book one of the unique glamping accommodations at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and you can spend several days taking all kinds of cool selfies in the Park with backdrops including the iconic Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls or Cooks Meadow.

Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M
Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M

National Kissing Day (June 22): According to the lyrics of “As Time Goes By” a kiss is just a kiss, right? Well, find out on National Kissing Day by planting one your significant other at these great spost to kiss. According to mapquest.com, Cape May, New Jersey is noted because of the “horse-drawn carriage ride through the gaslit streets of the old Victorian town.” Book a cozy glamping cottage at nearby Thousand Trails Lake & Shore and get ready to pucker up! Where better to plant one on your favorite human than on a “kissing bridge” which is what old-timely covered bridges became known as since they provided privacy. Head to Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County to discover a whole lot of “kissing bridges” and plan a stay at Thousand Trails Circle M with its great yurts and cottages for a cozy glamping getaway. Visit discoverlancaster.com for a map of the bridge locations.

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4 Great Small Town, Fall Towns

There’s something about a vacation in fall that is just a bit extra – the crowds are gone, it’s OK to spend some time inside since your summer tan has come and probably gone and the fall colors are an attraction in themselves. Add a bit more to the magic by enjoying some small-town charm when glamping this fall.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes
Cabin at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes

Temecula, California: Pick a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes in Menifee and you’re less than 20 miles from Temecula – a tiny town with a chill vibe that has been named one of the most charming small towns in Southern California. Temecula is located in California’s South Coast Wine Region and there are more than 40 wineries here. Check out Briar Rose Winery, where the buildings are replicas of Snow White’s cottage or Longshadow Ranch Vineyards and Winery with a true old west feeling and cozy bonfires every Saturday night through November 18. Old Town Temecula is a perfect mix of old and new with antique stores, boutiques, craft breweries, and plenty of places to enjoy a bite to eat.

California’s Yosemite Area: While this part of California is best known for the magnificent National Park found here – we’re talking about Yosemite National Park – there are also several charming small towns that can serve as side trips when visiting here. First things first, book one of the fantastic glamping accommodations at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes, which include yurts and cabins. Once you’re settled in, take in the beauty of your location during autumn and the charm of the surrounding towns. Sonora, a historic Gold Rush town, is home to the Indigeny Reserve which has the perfect fall offerings of hard apple cider and apple brandy tastings. For a beautiful fall hike, check out the Dragoon Gulch Trail, a 1.2-mile (moderate) loop. Jamestown, another Gold Rush town, is also worth a visit. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park is good for a look at historic steam trains as well as some Hollywood history. And, the town has several wine tasting rooms as well as a craft brewery. You can also pan for gold, shop, and stroll the Walk of Fame to see which Jamestown locations have been featured in movies and television.

Cabins at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South
Cabins at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South

Milford, Pennsylvania: The perfect mountain town to visit during fall, Milford is located in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Plan a glamping stay in a comfy cottage at Thousand Trails Timothy Lake South and take in this picturesque small town. The Black Bear Film Festival is set for October 13-15 and includes a weekend full of indies and short films. Want to see Pennsylvania’s tallest waterfall? That would be Raymondskill Falls, found in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which is also a great spot for biking and hiking, plus some pretty great leaf-peeping. For some interesting history, visit Grey Towers National Historic Site, which was the home of Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the US Forest Service. Visitors can tour the mansion and the grounds of this estate that was completed in 1886. Milford also offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.

Cottage at Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA
Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA

Virginia’s River Realm: Dotted with charming small towns, Virginia’s River Realm is the area where the Rappahannock River meets the Chesapeake Bay. It is all about the simpler life and a trip here in fall promises to be a pleasant glamping getaway. Book a cottage stay at Grey’s Point Camp in Topping and let the fun begin. The Holly Point Art & Seafood Festival is set for October 15 in Deltaville and offers seafood, live music and unique artwork from 60 different vendors and the always-popular annual Urbanna Oyster Festival is scheduled for November 3 and promises all things oyster! Shopping in Kilmarnock is an option with several boutiques and antique stores while Deltaville has a maritime museum and the beautiful Holly Point Nature Park with walking trails and kayaking opportunities. Several towns have regular farmer’s markets, and they include Irvington, Kilmarnock, and Deltaville while Urbanna has a spectacular seafood market. To learn more about the River Realm and its charming towns, check out virginiasriverrealm.com.

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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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Sporty Spring Break Ideas

The nice thing about a spring break getaway is that the option to enjoy hot or cold weather sports still exists. Skiing is a very real possibility as is snorkeling and surfing. Wanna try a sporty spring break this year? Consider these options.

Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground
Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground

Skiing/Snowboarding: If you want to hit the slopes alongside all the rest of the spring breakers, there are plenty of options. From a glamping standpoint, the places to head would include Washington’s Leavenworth Tiny House Village; Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village or Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver for cabins and yurts; California’s Tahoe Valley cabins or Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes’ cabins and yurts. Nearby ski areas include Tahoe’s Heavenly Ski Resort, the Leavenworth Ski Hill, Mt. Bachelor near Bend-Sunriver, the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl near Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, and Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground

Surfing: While surfing is possible in Florida year-round, the surf season in the Sunshine State is considered to be from late November through March. If you’re glamping in Florida for Spring Break 2023 and surfing is on the agenda, consider a stay at Encore Miami-Everglades to be near South Beach for great surfing or Encore Bulow to be near surfing opportunities at Flagler Beach. On the Pacific Coast, glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico for San Diego surfing fun or Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon for good March surfing at Zuma Beach in Malibu.

Hiking: March is a great season to enjoy hikes in California’s Joshua Tree National Park and Sedona, Arizona’s Red Rock Country, with glamping stays at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and Thousand Trails Verde Valley, respectively. Both areas enjoy a more moderate temperature this time of year so it’s not too hot to trek around and explore. Of course, springtime in Yosemite National Park promises wildflowers, waterfalls, and plenty of great hiking – check out Mist Trail or the Bridalveil Fall Trail. You can do a different day hike every day if you book a yurt or cabin stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes which is five minutes from the Park’s entrance!

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2023 National Park Bucket List

With the holidays come and gone, you may have received, or know someone who received, a National Park themed item. Maybe it was socks depicting Yosemite highlights, or a National Parks Scratch Off Poster for tracking park visits. One popular gift item is the token bracelet or keychain fob solely for the purpose of adding a national park token for each park visited. All good reasons to make a National Park 2023 Bucket List.

Combine a glamping adventure with Petite Retreats and visit to a nearby NP and you’ll have one great outdoor adventure. Here are a few National Parks near some of our best Petite Retreat accommodations. And don’t forget there are four days of the year when admission to the National Parks are free – April 11, August 4, September 23, and November 11, so plan ahead:

Yosemite National Park is just a stone’s throw (five miles from the Park’s entrance) from the unique yurt accommodations and cute cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes RV Campground. Enjoy the spacious, cool vibes of your yurt while checking Yosemite off the list. Must-sees include Yosemite Falls, which at 2,425 feet are the tallest falls in North America; the soaring granite peaks of Half Dome and El Capitan; the giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove and of course, the miles and miles of hiking trails.

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

All the way across the country from sunny California is the rocky coast of Maine and the beautiful Acadia National Park. Book a cozy glamping cabin at one of our Bar Harbor resorts and set a course to explore as much you can of the 48,000 acres of wooded wonderland. Bike the carriage roads, take the Scenic Loop Drive, watch the sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain or watch the stars at Jordon Pond.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

In the beautiful desert outside of Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park is great spot for rock climbing, stargazing, and an abundance of spring wildflowers. Check out Cholla Cactus Garden for life-sized cacti, take the ultimate selfie at Skull Rock, or visit Keys Ranch, built in 1910 as a family home for a rancher and goldminer. Key Ranch is listed as a National Historic Register site. Check out a colorful cottage in Palm Springs for your California getaway.


If National Parks make you think of a wooded setting, check out Dry Tortugas National Park, an island in the Florida Keys, for something completely different. Book a tiny house at Sunshine Key at take off down the Overseas Highway to see what this island National Park is all about. Actually, seven islands make up Dry Tortugas National Park. Garden Key is home to Fort Jefferson, a 19th century fort. Snorkeling and swimming are big activities here, and a kayak ride to tour the various islands is another suggested activity. Plenty of coral reefs to see here and a great spot for birding.


While in Florida, check out a lesser known national park – Biscayne National Park, just about an hour from a cozy cabin accommodation at Miami Everglades. Accessible only by boat, guided tours are available and canoeing, kayaking, and snorkeling activities are also offered here. Of course, one of the most popular national parks, Everglades National Park, is also an option when glamping at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort – it’s only about a half hours’ drive away!

Cabin at Miami Everglades RV Resort
Cabin at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort

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5 Things to Do In and Around Yosemite National Park

So do we mean five things to do in the magnificent national park itself, or the surrounding area outside Yosemite? Actually, a little bit of both. We’ve highlighted some great stuff not to be missed inside the park and some other pretty cool stuff not to be missed around the area.

Yurt at Yosemite Lakes
Yurt at Yosemite Lakes

Speaking of cool, are you aware of how cool the glamping accommodations are at Yosemite Lakes, which is pretty much up the block from Yosemite National Park (about 5 minutes from the entrance)? Glamping accommodations at this great location in Groveland can include cabins, cottages, and yurts. Choose whichever suits your glamping needs best and get ready to explore this beautiful area of California.

  1. Yosemite National Park: Of course, there are the must-sees like Half Dome, El Capitan, and the waterfalls (there are more than 25), but there are also some lesser known, but just as amazing, things to see and do here. Consider a visit to the Yosemite Museum, the first of its kind built inside a National Park. The museum showcases the cultural heritage of the Ahwahnechee people. Cooks Meadow is a great way to see the beauty of the park and the neat thing is that the trail is very friendly for wheelchairs, strollers, and the less-seasoned hiker. Cooks Meadow has a 2-mile loop trail and the average time to complete it is under 40 minutes. The Ansel Adams Gallery is another place not to miss – his stunning photos of the park are world-famous. In addition to works of Adam’s, the gallery also has books, handicrafts, and Native American jewelry.

  2. Wine Roads and Trails: Visit yosemitesierrawineroad.com to download a map of boutique wineries to visit on this route that traverses the backroads of Yosemite. Another option is to travel the Madera Wine Trail, located in one of California’s most famous growing regions – check out themaderawinetrail.com for a downloadable map.

  3. Visit Jamestown: Jamestown is an old mining town about 30 minutes from Yosemite Lakes and the spot where gold was first discovered in Tuolumne County in the 1848 by James Woods. The town became known as the Gateway to the Mother Lode. There are several antique shops and eateries, plus you can pan for gold here (gold-panning-california.com).

  4. Ride the Steam Train: A ride on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad is a great way to see the Sierra National Forest. Climb aboard and have a seat in the open-air cars and enjoy the scenery. Several options for rides are available, including the Moonlight Special that includes dinner and entertainment. During the summer months, the train hosts the Yosemite Jazz Trail, which features a steam train ride ending with “unplugged” performances by various jazz artists every Saturday. For information visit ymsprr.com.

  5. If you’re planning a November trip to the area, check out the Pomegranate, Fruit, and Nut Festival that of course showcases, pomegranates, fruits, and nuts (this is an annual event each November so you can plan ahead, too). This year’s event is set for Saturday, November 5, and promises cooking demonstrations, educational seminars, and fun facts about the pomegranate (pomegranatefestival.com). Make note that Yosemite also hosts holiday dinners and events within the Park through the holiday season that include a Thanksgiving dinner, a Christmas Day brunch, and a New Year’s Eve celebration.
Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes
Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes

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Great Fall Getaways

Toss the summer bucket list (hopefully, everything’s been crossed off), grab a pen and paper and start your Fall Bucket List which should include the following must-do fall activities.

Tailgate or College Town Visit

There’s something about a college campus in the fall that makes anybody feel young again. Whatever it is, why not check out some of these great college towns near our glamping accommodations.

Yurt at Tall Chief Campground
Yurt at Tall Chief Campground

University of Washington – a couple cool things to check out here. First off, the beautiful campus trees ablaze with fall color and also the Brockman Memorial Tree Tour, a virtual tour that identifies roughly 60 of the 480 trees found on this wooded campus. Information for the tour, which is dedicated to the memory of former UW Professor Frank Brockman, can be found at depts.washington.edu/treetour. Another fun thing – instead of tailgating, fans of the UW Huskies football team “sailgate” in nearby Union Bay’s Husky Harbor. It’s really a sight to see and most likely, one-of-a-kind when it comes to college football fun. (Rent a yurt at Tall Chief to visit UW).

University of Wisconsin – Again foliage and football are the draw here. Badger football is basically a religion in Madison. On gameday when the Badgers are at home, the Badger Bash, a family friendly event for more than 50 years, has live music, a performance by the UW-Madison Marching Band, plus food and drink. The trees on Bascom Hill are worth a look and there’s also a self-guided tour of the trees on Bascom Hill as well those on Observatory Hill. The Memorial Union, with its views of picturesque Lake Mendota is another photo-worthy spot. (Rent a cabin or cottage at Yukon Trails for Badger fun.)

Fall Festivals

Pumpkins, oom-pah bands, and the best of the best Oktoberfests should be part of your fall to-do list.

Leavenworth, Washington, hosts one of the most authentic Oktoberfests, according to travelmag.org. Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village to experience this bash complete with imported German beer, live entertainment, oom-pah and polka music, contests (try your luck at the stein holding contest!) and don’t miss the Keg Tapping Ceremony on Saturdays. Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest will be held over three weekends (September 30-October 1; October 7-8; and October 14-15.)

Another noteworthy Oktoberfest is the one held in Fredericksburg, Texas. The 42nd Oktoberfest is set for September 30-October 2 this year and highlights will include the Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance featuring 400 dancers, the Family Dirndle and Lederhosen Contest, and a Yodel Contest. Come celebrate Fredericksburg’s German heritage with plenty of German food and drink. Don’t miss this one – book a cozy cabin at Medina Lake.

The Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum displays more than 90,000 colorful pumpkins and other assorted gourds to create a color show of its own. The special event, Autumn at the Arboretum, runs from September 17-October 31 and has a fairy tale theme this year. A Fall Fairytale will of course feature Cinderella’s Carriage as well as pumpkin houses and other favorite fairy tales brought to life through gourd displays. Book a cabin at nearby Bay Landing while enjoying the Pumpkin Village.

Cabins at Yosemite Lakes
Cabins at Yosemite Lakes

Fall Hikes

Fall hikes are not only great for your health, but also provide you the opportunity to bask in the fall colors as you take care of your body and mind. Some notable trails include the Cook’s Meadow Loop in Yosemite National Park (book a yurt at Yosemite Lakes), a great flat trail that offers views of Yosemite Falls and Half Dome; Pennsylvania’s Bushkill Falls (near Robin Hill with cottage and cabin rentals) promises a great color show as the leaves begin to turn in early October and last through November. Plus, there are eight waterfalls to see along the 2-mile trail. If you’re visiting Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge Landing, you can explore the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and get a two-fer when it comes to fall colors. You can drive the 5.5-mile auto tour portion through the forest or opt to hike the 2.5-mile scenic trail to Grotto Falls.

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Winter Plans?

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

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

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

Tropical Palms RV Resort
Tropical Palms RV Resort

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

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National Beautiful Day

Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA.

Beauty is subjective, thus the saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” What one person sees as beauty may well not be what another person sees in the very same thing. Whatever your idea of beauty may be, make sure you celebrate November 20, which is National Beautiful Day, any way you see fit!

Tiny House Otto at Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Leavenworth, WA.

Beautiful Leavenworth: Without doing much, Leavenworth, Washington, is considered a beautiful town. With its Bavarian-style architecture, mountain backdrop, and quaint downtown it’s quite pretty. Toss in the thousands and thousands of twinkling lights during the holidays and one word comes to mind: beautiful! Plan a stay at the equally beautiful Leavenworth Tiny House Village to enjoy beautiful Leavenworth.

Yurt at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort in Groveland, CA.

Beautiful Yosemite: In a recent poll of its followers, roughguides.com asked them to name the most beautiful locations in the USA. California’s Yosemite National Park topped the list, which also included the Grand Canyon and the entire state of Alaska. Take a trip and see what makes Yosemite a list-maker. For beautiful views, check out El Capitan, Vernal Fall, and Mirror Lake. Stay in a serenely beautiful yurt or cozy cabin at Yosemite Lakes RV Resort while exploring the natural beauty of Yosemite.

Beautiful Crater Lake: Again, a list-maker when it comes to the most beautiful lakes in the US, Oregon’s Crater Lake is known for the beautiful blue color of the lake. The surrounding mountains and towering pines make the views here real stunners! Spend a beautiful day driving the 33-mile Rim Drive which offers breathtaking views of meadows, forests, and the lake.  Book a tranquilly beautiful yurt and stay at Bend-Sunriver RV Campground.

Crater Lake is in Klamath County, OR.

Beautiful Drive: The 17-Mile Drive, which runs along California’s Monterey Peninsula, is a short, but oh so sweet drive of the beautiful kind. With the coast of the Pacific as your companion, the highlights of this drive include Bird Rock (what do you think they are buzzing about?); the Lone Cypress (one of Cali’s most famous landmarks); and Pescadero Point with its fab views of Point Lobos. Check out the unique accommodations at Morgan Hill RV Resort and choose from a cottage, cabin, or safari tent.

Beautiful Sunsets: The Travel Magazine calls them gorgeous sunsets and we all know gorgeous is another word for…beautiful!  Here’s one place to catch the beauty in California, according to the magazine’s list of the 10 best sunsets in the state.  Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara, also called Hendry’s Beach by the locals, offers one beautiful sunset, over and over and over again. On the other side of the country, the sunsets are just as beautiful and some of the most beautiful can be found in Key West, Florida. And Key Westers tend to make it a regular celebration – check out the fun at the Mallory Square Sunset Celebration and catch one of Key West’s spectacular sunsets. For the east coast sunset, consider at stay in a colorful tiny house at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or colorful cottages at Fiesta Key RV Resort, and for Cali-style sunsets, Rancho Oso has great cabins for rent.

Colorful cottages at Fiesta Key RV Resort in Long Key, FL.

Beautiful S’Mores: True, they are nothing more than some crackers, sugar, and chocolate but who doesn’t think a perfect s’more is a thing of beauty? Some fun ideas to mix it up could include substituting the chocolate for almond butter and banana, switching out the graham crackers for snickerdoodle cookies; or the truly beautiful s’more made with chocolate graham crackers, sliced strawberries, and dark chocolate. Check out some of our favorite gourmet s’mores 1927smores.com.

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