Camping In Style

For a great family friendly activity, pack up the kids, the vintage camping trailer and head north of Nevada City, through the picturesque town of Downieville and Sierra City and turn left at the general store of Bassetts and follow the winding road up past the amazing look out to the Sierra Buttes to the Lakes Basin Campground. The campground is centrally located for hikes, fishing and adventures on any one of the neighboring lakes.  We brought along an inflatable kayak and took turns paddling around Gold Lake.  The fish were hoping every which way, so the boys enjoyed the opportunity to practice the sport of fishing. If water sports aren't what you're interested, try one of the many hikes in the area, options for all levels.   For a great morning activity hike out the Grassy Lake Trail up to the Long Lake Trail and reward yourself with a refreshing dip at the end. When you pack your camping goodies, don't forget your local ...

Just a friendly reminder that today is the day to begin booking your campsites for the month of Ju ne through Reserve America   The early bird catches the worm for premium sites SEE BEST CAMPSITES SEE CAMPING WITH DOGS SEE LOCATION LOCATION 

After the Summer guests have gone, the smoke has cleared from local fires and before it gets too cold, our daughter and I set up a tent-less room on our deck to stargaze and sleep in the cool evenings. Extra comfy using our indoor linens A sheet to cover during the day Every morning we take a big sheet to cover our bed during the hot day to protect it from leaves or even the dog should he sneak onto the deck and decide to take a nap. So far so good. Bravo sleeps with his ball   She sleeps with a doll GREAT bonding time Yesterday our daughter woke up at 6am, still dark and said "Mom hurry come out the stars are so pretty" I was awake in the house only to rush out, snuggle and star gaze with her. We saw a shooting star and it felt so awesome to share this moment with her. I highly recommend it! Eco Friendly Inexpensive Fun Easy Memorable Doesn't Require Scheduling  

Urban camping on deck a must every August Add a fan to keep warm nights cooler Kid chair for side table Happy dog wanting the ball thrown

Flying by the seat of my camping shorts on this trip. Last minute non plan. Super easy all around Kid friendly Adult passable meals Little or no cooking  Camping at Scotts Flat in Grass Valley, CA for three nights with two other families on two sites. Bring the small tent, blow up kyak and assorted cloths "whatever!" Don't forget the ball for the dog............. oh dog food too In all the trip went well. In fact I didn't forget anything that someone else didn't have.  Our meal plan was the best, though not gourmet it went over quite well. Meal Plan For 3 Days 1ST NIGHT Pre-made cheese quesadillas to reheat Can of black beans Chips & Salsa Guacamole Margaritas 2ND DAY NIGHT Cereal, yogurt, berries Cheese, crackers, salami, grapes Order OUT 5 Mile house for dinner Red Wine     3RD DAY NIGHT Cereal, yogurt, berries GREAT sandwiches from The Harmony Ridge Market Mack & Cheese, Adelle's pre...

In this awesome town of ours (Nevada City) there are many places that make it the wonderful destination it is. The Outside Inn  issuch a place. Image of Outside Inn Room Porch The motel features unique themed rooms under tall pines and is just a short walk to bookstores, cappuccino, shopping, entertainment and restaurants. Nevada City is located in California's Gold Country and has managed to maintain a lot of its charm and history.   Image of Outside Inn Hotel The hotel staff will set up bike rentals or a kayak lesson, on  flat or moving water and recommend  mountain bike trails. They can also suggest a rafting company to take you down the North Yuba or the South Fork of the American Rivers.  The point I'm making is if your in Nevada City and love the outdoors or want a unique non commercial place to stay check out The Outside Inn . It's AWESOME! Plan ahead and check out Erin's Blogg " Inn...

Sometimes Camping In Style is taking in Squaw Valley activities Overview from Cable Car of Squaw Valley Squaw Valley Cable Car High Camp, see other activities here  Eat, swim, hot tub, tennis, hike, drink, picnic, music, take your dog Adults $29 Children $10 ride all day pass Great hiking a top High Camp We also took in a ropes course at Squaw Valley Adventure Center teaching our 7 yr old how to challenge herself. She did great! Our daughter on ladder to hook onto swing   What a great time to be had A few links I would check out if your going to Squaw Valley, CA  Adventure Center High Camp Miniature Golf Bike Rental Events Calendar Village Map Happy Hour / M-F a great way to save $ Plump Jacks also great Sunday Brunch Rocker very kid friendly with GREAT outdoor setting Also Yummy Sushi @ Mamasake  Fireside Pizza   22 Bistro more dinning  

Sugarboo Farms is the perfect place to stay in beautiful scenic Blairsville, GA.  Rick and Rebecca "The artist of Sugarboo Designs Rebecca Puig and her husband Rick, who is a long time home builder, had an idea of creating a beautiful getaway for friends and family called Sugarboo Farms"  The farm is a relaxing mountain atmosphere to get away from the everyday stresses of life. Set on 20 acres in the North Georgia Mountains, guests will find plenty of space and privacy to enjoy with their groups.  Sugarboo Farms specializes in hosting groups and is ideal for corporate retreats, small company events, club gatherings, birthday parties, weddings, reunions, and ideal for a weekend retreat.  The facility is within miles of trails for hiking and biking, along with an on site organic farm with animals as well as local activities such as boating, fishing, and golfing.  The farm is extremely private and can accommo...

Arrival date First day to make reservations (7 am PT) March 15 through April 14   November 15 April 15 through May 14 December 15 May 15 through June 14 January 15 June 15 through July 14 February 15 July 15 through August 14 March 15 August 15 through September 14 April 15 September 15 through October 14 May 15 October 15 through November 14 June 15 November 15 through December 14 July 15 Wawona Group site only: December 15 through January 14 January 15 through February 14 February 15 through March 14 August 15 September 15 October 15 Yosemite National Park has 13 popular campgrounds , of which up to seven are on a reservation system. From April through September, reservations are essential and even the first-come, first-served campgrounds often fill by noon from May through September. Make a campground reservation Visit  www.recreation.gov (recommended)  877/444-6777 (or 877/833-6777 for ...

Photo by Erin Thiem @ The Outside Inn Where else can you tour a castle, ride a gondola, drink wine and spend the night looking at the stars?  Looking for a fun way to experience the wine country?  Try camping in Calistoga.  The cute little town provides the best of the amazing award winning wineries, plus shops, hot springs and dining.  If you want to park right in town try the Calistoga RV park , but a more rustic option would be the Bothe Napa State Park , less then 5 minutes from downtown Calistoga. Photo by Erin Thiem @ The Outside Inn Our family enjoyed a tour at the Castello di Amorosa Winery , we thought we had left California and gone to Italy for the weekend.  Our 6 year old’s favorite stop at the Castle was the weapons room, whereas we both enjoyed the wine tasting and particularly the Pinot Noir. Photo by Erin Thiem @ The Outside Inn For the younger member of the family we rode the gondola up to Sterling Winery and took in ...

Last week we went to The Folsom Zoo with my daughters Expeditionary Learning School. I have never been fond of zoos. However this zoo has the healthiest rescue animals who are the happiest animals I have ever seen. All the animals are fed organic food, the deer come up to be pet and the animals are loved by the staff. Check it out if your ever in the area.