Summer is right around the corner, and for many, that means it’s vacation time! Whether the mountains are calling your name or you are looking to escape in a yurt or on a beach, these are the 10 unique places I recommend staying.
1. Treehouse in San Diego
Airbnb is a great way to find unique and affordable accommodations, and sometimes, the site leads to treasures like this treehouse. It overlooks The Bay and the downtown skyline. It has decks that make you feel like you’ve been transported to the jungle. And it has quirky features like an outdoor shower and a soundproof meditation room.
2. Biltmore in Asheville, North Carolina
George Vanderbilt’s 8,000-acre estate offers a village and winery, restaurants and shopping, outdoor activities and three different places to stay: a hotel, an inn and a cottage. Each locale is full of charm, history and mountain views.
3. The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado
This historic and impressive hotel is also surrounded by mountains…and it inspired Stephen King’s book The Shining. So it may not be for the faint of heart, but it is a gorgeous place to stay!
4. Starlite Classic Campground in Colorado
If you’re looking for something smaller, lighter and brighter in Colorado, you can head to this classic campground, with its cute vintage campers. There’s also a pool, an arcade, a playground, outdoor activities and tents/cabins available.
5. Adventures on the Gorge in West Virginia
This adventure resort offers whitewater rafting, ziplining, rappelling, fishing, battles games, cave tours and more, and there are several campsites and cabins to choose from, when it comes to lodging.
6. Wigwam Motel in Kentucky, Arizona & California
The Wigwam Motels form a motel chain, which was built in the 1930s and 1940s. There were originally seven locations that offered these teepee-like rooms, but now only three exist: one in Kentucky and two on the historic U.S. Route 66, in Arizona and California.
7. Goblin Valley State Park in Utah
Goblin Valley may sound strange, but the name came from the strange sandstone rock formations found in the area, which are called goblins. This remote locale is perfect for hiking, and the campground has two yurts available, which are nestled among these fascinating goblins!
8. Green Acres in Texas
Located just 24 miles east of Austin, Texas, this boutique glamping retreat is the perfect place to get away. There are eco-lodging accommodations, such as yurts, amenities that make this “glamping” (not camping!) and no wifi, since the owners encourage total relaxation.
9. Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo, Florida
What actually began as a research lab is now the first and only underwater hotel!
10. Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland
And if you are feeling really extra, you can travel to Finland and sleep under the Northern Lights. This resort offers chalets, suites and even a wedding chamber, but it is known for its glass igloos, which you have probably seen in magazines and on Pinterest.