Residents of the Pacific Northwest with little time to spare can spend the weekend in a tree. The Cedar Creek Treehouse at Mt. Rainier is located 10 miles from Mount Rainier National Park's Nisqually Entrance. Set in pristine forest, the treehouse is located 50 feet up in a 200-foot-high cedar tree. The treehouse offers a rustic experience; powered by a small solar generator, amenities include electric lights, propane heat, a kitchen with a gas stove, a sleeping loft with a futon, and a bathroom with a toilet and cold running water. Enjoy the views from the observation deck, set almost 100 feet high in a nearby tree and connected to the treehouse by a rainbow-colored suspension bridge. Your stay includes breakfast. Spend your weekend swimming in nearby creeks and lakes, fishing, berry picking, hiking in Mount Rainier National Forest, or just enjoying the bird's-eye views.
Cedar Creek Treehouse
P.O. Box 204
Ashford, WA 98304
360-569-2991
cedarcreektreehouse.com
f you've ever wanted to sleep underwater, head to the Florida Keys for the weekend and stay at the Jules' Undersea Lodge. Set 21 feet under the sea off the coast of Key Largo, this undersea research station is available for overnight stays. Guests scuba dive down to the lodge---diving lessons are included if necessary---where you'll discover an underwater "cottage" featuring hot showers; a stocked kitchen with microwave and refrigerator; music, books and movies; and beds. The lodge's large windows overlook a reef-fish nursery area. Guests are provided with scuba gear and tanks and can explore the area at their leisure. Reservations must be made at least one month in advance.
Jules' Undersea Lodge
Key Largo Undersea Park
51 Shoreland Drive
Key Largo, Florida 33037
305-451-2353
jul.com
Morris, Connecticut's Winvian Hotel offers 18 cottages, all designed by different architects, who were encouraged to be creative without sacrificing luxury. Choose from themes such as music, golf, secret societies, helicopters, camping, King Arthur's court, horse stables or a beaver lodge. The King Arthur cottage was designed to look like a medieval castle, with exposed beams, antique beds, a granite-slab bathroom inspired by the mighty rocks of Stonehenge and a dual steam shower. You can even stay inside a re-imagined Coast Guard helicopter, complete with fireplace and wet bar. Guests can dine at the hotel's restaurant, featuring local produce, seasonal ingredients and an extensive international wine list.
Winvian Hotel
155 Alain White Road
Morris, CT 06763
860-567-9600
winvian.com
