If you’re on the hunt for a thrilling reinvention of the vacation experience, look no further than adult camps. A blend of nostalgic childhood fun and grown-up freedom, these retreats offer the chance to dive into adventure, explore new passions, and forge lasting connections, all in a supportive and playful environment. Among the many available, here are six that cater to diverse interests, inviting you to enjoy a litany of incredible activities and create memories that last a lifetime.
Whether you want to relive your glory days or embrace traditional camp life for the first time, Club Getaway may be the destination for you. Situated on a 300-acre lakeside oasis in western Connecticut, this is the perfect place to unleash your inner child over a three- or four-day weekend. With activities spanning all skill levels and interests—including zip-lining, sky cycling (riding a bicycle attached to a rope suspended in the air), and rope courses at the onsite adventure park as well as team sports, water activities, and yoga and painting classes—you can be busy from dawn to dusk and even later. Once you’re finally wiped out, settle in for a refreshing rest at the provided lodgings: rustic lakefront cabins with modern amenities like air-conditioning, private baths, and daily housekeeping.
If you consider yourself a foodie, these legendary boot camps will give you a deep dive into the culinary arts like you’ve never experienced before. No matter which theme you pick, you can gain experience with a small group of other enthusiasts through hands-on learning from famed chefs. For example, experience the flavors of international cuisine from countries like Italy, France, and Asia at the Best of Boot Camp, or experiment with shaping bread and creating refined desserts at the Baking Boot Camp. Programs range from three to five days depending on the type.
For a true foray into the wilderness, immerse yourself in the charm of Camp Halcyon in the heart of Wisconsin, where you can unplug in a back-to-basics setting with cozy coed cabin shells. Whether you prefer a swim in the lake, a game of volleyball, a round of archery, a yoga session, or a cooking class, you can decide how to spend your time. Then savor warm summer evenings by sitting around a bonfire, making s’mores, and singing karaoke with your fellow campers. Camp Halcyon has also expanded to new locations for 2024—one in Michigan and another in the Pennsylvania Poconos.
It turns out you’re never too old for space camp! Get a chance to feel what traveling outside the earth’s orbit is like at the Adult Space Academy, a three-day camp that immerses attendees in various astronaut training experiences. Simulate the unique sensation of being in space on the Multi-Axis Trainer, go on interactive space missions, build and launch model rockets, and take lessons on designing protective heat shields. While true space travel may yet be lightyears away, you certainly won’t feel like you’re missing out with the exhilarating experiences at this camp.
Trade urban chaos for the unbridled beauty of the Pacific Northwest at Camp Rahh. Nestled on a 47-acre island along Padilla Bay, this four-day, all-inclusive adult summer camp is the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and connect with nature and other attendees. Whatever your preferences, Camp Rahh provides a diverse range of activities to choose from: find serenity through yoga, meditation, or wellness workshops, tap into your creativity via writing sessions or culinary classes, or burn off some energy by dancing to live music or enjoying the organized games. Each of these activities adds to a vibrant community spirit, which is further fostered by communal dining and shared spaces.
Tucked away in the rugged mountains and valleys of Los Angeles awaits an opportunity to digitally detox through a remarkable four-day summer-camp experience. Here you can engage in your choice of traditional camp activities, such as arts and crafts, team games, water sports, kickball, and the all-exciting end-of-camp Olympic games. If you prefer a more laid-back retreat, you can also savor lakefront yoga, sunbathing by the pool, and taking leisurely walks with fellow campers. The evening activities are equally impressive, featuring live bands, DJs, and movies under the stars.
Adult retreats can range from low-cost to luxurious and vary from weekend- to week-long experiences or more. Identify your interests, consider any time constraints, and define your budget—then prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Are you itching to take a vacation this summer but don’t want to leave your pup behind? Then pack your bags to one of these locations across the United States. Each offers beautiful scenery, fabulous food, and wonderful places to stay—for you and your pet!
Nestled in the Green Mountains, this hamlet is an outdoorsy paradise for dog lovers. Among the numerous trail options available, the approximately five-mile Stowe Recreation Path is especially beautiful with its farm, mountain, and town views. Stowe’s downtown is also an idyllic stroll, offering charming storefronts and specialty gift shops whose owners are apt to invite your pup inside for a bowl of water and a treat. When your stomach starts rumbling, stop at Idletyme Brewing Company for distinctive menu offerings like fried Cabot-cheese fritters, venison chili, and butternut squash ravioli.
Where to stay: Reserve a room at the Trapp Family Lodge, which was built by the von Trapp family (portrayed in The Sound of Music), to enjoy European furnishings and numerous family mementos. Or choose the Lodge at Spruce Peak for a suite featuring a gas fireplace and a private balcony with gorgeous Vermont vistas.
With its trendy restaurants, bars, and shops, this small beach town has a big-city vibe. Popular among dog owners is the Wonder Bar’s Yappy Hour, which gives them a chance to sip a beer and munch on wings, nachos, or burgers while their dogs romp in a reserved closed area. Another great place for your pup to play and socialize is at the Asbury Park Dog Beach, which is open early mornings and evenings during summer. Should the sun start to wear either of you down, you can take a break from the heat by stepping into the pet-friendly Shoppes at the Arcade. And if your trip spills into the weekend, enjoy brunch with an ocean view at the Asbury Ale House—order eggs Benedict, French toast, or another tasty dish for yourself and a doggy bowl of beef or chicken with rice for your pup.
Where to stay: The elegant Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel on the beach or the Scandinavian-inspired Asbury hotel just a few blocks from shore are both excellent choices for pet owners.
Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is rife with enjoyment for two-legged and four-legged visitors alike. The center of this seafaring capital is City Dock, where you can ogle gorgeous yachts at the “Ego Alley” basin while savoring an ice cream from nearby Storm Bros. Ice Cream Factory; you could even get one for your doggo at Salty Paws. Then stroll the city’s brick-paved streets to browse the approximately ninety shops downtown (most of which will welcome your pup with open arms) and catch glimpses of the United States Naval Academy and the Maryland Statehouse. You could also embark on a pet-friendly cruise into the bay or down the Severn River—your dog can ride for free. Once you’ve both had your fill, retreat for a bite to eat on the Federal House Bar & Grill’s patio, which offers a doggy menu, or sit by the waterfront at Pusser’s Caribbean Grille for Maryland crab dip or shrimp and cheesy grits.
Where to stay: Book a room at the Graduate Annapolis, where your pup can play in the hotel’s dog park, or at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel for some spectacular bay views.
The Windy City offers a plethora of activities to sample with your pooch. For instance, you can head over to Navy Pier to watch the boats on the water or explore the eighteen-mile Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan, which meanders through several Chicago neighborhoods. On Sundays, pop by the Logan Square Farmers Market for homemade pastries, other fresh foods, and handcrafted goods. You can also let your pup blow off some steam leash-free at Montrose Dog Beach or test their skills at Jackson Bark’s agility park. When hunger calls, board the dog-friendly Mercury Cruise for snacks and drinks on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. If you prefer to remain on land, go instead to Big Star in Wickler Park for tacos and margaritas or to Formento’s in the Fulton Market District for homemade meatballs.
Where to stay: Savor lake views at the hip Staypineapple in the Loop, or take in the beautiful architecture of the Gold Coast Historic District at the Viceroy.
If you and your pup are adventuresome types, you’ll adore this Rocky Mountain town’s miles of hiking trails. Walk to Sawmill Reservoir, where you both can dip your toes in its cool waters and take in the relaxing aroma of delightful wildflowers and tall pine trees. Or traverse the Frisco–Breckenridge section of the Summit County Recreational Pathway System to see can’t-miss views of the river and Tenmile Range. To really get your adrenaline going, take the free, dog-friendly gondola ride up the steep mountainside to get a high-altitude look of the surrounding area. In town, explore the shops on Main Street, most of which allow dogs inside, and grab a bite at one of the many eateries, such as on Cool River Coffee House’s back patio or Ember’s shady one.
Where to stay: Select a room with mountain views at Breck Inn, or check into Gravity Haus, where your canine pal can have their photo taken and receive their own doggy bowl, bed, and treats.
This coastal California city boasts miles of beaches to explore, which your pup is sure to love; pop over to the Dog Beach or Fiesta Island to let them play in the sand and surf leash-free while you chat with the locals. If you prefer hiking or picnicking, visit the 1,200-acre Balboa Park and its three dog parks, one of which allows off-leash play. To refuel, go to Steamy Piggy’s dog-friendly enclosed patio for delicious pot stickers and baos (steamed buns) or the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar for burgers, brews, and a selection of entrees for your pooch. Wednesdays and Saturdays, head downtown to spend a few hours at the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market, which features more than two hundred vendors selling fresh foods, gifts, and other goods.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo San Diego Gaslamp Quarter overlooks the Petco Park baseball stadium, while San Diego Mission Bay Resort offers restaurants, walking trails, and sandy beaches your pup can join you at.
Whether you prefer a beach, city, or mountain destination, you and your pooch are bound to have a ball vacationing this summer at any of these dog-friendly locales.
Summer’s plentiful ripe produce can elevate any simple meal into a sensory delight. To savor nature’s bounty at its best, try this pair of recipes from the (Serious) New Cook cookbook that take the complexity out of home cooking in exchange for satisfying ease and delectable results.
Pops of citrus and herb help bring the best out of ripe, fresh tomatoes, while a surprising kick of heat makes this healthy salad anything but ordinary.
Naturally sweet plums are the alluring star of this dessert, which also features light whipped cream and an addictive oat-nut crunch.
© (Serious) New Cook by Leah Su Quiroga and Cammie Kim Lin, Rizzoli New York, 2022. All photography ©Molly DeCoudreaux
When tomatoes are in season, they don’t need much more than a super simple vinaigrette—olive oil, acid (think lemon juice or vinegar), and some salt. Herbs and red onion add color and complement the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, and there you have it: the perfect summer tomato salad. It’s lovely for lunch with a nice piece of crusty bread or as a side for grilled or fried meats, or even simply prepared fish.
Serves 4 to 6
You can only get terrific stone fruits—peaches, plums, and nectarines, for example—well into summer, during peak growing season. We eagerly buy bagfuls, knowing they’ll get devoured fresh, be transformed into the most delicious jams, and make their way into baked goods that just scream summer—like this Nectarine-Plum Crisp! The simple crisp topping provides a great contrast for the juices of summer. Serve it hot or cold, alone or with a dollop of whipped cream. Just enjoy it while you can.
Serves 6 to 8
Tips: A food processor is a perfect tool for crisp topping, and it’s especially ideal if you’re using rolled oats instead of quick oats. Blitzing rolled oats in a food processor a few times will enable them to crisp up more quickly, like quick oats. It will also make quick work of cutting in the butter, turning it into perfect-size bits for the topping. Simply complete step 2 in a food processor, and if you use rolled oats, be sure to give it all a few extra pulses at the end.
With the summer sun shining bright and warmer temps creating a relaxing air, you may be looking for a way to bring those easygoing vibes indoors by refreshing your home’s design. Try these ideas for seasonal updates that will not only look great but be kind to Mother Earth too.
An easy first step is opening up your spaces. Replace heavy and dark window coverings with light-colored cotton curtains to let in the sunshine and allow views of your yard or garden. Then clear all surfaces of decor, leaving only a few items of your choice, for a soothing and clean look. However, refrain from adding anything to the landfill when possible—instead, simply store items you won’t be using for the season and donate what you don’t want to keep.
If your walls are dark or dingy, considering brightening them up with a new coat of paint; colors like peach and teal offer both great summer vibes and versatility for the rest of the year. To keep it green, opt for paints that are low VOC, water based, or manufactured with natural pigments and ingredients and reuse any old brushes you have rather than buying new. (You can soak them in vinegar to remove hardened paint.) Also, choose canvas drop cloths, which can be washed, over plastic ones. After your project is complete, check your local municipality’s rules to determine how best to dispose of any leftover paint to avoid harming the environment. Alternatively, you could save it for a future DIY project or donate it by posting it on a local Buy Nothing Facebook page.
Summer is best represented through nature, so why not incorporate some of those elements into your home decor? As a bonus, you can easily find them for free—all you need to do is venture outside! If you live close to a beach, look for delicate shells, rustic driftwood, or beautiful sea glass to bring a coastal ambience into your space. You could also use wildflowers or cuttings from your garden to add a colorful touch of summer. Just be careful to collect only a few items from each area, however, to help protect your local ecosystem.
If you prefer live plants, consider ask a friend for a no-cost cutting; ones that are easy to propagate include pothos and umbrella plants. Should you decide to buy some, stick to your local greenhouse to reduce your carbon footprint. These shops often grow plants in-house, while grocery and home-improvement stores typically ship them in. Whatever your source or chosen type, adding plants to your decor will instantly make your home feel more comfortable. As a bonus, they may even help boost your air quality by absorbing toxins, reducing pollutants, and producing oxygen.
As you begin changing your decor, you may find that you’d like to get a few new-to-you pieces. In that case, forgo the usual home-good stores and browse thrift stores, garage sales, or online sites like Facebook Marketplace for used items you can repurpose. Particularly appealing options include lightweight cotton linens and curtains, vintage glass vases, and woven baskets. Also consider thrifting to acquire sustainable and cost-effective outdoor decorations like terra-cotta pots, old-fashioned metal watering cans, and lanterns. And don’t pass over something just because it has a slight imperfection—a minor fix might be all it needs to look new again.
To really lean into the summer aesthetic, shop garage sales and flea markets for seasonally themed postcards, sketches, and art prints you can display in thrifted frames, which you can customize with spray paint or new mat boards to make your pieces pop. Once they’re all put together, arrange them on a console table or your nightstand or organize them into a gallery wall. For another fun idea, try removing the glass and matting from a frame, then hanging it over a wall-mounted summer bouquet or wreath; this will help draw the eye to it, making it a true focal point of the space.
If you do decide to buy new, opt for energy-efficient lighting and items made from natural, renewable, or biodegradable materials like bamboo, glass, or organic cotton whenever possible. Also look for fair trade, FSC, and other certifications that indicate a product was truly sustainably produced. Finally, do your part to lower the world’s consumption of fossil fuels by prioritizing locally made goods and supporting community artisans.
With so many ways to sustainably update your home, you can easily bring summer indoors, allowing you to enjoy the season no matter where you spend it.
