Sleep in the Trees this Summer at The Cannaley Treehouse Village Plus Tips For a Safe Road Trip Amid COVID 19 | Shana Was Here

*This post is in partnership with OHIO FIND IT HERE.

*Thank you Metroparks Toledo for hosting me at the amazing Cannaley Treehouse Village.

It’s well into summer and you’re probably tired of looking at your walls. A getaway would be nice. But there’s this pandemic situation that’s still hanging around. Traveling during the summer of Covid-19 will be a lot different. But with careful planning, an enjoyable and safe vacation can be had

When planning a getaway during these times, the easiest and safest way to ensure social distancing on your vacation is to choose a destination that offers plenty of outdoor spaces and activities.

Before heading to your destination, here are a few tips to make your travel safe.

-Before traveling check for any travel restrictions and quarantine rules for your destination by checking with state or local health departments listed on the CDC’s website. It would also be a good idea to check the number of Covid-19 cases in the area your traveling to at the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker map.

-Don’t forget to pack multiple face masks, plenty of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol), Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol) for surfaces, disposable gloves, and a Thermometer. Face masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be in an easily accessible place so that you can use them as often as needed.

-According to the AAA 2020 Summer Forecast Report, Americans are expected to take 700 million trips this summer, 97 percent are expected to be by car, says AAA. While driving definitely seems like a safer way to travel during a pandemic, it isn’t completely safe. You will still need to take extra precautions while stopping at gas stations and rest stops. When getting gas, use a disinfectant wipe on handles or buttons before you touch them. After fueling, use hand sanitizer. Always use a face mask at gas stations and rest stops.

-Limit the need to stop at restaurants by preparing your food, bringing snacks and water.

The Cannaley Treehouse Village

The Cannaley Treehouse Village is truly one of a kind as it is “the largest public overnight treehouse site in the country.” It is the perfect destination for an overnight stay while being socially distant. The Cannaley Treehouse Village is located in the Beach Ridge area of Oak Openings Preserve in Swanton, Ohio.

Treehouse Village Features

• A six-person treehouse

• A four-person treehouse

• Two, 2-person treehouses

• Three tent/hammock platforms for camping in the trees

• A common treehouse with seating for up to 49 people (day use only; ADA accessible)

• A crow’s nest

• A canopy walk linking the common treehouse to the crow’s nest 

• Restrooms

• Common Fire Pit (Wood Provided)

I was very excited to be invited by Metroparks to stay at one of the treehouses last week. My daughter and I stayed in The Dragline, one of the 2-person treehouses. When we arrived, just the sight of the Treehouses Village put us in awe. It was just so cool!

We pulled up to the drop-off area to unload our belongings. When staying in the treehouses, guests have to bring their own pillows, bedding, and linens. So be sure to pack those items along with your clothing. The Village provides a cart to help transport your belongings from the unloading area to your treehouse.

The Dragline 2-person treehouse has a queen size Murphy Bed, a dining table with 2 chairs, and 2 hanging chairs. Each treehouse has an electric grill on the deck. There’s also a mini refrigerator under the counter, as well as a Kuerig coffee maker, and microwave. All treehouses have electric heating and air conditioning.

As an extra safety precaution, before bringing our things in we used disinfecting wipes to clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, desks, sinks, and faucets.

Due to the nature of the treehouse experience, you will be socially distant. In the event that you venture outside your treehouse and you may not be able to maintain your 6-ft distance, don’t forget to grab your mask.

After unpacking and exploring the village a bit, we decided to make some dinner. All we had to do is turn the electric grill on the porch and put our hot dogs on and wait. So convenient! We brought all of our food to eat so we didn’t have to go to a restaurant or order food. After dinner I enjoyed a couple games of uno with my daughter while eating some popcorn and then turned in for the evening.

The bed was very comfortable and with the added peacefulness of Treehouse Village, I slept very well. The next morning, I made a cup of coffee with the provided Keurig coffee maker and took it outside to enjoy the beautiful morning.

We also made omelettes in a mug which was very tasty! We brought all the ingredients needed to prepare the dish and stored them in the mini refrigerator. We also brought water, drinks and lots of snacks.

Omelette in a Mug

1 Serving

Ingredients

2 eggs

1 tbsp diced onion

1 tbsp diced red pepper

1 slice of bacon, cooked & crumbled

1 tbsp milk

2 tbsp cheese

1 large coffee mug

Pinch of salt & pepper

Seasoning of choice. I used Classic Spice Blend from Fangboner Farms

Beat together all ingredients in the coffee mug.

Microwave on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

Remove from microwave and enjoy!

After breakfast and plotting our return visit to The Cannaley Treehouse Village, we packed up our belongings and said till next time.

What to Do During Your Cannaley Treehouse Stay

Explore the Park

The Cannaley TreeHouse Village sits on 500 acres of the 5,000 acres that Oak Opening Preserve occupies. The park offers over 50 miles of trails for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. You can also experience tree climbing, kayaking, and guided backpacking adventures.

During my stay, I enjoyed a beautiful 2-mile hike through the park. My daughter and I were on a mission to find the Sand Dunes but wasn’t successful. We later realized we were on the wrong trail. The Sand Dune Trail passes through one of the largest open sand dunes in the park. We’ll be back to find it!

I finally had the opportunity to check out “The Spot.” The Spot is a unique part of Oak Opening where a rare grouping of red pines is standing. Red pines are not naive to the area making The Spot truly unique. It was just so beautiful! A most definite place to visit.

Gardenview Flowers

About 10 miles south of Oak Opening you will find Gardenview Flowers, a family-run flower farm and floral design studio. While you can purchase a beautiful bouquet of flowers made by a true floral expert, the cool part about Gardenview Flowers is their U-Pick Garden.

Customers are able to stop by and make their own bouquet. When you arrive you are given flower clippers and a big cup of water to put your flowers in. You have a choice of over 40 varieties of seasonal flowers to choose from. It was a very relaxing experience, I highly recommend it.

11160 South River Road

Grand Rapids, OH 43522

Open 8 am to 8 pm daily from mid-April through October

http://www.gardenviewflowers.co

Majestic Oak Winery & Neon Groundhog Brewery

If you’re looking to pick up a bottle wine from a local winery to enjoy in your treehouse, head south 6 miles to Majestic Oak Winery. They have a great wine selection to choose from.

Majestic Oak Winery & Neon Groundhog Brewery

13554 Mohler Rd

Grand Rapids, Ohio 43522

419.875.6474

http://www.majesticoakwinery.com

Thursday 2:00pm – 8:00pm

Friday 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Saturday 12:00pm – 9:00pm

Sunday 1:00pm – 5:00pm