Since its inception in 2008, Airbnb has been known for offering travelers some interesting options for where to stay when you’re heading out of town. Houseboats, lighthouses, igloos — they’re all on the menu on Airbnb. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the site offers an array of unique options for getting back to nature. Here’s a list of 20 unusual Airbnb listings for outdoor enthusiasts.
UPDATE: We’re partnering with Airbnb to offer an exclusive benefit to potential hosts living in Denver, Seattle, and Vancouver: start hosting on Airbnb and collect $200 cash. Click the link to your city to learn more.
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1. Malibu Dream Airstream
Malibu, CA
“Stripped down and past its aluminum studs, it’s been redesigned into a large studio with three large frameless glass panels that slide open to a huge cantilevered deck with unrivaled views of County Line beach, the Channel islands, Catalina and Deer creek canyon.”
2. Off the Grid and Forty Feet Up
Tiller, OR
“Off the grid, atop a 40-acre meadow on 160 acres of private land. Surrounded by the Umpqua National Forest in Douglas County, Oregon.”
3. Tree Sparrow House
Helston, Cornwall, United Kingdom
“A tree house, a free house,/A secret you and me house,/A high up in the leafy branches/Cozy as can be house/A street house, a neat house/Be sure and wipe your feet house/Is not my kind of house at all–/Let’s go live in a tree house.”
4. Une Bulle Sous les Étoiles (Bubble Under The Stars)
Dournazac, Limousin, France
“Soon, nature will surround you and your eyes will be rapt with wonder at the sumptuous ballet of the night.”
5. Dog Bark Park Inn B&B
Cottonwood, ID
“It’s a beagle-shaped one-unit inn where being in this doghouse is a GOOD thing and comfortable to boot!”
6. Adorable Garden Gingerbread House
Makawao, HI
“A recently remodeled 1930’s cottage….that Jimi Hendrix stayed in when he was on Maui in the 1970’s”
7. The Pear Tree House
Kerikeri, Northland, New Zealand
“Raised under a Pear Tree with views of a Phoenix palm & life sized Buddha, this is Great Glamping in a bird-rich corner of the tropical gardens on our lovely, river-front property.”
8. Secluded Intown Treehouse
Atlanta, GA
“The most relaxing, romantic, dreamy and unique place you’ll ever stay. What could be better than falling asleep in the trees and waking up to birds singing around you–all within the city limits?”
9. 50’s Trailer Upstate Catskills Farm
Woodridge, NY
“There are many animals on the farm. Merino sheep, angora goats, angora rabbits, oberhasli dairy goats, chickens (running free so please leash dogs!), one cat and a dog named Lali.”
10. Rainforest Tree House w Hot Springs
Cooper, Alajuela, Costa Rica
“Our hot springs are ancient “deep Earth” sources that bubble up through the rainforest floor, laden with mineral-rich waters that have been in the Earth for at least 10,000 years.”
11. Treehouse Above San Francisco Bay
Burlingame, CA
“Suitable for candle-light dinners, relaxing, reflecting, rejuvenating & simply enjoying the sights and sounds of nature — birds singing, a squirrel scampering across the roof!”
12. Island Cabin in Key Deer Refuge
Big Pine Key, FL
“The best thing about our place is the quiet and sense of peace you get from being among the many birds, animals and lizards that are native to pine rock land forests.”
13. Natural Life at Tiny Cottage
Sakuho, Japan
“The time flows graceful here. You can spend time being surrounded by nature… reading books slowly, taking a walk the mountain, listening songs of birds while lie on a hammock in the forest.”
14. “A-Frame” Rustic Off-Grid Cabin
Gasquet, CA
“Lush fern-encrusted hillsides slope down to countless spring-fed streams, teeming with wildlife, from cute caterpillars to (also cute, sometimes!) black bears.”
15. Hand Crafted Gypsy Wagon with Heart
Seattle, WA
“We are so happy to able to share this space with you, as we have seen the joy it brings to so many people when they see it. Bathroom time is limited to 15 minutes.”
16. Bird Island
Stann Creek Dist, Belize
“The central theme of Bird Island is a self-catering Robinson Crusoe adventure with all the comforts.”
17. Mushroom Dome Cabin
Aptos, CA
“Just hang out on the deck, take a hike in the woods, watch the hummingbirds, pet the goats, go to the beach or gaze at the stars — as long as the moon isn’t full. ; )”
18. Glamping Near Bath with Indoor Pool
Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom
“Set in a quiet young woodland, our bell tents that have been designed to make life simple, help you unwind and provide an unforgettable experience.”
19. The Rancho @ Cielo Vanilla
Atenas, Alajuuela, Costa Rica
“The bathroom is unique: 20 ft. long, the walls are black lava rock from Arenal Volcano, the floors smooth flagstone, and a bathtub carved out of one tree trunk.”
20. Unique Design and Experience!
Bromma, Sweden
“Renovating this veteran bus from 1976 has been great fun! It is now transformed into a beautiful and comfortable living space with forest surroundings and a lake nearby.”
Originally published at blog.gociety.com on May 9, 2016.
As anyone who has ever visited Colorado can attest, the state is full of great, secret places to get outside. We thought what better way to get the inside scoop on all the great things to do in the Mile High City and the surrounding area from a few local internet celebs who make this part of the country their home.
We asked the who’s-who of the Colorado outdoor community for their thoughts on the best places to get outside in Colorado, their favorite place to eat in Denver, and their favorite thing about living in the Rocky Mountains. Check out what they had to say and then check out their blogs and Instagrams.
Then be sure not to miss Gociety’s Adventure Fest in Denver on September 17th. It’s sure to be a day packed with learning, demos, sharing, brews and grooves. Join thousands of adventure seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, athletes and like-minded individuals as we bring the mountains to the city. Tickets are on sale now.
Erin Sullivan
Do / seek / make Writing about travel & living deliberately • CO based.
Website: erinoutdoors.com
Instagram: @erinoutdoors
What is your favorite spot in Colorado for getting outdoors?
Rocky Mountain National Park. I’m more of a hiker than anything. RMNP is gorgeous and has trails of all lengths, difficulties and views. I live up in Boulder, so it’s not too far to drive even for an afternoon or to catch a sunset.
What is your favorite place to eat in or near Denver?
If I could eat breakfast for every meal of the day, I would (sometimes I do because I’m an adult). Snooze is one of my favorite spots to do the breakfast thing. I also work a lot from cafes– writing, blogging and editing photos– and Purple Door Coffee is one of my favorite spots to do that.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Rocky Mountains?
The people are down for anything. The friends I have made here are adventure seekers in every capacity. Access to mountains is also a huge benefit– I love that there are trails a 5 minute drive from my place in Boulder.
Shannon Hickman
Shannon shows the world the food she’s making and eating in order to help people discover their inner appetite for a compassionate life.
Website: AnotherHungryVegan.com
Facebook: /anotherhungryvegan
Instagram: @anotherhungryvegan
What is your favorite spot in Colorado for getting outdoors?
That’s a tough one, because I have so many! I really love Chautauqua Park in Boulder for the beautiful view of the mountains and it is so accessible. If you visit in the summer, I recommend going in the morning if you’re wanting to run, hike, or just walk around as it can get very hot during the afternoon. This is also a beautiful place to stop for a picnic after you get some exercise in for the day. Tourists and locals alike seem to really like hanging out around Chautauqua!
What is your favorite place to eat in or near Denver?
I absolutely adore Watercourse Foods, which is Denver’s only local all-vegan restaurant. They have an amazing breakfast menu and unique offerings like buffalo cauliflower wings, non-dairy milkshakes and country-fried seitan steak! Watercourse has a full bar (plus a coffee bar) and offers some wonderful dishes for happy hour deals. Don’t forget to order a Ho-Ho cupcake to go! My second favorite all-vegan spot in Denver is Beet Box Bakery. They have items like baked vegan donuts, sweet and savory croissants, and even sandwiches if you come in after 11am. Beet Box also offers a variety of gluten-free treats and is very accommodating for allergies and sensitivities. You can even order a customized cake here for your next celebration!
What is your favorite thing about living in the Rocky Mountains?
I really love the changes in the seasons here. Growing up in Southern California, we didn’t get snow and it rarely even rained. In Colorado the leaves change color in the fall, surprise thunderstorms happen in the summer, flowers bloom in the spring, and white snow covers the mountains (and almost everything else around you) in the winter. Being in Colorado also means I have access to incredible places like Red Rocks, the Great Sand Dunes, Rocky Mountain National Park and more! I feel like there is always something to do here, and my friends and family are completely amazed when they get to visit.
Brandon Tormanen
Visual storyteller. Grew up in Minneapolis, moved to Colorado and never looked back. Has a huge case of wanderlust and tries to act on it as often as possible, traveling far and wide.
Website: btormanenphotography.com
Instagram: @b.tormanen
What is your favorite spot in Colorado for getting outdoors?
I think I have to say Rocky Mountain National Park. There are so many different elements in the park. From a huge range of hikes depending on your difficulty level on the East side of the park, the vast meadows on the West Side, alpine lakes for kayaking and last but not least, Trail Ridge Road taking you over 13,000 feet without ever leaving your car.
What is your favorite place to eat in or near Denver?
This is a tough one. There are so many good restaurants in Denver with more popping up constantly. I’m going to have to go with the Cherry Cricket for one of the best burgers in Denver. A close second is Comida in The Source, the griddle tacos and atmosphere make it great place to hang out.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Rocky Mountains?
The positive energy for sure. Everyone is active, outdoors and loving life. Not to mention the weather is always changing so there is never a dull moment.
Originally published at blog.gociety.com on August 23, 2016.
This post comes to us courtesy of Gociety Pathfinder Steve Ference who has two sprint triathlons and two marathons under his belt. He currently has his sights set on his first Olympic distance triathlon in 2017.
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There’s certainly nothing wrong with your friendly neighborhood 5K, but after you’ve done so many road races you might be ready for a bigger thrill. A triathlon is for you.
1. It’s a fun sport that growing fast.
You’ve probably heard of the Ironman. It’s the sport’s most famous set of races, and the World Championships are televised every year from Hawaii. This amazing event is a great showcase of what makes triathlon a great sport, but the grueling distances and effort also intimidate casual sports fans.
An Ironman event is one of the only times in the world of sports that professionals compete alongside amateurs. That’s just one part of what makes the triathlon community so special. Out on that course, you’re all in it together.
To finish an Ironman, one must truly be a beast. They are the top level of the sport and require a serious level of training. Maybe you’ve seen the red logo proudly stuck on cars or tattooed on muscular legs. It’s no joke. But there are many other shorter, less intimidating triathlons.
2. There is a triathlon for everyone.
For your first triathlon, choose a Sprint Distance Triathlon. These typically include a .5 mile swim, 10 mile bike course, and 3 mile run. For the person who has mastered the occasional 5K, these distances are the perfect challenge.
There are all kinds of variations on the Sprint Distance theme. Off-road triathlons feature trails, most offer a team/relay option, and distances vary depending on the event. Some offer swim portion in a pool, river, or state park lake. Friendly, exciting people participate in triathlons, and a well-done event has all the fun and cheering of a typical 5K or 10K event.
3. Your mind and body will feel inspired.
Our bodies are amazing machines, but they feel tired if they just do one repetitive action. Every sport requires certain skills and movements, but if you only do one sport what happens to those other muscles and skills that have yet to be realized?
As you move from the water and onto the bike during your first combo training session, you’ll probably wonder if you’ve finally lost it. You body will rebel at first. But your mind and muscles will eventually thank you for challenging them in new ways.
The sport of triathlon shouldn’t be intimidating. It’s just as fun and friendly as 5K and 10K road runs, and, if you train wisely, doesn’t require any extra time commitment. It may push you out of your comfort zone, but the feeling of accomplishment is well worth it.
Originally published at blog.gociety.com on August 9, 2016.
This summer, it seems like the entire west is on fire. High temperatures and dry conditions have left many areas especially susceptible to wildfires as firefighters battle blazes in virtually every state west of the Rockies. But every state is at risk of forest fires. And with nine out of every 10 wildfires caused by humans, we figured it was a good time to brush up on how to build and maintain the perfect campfire.
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Before You Go
DO Check local laws and regulations. Many municipalities have laws governing burning of various sorts including time of day, time of year, and what substances can be burned.DO Check the weather. It is never a good idea to engage in any type of burning if there are high winds. Wind can act as both an accelerant and can spread the fire. In addition, check your state’s most current fire danger rating system, which will explain any areas’ susceptibility to fires and any extra precautions that may be necessary. The Wildland Fire Assessment System provides a frequently updated map that shows the current fire danger rating for each state.
Selecting Your Campfire Spot
DON’T build a campfire if the campground, area or event rules prohibit them. Sometimes digging of pits may be prohibited due to archaeological or other concerns.DON’T build a campfire in hazardous, dry conditions.DO find out if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, choose a site at least 15 feet from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Beware of low-hanging branches.Do Choose an open, level location away from heavy fuels such as logs, brush or decaying leaves.DO Take wind, and its direction, into account when choosing the site. Choose a spot that’s protected from gusts.
Prepping Your Pit
DO feel free to build your own pit if one doesn’t already exist as long as you’re following all of the other rules listed here.DO clear a 10-foot-diameter area around the site. Remove any grass, twigs, leaves and firewood. Dig a pit in the dirt, about a foot deep then circle the pit with rocks.
How to Build Your Campfire
DON’T build a fire without a source of water, a bucket or shovel nearby at all times.DON’T cut whole trees or branches, dead or alive. Live materials won’t burn, and you’ll be damaging the forest. And dead standing trees often are homes for birds and other wildlife. Gather tinder (small twigs and dry leaves, grass and needles), kindling (sticks smaller than 1″ around), and fuel (larger pieces of wood) and keep anything you’re not using stacked upwind, away from the fire.DO add kindling and fuel once the fire is lit itto keep the fire going.DO keep the fire small and under control.
Maintaining & Extinguishing Your Campfire.
DON’T burn dangerous things like aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminum cans. They could explode, shatter and/or create harmful fumes or dust.DON’T burn anything unusual or combustible. It is common for people to throw garbage or other things into campfires, but these foreign materials can occasionally react violently to fires and lead to a quickly spreading fire.DON’T leave children or pets unsupervised near the fire.DON’T leave your campfire unattended.DO fully extinguish your campfire. Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible. Then pour lots of water on the fire, making sure to drown all the embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sound stops. If you don’t have water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire. With your shovel, scrape any remaining sticks and logs to remove any embers. Make sure that no embers are exposed and still smoldering. Continue adding water, dirt or sand and stirring with a shovel until all material is cool.DO remember: If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
Best campfires for cooking:
Teepee: Lay the kindling over the tinder like you’re building a tent.Lean-to: Drive a long piece of kindling into the ground at an angle over the tinder. Lean smaller pieces of kindling against the longer piece.
Best for long-lasting campfires:
Cross: Crisscross the kindling over the tinder.Log Cabin: Surround your pile of tinder with kindling, stacking pieces at right angles. Top the “cabin” with the smallest kindling.
Originally published at blog.gociety.com on August 2, 2016.
Gociety, Merrell, and hundreds of our new best friends had an awesome sun-filled day tucked away in Rockford on the Merrell Trail. Starting bright and early, the team hit the venue for set-up! Special thank you to the Merrell team who provided us with most of the event materials, such as tents, tables, shoe demos, give-away boxes, and Merrell swag. We absolutely loved the inflatable pop-up tents!
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The venue was set and ready to go by 11am. We had mini-activations throughout the grounds, from an awesome a-frame pop-up display moment and the All Out Crush Merrell shoe demo to Central District Cycleries‘ mountain bike demo for attendees to try. Everyone was intrigued and excited to hit the trail–and possibly do something they have never done before.
Attendees started to arrive around 11:30am. By 12pm we already had 50 people signed up and on the trail to explore. Gociety pathfinders and volunteers were posted up, helping with the traffic flow and parking, and ready to check out the Merrell trail with their new friends. Everyone loved the Gociety, Merrell, and Founders swag, it was a great touch to have ready for them when they arrived. We had multiple groups split off, from the avid mountain bikers, and trail runners, to the large groups of hikers looking to meet new people and join our community!
By 2pm beer was pouring, music was pumping, and our attendees were rolling back in from the trail. Some were ready to kick-back and relax, others went back out to explore with one of our shoe or bike demos. We had 3 different barrels of beer from Founders Brewing, lite/healthy bites from Hit the Road Joes, and electronic music from Detroit’s DJ Dante! Guests rolled out their blankets and camping chairs to enjoy some ice cold beer and delicious chicken salad sandwiches and fresh salad! We had groups of people throughout the grounds sitting on picnic blankets, playing cornhole, and checking out the display. Guests enjoyed the hot summer day all the way up until last call. We think they would have stayed all night if given the opportunity!
Originally published at blog.gociety.com on July 22, 2016.