There’s nothing like relaxing in a house made out of Tennessee Cedar Milled logs to get you reconnected with nature. Many rural-loving folks love staying in small log cabins of different proportions whether for vacation homes, permanent residences or even keeping for storage units. There is a rustic nature about them that is very appealing.

Some “small log cabins” can be spacious enough to live in. Some log cabins are capable of having have whirlpool tubs, skylights and many suburban niceties.

Originally small log cabins were designed exclusively as permanent homes. In the 1800’s small log cabins fulfilled the basic necessities of a home, and one could be built in a few days using very basic tools. These early small log cabins were simple yet sturdy and very inexpensive to make. They stood the test of time and survived all that nature subjected them to.

Today, while construction has become more sophisticated, lodging in such a quaint place is still fun and is the perfect vacation for people who want to get away from city life. Small log cabins can be bought through realtors and can provide suitable residences, complete with a few rooms and amenities. 

How much does it cost to buy a small log cabin?  Prices can be steep; small log cabins can amount to the same price as some small suburban homes, or even greater, depending on the quality.   

In America the frontier spirit lives on. Some ambitious residents have bought their own land and built their own small log cabins for a splinter of the cost of a new one. Buying just necessary materials and having a good blueprint could lead you to the small log cabin of your rural dreams, for just a few thousand dollars.

Smaller log cabins don’t have to be “storage cabins” exactly. Even some smaller log cabins can be livable and useable as a second home. 

Some small log cabins can be sold for less and are directly assembled by the buyer. Do-it-yourself log cabin kits, with supplies and instructions, are very reasonably priced. Companies have online purchase set up and the do-it-yourself kits can be shipped to you.

Other small log cabins, modular log cabins, can be fully assembled before delivery so that the same day you see it arriving on a flatbed trailer, you can start filling it with personal items.

Small log cabins have come a long way since the 1800’s and to live in one today is no less of an adventure and joy. And fortunately, now it’s a lot easier get started.

Having the right camping supplies can make the difference between a fun and relaxing camping trip and a total disaster.  Even though disasters make for good stories later on, it’s generally a good idea to invest some time and effort into getting the right camping supplies before going on a camping trip.  Camping is one of my favorite ways to spend a weekend, but starving out in the middle of nowhere while getting drenched in the rain all night is not. 

Fortunately, getting good camping supplies is easy these days.  You can order just about everything you’d ever want or need online with just a few clicks and some electronic order forms.  No longer do you have to make a long haul to a camping supplies store, which are often few and far between. 

However, there are still many advantages in actually going to a camping supplies store.  First of all, you of course get a first hand look at the camping equipment you are about to buy.  Sometimes an item looks great in a photo, but in real life you realize that it’s a flimsy, poorly made piece of crap.  Secondly, most of the larger and better camping supplies stores are staffed by people that know at least a little about camping.  They often have good recommendations on brands to go with, have been using various camping supplies for years, and usually don’t work on commission so you can trust them. 

When I first started camping, I bought all my camping supplies live in a store, just to get the advice of seasoned campers.  Now that I’m more confident with what I’m doing, I order everything online.  I’ve found the brands I like, and I usually know what I’m going to need.  Most of the larger camping supplies stores, such as REI (my personal favorite) also have websites you can order from online, so you can continue buying your equipment from people you know and trust. 

The more difficult question isn’t how to get camping supplies, or where, its what camping supplies are you going to need?  This is harder to answer and depends on what kind of trip you are going to take.  If you are ‘car camping’ and aren’t hiking with your equipment, you can never have too much stuff.  If there’s any doubt in your mind, just bring it, and with time you’ll get a feel for what you actually use and what you don’t.  If you are hiking far with your equipment, take the reverse attitude.  If there’s any doubt in your mind, leave it. 

Going to the beach is one of the most popular summer family vacations, and for good reason.  Everyone in the family has something to do at the beach.  Young children can play in the sand with reckless abandon, older kids can swim and play in the water, while Mom and Dad relax in the sun, read a book, and maybe get a tan.  Beach barbeques and campfires are also favorites as the day wears on, and depending on the facilities families can sail, kayak, or play volleyball all day. 

Though the ideal day at the beach is sunny and clear, rainstorms aren’t the only things that can ruin a day at the beach.  Too much wind, sun, or sand can also put a damper on the day, especially if there is no convenient shade or shelter.  That’s why beach tents have become popular with beachgoers, especially families with young kids.  Beach tents are lighter weight and easier to set up than standard backpacking tents, and they’re easy to toss in your beach tote on your way from the car.  They assemble quickly; some designs are even self-erecting, so you can toss the tent onto the sand and it’ll set up itself. 

Beach tents offer some respite from the sun for those with sensitive skin, and they’re a boon to young families with infants.  With a beach tent, infants and toddlers can stay in the shade without being restricted to a child carrier or stuck under and umbrella; they’re free to play in the tent while the rest of the family enjoys the sun.  Beach tents are also handy for those needing a place to change into bathing suits while at the beach, allowing them to avoid awkward changing sessions in the car or trying to find a convenient restroom or changing room somewhere along the sand.  For those wanting to catch a nap, these tents provide a handy place to get away from the noise and sun usually associated with beach trips.  Lunch is no longer a sandy mess either, since families can get out of the wind much more easily.Beach tents come in all shapes and sizes, from full-sided family affairs to simple half-shells which protect from the wind and sun but offer an unrestricted view of the water.  Other designs have no walls, providing a roof to keep the sun off but nothing more.  On a bright, warm day these can be great, but they don’t offer as much protection from wind or prying eyes.  Whatever your choice, a well-designed beach tent can transform your next vacation from ho-hum to a great day at the beach.