When people think of California wine country, they usually picture Napa. If they're visiting the Central Coast, they often stop in Santa Barbara or spend an afternoon wandering the Danish streets of Solvang. Fewer discover the Santa Ynez Valley.

Sometimes you're not looking for a destination. You're simply looking for somewhere that feels a little farther away than it actually is. That's how I found Camp Lucy. I wanted to escape the energy of Austin for a few days, and what I discovered instead was an entirely different landscape. Rolling hills, ancient oak trees, and quiet country roads replaced the city's constant movement.

There are very few places that make you feel as though you've stepped completely outside the world. The Sitka Lighthouse is one of them. The experience begins with a short boat ride across the water to your own private island.

I’ll admit, South Dakota and Mount Rushmore weren’t initially high on my list, but these tent cabins became the perfect surprise.