The second time is a charm.

We've been to Solair nudist resort once before several years ago and were in the Boston area again.  We had to make a return.  The nude recreation destination is a great day trip from Boston if you want a day of family-friendly fun in the sun.

Solair Recreation League is located in Woodstock, Connecticut in the north east corner of CT, minutes from the Massachusetts border. It is about an hour and half from Boston, MA. If you ever happen to visit Boston (which is a good time in itself), Solair is an easy nakation day trip with a rental car.

We returned to spend the day at Solair late last summer. Having been there once before, we knew what to expect but explored to see some new things we missed on the first visit.

We just paid the day fees at the entrance and were on our way. Solair offers discounted day fees for those under 40. It seems to be a good incentive. We saw a good mix of ages and people under 40.

It was a nice day. Everyone we interacted with were very friendly.  Just like our first visit, the grounds were in great condition.   There's a lot to like about Solair.  Here's my favorite things. 

What I like about Solair Recreation League nudist resort:

• This nudist resort is member owned.  The members take care of it and are very friendly to guests.  In fact, a lot of friendly regulars who have summer homes on the grounds and know the region well and can recommend restaurants and such.
• You feel "away from it all" here on the large wooded grounds.
• Nice pool, sometimes has water volleyball games on busy summer weekends (it did during our first visit)
• Indoor hot tub and sauna
• Lake with paddle boats but no alligators like in Florida. Go skinnydipping or take a paddle boat out.
• Small recreation room with pool table and ping pong - if you get a cool day, there's at least something to do in the nude indoors.
• Lots of nude hiking and walking on both the paved roads in the residential area and wooded trails (I'm not sure that there are maps for the wooded trails.  You may have to ask a member.)  We took a walk all around the residential area and then onto a short trail that goes up a hill and overlooks the lake.
• If you bring a bike, you could ride your bike on the paved roads on the grounds.
• Tennis courts - not sure if you have to bring your own rackets and balls.
• Some food served in cafe on the weekends

What not to expect:

• It's not a place big on nightlife.
  
• It's more of a "very nice campground" than a "resort".
• Food options are limited...so packing a picnic lunch might be a good idea.
• Don't expect you can be disrespectful to others.  The members care about this place a lot and they want visitors to do the same.

Having now been to many more nudist resorts over the years, I have to say that Solair is an excellent facility given that it is a northern US nudist resort that has a short season.

If you are going for a first time visit, read Solair's website or maybe call first. It seems they want first timers to only visit on weekends, at least that is my understanding. I think this is because they need to have someone on hand to give a tour.

At least as of my last visit in late 2009, Solair had a policy that during the first 4 visits, they want visitors to spend time talking with a member who does an interview as part of a membership screening/recruitment process. I had previously thought that this would be a pain in the butt (I have mixed feelings about these types of red tape procedures that detract from nakationing). But we did talk to a member this visit. It wasn't a big deal at all. It was a casual 10 minute chat. The nudist member who interviewed us was friendly and asked us our experience, told us a little bit about the place, and asked if we had any questions.

If you're in the area, give Solair Recreation League a try.

Looking at the most recent American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) Bulletin newspaper, I was surprised at how many activities are going on this winter.  Nudists throughout the US are finding great ways to have fun.

Duckpin Bowling

In Baltimore, Maryland, the Capital Area Family Naturists (a nudist travel club) are hosting a few duckpin bowling nights.  The club has rented private space at a bowling center for naked bowling.

Watch the Super Bowl with nudist friends

Many nudist resorts across the country are hosting Superbowl events.  For instance, Mountaindale Sun Resort in Portland, Oregon will have a Super Bowl Party and Potluck Dinner.  Cedar Creek Park in Pelion, South Carolina is also having a big Super Bowl Party.

Celebrate Chinese New Years, Mardi Gras and Valentines

The Travelites, a South Carolina nudist travel club, has a slew of events planned, including gatherings to Celebrate Chinese New Years, Mardi Gras and Valentines.  Avalon in PawPaw, West Virgina also has Valentines and Mardi Gras events planned and its indoor pool makes it an attractive winter destination.

Go to a Chili Cookoff in Texas

Sahnoans at Star Ranch in McDade, Texas will host the 11th Annual Shell-less Armadillo Chili Cookoff on Jan 17.  Mmm...armadillo....tasty.   BlueBonnet Nudist Park in Decatur, Texas will host a Chili Cookoff on Jan 24.  

Party in Wisconsin

Valley View Recreation Club in Cambridge, Wisconsin is closed for the winter season, but that has not stopped them from putting together an innovative event.  The club reached out to a local hotel and rented out space for a weekend.  The result is the Valley View Recreation Club Mid-Winter Party on February 28, 2009.

Yes, according to an article recently published in the Chicago Tribune about nude recreation.

The article makes it seems that nudism is really popular. Imagine that.

"One in 10 Americans ranks staying at a resort that offers nude recreation as extremely/very desirable, according to a 2008 survey by Ypartnership/Yankelovich National Leisure Travel MONITOR." (Chicago tribune)

If that statistic is true, one out of ten of your closest neighbors and coworkers think nude recreation is extremely/very desirable.

The article talks about other trends in nude recreation. The article was overwhelmingly positive and talks about nude recreation growing. At a time when everything in the news is so negative, this article is shocking.

People are interested in nude recreation. More and more people are trying it for the first time and enjoying the experience of freedom from clothes and being at one with nature.

But there are a few hurdles to overcome for nude recreation as the article mentions. For example, the incorrect association of nude recreation as being a lifestyle/swinger activity. The two are separate but some nudist resorts are catering to both, a challenging line to walk. Nude recreation is not about sex and true nudist resorts are family-safe (at least the ones affiliated with the American Association for Nude Recreation are supposed to be).

In contrast, lifestyle activities are about sharing partners, a unique lifestyle decision based on sex. Certainly, lifestylers are just people with a different belief than me and I respect that. But in my opinion, too many lifestylers are not respectful to others who do not share their beliefs. That I do not like. It's a small subset of these lifestylers who are ruining it for everyone. While most nudists and lifestylers are generally very tolerant people, except when their rights are encroached upon, a few rotten apples need to be controlled so that nude recreation can continue to have a bright future.

Read the full article on the Chicago Tribune website free.

A short drive from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is a place where you can experience the freedom of riding a bike while nude or running or walking - in a race for charity - in the privacy of the gated resort, Sunny Rest Resort, in Palmerton, PA.

I recently returned to Sunny Rest and tried out mountain biking beyond the nature trails I wrote about doing nude hiking on last year.  I'll have a more on that nude recreation experience soon.  In the meantime, check out the Clothing Optional Bare Hare Duathlon charity event being held on Sunny Rest's grounds.   It is sure to be fun!

Here's the official Inaugural Bare Hare Duathlon North event info with more on the Sunny Rest event page:

Get outdoors at the Sunny Rest Resort, 425 Sunny Rest Drive, Palmerton, PA 18071, and DO the DU.
Butts A'Runnin Race Management is proud to be DU-ing the FIRST-EVER Clothing-Optional (Must be
18+) Duathlon in the Pocono Mountains. This event will be ChampionChip timed by Queen City
Timing Services of Mooresville, NC and results will be posted at www.queencitytiming.com.
**************************************************************
DISTANCES:
1.5 Mile Run (on paved roads)
8.5 Mile Mountain Bike (on mountain trails) Helmet required and must use a Mountain Bike.
5K Trail Run
**************************************************************
+++++There will also be a separate 1.5 Mile Fun Walk on paved roads. Finishers will receive a
commemorative medal.
**************************************************************
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
First Run: 1.5 Miles
Level: Beginner
The run will wind through the mostly paved roads of Sunny Rest Resort, with a
challenge towards the end (Cardiac Hill) about a 100-yard up-hill run on paved surface.
++The Fun Walk will also follow this same course and will head to the finish line in front of Irv's house.

Transition 1:
Will be on the open grassy area in front of Irv's house.

Mountain Bike: 8.5 Miles
Level: Intermediate
2 loops on wide groomed (4 wheeler ATV type) paths, passing will not be a problem.
Path surface is a mix on hard pack soil, rocks and exposed roots. Much of the course
has long stretches of beginner friendly trails; however there will be several challenging,
rock/exposed root climbs and descents. "You will know you're in a mountain bike race"!
Helmets are required for the bike (ANSI/SNELL). All climbs and descents will be
well-marked to give you warning. There is also a few small stream crossings and mud
puddles, they are shallow and easily pass-able, generally just a few feet in width. A
little mud is part of the fun!
A beginner mountain biker can complete this course; they may need to dismount on a couple of the climbs, no problem, it's a race not an exam. No water stops.
Course will be well-marked.

Transition 2:

Will be on the open grassy area in front of Irv's house.

Second Run: 3.1 Miles
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
The run will be a single loop on trails with same terrain as the mountain bike leg.
2 water stops at 1/3 points.
Course will be well-marked.
When you cross that finish line, you will have completed "Du-ing" the first-ever clothing-optional
Duathlon presented in the world!
****************************************************************
CHARITY:
This event will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
(For those who wish to donate only, may do so by sending their donation to: Sunny Rest Resort,
425 Sunny Rest Drive, Palmerton, PA 18071. Please make your check/money order payable to:
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.) Tax deductible. Please reference the Bare Hare Duathlon North.
JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST BLOOD CANCERS THAT CAN STRIKE ALL AGES
****************************************************************
OTHER INFO: *We will DO the DU......RAIN OR SHINE!
*No refunds or transfers.
*Register early to be guaranteed a commemorative inaugural t-shirt. (First 150)
*Post race food & refreshments free for participants & volunteers. All others
must pay $5.00 for a wristband.
*There will be ample parking, restrooms & showers available.
*Please mount & dismount your bikes at the appropriate mount/dismount line.
*No riding in the transition area.
*Water will be on the course. If you prefer anything else, please bring.
*Please bring a couple of towels. To sit upon if you are going BARE.
*Must go nude to use the pool, hot tub or sauna.
*May stay on resort until 9 PM after event ends. If staying later, you must pay
day fee charge.
*Please be aware that the Bike course is OFF-ROAD and you must use a
mountain bike.
*At the end of the event, please turn in your chip or you will be charged a
fee of $35.00.
*You must purchase a wristband for $5.00 to bring a non-participating guest.
Include with your entry fee or buy on race day.
*A Nude & Non-Nude Group Photo will be taken of those who wish to
participate for a fee of $10.00. Include with your entry fee or buy on race day.
Picture will be available that day.
*An all you can eat spaghetti buffet will be held on Friday night for participants,
members and guests for $8.00 each in the restaurant. Include with your entry fee
or pay at restaurant that night.
*All events to be held on the grounds of Sunny Rest.
*There will be bike and EMT support if needed.
*lf you've pre-registered or coming on the grounds of Sunny Rest to register,
you must participate in the event or the daily grounds fee must be paid.
*You may have a relay team, 3 members per team allowed, male & female.
*Teams will not be eligible for individual awards, only the team awards.
*When registering a team, please include a registration form filled out & signed
by each team member & include the name of your team.
*Please call Race Directors for all Duathlon info, not the resort. Only call the
resort to make reservations or for info on the resort. Thanks!
*We do not publish full names or list towns in our results unless requested to
do so or if we have your permission. This is to protect your privacy. If you
"DU" on Sunny Rest, it stays on Sunny Rest.
*Get out there & let's"DU" It!
**************************************************************
TIMES: *Entrance into Sunny Rest will begin at 6:00 AM for the DU.
*6:30 AM - 8:30 AM Check-in, packet & chip P/U. Race Day registration.
*Pre-race instructions at 8:45 AM.
*9:00 AM - LET'S DO THE DU!
*Awards ceremony to follow ending of event.
**************************************************************
EVENT TIMING: By Queen City Timing Services of Mooresville, NC
**************************************************************
AWARDS: *Subject to change at Race Director's discretion.
Overall Male & Female
Overall Male & Female Masters (40+)
Overall Grandmasters (50+)
Senior Grandmasters (60+)
Age Groups: 3 Deep
Male & Female: 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+

Relay Teams: 1,2 & 3
+Plus there will be Door Prizes & other SPECIAL awards+
**************************************************************
SUNNY REST RESORT & CAMPGROUND:
*More than 100 camping & RV sites complete with water & electric hookups.
*Tenting sites with electric hookups.
*Or if you prefer, there are over 20 motel rooms, complete with private bath,
air conditioning, refrigerator and cable TV.
*The resort spans over 190 secluded acres and is a tranquil, clothing-optional
retreat located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains.

For this event you may enjoy camping for a fee of $40 from Friday to Sunday. Or if you prefer
the motel, room rates will be 25% off. Please call Sunny Rest Resort to make your reservations at
610-377-2911 or 866-Sunny-50 (866-786-6950).

Visit their website: www.sunnyrest.com Email: sunnyrest [AT] sunnyrest DOT com.
Please make your reservations early. They do fill up!
***************************************************************
Registration: *Early Fee by June 13, 2008 *Late Fee after June 13, 2008 & Race Day
$40 Individual $50 Individual
$70 Teams $80 Teams
(Late Fee payable online only & on race day)

Walk: $20.00 (NO LATE FEE)
*May register online soon at



Or
(Click & Print application)
Mail Check/M.O. with fees & registration to:
Butts A'Runnin Race Mgmt. Early fee by June 13, then late fee until midnight
P. O. Box 6872 June 19, 2008. (A sm. extra online fee will apply)
Statesville, NC 28687-6872
*******************************************************************
Questions? *Race Directors: Gary & Sue Butts
Phone: 704-880-4561
Email: ButtsArunnin [AT] aol DOT com

2008 could be a big year for nude recreation.

US nudist campgrounds, resorts and beaches all over the country could be busy this year. [See the list of nudist clubs on the American Association for Nude Recreation's (AANR) website]

Here's 5 reason why:

1. USA Nudists will get extra money in May, just in time for nudist season.

The USA government is giving out economic stimulus payments in May. This means an extra up to $600 for nudist singles and up to $1200 for nudist couples. Many nudists will put this money towards USA nudist travel. See the IRS website for the facts.

$1200 in the hands of a nudist couple is enough to buy a long weekend at a nearby nudist campground or resort.

What better way to spend extra money than nude recreation? Name something better, I dare you!

2. Less USA nudists are heading to Europe this year.

The US dollar losing value to the Euro has been all over the news lately. Today, it costs $1.56 USD to buy 1 Euro. Add at least 2% to 5% percent on top of the exchange rate for currency exchange fees at banks and with credit cards. Many USA nudists will have to skip the European nudist vacation and stay in North America.

Luckily, the experts on TV say things will even out in a few years. For now though, many American nudists will wait it out.

I highly recommend Europe and loved the naturist village of Cap d'Agde, France, but when I went, the exchange rate wasn't as bad.

3. European nudists ARE heading to the USA.

Whereas USA culture still finds nude recreation awkward, this is not so much the case in Europe. Nude recreation is common with the French, Germans, Spaniards, British and others.

And now more than ever, coming to the USA for nude recreation is a bargain. Imagine being able to convert 1 Euro into $1.56 US dollars. It makes coming to the USA for vacation much more affordable.

4. Nudism awareness in the USA is higher than ever.

I'm taking a guess here. It would seem that with all of the media coverage of nudism over the last 2 years, the awareness of the idea of nudism would be higher than ever in the USA. Back before the Internet, this media attention would go to waste. But today, someone reads about nudist travel in the New York Times or Conde Nast Traveler and then can go online for more information about the nudist resort discussed. Just about every nudist resort's website has a FAQ about nude recreation that should make people new to the concept comfortable. For instance, see Paradise Lake's.

5. Good things are happening.

While not everything is rosy, the long-running USA-focused nudist blog USAnudist.com/blog makes regular mention of good USA nudist travel happenings. USAnudist.com mentions that the oldest nudist resort in Florida, Lake Como Nudist Resort, is getting a modern upgrade in 2008 by adding a new RV and mobile home park within the grounds. See "Lake Como adds RV park" on USAnudist.com.


There you have it! 2008 has a lot of potential for nude recreation, doesn't it?

I'm on a quest to learn more about nudist Germany. It seems like a great nudist travel destination, not just because of nudist freedoms but because Germany itself has plenty of great sites...and beer.

Maybe when the US dollar rises against the Euro someday, I could afford to go. Doesn't hurt to be prepared now though.

One German destination that seems very popular with the locals is Englischer Gardens in Munich Germany. Even Rick Steves has been there.

Here's one tourist's honest comments about the famous Germany nude sunbathing park:

clipped from www.igougo.com "Ooh, nude beach, dude!" Yes, the English Garden is home to a nude sunbathing area, but don't go in search of hot young flesh; if you do, you'll find that many of the undressed are a few decades older than you had in mind. By the same token, though, it's refreshing to see so many non-supermodel types who are comfortable enough with their bodies to bare all. Of course, there are other things to do than strip down and sunbathe; a visit to the Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) beer garden is a must, and there are plenty of tree-lined paths for walking. Bring a picnic lunch (just visit a supermarket and load up a basket with fresh produce) and enjoy it in the sun.

Hiking out in nature without clothes provides a level of freedom that may exceed that of hanging out at a nudist resort pool or nude beach.

Sunny Rest Resort in Palmerton, PA, provided the setting for our first experience with real nude hiking - legally and within the grounds of a gated nudist resort who adheres to the standards of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR).

Sunny Rest usually gets props for its excellent amenities (pool, indoor hot tub, game room, restaurant, etc.) and grounds. The nude hiking trail is a hidden gem.

Picture of Sunny Rest trail
(Source: Sunny Rest website)

Anyone can hike Sunny Rest's wooded hiking trails in the nude and feel safe. The trails are within the 190-acre resort property boundaries.

Just wear sneakers and socks. The trails were well-maintained and level with the exception of one small hill on what's called the "hard trail" - really just a small section that diverts from the main trail.

The main trail goes about 1 mile and then there are smaller side trails that are dead ends. Tack on about half a mile for the walk on pavement from the pool area to the start of the dirt trail.

A Nudist Travel Guide Blog exclusive, I've scanned the literature I received from Sunny Rest.

"Bare" with me. The papers got wrinkled. Oops.

The thing about hiking in the nude is the distinct lack of pockets.

I was forced to fold up the maps and stuff it in my sock. Lesson learned.

Click on any of these pictures to see larger versions of the maps and handouts.

The second lesson learned is to bring enough water if it is hot out. Even without clothes, staying cool is not easy if it is 90 degrees out. And don't forget to put on bug spray before you start hiking.

We walked in the paved areas of the grounds too. Many nudists have seasonal trailers in this part of the resort property. Some had more elaborate homes that may have been year-round. Everyone seems to take care of their lot and some people had unexpectedly nice landscaping. We saw some people camping in tents too. Some pictures of the grounds are on Sunny Rest's website here.

The heart of the resort is the area around the pool that includes offices, indoor hot tub, rec room (pool table and video games), dance room, workout room, restaurant and accommodations.

This is a map of the grounds.

To maintain a safe family atmosphere for visitors, Sunny Rest has a typical set of rules to follow.

A very good nudist campground, we plan to return.

Have you been to Sunny Rest? What did you think?

Want to travel internationally to a nudist destination but afraid of the prices? Getting out of the US and Canada is a little more challenging lately. Still, there are options.

For US and Canadian nudist travelers looking for adventure in Europe, the fluctuating and lately deflating value of the US dollar against the Euro and British Pound has made many reconsider trips to European nudist destinations. For Canadians, the Canada dollar is increasing but still weak.

But why put off a nudist vacation altogether? There are other places where the US and Canadian dollar stretches further.

Canada to US or US to Canada:

1 Canada dollar currently equals 1.018 US dollar

Canadians can visits tons of US nudist destinations with the Canadian dollar being the closest to the US dollar its been in a long, long time.

For Americans, Canada is no longer the bargain it used to be. Still, Canada has a good mix of nudist destinations (such as Wreck Beach) and getting there is cheaper than Europe or the Caribbean (depending on where in the US you live).

Europe and the Caribbean

As of today, these are the reported currency exchange rates for the US Dollar against 3 other currencies and some of the nudist travel opportunities in these countries.

Croatia nudist travel:

Despite its troubled political past, Croatia is an emerging tourist destination hopefully looking towards a brighter future. Though a long flight from the United States, Croatia has over 30 nudist and clothing-optional destinations, from beaches to campsites. Learn more here.

1,000.00 United States Dollars = 5,176.20 Croatia Kuna
1 USD = 5.17620 HRK
1 HRK = 0.193192 USD

Mexico nudist travel:

Mexico is cost-effective for US tourists. Flying there isn’t too bad, depending on where you live. The pickings for true nudists are limited though.

Playa Sonrisa (Photo Credit: Playa Sonrisa, Xcalak, Mexico)

Playa Sonrisa (official website) on the Caribbean coast of Mexico is for true nudists/naturists and even offers a 15% discount for naturist club members, such as AANR members. They have beach front bungalows and rooms for accommodations, naked snorkeling and even have a restaurant. This seems like a nice destination and bungalows and rooms range from $85 to $140 a night, depending on the season/room.

Hidden Beach and Desire Resort are among the other clothing-optional destinations in Mexico, though they appear to be more adult-oriented and exotic focused from what I can tell from websites about them. I’d research more to find out if this sort of destination is right for you.

1,000.00 United States Dollars = 10,857.50 Mexico Pesos
1 USD = 10.8575 MXN
1 MXN = 0.0921022 USD

Bonaire in the Caribbean:

I had written about Sorobon Beach Naturist Resort in the past. A nice little place on the beach in a protected cove, beachfront accommodations make it desirable.

1,000.00 United States Dollars = 1,780.00 Netherlands Antilles Guilders
1 USD = 1.78000 ANG
1 ANG = 0.561798 USD

Fees for exchanging money

Keep in mind that when exchanging money, everyone wants a cut. Walk-in banks and currency exchange booths are hit-or-miss in terms of how much they take. ATMs and charging with credit cards can be a better bargain. Check with your banks first though. Fees are all over the place. Some charge nothing and others can charge flats fees plus additional rates upwards of 3% or more, which is like throwing away money. Here's a good article on the topic.

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My apologies for any explicit advertising that appeared on this nudist travel blog recently. The problem has been corrected.

Finding advertising for a nudist travel website is not easy nor lucrative, but my main motivation is getting the word out about nudist travel. For those looking for nudist travel information, I hope this blog is of help or at least points readers in the right direction.

It's really incredibly time-consuming to research and write about nudist travel topics. Getting a part time job at a gas station or fast food place would earn me more money. But it's not about that for me. My secondary goal is simply earning gas money and maybe even food money for nudist travel.

To achieve this, I had used the "Ads by Google" system for several months with good success. It provided useful, family-friendly links to nudist destinations and travel sites. I made a few dollars from it and I was happy. Then one day I was banned.

I guess this nudist blog is too adult oriented for Google ads.

I don't think this blog is any more adult-oriented than AANR or even newspaper articles about nudism such as the ones I've mentioned here in the past. With nudism fortunately becoming more popular in local and national newspapers, I am surprised at being banned.

Still, my desire to get gas money lead me to a different ad network called AdBrite. They reviewed this nudist blog and thought it was ok. Everything was good again.

Though not as good as Google, AdBrite seemed to be the only option. Then one day, they decided this blog was pornography and started putting adult-oriented ads on the site. I'm not exactly sure when this started, but I just found out a few days ago and have removed these ads. This was a shock to me, but I cannot blame AdBrite. I think I messed up on some settings. This is now fixed but it seemed to make sense to try something new.

You'll now notice Amazon nudist-related books more prominently on this blog. These books are written on several nudist topics, mostly about history, though there are a few nudist travel and lifestyle ones. I own a few myself. What better to read while lounging at a nudist resort pool than a nudist book?

I've also switched to a new ad system, Oxado. It puts text ads on the site. They gave me the option to omit adult-oriented ads, which I've chosen to do. I hope this works out better and keeps this nudist blog family safe. This system might be good for others like me, so try it out if you have a blog.

The moral of the story is that it's too bad there aren't more choices for people who want to create helpful, wholesome blogs or websites about nudism and who want to earn a little revenue from the effort.

I think that if there was an incentive system, it would motivate other nudists to learn how to create blogs and get the word out. There are only a small number of people who are able to give up entertainment activities, like watching TV, to do nudist writing for the fun of it. Talking about nudist travel and life is what will help sustain the community in the long run.

The Abbey House Gardens in Wiltshire, England is giving new meaning to being one with nature.

According to a BBC article, "A couple who garden in the buff are holding more open days when the public can walk around their garden naked." (Source).

During these 'clothing optional' days, visitors can tour the couples' garden in the nude for a variety of benefits (according to the Abbey House Gardens website):

• escape the pressures of daily living
• get back in touch with your inner self
• be inspired
• find time to unwind in fresh air
• enjoy some gentle exercise in beautiful surroundings
• meet up with friends & relatives in an easily accessible place

Sounds perfect!

If you love gardens and being outdoors without clothes - the ways humans have for thousands of years - then this is a place worth exploring.

The BBC has done an absolutely fabulous job of covering this clothes-free garden story through a series of articles and a video over the last few years. Take a look at some of what the BBC has documented:

• Gardening in the buff takes off


• Naked Gardeners' Exhibition - The Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury is a must for garden buffs, art buffs and those in the buff…


• Video: Naturism big in Wiltshire (2 minutes)


• Gardens opening for naked walks (appears to be the first BBC article on the gardens)


• Wiltshire's Naked Gardeners at Chelsea Flower Show (mostly about the couples' commitment to gardening)

Also, visit the official Abbey House Gardens website.

I'd love to see something like this at a nudist resort closer to home (United States).

Maybe this exists already, but wouldn't it be groovy if a North America AANR-affiliated clothing-optional club with a large property and lots of woods allocated a few acres for members/visitors to use as a community gardening space?

I received this comment from a reader on another post about visiting Solair on a weekday.

"My girl and I planned to go to Solair yesterday (we're late 30s). Took the day off to relax and hopefully sit by the pool. Sent an email to confirm that we would be coming and got a response that we were not allowed to visit unless it was a weekend or holiday. Needless to say, we won't be visiting. No big deal, but wow, not a way to encourage the younger crowd. C & D"

That's unfortunate.

The weekday restriction is surprising. While some smaller membership-oriented clubs don't have the staff to support weekday guests, Solair gives off the appearance of being able to.

If you've read my posts about Solair in the past, I have mixed feelings. My wife and I are younger than you and did not feel out of place. I like the facilities, the safety and the true nudist atmosphere. That comes at the trade-off of not liking the membership push and what I've heard nudist singles say about being denied.

Membership focused clubs are good for the members but tend to isolate everyone else. There are other membership focused clubs that I've passed on to visit open clubs. Membership is just not for me.

Northeast alternatives

If you are in the area, SunRidge is 45 minutes south of Solair. SunRidge is a lot smaller but I'm pretty sure they can support weekday guests. It's a nice place if you just want to lounge by the pool all day. It's a nice place to bring a picnic lunch too.

Then there's Berkshire Vista in western Mass, maybe 2 hours from Solair. Berkshire Vista definitely allows weekday visitors and has discounts for staying overnight on weekdays. The downside is that their 2008 future is uncertain. This is on their homepage today: "We are NOT closing! We will operate in 2008 and beyond. Info will be released in the upcoming weeks." Naturist Journal has more details already here that point to Berkshire Vista scaling back.

In Eastern PA lies Sunny Rest Lodge, a really, really nice place with better facilities than the 3 above resorts. We just visited on a weekday and will be writing a trip report soon.

The Hartford Courant newspaper's lifestyle section just featured a nice trip report about Solair Recreation League, a nudist camp ground in Connecticut.

The author, Joann Klimkiewicz, visited Solair with her sister. Both around 30 years old, they left with a fairly positive impression of the resort. The sister's collectively had experience with being in clothing optional environments (Europe and some US topless beaches) so the article was more insightful, I think, than the more common "first timer" article.

As compared to some one-sided articles by authors who have only read about nudism, this author showed dedication by taking the plunge and then writing a well-rounded and fair account of the experience.

Read the full story here

My impression of Solair
Personally, I like Solair overall, having visited once and also being in the same "around 30" age group as the sisters above. When my wife and I visited, it was a lively summer Saturday last year. Besides people gathered at the pool, hot tub and lake, the sand volleyball court was active.

The library was empty, but who wants to read books inside on a nice day!

Solair had an event that day that I've never imagined ever seeing: a cooking demonstration in the nude. Think Emeril live, but scaled down and on a picnic table in a gazebo in a nudist resort. The woman's presentation was actually very good and educational.

I think Solair's hot tub and pool are average but nice. I prefer deep pools over volleyball depth pools, but that's just me. The lake is a uncommon feature and had a platform in the middle that you could swim to while skinnydipping. The grounds are really nice, comparable to Sunny Rest Lodge, a nudist resort in eastern PA that I'll be doing a trip report about soon.

I wish that there wasn't a pricey annual membership fee (after 4 visits) at Solair - otherwise I'd be back more often. The Courant author refers to it too:

• "Solair, for example, charges $25 for a first-time visit and $500 for an annual membership. For the under-40 set, that drops to $17.50 for a first-timer, and $300 for the year."

I realize Solair's needs to run a business and the quality of the camp ground shows they are making some good decisions, so I cannot really knock them for it. In fact, it may be the glue that holds Solair together and helps make it what it is. We felt really safe and comfortable there and it is one of the most family-friendly places I've ever visited and that is a good thing for nude recreation.

So there you have it, a newspaper author endorses Solair. I think it's a nice place too. And if you search the forums on nudist-resorts.org, you'll also hear good opinions of Solair.

I just returned from a great trip that had the famous clothing-optional beach in Vancouver, Wreck Beach, on the itinerary (trip report coming soon). While traveling, I missed my chance to participate in the latest "Great Naked Debate" on Nudist Day. I lacked a good Internet connection.

The debate was entitled "What can be done to attract younger people to the nudist lifestyle?". Check it out. You may not agree with every last detail, but the contributors covered a lot of angles.

Some similar viewpoints were in "What are the Real Problems with Young People and Nudist Resorts?" here where some readers chimed in with more good feedback on this important topic.

The answer seems to boil down to one central idea:

• creating something worthwhile that satisfies the needs of the customers.

Potential nudist destination customers in the younger age groups have a million ways to have their entertainment needs met. Any tourist/travel destination, be it clothed or nudist, free beach or paid resort, competes with the many forms of entertainment. To win the competition, the destination must meet the needs of customers.

A tourist destination has to be more worthwhile than such things as:

• watching TV
• surfing the Internet
• going to concerts
• going to the movies
• ...and all the other things people do for fun

Think about it. A clothed hotel becomes worthwhile to you when it has a good location, a pool, restaurant and has the other amenities you want for the right price.

Food

Now, try to find breakfast at a nudist resort or campground. Not many serve breakfast. Some serve lunch or dinner. Very few serve 3 meals a day, 7 days a week. So you either need to bring food or leave. Either way, your basic human need for food is not met.

This is bad because Americans love food.

The ones that serve lots of food, like Caliente and Paradise Lakes, the 2 big resorts in Tampa, offer a destination that is a complete experience. You don't have to leave if you are hungry. In my last trip report about Sun Ridge Resort, I mentioned how I did leave because my food needs were not met.

The Internet

One other way clothed hotels have adjusted to modern customer needs is by proving some form of Internet connection. Most do. What about nudist destinations? Not so.

I'm in the under-35 age bracket and I want my Internet no matter where I am. Is that so much to ask? This is a more common statement of my generation but slowly becoming typical of all generations (see Internet age trends). Even baby-boomers are spending a lot more time online nowadays too.

Why aren't most nudist resorts adapting to something so basic as an Internet connection?

The Internet and food are among the lifelines of today's potential nudist customer.

If you are at a nudist destination that doesn't meet these needs, speak up and make your opinion known.

What well-regarded nudist destination has a nude beach, pool, nude golf, biking, hiking and more in a family-friendly environment in the Bordeaux region of France?

By the title of the article, the answer is easy: La Jenny.

While France's famous naturist village of Cap d'Agde has been reviewed here before, besides culinary delights, France serves a plate full of nudist destinations. France also provides La Jenny, Euronat and many other destinations.

The other naturist village, La Jenny, lies on the Atlantic Ocean on northwest side of France and offers a low-key, relaxing place to be naked.

La Jenny is a large, family-friendly nudist campground, a very different experience from the larger, more commercial Cap d'Agde.


La Jenny's centerpiece is an incredible grouping of 4 swimming pools kept at 77 degrees to provide a week of enjoyment.

And if the pool is not enough for you, take a walk down to the Atlantic Ocean. Lifeguards are on hand in the main section. When the conditions are right and waves high enough, surfing naked is the way to spend the day. Most people would rather just catch some sun on the nude beach.

Naked golf...real naked golf is a rarity. La Jenny's course is only 4 holes, but is probably the best 4 holes of nudist golf around.

To get around, ride a bike. Bikes are available for rental for riding around through the extensive grounds. Ride from your rented chalet down to the beach to play naked beach volleyball in the sand. Then ride back and have a nude dinner at the clothing-optional restaurant.

Accommodations at La Jenny include chalets/cabins and a campground. The chalets come in many sizes and prices, in peak season from around $70 to $200 a night. The typically include a refrigerator and hotplates for cooking. Some have ovens, dishwashers and other conveniences.
La Jenny even has a small grocery store where visitors can shop in the buff for food to bring back to the chalet. Having shopped at stores like this in Cap d'Agde, I am sure this is a fun experience at La Jenny too.
Learn more about La Jenny at their website.

“Who are the people in the nudist resort neighborhood? The people that you meet, walking down the street, each day…” (Sing like Mr Rogers)

You may see FedEx and UPS making deliveries to nudist resort residences.

Pictured (via MS maps) is a FedEx truck stopped in front of residences within the Paradise Lakes nudist resort complex. Can you see the truck?


Yes, the person answering the door could have been naked, though may have covered up out of courtesy to the FedEx delivery person.

Especially at larger nudist destinations, here’s other people you may see:

- Restaurant workers
- Clerks
- Cable companies and utilities workers
- Electricians and plumbers
- Emergency and police services
- And many more.

In France at Cap d’Agde naturist village, lots of people do business within the gated naked city. Some were nudists wearing clothes because of the job. Others were accepting of nudists and chose to work in this environment.

The most uncomfortable part for me being naked and buying groceries in a Cap d'Agde store is that the clothed clerk does not speak English very well and I am equally bad with French.

After recently staying at Paradise Lakes Resort and Caliente Resort in Florida, I became more comfortable.

As my wife and I casually walked naked from the pool area to our room at Paradise Lakes Nudist Resort, we were passed by a man driving a garbage truck.

"Hey, did you realize a garbage truck just passed us and we are completely naked?", I asked.

During our first year of nudism we would have been embarrassed. Now, after some years, we understand that the garbage man is just doing his job. He’s probably been to the place many times and has acclimated. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. We are free to enjoy nudism.

I'll bet the man driving the truck wishes he was off from work that day so he could swim in the pool with the nudists.

Later, we saw construction workers building a new house at Caliente. They did not even pay attention to us.

Yes, a nudist resort is the one place where even the “plumber’s butt crack” is not noticeable. Everyone can do there own thing, whatever that is.

Swimming nude is a great reason to try nude recreation. (If you are new to the idea of wholesome nude recreation, the American Association for Nude Recreation provides an FAQ). Whether skinny dipping in a pool or lounging in a hot tub, I have yet to hear a person say they like bathing suits better – no matter what age, size, or color the person is.

The Florida nudist resort trip report continues with a look at swimming naked at Paradise Lakes Nudist Resort. The resort provides a variety of ways to be comfortably naked in the water in a safe and accepting environment.

On Thursday afternoon with perfect weather, sunny and in the 80s, the pool had a scattering of nudists. We enjoyed clothes-free, wet-bathing-suit-free freedom in the main pool area.


Paradise Lakes has a uniquely shaped swimming pool (pictured). It’s more of a lounge pool than a swimming pool. When we returned on a warm Friday afternoon and again on Saturday, the whole pool area was jammed with people.

One part of the pool goes 6 feet deep, allowing for swimming, but most of the pool is 3 to 5 feet deep – nice for standing around, chatting and having a drink. A kind waitress brings beer, mixed drinks or whatever.

The pool meanders from the deep section to the shallow section and then a water volleyball section starts. In addition to the main pool volleyball area, Paradise Lakes has a separate water volleyball pool.

Nude water volleyball is a popular social nudist activity at Paradise Lakes. Games are frequent and can be almost non-stop in both pools on Friday, Saturday and Sunday when the conditions are right (time of year, weather).

To get away from it all, head towards the lake. Next to it, another pool and hot tub area provide a hidden oasis within the oasis of Paradise Lakes.


The residents and guests staying in this section of the resort property use this pool often. It’s convenient and nearby other nude recreation activities. The hot tub was being worked on during my stay, but the pool was nice and had room for swimming the way swimming was meant to be: clothes-free.

I close with these 2 important words: "waterproof sunscreen"

I hope this blog has provided good nudist travel insights. I will be taking a break this weekend to enjoy a nudist vacation. In the meantime, take a look at some of the better recent posts here and by other nudist blogs.

Nudist Fitness Expert / Radio Show Host Offers Nude 5K Race Tips

Inside "Bare Bods and Hot Rods" Nude Car Show

Nudists gather on the Mexico border

Nude Cruise traveler Mike reported from aboard the cruise ship and gave a true account of the experience here. Highlights from his daily trip reports:

Nudists break "On Deck for the Cure" record on nude cruise

Nudist Cruise: How do cruise staff react to nudists? Positively!

What really happens on nude cruises? Insider Report

Of course, I cannot forget the other nudist bloggers out there. Here are good recent posts from some of them:

Do Naked Ladies Turn Men On? (Gymnophiliac.com)

New Australian Nudist Magazine (NudistDay.com)

New study shows sunbathing makes you happy - I bet nude sunbathers are even happier! (TerraCottaInn.blogspot.com)

Nudist Politician Loss Due To Smear Campaign (USAnudist.com)

Late March Nude Snowshoeing (NudeHiker.blogspot.com)

Baby Steps (NothingToDread.com) [a first time report]

Peep! NakedJenBay! (NakedJen.blogs.com)

Plane tickets. Check. Nudist resort reservations. Check. Rental car. Check.

I am ready for a long weekend in central Florida in 2 weeks. Time will be spent relaxing at a few of the nudist resorts - this time Paradise Lakes and Caliente.

Like most people, the money tree is bare (a "nudist money tree") so my travel budget is a concern. Spending money properly allows me to relax at a nudist resort or nude beach instead of worrying about how I’m going to pay for it all.

If you are a frugal nudist vacationer, it's worth looking at rental car options to save some money.

Orbtiz, Travelocity and Kayak are good for comparison. Priceline and Hotwire have the lowest prices. All are worth looking at.

The low price ones come with less choice though. With Hotwire, the car will come from a pool of national or major car rental companies at your destination of choice. Only upon booking is the rental car agency revealed. Once booked, there are no refunds or changes allowed.

Still, my best deal was through Hotwire for $166 for 5 days (including taxes and fees).

The car agency ended up being Hertz. I went to Hertz’s website to see what everyone else pays: $228 (including taxes and fees) for the same period.

I saved $62 - enough to pay for dinner. I may even get a few $2 bills and go buy a bottle of sunscreen at a local store.

I hope the car is cool looking. Would it be wrong to enter a rental car in the Bare Bods and Hot Rods Car Show at Caliente that weekend (April 15th)?

Even still, as long as the radio works, I can listen to the Fitness Buff radio show and Pete Williams who I interviewed on Friday at 5pm on the Tampa area's WTAN AM 1340.

Pete Williams knows fitness and nudism well.

On his average Friday afternoon, Pete Williams hosts the longest-running nude broadcast in radio history.


The Fitness Buff radio show airs on the WTAN Tan Talk radio network in Tampa Bay, Florida. The radio show is broadcast live (and online) and in the buff with co-host Sabrina Vizzari and sidekick Shannon Pankow at Paradise Lakes nudist resort in Land O Lakes, FL. The nude radio show has focused on helping its listeners live longer, live fitter and live better since its inception in 2005.

Pete Williams writes about sports and fitness topics regularly and has appeared in Men’s Health, USA Today and many other publications. Pete is also a staff writer for the Bulletin, the American Association for Nude Recreation’s (AANR) monthly newspaper for its 50,000+ members.

Pete is also co-author of the popular Core Performance fitness book series written with legendary trainer Mark Verstegen. Pete even finds time to keep active and recently competed in a duathlon running and bicycling event.

Today, Pete answers questions for my Nudist Travel blog audience about the inaugural Cotton Tail 5K Fun Run to be held Saturday, April 21st, 2007 at 6PM at Paradise Lakes Clothing-Optional Resort. The event traverses through the gated 72-acre resort and provides an ideal environment for running clothes-free.

John:

The inaugural Cotton Tail 5K Fun Run expands upon Paradise Lake’s 12 successful years with the Sneaker Streaker 5K. Ages ranged from 18 to 79 in the 2006 Sneaker Streaker. Times ranged from 17 to 41 minutes. Is the new Cotton Tail 5K likewise an event for all ages and skill levels?

Pete:

Absolutely! We welcome people of all ages and skill levels and, it should be noted, in all stages of undress. We've found with the Sneaker Streaker that most people go nude for these clothing-optional 5K races since that's the attraction. Many people do it on a dare or to be able to say they did it at one point in their lives. Others find they enjoy it so much that they do it every year - or become avid nudists, even joining Paradise Lakes. With the success of the Sneaker Streaker 5K, which will take place on Sept. 22, 2007, we thought it only made sense to have a spring event.

John:

Food. You’re an upcoming tri-athlete. What do you eat prior to competitive events? Should Fun Run participants worry about nutrition?

Pete:

Great question. You never want to compete on an empty stomach. Nutrition before a 5K race isn't as big a concern as, say, a longer run or triathlon, but you definitely want to eat something with carbs and a little protein. Examples would be toast with peanut butter, one-half of an energy bar, or a 16-ounce sports drink. Be sure to drink 16 to 20 ounces of fluid (if you didn't opt for the sports drink) in the hour before the race. After the race, you want to consume a mix of carbs and protein as quickly as possible. Thankfully, we'll have plenty of refreshments available. Incidentally, if you're interested in learning more about pre- and post-race nutrition, check out my new book CORE PERFORMANCE ENDURANCE, the third book in the CORE PERFORMANCE series I've written with prominent trainer Mark Verstegen.

John:

To keep the Fun Run "fun", beer and water stations will be along the course. I can understand beer, but why water? :)

Pete:

"Fun" run will mean different things to different people. For some, just the idea of going nude is what makes it fun. This event takes place the weekend between two prominent triathlons in the Tampa Bay area, so some athletes are looking at it as a "recovery" race or true fun run, not something that's going to have them focusing on their finish time. Though we provide beer on the course, I'm not sure how many people are going to take us up on it during the race unless they're going at a very slow pace or even walking. Water is a must for hydration, whether you're drinking beer along the course or not.

John:

Modern sports clothing makers have made believers in sports bras for women and jock straps for men. Yet, ancient Greek Olympians played games nude. Who’s more reasonable, Nike and Reebok or the Greeks? I've always wondered, is running nude without support safe for men and women?

Pete:

The Greeks deserve credit for creating the idea of competing while nude. Running nude without support is safe for men and women. Jock straps and protective cups were created primarily for sports where contact is a concern, and that's not the case with a 5K run. And people who have competed in nude races and nude volleyball, even at a competitive level, have found that it's completely safe. Of course, nudity is not required in this race and athletes can wear whatever makes them comfortable.

John:

Thank you Pete. The event sounds perfect for anyone thinking about trying nude recreation for the first-time. Of course, regular nudists looking to get some exercise might want to mark the date on their calendars. I hope we can talk again in the future.

Resources:

Learn more about Pete Williams at his official website.

Listen to the Fitness Buff radio show on Fridays in the Tampa area or online. Recordings of notable guest interviews on the show are available here.

Learn more about the Paradise Lakes Cotton Tail 5K Fun Run. The event is held in conjunction with the inaugural Body Art Fest on that weekend. The Body Art Fest has the making of an exciting event and is drawing attention from PBS and TLC’s Miami Ink who will cover the event.