Tip 4 on Choosing a Vacation Rental Property

Kid Friendly???

Taking a vacation with younger kids is exciting and can create memories that children will keep for a lifetime. As adults, we often plan our vacations with activities and events that we know our kids will enjoy.

However, as adults, we also want our "down time". And usually, the kids are still ready to go, when all we want to do is relax.

If you're traveling with children, you should consider finding a rental property that has special amenities for them. They will appreciate it, and you will appreciate the time that it will allow you to relax.

Consider indoor and outdoor activities. The ages of your children and the whether will typically determine where kids spend their time. If the weather causes the family to remain indoors, do the kids have options to stay entertained. If playing outdoors, is there plenty of room for them to run freely, are there special offerings that are kid-oriented, and what is the traffic in the area? These are items that should be considered when selecting your next vacation rental.

At Castlewood Trails, we have tried to ensure that your kids will enjoy their stay as much as you do. The cabin has an upstairs loft that is an excellent area that kids love. Available to them is a foosball table, television with cable (including Disney and Nickelodeon) as well as a DVD player and VCR.

Your kids will LOVE the outdoors at Castlewood Trails. There is plenty of room for them to run until they drop, and traffic is very minimal. We have a private hiking trail for exploring, a horse tire-swing for the younger kids, horseshoes and a hottub. But most kids choose to spend much of their time in the 8' x 10', log siding, treehouse. It's an excellent place for them to get away and create their own fun!

Your time at Beavers Bend is a time you will always remember. Make it a little extra special for your kids, because when vacations are over, the memories are what they will keep for a lifetime.

Tip 3 on Choosing a Vacation Rental Property

Weekday vs Weekend Rentals...

If you have the capability of being flexible on when you visit Beavers Bend, you'll find greater rental availability during weekdays. Regardless of whether it is during the busy season, or during the off-season.

If you don't have school schedules to work around and have flexibility with work, choosing to visit during the week rather than the weekend, is an excellent option.

Not only will you have a greater availability in rental options, but since most cabins cost less during the week, you should be able to save money. However, holidays are often charged at a weekend rate. Also, don't assume that weekday rates are less, as some rentals charge a standard rate regardless of the days of the week.

The off-season (November - February) is a great time for a getaway to Beavers Bend. Overall, temperatures during this time are comfortable for day hikes and exploring the region. Although the nights can become a bit chilly, relaxing indoors by a nice wood-burning fire just can't be beat. Not all cabins provide firewood, so be sure to ask before you arrive.

If you plan on visiting during the summer, spring break, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas, you should make your reservations as early as possible. These are all very popular times at Beavers Bend. The longer you wait, the greater chance you have in losing that perfect vacation lodging.

Planning ahead will help ensure you get with you want, rather than having to choose from a limited selection of properties.

Castlewood Trails provides discounted weekday rates throughout the year.

In addition to providing off-season discounts from our regular rates, Castlewood Trails also has discount packages (November - February) that give you a free night OR TWO with your rental. Please see our Special Discounts page for details.

Tip 2 on Choosing a Vacation Property

Rental Accommodations...
There are hundreds rental cabins in the Beavers Bend area, and it can be overwhelming to try to find the right one that fits your specific needs. It can take several hours of searching the internet, and there's still a good chance that you won't see all that is out there.

Before you begin your search, have a good idea of the number of bedrooms you need. But be aware that the more bedrooms, the higher the price. Sometimes, smaller cabins may have various sleeping arrangements that will allow you to rent a cabin with fewer bedrooms, but still give you what you need. Using sleeper sofas for kids in a loft area or living area is an excellent way to cut costs.

Also, there are cabins designed for the fisherman or hunter in mind, and there are those designed for family vacations. Many of the newer cabins offer luxury accommodations, providing most everything you need. Cabin amenities become much more important when it's a family vacation. Be sure to ask about the amenities. On-line pictures of each cabin should give you a good feel for what you are getting, however, pictures may not give you a good idea of the outdoor environment. It's nice to have plenty of seating under covered porches for those times that it rains.

If there are any special accommodations that you may need, be sure to address that before you make your reservation. Also, if you have kids, ask about any kid-specific entertainment that may be available. So be sure to ask any specific questions you may have.

Castlewood Trails is a 1,600 sq. ft., two-bedroom, two-bath luxury rental property. It is the perfect size for one family, or for two families of 8 or 9. In addition to king and queen sized beds, there is a sleeper sofa located in the upstairs loft and an additional sleeper/sofa in the guest bedroom.

The cabin contains all the amenities needed to make your stay enjoyable. Upgraded amenities include: stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, free wifi, kids tree house and a private hiking trail. Castlewood Trails also has a hot tub and fire pit.

While rental rates have increased over the past couple of years, we have tried to maintain a more affordable rate for Castlewood Trails, allowing you to enjoy a luxurious cabin at a more affordable rate.

Castlewood Trails
214-208-1577

Tip 1 on Choosing a Vacation Property

Over the next few weeks, we will be providing information that may be helpful to you when selecting a rental property for your next vacation to the Beavers Bend / Broken Bow area. So check back for more information.

Location…
One of the most important considerations is to find a location that best suits you. There are many options in the area, so be sure to ask about the area before renting.

First, you should think about what are envisioning with your cabin rental. The last thing you want, is to arrive and immediately be disappointed in the location.

Do you want total isolation or are you looking for a place where you know there are others in the area. Some rentals are extremely remote, some are very close to other rentals, while others give you space and privacy, but do not isolate you from everything.

There are also areas of rental that are just off the main highway, and others that take you away from main roads but still have quick access. So consider your surroundings.

Visitors may also want to consider the terrain. Some areas are flat, while others offer a more mountainous feel.

There are rentals that are extremely convenient to Beavers Bend State Park, while others are closer to Broken Bow Lake. However, the area is not overwhelming, so most rentals are within 5 – 10 minutes of most activities.

Since much of your vacation with be spent at your cabin (as well as most of your expense), you want to make sure that your location is exactly what you want.

Castlewood Trails is located about 5 minutes south of Beavers Bend State Park and is not located on the main road, but rather aprox ½ mile off 259A. It is in the Southern Hills area and offers privacy, but is not isolated. As the name would indicate, Southern Hills is not flat, but has some terrain and elevation. It is typically considered one of the more desirable locations in the area.

Castlewood Trails Video

New Castlewood Trails video. We hope you like it. If so, say so on Facebook. We're always looking for new friends!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-WoN1g-s3Q&feature=player_detailpage

Beavers Bend Folk Festival and Craft Show

November 12-14, 2011
Festival Hours
Fri. & Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun  10 am - 4 pm Turn of the Century craft demonstrations, folk music, petting zoo and beautiful fall foliage!!! 

Castlewood Trails Availability

The seasons are changing.  The temperatures are dropping.  And soon, the leaves will be turning.  This is a great time to visit Beavers Bend!

Due to the length of warmer weather, trees in the area are not changing color as early as they typically do.  We typically see fall foliage in October.  But this year, it looks like the fall beauty of Beavers Bend will be experienced in November. 

November has typically been a favorite time in the area.  The temperatures have dropped and most of the insects are gone.  With the crisp air, exploring the many trails is a favorite activity.

Castlewood Trails is offering discounts for November.  You even have the opportunity to extend your stay for free.  Check out our Special Discounts page.