After a bad camping experience this summer, I vowed that from now on, I would only use my precious vacation days for a getaway that included a bed, a shower, and air conditioning. Luckily, glamping (glamorous camping) is a way to enjoy the beauty of nature without actually having to pitch a tent or start a campfire.
Glamping sites are starting to pop up everywhere, with luxurious cabins, treehouses, prepitched tents, teepees and yurts. There are whole websites devoted to it, check out glampinghub.com for country-wide and international sites and options. Just take a look at some of these we found on pinterest.
After just a little digging, we found some truly fabulous places to “glamp” relatively nearby (ok, at least not in Oregon and Patagonia) where you can enjoy the serenity of nature and the luxe comforts of home. Next week, we’ll suggest some items you need to pack for your glamping getaway.
Falling Waters Resort
BRYSON CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
Falling waters is a mountain resort adjacent to Nantahla Gorge, a white-water rafting and hiking destination in western North Carolina. For just $89 a night, you can stay in a yurt, a circular tent-like structure with an outdoor deck, ceiling fan, queen-size bed, refrigerator, stereo, coffee maker, grill, and hammock. The adventure resort also offers white-water rafting, zipline canopy tours, tubing, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and a spa.
Chestnut Grove
WILKES COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
Chestnut Grove is located in the Brushy Mountains of Moravian Falls in Wilkes County of North Carolina. This site offers canvas tents that are built on a spacious wooden deck with screened windows, queen-size beds, furniture, lighting, a private firepit and grill. Guests also have the opportunity for hiking, enjoying the outdoor movie theatre, horseshoes, organic gardening to pick fresh vegetables, and trout fishing.
http://www.chestnutgroveglamping.com/
New Bern Round House
NEW BERN, NORTH CAROLINA
The New Bern Round House is located in the Bridgeton region of New Bern, just across the river from the town. These roundhouses were built for the vacationer, with wrap-around porches, hot tubs, large kitchens, and an open floor plan that gives the house a breezy, treehouse vibe. The house comes equipped with WiFi, two TVs with Netflix and Pandora, and a full bathroom with a 20 square foot party shower and antique claw foot bathtub. In New Bern, you can visit the Tryon Palace, the birthplace of Pepsi Cola, farmers markets, local restaurants, museums and parks. The Neuse River offers water sports, fishing, swimming, and relaxing by the water.
http://www.newbernroundhouse.com/
Carolina Heritage Outfitters
EDISTO RIVER, SOUTH CAROLINA
Located between Charleston, Colombia, and Savannah, Carolina Heritage Outfitters offers riverside treehouses privately accessed by canoe.
http://www.canoesc.com/home.html
Elkin Creek Vineyard
ELKIN, NORTH CAROLINA
Elkin Creek Vineyard is located in Yadkin Valley on the site of historic grist mill built in 1896 just an hour north of Charlotte. The destination features luxury wood cabins with a full kitchen, queen-sized bed, stone fireplace, LCD TV’s and DVD player, bathtub, sleeper sofa, back porch swings and patio set, and coffee maker. The cabins are nestled in the woods where two creeks join together. A short walking path along the creek takes you to the historic mill, waterfall, vineyard, and winery.
