"Glamping" Catches On As A Rural Getaway

Glamping Catches On As A Rural Getaway FARM HOME Miscellaneous Glamping is a trend sweeping across the country û and the world û for people who like to camp but are willing to spend some cash to make the experience comfortable The name comes from combining the word camping with glamour You still sit around a campfire under the stars and enjoy nature But your wall tent will already be pitched with a real bed and real linens with amenities like running water electricity a refrigerator and gas barbecue for cooking In the past people often wanted to stay out here but there was really no place to stay says Ali Boyle who owns Destiny Ridge Vineyards and Alexandria Nicole Wine Cellars in Prosser Wash with her husband Steve With vineyards overlooking the Columbia River the Boyles have an ideal glamping site located near the water and power sources at their winery Wine club members were first to try the glamping experience û coming for wine tasting bringing their own food and staying the night in a wall tent with all the amenities Cost is $150/night or $127/night for wine club members People who like to camp love it Boyle says but she warns that it s not for everyone It s still camping and people who don t camp sometimes don t appreciate hearing coyotes howl or train horns blasting in the distance Also cell phones don t work and there is no Wi-Fi People who choose glamping appreciate the outdoors and often bring canoes horses and bikes to explore the river and trails and enjoy the night sky without city lights It s kind of a massage for the soul Boyle says People come out here and uncharge The Boyles have three tent sites and an RV site $50/night and added a septic and restroom/shower facility this spring Glamping has paid off for the Boyles and they say it s an idea other rural producers could use to diversify Consumers like visiting rural areas to see how their food or drink is produced they note To get started they suggest researching on the internet to see how others do it Check into permits and zoning that might be required Also consider the cost of getting electricity and water to the sites After that it s personal preference how simple or fancy to go The Boyles built a deck and purchased wall tents Furnishings include a queen size bed with sheets and a down duvet cover Persian rug mini fridge gas barbecue and other small appliances Outside a deck barbecue grill and gas-lit fire pit provide a private place to enjoy food and wine while looking at the vineyard and Columbia River Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Alexandria Nicole Cellars 2880 Lee Rd Suite D Prosser Wash 99350 ph 509 786-3497; www alexandrianicolecellars com

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