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Camping can be as romantic as the notion behind it. We imagine lovely quiet, thousands of stars, and beautiful trails. Often, we are instead bored, struggling to keep the thousands of bugs out of our tent, and foraging for wood that isn’t too wet to carry the fire. I have experienced both, the good and the bad of traditional camping, however, now there is another sort.
Welcome to my daydream: misquito netted beds that are more for allure than necessity, draped linen walls, rugs, throws, pillows. A tea set. A small library. Lanterns, gas lamps. A clothes chest. My vision probably comes from my reading too many history inspired novels of cartographers, conquistadors, and imperialist voyagers.
But, let me get to the point. Such camping does exist, and it’s called “glamping.” You can participate in this chic camping experience as far as aboriginal Australia, or in between safaris in South Africa, but you may want to do some research into what your own state has to offer. The new camping fad has grown in popularity in the past couple of years, and there is almost certainly a site within driving distance from most cities.
With Montana’s recent travel ad campaign, you may have found yourself wanting to go to “big sky country” without any idea of what to do. Tent City within the Resort at Paws Up is a luxurious solution to camping woes. The beatifully decorated rustic tents also include 3 meals daily and a spa oprion. For a far less expensive option, consider Falling Waters Adventure Resort in western North Carolina, where the 4 person yurts start at less than $100/night.
For more on glamping, read the New York Times article on the subject.
Perhaps it is the area where I always return to, but the Outer Banks don’t strike me as being as out of the way as most people like to make them seem. Heading (much) farther out you’ll find more of the quiet that some people evoke when describing this place; however, in just the three years I’ve been vacationing there it has become more accessible and convenient. Also, expanding outlets, restaurants, and sports companies allow for more “to do.”
Not that I need more to do. The perks of the Outer Banks include getting a huge house (7+ beds) with your friends and family for a decent price, and then spending every possible amount of daylight on the beach. I think it is the feeling of utter relaxation that makes me drawn to the beaches there, and because they are so expansive there is plenty of room between you and your neighbour. I think I became sadly used to the crowded nature of the Narragansett and Scarborough beaches in Rhode Island.
The beaches can be so HOT
The one thing that always nags at me when I come, however, is how the houses are so big and strangely propped up on those tiny stilts. It feels like the neighborhoods were erected so quickly. And, apparently, they were. According to folks that have been visiting the Outer Banks for years, the beaches used to be a nearly deserted, natural landscapes. Oh, well.
I can say that the beaches are very pleasant, there are some fantastic crab shacks, good shopping, starry nights, and lovely sunsets. The beaches are virtually empty at night for those seeking some solitary night-swimming; though that may be the closest to solitude you’ll find because the Outer Banks is acquiring more and more visitors and a glance back from the beach only shows endless rows of floating houses.
I look forward to more sand and sun when I leave for Greece in a few days!
