Glamping.com - Page 20 of 144 - a discerning guide to experiential travel

June 21, 2016June 21, 2016

3 Most Requested Activities at Paws Up

Take a wild guess at the three most requested activities at The Resort at Paws Up. If you picked fly-fishing, horseback riding, and ATV trail rides, then you are correct—and you should reward yourself with one of the above! These three activities in particular are extremely popular due to the multiple offerings, times, and uniqueness that come from the setting of the resort. Activities Director Mark Houseman says, “Their popularity stems from the fact that these three activities offer a great representation of the Montana way of life. From the world-class fishing to the wide-open exploration of our state, they allow our guests a way to escape busy city life and marvel at the beauty of the Montana landscape. Personally, my favorite is the three-hour ATV tour, as you get to drive deep into the back part of the property, enjoy the thrill of two hill climbs, snap a photo at the best picture spot at Lookout Rock and experience the ever-changing landscape that you experience along the route.”

For our ATV trail rides, guests can choose from a one and a half-, three-, or five-hour excursion. For the first two options, guests explore the woods, tackle hill climbs, take in the picturesque scenery from Lookout Rock and view the beautiful Blackfoot river. On the five-hour ride, guests will explore the woods, and then take the ATVs off-property to Elevation Peak (about 7,000 feet). Once they have completed this climb on the ATVs, guests will hop off for a hike to the top. From there, views are breathtaking, and guests will experience the grandeur that earned Montana its Big Sky State nickname. Post-hike, adventurers head to Garnet, an abandoned-but-intact ghost town where guests will travel back to the 1800s as they check out the saloon, hotel, general store and so much more. Lunch is provided before driving back to the resort.

Horses are iconic to Montana, and riding is probably the first activity that crosses the mind when thinking of Montana. The Resort at Paw Up houses 40 horses on-property for all of our equestrian activities. Whether you are have never been in a saddle before or are a riding expert, Paws Up has something for every ability with one-, two- or three-hour trail rides, cattle drives, lessons and more. The Resort’s wrangler will pair guests with a four-legged friend that will be the perfect match for exploring more than 100 miles of wilderness trails. You will pass towering ponderosa pines, whose size and beauty are surpassed only by the views of the distant mountain ranges of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

This year, there are several additions to the equestrian program, including a new evening ride that takes you past our quaint line shack (where you will enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer) to the top of Scout’s Point to take in a signature Montana sunset. Or enjoy a lunch ride to a gorgeous spot in the shade where guests indulge in a Paws Up-style picnic. Kids can participate in lessons at the Saddle Club arena, complete with games, obstacle courses and more, and adult beginners can join instructional group trail rides. For advanced riders, the all-new, three-hour trail ride allows equine enthusiasts to cover terrain that no Paws Up guests have ever traversed. For an authentic taste of Western ranch life, participate in a cattle drive where novice and advanced riders alike saddle up with seasoned ranch hands and drive a herd of cattle across the majestic rolling pastures of the Resort property.

Montana is known for fly-fishing, and Paws Up hosts 10 miles of the Blackfoot River—arguably one of the most famous rivers in which to fly-fish, thanks to the movie “A River Runs Through It.” This gorgeous river flows right through our property, where all of our guided excursions are strictly for fly-fishing. Our guides have fished the surrounding rivers for years and will help you find the best trout fishing holes. At Paws Up, we offer spin rods for guests who are more comfortable with these rods, but only for independent fishing.

Also near the resort is the Missouri River—one of the best hot spots for fly-fishing and a treasure trove for trout. This massive river travels approximately 700 miles along the entire state of Montana.

Other options include Bitterroot River—a dry-fly paradise that is famous for 95 percent dry flies and great hatches, which start in mid-March and extend well into October—and the Clark Fork River, the largest river by volume in the state and also one of the longest. The Clark Fork is approximately 310 miles long and is close to the resort. The best fishing on the Clark Fork is found between its origin and the confluence with the Flathead River near Paradise.

June 17, 2016June 17, 2016

North America’s Most Luxurious Glamping Sites

Glamping can be such a distant cousin to camping — some sites are so sumptuous, so lavish, that the word camping would never even come to mind. We put together a list for you of some of the most luxurious glamping sites in North America.

The Lodge and Spa at Brush Creek Ranch

The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch is a luxury boutique guest ranch in Wyoming on 30,000 private acres. From log-hewn buildings to stone fireplaces to plenty of outdoor activities, this ranch makes every guest feel at home. Book a cozy lodge guestroom or private cabin with stunning views of Rocky Mountain wilderness. It’s a ranch vacation like none other.

Fogo Island Inn

Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland, Canada is a study in contrasts. This minimalist and modern-designed sanctuary can be found in a remote 18th-century fishing village off of Newfoundland’s rugged northern coast that almost seems removed from the modern world. A local architect designed it as a modern take on traditional Atlantic Canadian architecture. While in a rustic setting, luxury is in full effect with fine linens, inventive local cuisine, a wood fired sauna, a cinema and lots of other touches. Guests are encouraged to immerse in the local culture by foraging for wild berries, fishing for mackerel and listening to the local musicians.

Gateway Canyons Resort and Spa

Founded by the creator of the Discovery Channel, Gateway Canyons resort was created to nourish guests’ curiosity through the art of discovery and adventure in a wonderful setting.

It’s located in the Red Rock Canyons of western Colorado, just one hour southwest of Grand Junction. The 58-room luxury resort offers horseback riding, hiking, fishing, biking, disc golf, rafting, kayaking, jeep tours and more. Stay in your own casita with a king-sized bed, five-point master bath with outdoor garden shower, walk-in closet, and fireplace or you can stay in one of two lodges. And of course, no matter where you sleep, there are stunning views in every direction.

Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort

Siwash Lake is an all-inclusive resort on a dude ranch in British Columbia. But don’t think dusty and dirty, this is a first-class, private hideaway surrounded by 80,000 acres of pristine Canadian rangeland. Ranking among North America’s finest, this place is legendary for horseback riding, wilderness adventures, pasture-to-plate cuisine, and lavish safari-inspired tents.

The Ladder Ranch

The Ladder Ranch offers one of the most exclusive and unparalleled vacations you will ever experience. Purchased by Ted Turner in 1992, this exclusive property is located in south central New Mexico and covers an enormous 156,439 acres. Turner’s five-bedroom, three bathroom Ladder Ranch house exudes “authentic” Southwest character, complete with his personal touches, representative of countless experiences and adventures. You’ll be amazed at the incredibly diverse and spectacular wildlife (bison, elk, deer, antelope, mountain lions, bears) and the magnificent mix of ecosystems, ranging from desert grasslands to pine forests in the foothills of the Black Range (Gila Mountains).

June 10, 2016July 1, 2016

UNPLUGGED IN ITHACA: Firelight Camps

After a long New York City week of conferences and meetings, I was itching for some space and nature, and embarking on my first journey to Ithaca, New York would prove to be the perfect solution. Prior to my trip, I only knew of Ithaca as the home of Cornell University. Leaving this adventure up in the air, as I have many times before, often do with my adventures, I rented a car and embarked on a solo road trip north to spend a few nights of glamorous camping, or Glamping, at Firelight Camps.

Walking from the check-in area to my tent, I glanced up and noticed the trees were just beginning to turn their brightest spring greens. I breathed in the crisp fresh air. The lack of noise was enchanting. Immediately the noise also clamoring in my head followed suit and began to quiet. This plot of land had something special about it. It’s calm, cool, and collected vibe began to rub off.

Setting aside my suitcase, I loosely fell back and unfurled atop the billowy comforter. Relaxation hit me hard- the birds chirping, a slow and steady breeze blowing, and the sounds of absolutely nothing else- I didn’t want to move.

With eighteen tents in total, each complete with a forest-facing back porch and rocking chair, if you’d end up here by way of blindfold, you’d easily imagine you were in the middle of nowhere. The reality being you’re a ten minute drive from town, with the main road just up the hill.

Firelight Camps offers a perfect stay for all types of travelers. For the food fanatics, breakfast is impeccable – homemade granola, local bread from Wide Awake Bakery, freshly baked quiches, and their special blend of Firelight Camps Nicaraguan coffee. Perfect fuel for a day in the outdoors.

Just outside of camp, I discovered a wealth of food and drink spots to visit in and around Ithaca. I enjoyed tasting Port at Ports of New York, grabbing a cider sampling at Finger Lakes Cider House, and tasting homemade cheeses from Lively Run Goat Dairy.

For the active and early riser, you have unique access to sunrise trekking on trails, like Upper Buttermilk Falls, that lead to beautiful waterfalls with swimming holes.

Those looking for family time there is plenty of community space where you can play bocce ball together or gather around a campfire sharing stories over dinner, a glass of wine and homemade smores. The latter is where I needed up my first night- spending time with someone else’s family, who immediately felt like my own. After all, community is what brought Firelight Camps to life.

I had a chance to spend an entire day with co-founder Emma Frisch, a self-taught chef who appeared on Food Network Star. She and food and travel writer Simon Majumdar were sourcing and preparing dinner for a collaborative event the second night of my stay – part of Simon’s casual series #GiveUsABedIllCookYouDinner where he travels around when he’s not filming. When I asked Emma how her and her partner Bobby ended up here, she said, “We started this hotel so people could disconnect to reconnect – to tell stories to get to know one another.”

After all of the literal tastes Ithaca and Firelight Camps had to offer, I left with a small taste of my own on what life might be like if I lived here – in a very comfortable tent. I’d return to experience this all over again in a New York minute.

Firelight Camps not only offers overnight Glamping, but hosts other events, packages, and retreats.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: