Life has been hectic, y’all. I feel like I’m almost never at home these days. Still, when the chance arose to escape with some girlfriends to go glamping, I jumped on it. Nothing like a little time away from it all to reset yourself and gear up for another busy few months!
This wasn’t your old school “pitch a tent in a National Park” camping like the Mr. and I typically do. It truly was glamping. And y’all, believe me when I say these girls thought of EVERYTHING. So, without further ado, here’s a few tips for replicating our picture-perfect girls’ glamping getaway!
1. FIND A SPOT NEAR ENOUGH TO TOWN, BUT STILL AWAY FROM IT ALL.
We were fortunate enough to be hosted by the Best Day Ever Ranch, a wedding venue and camping resort about an hour north of Dallas. It was a quick jog right up I-75, yet still deep enough off the highway that as the sun set over their private lake, you were surrounded by stars. Paul and his team at the Best Day Ever Ranch were amazing. They set up our tents, prepped our firewood, and gave us run of the whole place on one of their John Deere 4x4s.
2. ADD CREATURE COMFORTS TO FEEL MORE LIKE HOME
Sleeping bags may keep you warm at night, but they’re less than ideal when relaxing during the day or sitting around the fire at night – and they certainly don’t give off the same luxurious feel as soft furs and warm fleeces. Pack a few of your favorite throw blankets or pick up a new one from Target, then feature it in your living room when you get home to add some texture.
5. PLAN MEALS YOU CAN PREP AS A GROUP
Leave the hot dogs at home and instead, make chili or fajitas over the fire. You can chop everything and bring it in baggies, or carry a few plastic cutting boards with you to prep on site. Most glamping spots come equipped with a fire pit that you can lay camping grate on, or you can pick up a portable firepit on Amazon for less than $60. Bring your cast iron or Dutch oven from home to cook your meals right over the fire.
https://youtu.be/2SpnCIOmct8
We were lucky enough to have our food for this trip sponsored by Sprouts, which meant not only was the food delicious, it was also healthy and organic!
5. MIX UP CREATIVE COCKTAILS
A glamping trip is incomplete without girl talk and lots of cocktails. Start the morning with mimosas, take a break midday to make some sangria incorporating seasonal flavors like an Apple Cider Sangria, and cap off the evening with flavored hot cocoa and Kahlua.
6. FIND ACTIVITIES EVERYONE CAN ENJOY
The best part of glamping at the Best Day Ever Ranch is you never really have to leave the property. We spent Saturday exploring their on-site petting zoo (complete with the friendliest llama ever), hiking on their mountain biking trails, paddle boarding in the private lake, and playing pool in the rec room. It was the perfect mix of active outdoors activities and relaxing in the AC.
7. END EVERY NIGHT WITH S’MORES
Regular s’mores are wonderful and all, but glamping provides the perfect opportunity to get creative with it. Swap milk chocolate out for dark chocolate, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or Almond Joys for a whole new take on the classic. Add some hot boozy cocktails (see #5) and you’ve got the perfect night around the campfire!
8. CAPTURE THE MEMORIES
If it isn’t on Instagram, it didn’t happen, right? Hike around and discover fun spots to take pictures – or videos, if your friends are anything like mine and decide to twerk on hay bales (for real. see video).
I’m already looking forward to next year. Who’s in?
A HUGE thanks to our sponsors, Sprouts, who provided all of the food for the weekend, and The Best Day Ever Ranch that set up our tents and air mattresses, and offered use of their amazing camping facilities.